General Maintenance Guidelines for Outdoor Water Features (excluding plants and fish) 

Outdoor water features require a minimum amount of regular maintenance to keep them clean, safe, and visually appealing. Here’s what you do:  

Skim the Surface:

Remove debris, leaves, and dirt from the water surface using a swimming pool net (+/-weekly) or install a surface skimmer which floats on the water and collects surface debris using a very small pump. 

Frequency of Skimming will depend on the number and size of trees and other vegetation next to or near to the water feature as well as the season of the year. In Spring when tress and other plants blossom many flowers fall to the ground requiring more frequent skimming. Autumn is another season when extra skimming would be required. Trimming trees adjacent to the feature could reduce leaf and blossom fall into the feature 

Add Chemicals:

Chemicals should only be added if the water feature does not or should not include fish or plants.  

• JIK (contains a small amount of chlorine) can be added weekly (50ml per 1000 litres of water) or chlorine tablet(s) can be added per the instructions on the bottle – in proportion to the volume of the water feature. The tablets should be free of calcium.  
• An algaecide can also be added monthly in proportion to the volume of the water in the feature.
  

Filter(s):

If a filter or filters have been installed, they should be regularly cleaned as a blocked filter will put an additional strain on the pump and prevent the required amount of water being moved through the water feature 

Water Level:

It is important to keep the pump well covered by water to keep the feature operating optimally and also to prevent the pump possibly burning out. In this regard, if there is a sudden drop in water level, it is a sign that either there is a leak in one of the pipes or the feature itself is leaking. Here professional help may be required 

Empty Pond or Vacuum the Floor:

Should the accumulation of debris on the floor of the pond become a problem, the pond could be emptied and the debris scooped out. Alternatively, a pond vacuum could be purchased and the debris vacuumed out. However, if the skimming is done regularly, emptying the water feature should only be required once a year. 

Safety Considerations:

Only pumps with 3 core cables (live, neutral and earth) should be used in outdoor installations. Light fittings in the feature should be 12 volt or 24 volt and rated IP68 (submersible). 

Fencing should also be considered where there is a risk of people (and children in particular) or pets falling into the feature 

Outdoor water features bring a special ambience to any home or business and following these simple steps, will give you many years of pleasure and enjoyment from your water feature