1. How do I make my pond water clear?

Using the appropriate biological natural and mechanical filtration systems for your pond will help to keep the water clear. If you have your pond installed by us, your pond will remain clear if you follow our instructions. Remember that algae is natural and an important part of your freshwater ecosystem and having a little in your pond is normal.

Algae is the first form of life in your pond and where there is algae there is life, but if algae gets out of control, there are lots of ways to reduce it, including:

~ Shading the pond with taller plants to reduce light and heat or adding a shade sail

~ Not overcrowding or overfeeding your fish

~ Do not feed your fish as a balance will never be reached

~ Adding a large range of local fish and crustaceans insures a balance in fish numbers will be reached

~ Always keeping the water moving and oxygenated

~ Introduce as many aquatic plants to the water as possible

~ Keeping water run-off out of your pond

~ Add blue dye which will stop the sun light going through the water

2. How much does pond maintenance cost?

Beyond paying your electricity bill, pond maintenance will be free if you do some occasional cleaning yourself. We can also provide a monthly pond maintenance service, where we come out and service your pond and the surrounding land regenerating it to support your freshwater ecosystem. The cost for this service is dependent on the size of your pond. Get in touch with us via our contact page to find out how much for your pond.

3. How do you clean a natural pond?

Keeping a natural pond clean is as simple as swimming in it as much as possible stirring it up. Any organic matter on the bottom (leaves and loose algae) will become suspended in the water and get sucked into the skimmer box or intake bay. Keeping it aerated (turning on additional waterfalls and aerators more often) and keeping organic matter to a minimum by emptying the skimmer box and intake bay regularly.

Spending a few minutes every couple of days to remove debris and leaf matter that has found its way into your pond will go a long way to keeping your pond clean. Ensuring that beneficial bacteria levels are maintained, fish aren’t fed, and large algae blooms are removed will also help to keep your pond clean.

4. Concrete pool vs natural swimming pond?

As you’d imagine, we’ll cast our vote for a natural swimming pool every single time. The benefits of a natural pool over a concrete pool are almost too many to list

5. Can I install a pond myself?

No as our swim ponds require specialist knowledge and must be installed by a professional.

6. I am a landscaper/professional - now can I install it myself?

Yes! We can provide you with all the necessary knowledge when you become part of our Flo Pro program (coming soon), and get the specialised training needed for you to be truly proficient at building natural backyard swim ponds.

7. What does the cost of professional swim pond install include?

We’re glad you asked! Our install packages are all-inclusive. You’ll get:

~ Full installation of the pond including excavation and labour.

~ Landscaping around the pond. Not only does this make your pond look amazing and shade the pond, it stops water runoff from entering your pond so it isn’t exposed to additional nutrients causing algae blooms.

~ Local endemic plants to establish a balanced ecosystem in and around your pool.

~ Freshwater fish, prawns and other creatures to give you a balanced ecosystem under the water.

~ 6 months of pool maintenance.

~ Training materials to enable you to care with ease for your pond like a pro.

8. Will the water be clear?

Clearer than crystal – we mean it! When a pond is first installed it will take a little bit of time (up to a year) while the ecosystem settles and natural bacteria establish in the system.

A mechanical (skimmer) and biological filtration system (wetland) do all the hard work to keep your pond looking great. Water is constantly flowing by being pumped through the filtration system (wetland) and over the falls – cleaning and aerating the water.

9. Can the pond get algae?

Yes It’s also important to remember what causes algae, to help you keep a control on it:

~ Higher temperatures and light exposure encourage algae growth

~ Do not feed your fish. Only stock with local native fish and crustaceans.

~ Water runoff from the surrounding land will bring in nutrients, feeding the algae

~ Poor water circulation and aeration

Familiarise yourself with the pond maintenance guide supplied with the pond quote. If algae still persists simply contact our maintenance team

10. Do ponds attract mosquitoes?

Still water provides a habitat for mosquitoes, however your Flo Gardens pond is not set up like this. With a constant flowing water plus fish (who find mosquito larvae very tasty) your pond will remain mozzie-free.

11. What will a swim pond cost?

The cost of a swim pond changes based on size. When compared to a traditional swimming pool, costs are substantially reduced, due to the absence of concrete in their construction. For more information on costs, visit our recreational ecosystem pond page

12. Do ponds attract snakes?

Yes, water does attract snakes, due to the fact that water supports creatures such as frogs and lizards, which snakes like to eat. But before you allow that to put you off having a pond, consider the fact that snakes are attracted to any backyard that has plant cover, leaf debris, a wood pile and food sources, which can be found in most backyards. Also consider that snakes rarely attack unless threatened, and can be beneficial in keeping non-native rats and mice at bay. The most effective way to deal with snakes is to develop awareness among all members of your family and take a live and let live approach.

Got more pond FAQs?

get in touch with us via our contact page and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.