Pond Simple Start: Pond Cleaning in the Twin Cities, MN Area

Koi fish pond near Edina, MN

As winter is giving way to a new beginning for spring, we look forward to meeting our fish friends, who are similar to our “snowbird” friends that disappear for the winter! While our pond fish weren’t someplace warm, we sure do miss them! 
Twin cities residents, is your pond ready to start for spring? Our spring maintenenace techs can help make your spring go a little easier! There are a few options for spring pond cleanings. We’ve labeled them as a “Pond Simple Start” and a “Pond Deep Clean”. This blog is a guide to our "Pond Simple Start."

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​Our Pond Simple Start is for people who do a fantastic job keeping their yard clean. Their pond is covered with a leaf net in the fall. They keep up on their pond bacteria treatments all year long.

You will know your pond qualifies for a Pond Simple Start if:

• After the ice is gone, the pond water is not stained brown
• Not much organic matter is on the bottom
• You can see the rocks at the bottom, even if they’re a little covered with algae and other stuff. 
  
  

Here’s what we do for our Pond Simple Start:
We start with scooping out the skimmer, removing any debris that doesn’t belong. We check for the overflow valve, and start topping off the pond if that’s necesary. We also add detoxifier to help the fish get used to the new water and the stress of environmental change. Chances are they’ll be so happy, they will be swimming under the waterfalls when it starts! 
We clean the biofalls, making sure it’s empty of leaves and any other debris that may be in it. We flush the filters and check over the bioballs, which are a super light replacement for heavy lava rock. Sometimes we have to replace a bag or filter pad, and will advise what needs to be done. 
We will check the stream, pulling sticks and leaves out, and check pond rubber edges to make sure they’re hidden with the rock you have.
Then we check over your pump. Depending on the style, pumps can be cleaned differently.  We install the pump and check valve and start the pond when it’s full enough. We spend a little time netting surface leaves, but please remember you need to check your skimmer basket at least once per day for the first week. Also remember to check the basket for the wayward fish that swims into the skimmer. If they won’t learn their lesson, take the weir or skimmer door off for a week. After the first week, put it back on so they won’t go in there anymore.

​After the waterscape is running, we’ll shut the fill hose off. While we’re picking up our tools, we’ll check the water level in the skimmer. If everything appears like it is functioning properly, our job is done!  Occationally, large pond leaks can be discovered while we do the pond cleaning.  If this occurs, we will notify you and offer some solutions. 
We really appreicate you stopping by! We work in the Twin Cities, MN area and have crews helping pond owners all over the metro. Feel free to send us further questions about the Pond Simple Start or send us your pond photos by submitting on our form here!