How to Prepare Your Pond for Spring

 

As the weather heats up, the water temperature in your pond will increase, causing the pond life that has been dormant throughout the winter to wake up and become active. If you have a biological filter, it will also begin to work.

This blog will provide information on how to get the best start to the season and ensure your pond is healthy so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your pond on the sunny days to come!

 

How to Prepare Your Pond for Spring

You will have noticed over the last few weeks that your koi and other pond fish will be getting more lively; this is due to the weather starting to warm up again. This is the best time of year to hit the reset button and make sure your pond is prepped and ready for the season.

We have compiled an essential checklist of key measures that can be taken each and every spring, for the best possible results in your pond:

 

Key Points for Preparing Your Pond for Spring:

 

1. Test Water: Check water quality, especially with temperature changes.
   

2. Clean Filters: Remove winter build-up, using pond water to clean the media.
   

3. Change UV Bulbs: Replace yearly to prevent algae growth.
   

4. Scrape Fish: Check for parasites once temperatures rise above 10°C.
   

5. Boost Bacteria: Restock beneficial bacteria in your pond.
   

6. Check Equipment: Inspect for winter damage.
   

7. Deep Clean: Remove debris and sludge to prevent future issues.
   

8. Salt the Pond: Helps fish recovery and immune support.
   

9. Feed Fish: Start with wheatgerm food, then switch to higher-protein options as temps rise.

Continue reading to learn why these key preparations are important and how they will benefit your pond and fish…

 

Test Your Water

Pond water should be tested regularly throughout the year, but it is even more important to test in the early stages of spring. As the weather transitions from winter into warmer temperatures, the pond is more vulnerable to sudden fluctuations in the water parameters. Click Here to see our blog on water testing in your pond.

 

Clean Filters

Heading into spring is the best time to complete a thorough clean on your pond filter. To remove the build-up that may have occurred over winter and get you in the best position for spring. Just remember to always wash your filter media in water taken from the pond and NOT with the hose!

 

Change The UV Bulb

Most UV bulbs are only effective for 12 months. To get the most out of your UV bulb, they should be changed each year in March/April, this way they will be working most effectively during the months the sun is at its brightest. This will help to combat algae problems later in the year.

If you do not already have a UV unit installed on you pond or are thinking about upgrading your system, click here to view our full range of pond UV systems.

 

Scrape Your Fish

Once temperatures begin to rise above 10°C, parasites commonly found in ponds will also start to appear. A good preventative measure against this is to scrape your fish, using the microscope, to detect any early signs of parasites in the pond and treat accordingly, before they become an issue. This is a service we provide in-store if you are not able to do this yourself at home.

 

Boost Your Good Bacteria

Over winter, it is not uncommon to see a slight increase in nitrite appear in your pond. This can be a result of the cold weather killing off some of the good bacteria you have cultivated in previous years. At the start of spring, it is always a good idea to restock your pond with any beneficial bacteria it may be lacking. This can be done as easily as throwing in a pond bomb, or some filter starter solution to your pond once the weather is warm enough.

 

Check Equipment

Take some time to examine all your equipment around your pond, including any pipework. Keep an eye out for any splits or tears in corrugated pipe, as this is common after particularly cold winters. Damaged pipework and equipment that is not functioning can be detrimental to the pond if left unrectified.

 

Deep Cleans

Spring is the best time of year to do a deep clean on your pond. This is not something that necessarily needs doing every year but is a good time of year to tidy things up.

If you are local to our shop (Bolton, Greater Manchester), we provide a service whereby we do a standard pond clean all the way up to and including a full deep clean of your pond. If this is something you would be interested in, please call our store on 0104 582 105.

Hoovering the pond and removing any debris such as leaves and branches that may have fallen in over winter should be done at least once a year. Specialised pond vacuums and maintenance kits can be used to make this job much easier. Removing excess sludge and plant matter will prevent any sudden spikes in ammonia or nitrite later in the year.

When topping back up your pond from cleaning (or evaporation), make sure to add in the correct amount of dechlorinator to make your tap water safe for the fish.

 

Salt the Pond

Whilst not essential, many people often add some pond salt to their pond in the spring. There are many benefits to doing so. It is one of a small number of treatments that work at the lower temperatures in Spring. It will help to prevent any bacterial issues appearing on the koi coming out of winter. It acts as a general tonic against stress, injury, stimulates the appetite, and supports the immune system of the fish.

 

What to Feed Your Fish in Spring

In Spring, we would recommend feeding the Staple Diet food to your koi. As temperatures begin to remain consistently above 10°C, this wheatgerm and spirulina-based food will be easy on the digestive system of the fish after winter.

Once the weather is above 15°C, a higher protein food such as our Koi Growth pellets can be introduced into the fish's diet to help increase the growth rate and colour of the fish.

If your pond does not contain any koi fish, you could start by feeding the General Pond pellets or Pond Wheatgerm food, moving onto the Pond Premium pellets once the pond temperature is above 15°C. These foods are ideal for ponds that have fish such as Goldfish, Orfe, Tench, etc.

 

Are you ready for Spring?

By taking these essential steps to prepare your pond for spring, you'll ensure a healthier, more vibrant environment for both your fish and plants. A little effort now can go a long way in making sure your pond thrives all season long.

Ready to get your pond in top shape? Visit our store or give us a call to learn more about our pond care services and products. Let’s make this spring the best one yet for your pond!

For more information about koi or advice on your pond , check out the rest of our blogs…

 

Understanding Your Water Parameters for a Healthy Pond Ecosystem | What You Need to Know About Koi Ponds | The Importance of Pond Aeration