| Most water gardeners look to their ponds | | | | with this type of system consists of |
| as a source of relaxation and escape, | | | | emptying the debris nets and cleaning |
| not a source of work and maintenance. | | | | the filter pads in the skimmer. This |
| Fortunately, a properly designed water | | | | only takes a few minutes of your time, |
| feature should require very little | | | | and this type of filter is easily |
| maintenance. Other than regular doses of | | | | accessible too! How often this is |
| bacteria to help keep the water clear, | | | | required depends on the amount of debris |
| there are a few items of regular | | | | and leaves that find their way into your |
| maintenance that you can expect. | | | | pond. |
| It's reasonable to expect that most of | | | | When the aquatic plants in your pond are |
| your regular pond maintenance will | | | | actively growing, you'll also need to |
| relate to the filtration system. The | | | | keep an eye out for and remove any |
| amount of maintenance your pond requires | | | | yellowing leaves and spent flowers, |
| generally depends on the type of system | | | | especially on water lilies. Like many |
| that filters your pond. For example, if | | | | terrestrial perennials, this is a normal |
| the pump and filter sit at the bottom of | | | | part of the plant's seasonal growth |
| the pond, then you may find yourself | | | | cycle. |
| cleaning them at least once a week. Not | | | | Daily water testing is generally not |
| only that, but you'll need to get into | | | | needed. But because poor water quality |
| the pond to perform the cleaning. | | | | is often the cause of pond problems and |
| A pond that is filtered with skimmers | | | | sick fish, it is sometimes necessary as |
| and biological filters will require much | | | | a key, first step in determining the |
| less maintenance. Regular maintenance | | | | treatment. |