Get Your Water Feature Ready!
As spring approaches in Oklahoma City, it’s time to wake your water garden from its winter dormancy. A proper pond clean-out ensures a healthy, beautiful aquatic environment, preparing your pond for a season of enjoyment. At Continental Ponds, we specialize in professional pond maintenance, pond cleaning, and water feature services throughout the Oklahoma City Metro Area.
Does Your Pond Need a Full Clean-Out or Just a Refresh?
To determine the level of cleaning your pond requires, look for these signs:
• Full Clean-Out Needed: If there’s a thick layer of debris at the bottom and the water appears dark or murky, a complete pond clean-out is necessary.
• Light Maintenance Required: If your water is mostly clear with minor debris, a simple tidying-up with a net may suffice.
***If you’ve recently purchased a home with an existing pond or water feature, we highly recommend scheduling an Exploratory Pond Clean-Out to assess the health and functionality of your pond. Learn more about our Exploratory Clean-Out services here.
Best Time for a Pond Clean-Out in Oklahoma City
The ideal time for a pond clean-out is early spring, before water temperatures exceed 55°F. Cleaning too late in the season disrupts beneficial bacteria, leading to algae blooms and poor water quality.
What You Need for a Pond Clean-Out
For those who prefer a DIY approach, here’s what you’ll need:
• Clean-out pump with a 25 ft. discharge hose
• Garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle or a power washer
• Garden shears for trimming aquatic plants
• Fish-safe holding container (child’s pool, horse trough) with an aerator
• Net or cover to prevent fish from jumping out
• Buckets for collecting debris
• Koi net or fish sock for safe fish handling
• Pond Detoxifier to remove harmful chlorine and chloramines
• Cold Water or Beneficial Bacteria depending on the season
Step-by-Step Pond Cleaning Process
1. Drain the Pond or Pondless Waterfall
o Place a clean-out pump in the deepest section.
o Drain water into the surrounding landscape to prevent yard flooding.
o If you have fish, fill a holding container with existing pond water before transferring them safely.
2. Clean the Pond Interior
o Use a gentle hose spray or pressure washer to rinse debris from rocks and gravel.
o Avoid excessive scrubbing; a thin layer of algae benefits your ecosystem.
o Continue draining dirty water until clear water flows.
3. Filter Cleaning
o Remove debris from skimmers and filter vaults.
o Rinse and clean BioFalls® filter media to ensure proper function.
o Reinstall filters and reconnect the waterfall pump.
4. Reintroducing Fish
o If using city water, add a dechlorinator before refilling.
o Gradually acclimate fish by introducing new pond water into the holding container.
o Release fish into the clean pond once water temperatures match.
5. Final Steps
o Refill the pond and plug in your waterfall pump.
o Let the ecosystem re-balance naturally for crystal-clear water.
📞 **Schedule your professional pond clean-out today! Call us at (405) 834-2291 or email Tim@continentalponds.com
For additional information:
Pond Cleaning Services
Fountain Cleaning/ Maintenance