Clean a Pond Filter and Maintain Bacterial Balance in the Pond

Whether it’s an end of the season cleaning, the beginning of spring, or a summertime overload of algae, pond filters need cleaning and it’s one of the responsibilities of a pond owner. Cleaning a pond filter can be an intimidating task for the first time water gardener.

Does the Pond Filter Really Need Cleaning?

Sometimes a pond filter needs cleaning, but not as often as one would think. Don’t clean the pond filter just because. As pond filters get older, they get better, just like a good vintage of wine. The bacteria in the filter work better and better over time. However, if it is summer or fall and the detritus from algae or leaves is physically clogging the pond filter, it’s time to clean the filter.

Remove Filter Media and Clean Out Algae and Detritus

Remove the filter media and clean out the media and the filter. Pond filters vary, and some may have rocks as a filter while others may have pads. If possible, clean these items with a hose connected to a rain barrel or with pond water itself. Use some pressure. Clean the media until the water runs clear. Inspect the filter media and change the parts if the media are visibly damaged or misshapen.

Clean All Pond Filter Inlets and Outlets

Where water enters and exits the filter, debris can clog the holes. Move water through the inlets and outlets of the filter to make sure that they are working properly. Use a gentle brush or a more powerful spray of water to remove debris.

Keep Good Bacteria in the Pond Filter Media

Ponds have a whole host of microorganisms that gardeners don’t see, and many of these microorganisms are beneficial to pond life. Cleaning a pond filter with chlorinated water might seem to be healthy for the fish and other pond life, but it actually disturbs the natural microorganisms that live in the pond. These useful bacteria help scrub out the pond water, so keep them around. If the filter media needs to be changed, there are supplements available to enhance the various bacteria in the pond.

Install the Filter Again and Check for Flow

After cleaning the filter, make sure that it works as well as it did before. If the pond filter is a gravity feed filter, ensure that the pipe is angled so that pond water goes into the filter. Check to make sure that water is moving through the filter again. After cleaning the filter, monitor pond water to ensure that the filter is picking up detritus. Use a water quality test kit to check the water a few days after changing the filter to ensure that the water quality remains good.

While cleaning a pond filter can seem like a messy and intimidating task, it’s vital for the health of the pond. The fish and wildlife in the pond will be thankful for the cleaning and will also be thankful to gardeners who are conscious of keeping a good bacterial balance in the pond.