Clearing and Cleaning the pond

What you will need:

1. Rubber Gloves

2. A strong wet-vac or shop vac

3. A hose with spray nozzle

4. A temporary holding tank for fish

5. Strong submersible pump with 2" hose

6. Net to catch the fish

7. Aerator for holding tank

8. Gardening scissors or snips

9. De-chlorinator (if using city or county water)

10. Set up holding tank

Start by pumping out the pond, using a submersible pump with a flexible hose, taking care to run the water into a drain or somewhere it can percolate away slowly without damage. Take care to preserve the fish or wildlife that you find as the water level drops, transfering the fish to a temporary container ( A clean plastic dustbin is suitable), making sure that the water in it is well provided with oxygen, or the fish may suffocate. Putting an air pump into the holding container generally takes care of this problem.

Once the pump has taken out all the water that it can without becoming blocked, remove the rest of the detritus using a bucket and soft scoop. There is a real danger of damaging pond liners whilst they are unprotected by water, so make sure that no metal or sharp objects are used in this operation; also make sure that no sharp stones are trapped in the soles of boots. Do not be tempted to use any detergents or cleansing agents.

Remove the majority of the detritus but not all. It is important to allow a certain amount to remain, as it contains enough of the microscopic pond life to recolonize the pond. Cleared detritus should be allowed to dry beside the pond and then be removed in sacks or placed on a compost heap, where it will rot down to provide an excellent compost.

Remove by hand or gentle spray from a hose any string algae that may be clinging to the plants. Trim off dead or dying leaves and spent blossoms. Fertilize the plants if "in season". Place the plants back to their original positions.

Start refilling the pond. While you are doing this fill a portion of the holding tabk with new water (do not forget to use de-chlorinator). Pump out a little of the water then fill a portion again. Do this several times so that the temperature of the water gradually decreases/increases to the temperature of the new pond water. If cleaning your pond in early spring use Hydra De-Chlorinator