Nature Perfect

Crafting Beautiful Landscapes Throughout
The South Puget Sound Since 2000.

2905 Black Lake Blvd SW, Tumwater WA 98512

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Landscape Design & Installation (360) 280-5116
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How Excessive Rain Affects Your Pond

How Excessive Rain Affects Your Pond

Pond Fish Care , Pond Maintenance & Care 🕔October 27, 2021

Learn How Excessive Rain Affects Your Pond by Kerri Bailey

In the fall and winter months here in the PNW we get our largest amounts of rain fall which can affect your pond in many ways. We hope this guide helps you navigate during extreme weather- for preventative measures and after the storm checkup.

Overflow Pipe -Heavy rain may mean overflowing ponds. Make sure your “overflow” is not clogged and free of debris- it is usually located in the skimmer box-it is an extra pipe that extends out of the upper portion, located towards the top, above the water level. It may just look like a hole that goes nowhere. If you don’t have one or not sure if you do, you can make one relatively easy. You would need a long piece of pipe of hose- 2” diameter would work the best and as long as you need the hose be directed away from your pond, maybe 10’ or more. To install the pipe, you will need to access the pond liner on the side somewhere, well above the natural water level- 6”-12”- otherwise you will be creating a leak. Make a small incision in the liner and punch through the pipe so it is sticking out a few inches. Lay the pipe on the ground with the other end facing away from the pond so it won’t drain back in. This is best done on a low spot or other accessible area, but remember not to do this below the water level or it will create a leak.

Pump Out Excess Water- you may need to lower the water level with a separate pump and drainage pipe. If you have a pressure filter you can lower the water level by backflushing it until you have lowered the pond a few inches.

Cover with Netting- if you don’t already have netting on your pond, you may wish to add it over the pond surface. This can keep your fish from jumping out or accidentally flowing out with excessively high-water level.

Water Chemistry Fluctuations- you may wish to check you water quality. Phosphorus levels are usually high after heavy rains which may cause temporary algae blooms. You can use phosphate remover and add cold season beneficial bacteria like Autumn Leaves Digester.      

After Storm Check Up- after each storm, make sure everything is working as it should. Pumps may get clogged with debris, skimmers and filter media may need to be cleaned and the water level may need to be reduced. Monitor your fish to make sure they are not injured, and that everyone is accounted for. There may not be much we can do about our fish until spring, but, if you feel you have an injured or sick fish, please call us or email for details and to get more specific advice. Ke*****@na***********.net