When selecting a site for your pond, keep a few things in mind:

• It’s not necessary to have a hill for a stream or waterfall.
• You’ll want the pond in an area where you spend a lot of time.
• You’ll want to be able to see the pond from the kitchen, family room, or bedroom.
• Be prepared to explain why you’re always so eager to go home and relax!
• Spring is a wonderful time for your pond. As the snow melts, you’ll see life abound as plants start new growth, fish become more active and your pond wakes up. It’s normal to have a spring “algae bloom” that will last a couple weeks as everything comes back to balance. Just remember to add the recommended dosage of bacteria and be patient. Your pond will be crystal clear in no time!
• When temperatures go up in summer, make sure your fish have a cool place to escape the sun. Floating plants, lilies, and gaps in rocks are all good ways to provide shade. Also remember that as the water temperature goes up, you’ll want to feed your fish less and less.

Fall can be a wonderful time to enjoy your pond. To keep your pond beautiful in the fall, remember to clean the skimmer basket as leaves collect in it. This will keep leaves from falling to the bottom of the pond and rotting. Large amounts of leaves can cause a drop in the oxygen level of the pond and be dangerous for your fish. As temperatures drop, remember that your fish will be going dormant and will need much less food.

Don’t be afraid to let your pond run in the winter! Most ponds can be allowed to run year round. Even if the only areas of the pond that are open are the waterfall and the skimmer box area, your pond can be incredibly beautiful with a fresh layer of snow! If your pond does have a problem it will most likely be in the stream area. If ice starts pushing water off the liner, simply pull your pump and place a pond de-icer in until spring.