Maximizing Your Pond Filter Efficiency

Keeping your water crystal clear all year round may look effortless but behind-the-scenes filters are working hard for your enjoyment. During high debris seasons like fall, extra measures need to be taken to lessen the amount of debris and maximize the efficiency of your pond filter. 

Filtration is needed to eliminate muck, particles, and biological waste from the water that are unhealthy for the pond. A properly installed filtration system will pull water from your pond and circulate it with essential nutrients and oxygen throughout the water garden. There are natural ways of filtering but help from manmade filters and pumps help speed up the process of filtration. Even if your pond is solely decorative, a filtration system will help prevent stagnation, reduce algae growth, impede insect pests, and clean the water to be used in a beautiful water display. 

As much work as your filter does to keep your pond clean, when there is too much debris in the pond, your filter is at risk of not working to its optimal capacity. 

Beneficial Water Treatments  

Use beneficial bacteria boosters, like Pond Cleaner Tablets and Sludge Remover, to naturally promote a healthy pond environment. The beneficial bacteria contained in these treatments can control odors and break down fish waste, phosphates, nitrates, and other water pollutants. The beneficial bacteria also clear the organic build-up from the bottom of the pond which helps improve pump and filter efficiency. 

Keep Debris Out of Your Pond 

Removing debris from your pond before it clogs the pump or causes cloudy water is important. Using a Skimmer Fish Net will help to easily rid the pond surface of dead leaves and other organic material.  In the Fall, we recommend placing pond netting over the entire pond to create a protective screen and limit the number of leaves and debris. Performing a partial water change (10-20%) is recommended.   

Filter Maintenance 

Doing routine filter maintenance can really help your filtration consistently function at an optimum level, especially in the summer and fall when organic build-up increases.  

• The exterior surface of the filter may need occasional cleaning. Particularly if any openings are obstructed. When cleaning the filter use warm water only. Do not use any chemicals that may destroy the beneficial bacteria.  
• Remove the filter pads and clean with water and when they are visibly soiled. For the best results, clean the filter pads weekly.  
• Filter pads should be replaced annually or when visibly deteriorating.  
• The bio-balls contain beneficial bacteria. At least once a year the entire system should be disassembled and cleaned thoroughly using warm water. This should not be done during the warm season as it may take up to 8 weeks (about 2 months) to re-establish the environmental balance. The best time of the year to “breakdown” your system is in early spring before the water temperatures begin to rise. 

Using all these preventative measures will ensure your filters have a long lifespan and help keep your pond sparkling and beautiful through every season!