At Turpin Landscape, we know that summer is pond season in full bloom. Waterlilies are thriving, frogs are sunbathing, fish are showing off their colors, and the birds treat your backyard like their personal spa. But none of this magic lasts without a healthy pond.
A well-balanced ecosystem means clean water, happy fish, fewer maintenance headaches, and more time enjoying your outdoor space. Here’s how to make sure your pond stays a showstopper all season long.
Start with the Right Filtration
One of the most essential elements of a healthy pond is solid filtration. If your water looks cloudy or murky, it’s likely that your filtration system isn’t working correctly. Every pond should start with a mechanical skimmer to pull leaves, sticks, and debris off the surface before they sink and turn into muck. Our go-to? Aquascape pond skimmers. They’re built with easy-to-clean baskets and filter pads that give you a one-two punch of debris removal and fine particle filtration.
Pair that with a biological filter, often hidden behind your waterfall, and you’ve got nature doing the dirty work. These filters utilize beneficial bacteria and media, such as BioBalls, to break down fish waste and other organic matter into harmless compounds that your plants can utilize as food. If your pond is missing this setup, don’t worry—we can retrofit add-on solutions like submersible filters or waterfall filters to bring balance back to your water garden.
Circulation = Oxygen + Clarity
A healthy pond needs movement. Your pond pump should circulate the entire water volume at least once per hour. The mechanical skimmer protects the pump from clogs, while the pump pushes water through the biological filter and back over the waterfall. That waterfall action? It’s key to adding oxygen to the water, which your fish and beneficial bacteria need to thrive. No skimmer? No problem. There are in-pond pumps with protective cages that keep debris out. Not sure what size pump you need? Stop by our shop or use Aquascape’s online calculator to find the perfect fit.
Smart Stocking = Happy Fish
We get it—koi are like chips. You can’t have just one. But be careful not to overstock. Too many fish means too much waste, which leads to poor water quality. A general rule is 10 inches of fish per 100 gallons of pond water. Want to keep more fish without compromising your ecosystem? Consider installing a wetland filter to boost your filtration power.
Feed with Care
Feeding your fish is fun, but overfeeding can quickly upset your pond’s balance. Stick to what they can eat in 2–3 minutes. In spring and fall, once a day is enough. During summer, bump it up to twice daily if your fish are extra active. Always go with a high-quality floating food—so leftovers don’t sink and decay.
Add Aquatic Plants (And Then Some)
Covering 40–60% of your pond’s surface with plants helps cool the water and control algae. Water lilies offer great shade and protection for fish, while marginal plants and floaters like water hyacinth and lettuce help absorb nutrients that would otherwise feed algae.
Clean as You Go
Dead leaves, fading flowers, and other debris? Scoop them out before they break down and cause sludge buildup. Skimmers do a great job, but a little hand-picking goes a long way—especially around pond edges.
Watch the Water Temperature
When the water gets above 75°F, oxygen levels drop. If your fish are gasping at the surface, that’s a red flag. Add an aerator to help increase oxygen levels during heat waves and keep your pond livable.
Use Beneficial Bacteria
To keep things running smoothly, add Beneficial Bacteria regularly. It breaks down fish waste, plant debris, and sludge—keeping water clear and your ecosystem in balance. Manual doses work, or install an automatic dosing system and let it do the work for you.
At Turpin, we believe a healthy pond should bring you joy, not a maintenance list. With the right setup and a little seasonal care, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water, vibrant plants, and happy fish all summer long.
Need Help with Your Pond? We’ve Got You Covered.
If any of these tasks feel a little overwhelming—or you’d just rather spend your time relaxing by the water—we offer maintenance packages tailored to your pond’s needs. You can start by calling us, or filling out this form. We’ll take care of the hard work so you can enjoy a healthy pond—stress free.
