Koi Pond Cleaning

Clean your pond frequently so the koi remain healthy and active.

Also called Japanese carp, koi are Oriental fish commonly kept in residential and commercial ponds. Proper pond cleaning and maintenance is essential for the health of these fish. Other than routine maintenance, a thorough cleaning twice a year prevents algae infestations that are detrimental to your fish. Thorough cleaning also removes debris, leaves and uneaten food that settles at the base of the pond; helps keep the water balance in check and provides a healthy environment for the fish.

Things You'll Need

• Mesh net
• Garbage bag
• Bucket
• Pruning scissors
• Soft cloth
• Soft bristled brush
• High pressure hose
• Shop-vac

Instructions

1. Collect debris, fallen leaves and algae floating along the surface of the pond with a mesh net. Put the waste in a garbage bag.

2. Slowly drain out half of the water in the pond with a large bucket so the fish are clearly visible and easy to reach. Scoop out fish using the net and add each to a bucket or baby pool nearby to hold them while you clean the bottom of the pond.

3. Remove plants from the pond as the water level drops and place them in a shaded spot in your lawn. Inspect the foliage for any disease or discoloration and trim those parts away. Wipe algae or scum from the foliage.

4. Drain the water from your pond. Depending on the size, use a bucket for small ponds or a pump for a larger one. Dump the water over garden soil or into the sewer.

5. Scrub the pond liner with a soft bristled brush to remove algae. Avoid using detergents that are harmful for fish. Do not rub too hard or you could damage the liner.

6. Scrub the filter with soapy water. Spray the pond's filter with a high-pressure hose to clean it. The gush of water loosens any debris or algae attached to the filter.

7. Lift the rocks and large stones from the base of the pond and put them next to the pond. Spray individual rocks with a high pressure hose to remove algae, sum or debris attached to it. Scrub each rock lightly with soapy water if necessary.

8. Remove debris and scum at the base of the pond using a net. Add the debris to a garbage bag and dispose of it. Spray the base, walls and corners of the pond using a high-pressure hose to loosen debris and algae. Wait 20 to 30 minutes for the surface to dry slightly before using a shop-vac to suck loosened debris.

9. Place rocks back in the pond. Add non-chlorinated water to the pond until it reaches the previous level. Let it gradually adjust to the temperature of the water in the temporary buckets before adding the koi and pond plants back to the pond. Turn the filter pump back on.

Tips & Warnings

• You should thoroughly clean your pond at least two times a year; during spring and fall.

References

• Oregon State University: Backyard Ponds and Water Features
• Jade Dragon Online; The World in Your Backyard -- Koi Pond; B. K. Davis
• Koi Pond Guide: Koi Pond Cleaning in Spring
• Koi Fish Pondkeeping: Few Koi Pond Care Tips You Might Need to Know
• Handy Man Fix Home Repair: Cleaning Koi Fish Pond
• Pond Doc: It's Cleaning Time