An outdoor water feature can be a beautiful addition to your property if it is properly maintained; this includes monitoring its water quality. Since outdoor water features often do not have a flowing freshwater source to discharge waste, sometimes build-up can occur and affect water quality. Especially now that it’s autumn and trees are beginning to shed their leaves, debris can easily infiltrate your outdoor water feature along with algae.
Ensuring water quality in your outdoor water feature really isn’t a time-consuming and difficult task. Here are some easy tips to help you keep your outdoor water feature looking fresh!
Ensure Water Quality in Your Outdoor Water Feature with Filters
Mechanical Filters & Your Outdoor Water Feature
You can add a mechanical filter to your outdoor water feature; it will catch solid waste in a sponge, mat, or brush, and then you remove the waste once it accumulates. A pond skimmer is a simple mechanical filtration tool that you can use to capture waste and improve water quality in your outdoor water feature.
Biological Filters & Your Outdoor Water Feature
Biological filters are most effective when ensuring the water quality of your outdoor water feature. Biological filtration systems provide food and oxygen for nitrosomonas and nitrobacter, two naturally occurring bacteria that make ammonia break down into nitrite and then into nitrate. Fiber matting in the biological filters provide a large surface area for the bacteria to colonize and empty space for nutrient-rich water for flow through and feed the bacteria. Biological filters require less cleaning than mechanical filters, making it easier for you to maintain the water quality in your outdoor water feature.
Use Chemicals to Improve Water Quality
You may have to use chemicals to improve the water quality in your outdoor water feature. These chemicals eliminate algae and many other impurities that can cause your water feature to appear cloudy. Chemicals like Accu-Clear make suspended particles like algae clump and fall to the bottom of the pond, where they can be vacuumed away or removed with a mechanical filter.
If you have goldfish or koi in your pond, be sure to use chemicals that are safe for use with fish, or consider an Ultraviolet Sterilizer.
Increase Water Quality with an Ultraviolet Sterilizer
If your outdoor water feature suffers from algae problems, you should try an ultraviolet sterilizer to improve water quality. Placing a germicidal UV lamp in a pipe where water passes around it provides a 99% reduction in algae. Even with a UV sterilizer, you need a biological filtration system or the dead algae will not break down.
Any other questions about maintaining water quality in your outdoor water feature? Feel free to contact Prestige One Landscaping of Kansas City for more information–call (816) 925-0309!
Who knew pond/water feature maintenance was so complex? I didn’t realize it took that much work to make them look so nice.
I love a good water feature. Especially with some fish. Unfortunately I don’t have a yard right now, so the only water feature I own is my toilet. And of course my facets.
I have seen some cool ponds in the past but I don’t have time for the up keep. After reading this it seems that some simple fixes might mean I do have time.
Stale water will bring more bugs around and so will dirty water. Thanks for the other tips I did not know about.
You can either use natural or man made machines, but better water quality means healthier plants.
Healthy water supply means healthier plants. These are great tips for everyone to look into.
Natural plants and fresh soil can purify itself. I know you can use filters and other devices, but I like being natural.
I love being outdoors and learning about how to better treat the plants. This is great information, thanks for sharing.
I agree with catherine in the fact that I like the sounds of running water in the back yard.
I have thought about doing a little pond in my backyard for years. This gives me a little insight as to what I need to be considering before I get started.
Naturally, water purifies with the help of other plants. You can also invest in filters and machines, but sometimes it’s not necessary at all.
There are so many ways to really help with water quality through plants and procedures. Filters and other machines do a great job, but if you have the space you can add a number of plants as well.
Water parks in the yard are so pretty. Keeping them clean may be tough but worth it.
Wow so many types of filters! Good to know there more options.
You can use a number of different chemicals but beware of certain types, they can do more harm than good.
When trying to get a good balance in your water levels, you can try a number of products and plants. Don’t be afraid to ask the professionals at your local nursery.
You can find a number of plants that will help keep the water quality at optimum levels. Do your research, and you’ll be surprised what you can find.
I’ve always loved working on outdoor projects such as these. You can make and maintain a wonderful ecosystem right in your back yard.
I think the look of a pond in the backyard is great but you have to be willing to do the work it takes to maintain the pond as well.
Great ideas for improving the quality of water in your fixture. A healthy water supply means healthier plants and animals.
Love reading blogs like this. Very interesting and worth while if you’re a gardener or loving working on your lawn.
Water quality makes a huge difference on the health of plants and animals.
Doesn’t some kind of water movement help to keep the water clean-ish? Like a fountain or waterfall. It’s the stagnant , not moving water that gets really bad, right?
Having a water feature in your yard is going to take maintenance but if you take care if it will make your yard look great.