A koi pond is not only able to beautify your garden or backyard, but it can also give you peace of mind. Maybe you have a large pond with many different fish or a smaller pond with only a few koi. Whatever the size, over time the pool will become dirty and will need to be cleaned. Cleaning a koi pond may sound like a tough task, but with a few simple steps and the right equipment, you can handle it easily, and your koi fish will live happily in a comfortable pond.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Setting Up Equipment
Step 1. Attach the spray tip to the hose
Make sure you have a water faucet with a hose near the pool area. You should attach a spray tip to make it easier for you to rinse and water the pool.
Step 2. Look for skimmer nets
You can buy them at most pet stores and even on the internet. Look for skimmer nets with square ends as this will make it easier for you to push them aside to pick up dirt. You can also use this net regularly to keep the pool clean and ensure the water is clean.
Step 3. Prepare a container large enough to hold the koi
If you decide to remove the fish from the pond before cleaning it, you will need a container large enough to hold all the fish while you clean the pond. The container must be large enough for the fish and deep enough so that it can hold at least 30 cm of pond water.
Step 4. Look for a dechlorinator at a pet store
You will use it to remove chlorine from the PAM water in the pool after cleaning. It is important to remove the chlorine content of the pond water before you reintroduce the koi. That way, the fish will stay healthy.
Step 5. Purchase a plunger for the pond
The vacuum cleaner will make it easier for you to clean the leaves and mud deposits at the bottom of the pool. You can buy them at pet stores or on the internet. If you don't have one, you can also use a regular vacuum cleaner, but not all vacuum cleaners can be used for this purpose.
Keep in mind that over-cleaning the pool can interfere with the growth of moss in the pool. However, if the condition of the pool is really dirty because it has not been cleaned for a long time or is not cleaned regularly, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean it thoroughly
Part 2 of 3: Preparing for the Pool Cleaning Process
Step 1. Clean the pond early in the season
It is recommended to clean the pool regularly. Try scheduling an annual cleaning at the start of the season when the pool isn't already full of bacteria and mildew.
You can also schedule cleaning in the middle of the season if you don't have time to do it at the beginning of the season. In the middle of the dry season, the pond may be full of leaves and other debris blown by the wind so you might consider cleaning it. However, try to clean the pool in the middle of the season as well so that the annual cleaning schedule will be easier to do
Step 2. Collect the dirt floating on the surface of the pool
Before draining and cleaning the pool, make preparations in advance by collecting dirt from the pool surface using a skimmer net. Try to scoop up leaves, twigs, or other debris floating on the surface of the pool. This step will make it easier for you when draining and cleaning the pool.
Step 3. Drain the pool
You can use a pump to drain the pool water. Make sure you drain the water in an area of the garden that has good drainage. Using a pump will make it easier for you to clean the sludge and dirt at the bottom of the pool.
- When pumping water out of the pond, don't forget to leave about 30 cm of water at the bottom of the pond so that the fish can still swim. You can leave the koi in the pond during cleaning. If the pond is large and you don't want to waste time moving your koi elsewhere, just leave the fish in the pond.
- If you decide to remove the koi from the pond, you will need to pump about 30 cm of pond water into the container you will be holding the fish in. So, even if the fish is transferred to another container, the water is well known so that the fish do not go into shock.
Step 4. Transfer the koi to another container if the pond is small
If you have a small pond and want to clean it thoroughly, we recommend removing the fish from the pond. This job will get you dirty. So, it is advisable to wear old clothes and prepare yourself.
- Use a skimmer net to remove the fish, then carefully transfer them to a container filled with pond water. Once all the fish have been removed, cover the container with a net or lid that lets air in so the fish cannot jump out.
- Place the container in a shady area of the garden, away from sunlight. That way, your fish will stay healthy and happy while you clean the pond.
Step 5. Remove the pump and decorations from the pool
You must rinse the pump with pool water, then run the filter to filter the water clean if the pump does not have a self-cleaning function. Do not use tap water to clean the filter because it can destroy the good bacteria in it.
- You also have to remove all the decorations in the pool, such as aquatic plants or other decorations. You can place the plant in a shady area of the garden and cover it with newspaper for protection. Put underwater plants in a container of clean water.
- If there are decorations made of artificial materials, such as plastic, you can use an old toothbrush to brush and clean them before putting them back in the pool when you're done.
Step 6. Let the pool dry in the sun for an hour
After draining the pond, you can rest for an hour and to give the sun a chance to dry the pond and the newly exposed moss in the pond. This will make it easier for you to get rid of dirt and mildew once you clean the pool.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Pool and Refilling It
Step 1. Use a hose and suction device to clean the pool
Use a hose with a spray nozzle installed to flush out dirt and silt at the bottom of the pool. Be careful not to damage the moss lining the walls of the pond because these organisms are beneficial and should not be disturbed.
- Use a garden hose to spray any other decorations in the pond, such as a waterfall or the surrounding rocks. Never use chemicals to clean the pool, just water is enough because the chemicals can leave toxic substances in the pool environment.
- You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove mud at the bottom of the pool that is difficult to handle with a hose. You may find sticky, foul-smelling droppings, rotting plants, or even dead frogs or fish. Throw it all away to keep the pool free of bad bacteria or dirt.
Step 2. Rearrange the pump and other decorations in the pool
After cleaning the entire pool until there is no more dirt and mud remaining, you can rearrange the pump and other decorations in the pool.
If you have aquatic plants, wait until you fill the pond with new water before reinserting it
Step 3. Refill the pool with clean water
Use garden hose to fill the pond. Usually koi ponds are not very deep, maybe only about 60-90 cm.
- Once the pool is full, add a dechlorinator to the water to remove any chlorine in the water. Turn on the pump and let the water circulate for five to ten minutes.
- To prevent the fish from going into shock, you should remove a small amount of water from the reservoir and replace it with new pond water. Repeat this step a few times to get the fish used to the new water. The new water will be colder than the old water. Fish will go into shock if they are directly exposed to new water.
Step 4. Move the fish back to the pond
Once the fish have had enough time to get used to the new pond water in the reservoir, use a skimmer net to catch the fish and transfer them to a clean pond.
