You know you should have installed a pond filter long ago, but you just never got around to it. Now you’ve realized your pond life can’t stay healthy without one. So how should you go about installing a pond filter when you’ve been going without one? Here are some important steps you should take to safely install your filter.
Clean, Clean, Clean!
Pond filters can be delicate, so it’s important to manually clean your pond before you start filtering. You might need to invest in some pond supplies to effectively clean your water feature. If your pond liner is too dirty to clean manually, consider draining your pond and purchasing a new filter. However, if you think you can clean your pond without making any replacements, you can treat the water with algaecide and chemicals that clean up bacteria. If there are fish living in your pond, be careful not to over-use these chemical treatments. Consider purchasing a non-toxic algaecide.
In addition to chemical treatments, you can also scrub your pond liner. Simply use a non-toxic cleaning chemical and scrub dirty areas with a hard-bristled brush. When you’ve finished with chemicals and are nearly ready to install your filter, skim the water surface with a net or skimmer to remove any excess plants.
Monitor Your Filter
It’s always good to keep a close eye on your filter so you notice when it’s time to change it. This is especially important to do when you first install a filter. You will quickly learn what your pond filter looks like when it’s working properly so you can notice any future malfunctions. You will also be able to make sure your filter doesn’t experience overuse due to the extra cleaning it does at first. Your pond might look clean to you, but it could still have a lot of bacteria that the filter catches, so be sure to monitor it after installation.
As long as your pond isn’t too dirty, you should be able to transition to filtering without much trouble. Simply remember to keep your pond clean, even after your install your new filter.