Please read our Fall/Winter F.A.Q. for special winter season preparation.

1) Prepare Fish Holding Containers – Make sure that you make provisions for covering each container with a net to keep the fish from jumping out.
2) Drain the Pond – Don′t forget to fill one or more separate containers with pond water where the fish can be kept while the pond is being cleaned.
3) Disconnect the Circulation System – This will allow the water in the plumbing to drain.
4) Catch the Fish – Drain the pond to roughly 6 inches of water in order to catch the fish easily and safely.
5) Remove Debris – All large debris, such as leaves, pine needles, and twigs, should be removed by hand. A high powered shop vacuum can be used to assist in removal of smaller debris.
6) Remove Your Plants From the Pond – This is especially important if you plan to use a high–pressure washer. Place them in either the same containers used for holding your fish, or provide a separate holding container.
7) Wash the Pond – A 1500psi pressure washer or high–pressure nozzle on a garden hose is recommended. Use extreme care to avoid damaging the liner. This step may not be necessary each year, or in all situations, but it's best to make that evaluation when the pond is drained and large debris has been removed.
8) Rinse the Pond – With the cleanout pump placed in the lowest point in the pond; take the time to rinse the pond after debris is removed, while continuing to pump out the dirty water.
9) Clean the Filter and Skimmer – Spray down all filtration media using a high–pressure nozzle on a garden hose and rinse down the filter and skimmer units as well.
10) Trim, Cull, and Replace Plant Material – Before adding plants to the pond, take the time to trim back and split them to ensure that they don′t overwhelm the pond or become root–bound in their containers.
11) Check Lights – Check to make sure light bulbs are operating properly, replace any faulty bulbs. Ensure any wires are hidden from plain sight.
12) Refill the Pond – Pull out the clean–out pump and begin refilling the pond.
13) Re–connect the Circulation System – Check and tighten all connections.
14) Turn the System back on – Once the pond is full, begin circulating the water again.
15) Dechlorinate the Water – Most city water contains either chlorine or chloramines, and should be treated. To be on the safe side, always add water prep when conducting water changes.
16) Add Beneficial Bacteria – Jumpstart your pond's biological system by adding bacteria. Make sure water temperatures are above 55° F.
17) Check the Fish for Disease or Infections – It is recommended that you treat the fish in their temporary holding containers before re–introducing them into the pond. If you can't do this, then use a medicated food once the fish are back in the pond.
18) Take Inventory of Your Fish – The recommended stocking rate is 10″ of fish for every 100 gallons of water. If you exceed that, you may want to consider offering some fish to your friends, neighbors, or other pond owners you may know.
19) Acclimate Your Fish to the New Pond Water – A spring cleanout can be stressful to fish, so proper acclimation is suggested to decrease stress and prevent possible health problems.
20) Turn on the pond and enjoy!