How I Keep Clear Water in Ponds All Year Round

In the six years that I have been building ponds in Florida, I have noticed a common problem among customers when it comes to maintaining water clarity. They struggle with keeping clear water in ponds.  Many factors, such as algae growth, debris accumulation, and imbalanced pH levels, contribute to this challenge.

With our long, hot summers in full sun, it does not take long for the water in ponds to heat up and turn green. The better your pond will be if you have a shady area or can place something over it to keep it in the shade.

If you’re wondering how to make your pond clear all year round, read on and see what I’ve discovered.

Wetland Filter vs. BioFalls Box

The difference between a wetland and a BioFalls box is that a wetland has much greater filtration than a BioFalls box. A wetland stores water underground, away from the sun, where it stays cooler. These cool water temperatures from wetlands help slow down algae growth and provide a healthy habitat for plants and animals.

A BioFalls box, on the other hand, is a mechanical filtration system that uses a series of filters and mats to remove debris and particulates from the water. It is typically installed as part of a pond system and helps maintain water clarity and quality. Although it offers some filtration, it lacks the same level of natural biological processes and benefits as a wetland.

I had been considering building a pond when I decided to install one with wetland filtration at my home. I heard about the benefits of these wetland filtration systems and wanted to see how they compared to doing a pond with a BioFalls box.

How to Make Your Fish Pond Clear

I get about 7 hours of sun from early morning until about 2–3 p.m. I am putting in beneficial bacteria 1-2 times a week and have an auto-dosing unit to treat the water to help maintain a healthy pond. I still have a crystal clear pond, but some algae are growing on the rocks, which is a natural part of having a pond.

As the water comes to the surface, the plants that are on top will start to filter the water with nitrates and fish waste, which will cause algae and green water in your pond. With BioFalls, you have a small box with filter pads, some plants, and rocks—nothing compared to having a wetland. 

Regularly removing debris like leaves and twigs from ponds helps prevent decomposition and excess nutrients from being released into the water, preventing algae growth. Introduce beneficial bacteria or use a pond filter to break down organic matter and remove impurities. 

Providing shade or covering your pond helps to regulate the water temperature and prevent excessive algae growth. It will create a more balanced and visually appealing ecosystem for aquatic plants and animals to thrive in. 

While not every pond requires a wetland, it does a better job of making your fish pond clear and maintaining a healthy habitat for your fish.  

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3 Reasons for Pond Treatment and Why Pond Water Turns Green