T h e S w i m P o n d i n f o u r s e a s o n s –
c a r e a n d m a i n t e n a n c e – wh a t mu s t b e d o n e ?
Pond construction
The cornerstone for a functioning swimpond eco-
system is laid when the pond is constructed. Clean
and professional work helps to keep subsequent
maintenance effort to a minimum. Consequently
strictly follow the instructions in the swimpond
construction manual.
Care measures
1.
Silt:
The OASE swimpond concept is to keep
sediment to a minimum. Nevertheless deposits
form on the pond floor and they must be vacu-
umed out at the latest when deposits are 2-3
cm deep, to prevent anaerobic putrefaction.
Naturally you can also vacuum out these deposits
more frequently for visual reasons. The OASE
PondoVac 4 is particularly well-suited in this
regard.
2.
Leaves:
Falling leaves mean nutrient input, and
thus an additional burden for the swimpond eco-
system. Always ensure that your pond is protected
from leaves, e.g. through leaf nets or appropriate
landscaping of the area around the swimpond. In
autumn empty the skimmer‘s collection basket
on a regular basis.
3.
Algae:
There is no natural body of water that
does not have algae – algae only become a pro-
blem if there is excessive development.
The following are suitable reduction measures:
•
Mechanical removal and vacuuming
•
Biological/chemical control through the use of
pond care agents (e.g. string algae control
through hydrogen peroxide)
•
Introduction of nutrient competition through
microorganism or cutting back water plants,
particularly water lilies.
Seasonal cycles and life cycles of the pond
biology
Owning a swimpond means experiencing nature
firsthand.
As the seasons change the form of the pond also
changes and so do its needs. External influences
such as weathering and vegetation ensure that
numerous parameters in the pond are subject
to natural fluctuations – e.g. nutrient content,
temperature as well as the kind and quantity of
creatures.
For example, algae are part of the nutrient pyra-
mid and are present in every natural as well as
nearly-natural body of water. Moreover a pond
also changes from year to year and passes through
different natural phases.
A newly created pond needs time to develop the
necessary pond biology, so that the biological-
mechanical filtration can achieve its full effect.
In addition a swimpond in the course of its
development is subject to vegetational change
so that depending on location plants and pond
inhabitants also change over the course of time.
With these constant development processes
increased string algae can also be a frequent
occurrence. Likewise a certain amount of sedi-
mentation is unavoidable in the course of pond
development.
However the OASE concept is based on main-tai-
ning the pebble filter surfaces for as long as possi-
ble and to work with low levels of sedimentation.
String algae will also occur - however this is sign
of good water quality. In this case the important
thing is to reduce the phosphate content.
176
OASE Fountain Technology / Lake Management – Catalogue
Pond Construction
SwimPond individual
