Proper maintenance to keep your Zen flowing
Landscape East & West leaves no aspect of your landscape neglected. If you have lighting or water features, we’ll make sure they continue functioning optimally to keep your Zen flowing. Proper maintenance of water features and lighting equipment is the best way to ensure your outdoor space is always available for entertaining. Regular service keeps your water features and lighting equipment clean and in good working condition.
If you have a water feature, here are some handy tips that can help you keep it beautiful year-round. Of course when you contract with Landscape East & West for ongoing landscape maintenance services, you can relax knowing all of your maintenance needs are taken care of.
Foam
When foam starts to build up in your water feature, the best cure is to use a hot tub defoamer. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the foam will disappear.
Algae
Algae are caused by an imbalance of pH. Use a swimming pool test kit to monitor your pH and apply chemicals when needed. Also, a small quantity of outdoor pond algaecide every other week will do wonders.
Winter
A commonly asked question is what does one do to winterize a water feature? This depends on what type of water feature you have. Some water features are designed to run year-round. For those that aren’t, it’s possible to simply shut them off or pull the pump from the system to avoid costly repairs during winter. If you encounter a hard freeze, you can remove ice when it’s blocking the pump or water outlets. A heater can also be installed in your pond for temporary use.
Evaporation
All water features lose water either by splash or by evaporation during the hot summer months. If your water feature is equipped with an auto-fill valve, adjust the time of fill according to the seasonal conditions.
Pump
A common concern with underwater pumps is cavitation; the sound of mud or air being sucked up by the pump. Cavitation usually occurs when the water level is too low. Unplug the pump and check the water feature for leaks. By turning off the pump, you can assume that if the water level still drops, a leak is the problem. If it doesn’t, then the water is probably being dispersed from the evaporation or splash. Also, check the pump for any debris that might be lodged in the motor.
Fish
Can fish be put in your pond? Yes and no. Fish need fresh water to survive, so a filter should be installed with your pump to help clean the water. Fish will also add discoloration to the water and attract predators. Raccoons, possums, and blue herons will try to devour your fish and sometimes destroy the liners in the process.
Clarity
If needed, your water feature can be drained and flushed out to ensure clean, clear water for everyone to enjoy. (Refer to your notes for your individual water feature.)
