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 Pond Closing

Information

-The Basics-

 The WaterScape Pond Closing is a full service annual preparation of your pond for the winter months so that the optimal environment is provided for your fish and that your equipment is protected from the harsh winter weather.  Closings begin in mid November and run through the month of December.  The date of your closing is based on the timing of your call to other customers as well as the location of your home.  Closings are often paired by location so that our maintenance crew is efficiently traveling to fit as many pond closings in one day as possible.  Specific dates can be requested and should be done as soon as possible so that the schedule is not altered.

-The Process-

                On the day of the pond closing we ask that the homeowner make sure that they have power at the pond so that we are able to use our power equipment to shut the pond down properly.  We also ask that the homeowner leave a bucket near the pond for over-wintering the pump.  If we have to return at a later time to fulfill the require tasks we may charge for a return visit.

• Rate condition of the pond at time of arrival

This allows us to offer suggestions on improving the autumn health of your pond if needed.

• If leaf nets are present, remove and fold neatly

This makes sure the leaves do not stay in the pond over the winter months and that the net does not freeze in the ice and get damaged.

• Unplug pump and light transformer

Necessary in order to properly overwinter both units

• Remove and clean debris net/basket and store for winter

This removes recently collected organic materials from the pond and protects the net/basket from the winter elements

• Place light transformer inside plastic bag

By storing in a plastic bag the transformer connections will be protected from the snow in the winter.

• Disconnect check valve assembly and store for the winter 

The check valve releases the water in the return pipe line and storing prevents it from freezing and getting damaged.

• Drain the return line and use a vacuum to remove access water

Water left in the return pipe can freeze over the winter and cause the pipe to split, so by vacuuming the pipe we are making sure access water is removed.

• Disconnect auto-fill valve at the spigot and bleed the line

Water left in the auto-fill line can freeze over the winter and cause the line to split, so by bleeding the line with an air compressor we are making sure all water is removed from the line.

• Remove and store Hudson Fill Valve

The Hudson fill valve can be disconnected from the auto-fill line and store for the winter to protect it from freezing and cracking.

• Cut back lilies and other aquatic plants and remove debris

Any opportunity to remove organic material from the pond is desired to prevent unhealthy conditions in the winter pond months.

• Use net to remove debris in the pond (leaves)

In the fall leaves are the most common form of organic material left in the pond and removing them is crucial in the survival of your fish and their environment. 

• Add pond salt if requested by the homeowner

During the winter months the fish are in a state of hibernation as well as many of the beneficial water cleaning micro-organisms. Pond salt helps you fish by improving gill efficiency and replacing crucial electrolytes.

• Install winter bubbler pump or aerator

If you have fish it is very important that a hole is kept in the ice throughout the winter months so that toxic gases like ammonia from organic material breakdown do not asphyxiate the fish.

• Install floating heater as necessary

This is another way of keeping a hole in the ice.

• Final clean up

It is important to us that we leave the area around the pond as clean as when we arrived.  The pond opening process is a dirty job and will sometimes leave areas slightly dirty with a discoloration in the yard from pond muck.

• Leave equipment near garage or back door

Homeowners are often not home when their pond is closed and we will leave your equipment for winter storage in a visible location so that you don't leave the stuff out for the winter.

• Bring equipment to WaterScape offices for storage if requested

We offer a storage program during the winter months to reduce clutter in your basement or garage, but we also clean and check your equipment throughout the winter.

-Completion-

                The pond has been closed by our crew and we thank you for choosing us.  Please remember to store your equipment in a garage or basement.  The pump should be stored in a bucket of water to prevent the calcium in our water from hardening on the impellor.  We suggest changing the water monthly.  Be sure that this bucket of water is stored in a place where it will not freeze and damage the bucket.  We are available to answer your questions throughout the winter as well as schedule your pond opening.  To ensure your pond is opened in a timely manner it is suggested that you call and schedule in late February or early March- openings will begin in late March, weather permitting.  The final invoice will be calculated that day and dropped in the mail. 

-Additional Services and Products for Pond Closing-

Services

• Garden clean up and leaf raking-

This service will help prevent loose plant material from relocating to the bottom of your pond.

• Winter Sparkle Care-

This is a program designed to make sure your fish are safe during the harsh winter.  We will make sure there is a hole in the ice as well as add important products that give your fish a healthy winter environment.  Call for details and pricing!

• Holiday Decorating-

Light up the holiday season.  Save precious family time and have us hang your decorations for the holidays.  No more tangled cords, checking hundreds of bulbs, or sticky sap fingers.  Call for more details!

Products

• Pond Salt-

Pond Salt is designed to replace electrolytes such as magnesium, calcium and potassium, maintaining fish health after being exposed to stress (winter).  Fish will have better gill efficiency and improved oxygen intake.

• Pond Detoxifier-

Pond Detoxifier liquid turns tap water into pond water.  Tap water (including well water) often contains chlorine and heavy metals that, if left untreated, can cause damage to the pond ecosystem.  Pond Detoxifier eliminates chlorine, unbinds chloramines, and chelates heavy metals, making them safe and allowing for metals like iron to be used by pond plants as fertilizer.  Most importantly, Pond Detoxifier neutralizes ammonia that can kill your fish in the winter.

• Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria-

Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria contains 7 pure strains of concentrated beneficial bacteria that go to work quickly cleaning and balancing your ornamental pond, works at temperatures below 50 degrees F or 10 decrees C.  Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria maintains a strong biological balance providing clean, clear and healthy water conditions. Also reduces ammonia, nitrite and organic debris. 

• Pond Aerator-

Every process that happens in the pond is dependant on oxygen.  This is especially important at night when plants are not converting fish-created CO2 into oxygen.  Dissolved oxygen levels are also generally lower in warmer water temperatures. Pond aerators oxygenate your pond, helping create a more stable environment, resulting in healthier fish and plants.  Aerators can also be used in winter to help keep the pond from completely freezing over.

• Winter Bubbler (solids handling)-

Solids handling pumps can accomplish what most other pumps only aspire to achieve.  The combination of high performance, flow and ease of maintenance make it the ideal choice of discriminating pond owners.  This is a great pump for maintaining a hole in the ice during the winter months.  The movement of water generated by this pump is sufficient enough to prevent your pond from completely freezing over.

*To speak with a representative about more details, questions, pricing, or to sign up for a particular program please call (734) 944-7625 or send and e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it