How to Clear up Pond

Overview

Murky pond water is more than an eyesore; it can disrupt the ecosystem and prevent the aquatic environment from thriving. It is important to know what made the pond murky. Like a doctor remedying an illness, when the cause is known, it can be treated and cleared up.

Some causes of cloudy water include muck, excess nutrients, or other particulate suspended in the water column. The treatment for each is different, and that’s why it is so pertinent to isolate the underlying issue. These variables can make the pond feel dull, but identifying the root cause of murky pond water will help attain clean and healthy waters.

What is Muck?

Muck is organic matter like leaves, algae, fish waste, and plant debris that accumulates at the bottom of a pond. When weeds or algae die, they sink to the bottom of the pond. This makes a thick sludge that can continue to get thicker. As the materials break down, nutrients are released and sit there available for plants to absorb directly into their root systems. This buildup fuels more plant growth. Getting rid of the muck will clear the water and prevent some of the future plant and algae growth. These particles can be nutrients, silt, sand, dirt, or other residue. Knowing what’s making the water cloudy will aid in treatment. There are products that can be broadcast into the pond that will pull the particles out of suspension and down to the bottom of the water, thus clearing the water.

Pond Scum Removal

There are two methods for how to remove pond scum: dredging or muck pellets. Pond dredging is when muck is pulled out of the pond; it can be done by draining the pond first or by drawing the water and muck out then returning the water to the pond. Muck pellets are simply tossed into the water. The bacteria in them go through a process to dissolve the muck into nitrogen gas which floats back into the air.

Dredging

For ponds with muck build up, dredging is an effective but costly option. This process involves physically removing layers of sediment and organic material that have settled at the bottom of the pond. Dredging can be done in multiple ways, including mechanical or hydraulic.

Mechanical dredging involves using heavy equipment to physically pull the sediment out of the pond. Hydraulic dredging is when water and pond muck are suctioned out, filtered, then pumped back in. Dredging is most beneficial when there is an extreme buildup of muck on the bottom of the pond, but in smaller quantities alternative solutions will be effective.

Muck Pellets

MuckMaid is an excellent solution for how to get rid of pond scum naturally without disrupting the ecosystem. MuckMaid comes in pellets that are easy to toss into the pond. They sink to the bottom and get to work right away. This eco-friendly product works by introducing beneficial bacteria that eat 1-3 inches of muck on the bottom of the pond per application.

There are multiple types of bacteria in MuckMaid pellets. Each type has a specific job that when the muck is at the right point in the decomposition process, those bacteria get to work. Some bacteria transform ammonia into nitrites, others change the nitrites into nitrates, and others still turn the nitrates into nitrogen gas, which floats back into the air. This process causes no harm since most of the air we breathe is nitrogen.

Regular use of MuckMaid every 2-4 weeks is how to get rid of pond scum, allowing for the enjoyment of a cleaner pond without the need for disruptive interventions. MuckMaid has no water use restrictions and the water can be used immediately after applying muck pellets. This means water treated with MuckMaid can be used for swimming, domestic uses, irrigation, and more.

How to Clear Cloudy Pond Water

Cloudy pond water is a common issue that affects the appearance and health of a pond. For very small ponds, draining and refilling the water can be a quick fix. This dumps out the murky water in pond and puts in fresh, clear pond water.

However, this is rarely a feasible solution for larger ponds, as it is both time-intensive and impractical. Instead, focus on long term solutions that address the underlying cause of cloudiness.

Nutrient overload is a leading cause of algae blooms and cloudy water. A combination of SparKlear and PhosControl is the ideal solution for how to clear murky pond water.

SparKlear targets the excess nutrients in the water column, which leads to overall clearer waters. This product introduces beneficial bacteria that digest excess nutrients in the water column, which is how to clear water in pond. SparKlear comes in a pellet or liquid form.

The pellets look similar to rabbit food and are evenly broadcast into the treatment area. The liquid form is diluted with water and sprayed over the treatment area. This product works quickly and efficiently, with visible results in just a few days.

PhosControl pulls suspended particles out of the water column. This product comes in granules that look like fine crystals. PhosControl can be applied by using a scoop to evenly broadcast the granules across the pond.

Not only is this product used for growth prevention, but it can also pull suspended particles down to achieve clearer water. Using this powder along with SparKlear is how to clear muddy pond water and keep it clear by starving out unwanted weeds with no harm to fish or other wildlife. Just like MuckMaid, both these products have no water use restrictions; the water can be used for swimming, domestic uses, irrigation, and more.

Maintain a Clean and Healthy Pond

Once the immediate issues have been addressed and targeted, the next step is to prevent them from recurring. Adding pond dye and aeration can help to prevent future growth. Proper pond maintenance is essential to keeping the water clear and the ecosystem thriving.

Pond Dye

Using pond dye not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the water but also serves a functional purpose. By filtering sunlight, dye can help to prevent or slow the growth of plants and algae. The filtered sunlight inhibits photosynthesis, which in turn does not allow the algae or plants to grow.

When plants and algae die, they release their nutrients back into the water. Preventing them from growing in the first place will cut down on maintenance time plus costs and products used as a reaction to the growth.

Pond dyes come in many colors, and different shades of blue pond dye are the most popular. People often ask if a certain color works better than others. The short answer is that any dye will help, whether it is blue, black, or a combination of colors. When a dye contains more than just blue or black pigments, it will filter more colors of the light spectrum, helping to prevent more growth.

Aeration

In addition to dyed water, moving water naturally deters algae and plant growth. Our Vitaflume fountains are an easy and beautiful solution. The natural aeration provided by a fountain prevents algae blooms by making the environment undesirable for new growth. This is exactly how a fountain deters plant growth, especially floating plants like duckweed or watermeal. The moving water also helps to prevent pests: mosquitos reproduce and lay their eggs on still water, so the movement deters them.

As the water from a fountain is thrust into the air, some of the air, including oxygen, get trapped in the water particles. This mixture drops back into the pond and now the pond has more oxygen, which promotes a healthy ecosystem.

Conclusion

Clear pond water doesn’t have to be complicated. The first step is understanding the causes of murkiness, then applying solutions like dredging, MuckMaid, SparKlear, or PhosControl. Long term maintenance, including aeration and the use of pond dyes, will ensure the pond remains beautiful year round. With our wide range of products and expert guidance, we take the guesswork out of pond care. Explore these solutions today to make your pond a source of pride and tranquility.