Is Your Pond Losing Water? Here’s Why

A drop in the pond water level is very worrying. It is important to discover the source of the problem before things get out of hand. Keep in mind that there is a 5 percent chance of a leak in your pond. Therefore, you have to understand the other reasons that might be causing the drop in water level. Let’s go over them so you can accurately diagnose what might be causing water to disappear in your pond. 

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Evaporation

This is harder to detect but the most significant cause of water level drop in a pond. The extent might be about an inch weekly. This depends on the time of the year and pond location in your outdoors. Exposure of your pond to direct sunlight leads to high evaporation rates. Placing your pond in a shade is a solution to minimize evaporation. This requires locating a nice spot with shade when building the pond. 

You can always top up the water in your pond using a hosepipe. However, don’t do this often since tap water might introduce chlorine in the pond water. So, consider adding some little water every day. Doing this requires using a rose attachment to a hose to create a sprinkling effect instead of pouring. This might burn some of the chlorine before it enters your pond. Alternatively, you can use an over the counter product that removes chlorine from tap water.

Leaking pump

It is very important to invest in a quality outdoor water fountain pump  that won’t degrade with time. Pumps made with brittle plastic are likely to degrade over time leading to cracks and splits creating leaks in the joints. Pumps that leaks should always be fixed or replaced immediately to lessen chances of further leaks. Fortunately, a quality pump will last longer without chances of leaks that might lead to water reduction in your pond. 

Clogged filters 

The pond filtration system has a filter. This might become clocked without regular cleaning resulting in water overflow from the filter box. Ensure to get a professional to clean the filters to eliminate dirt and algae. It is better to use pond water for cleaning the filters since tap water might kill beneficial bacteria. Using a hosepipe for cleaning the filters with bacteria-filled water. Clean filters will work efficiently to limit the chances of the water level dropping from overflows. 

Pond plants

It is important to keep some plants in your pond. However, your choice of plants might contribute significantly to water loss. Plants that bloom in summer always absorb too much water. Combined with the natural evaporation process in the hot summer, you are likely to notice a significant drop in water level in this period. The best solution would be to replenish the water, in the same way, noticed earlier. 

Waterfall or fountain splashes

A waterfall or fountain setup might contribute to loss of water in your pond. When not properly aligned, the fountain or waterfall might splay or a small amount of water out of the pond. Take a few minutes watching your fountain to see if the surrounding area gets wet. A properly arranged pond fountain should direct water to minimize splashes. With fewer splashes, your water level is likely to be on the same level always.  

Tears and cracks in the pond liner

Another possible reason for a drop in water level is the presence of splits and cracks in the pond liner. Allowing the water level to drop until stopping might help to discover a leak. With water out, it becomes easier to discover the leak and to have it repaired. Avoid allowing the water to drain too low to avoid exposing your fish to predators. Additionally, it might lessen the oxygen level in the water to affect fish health. When the water drops too low, ensure to re-home the fish until the repairs are completed. Place the fish in water from the pond but not tap water for protection from stress and illness. 

Ultimate dos to keep your pond water in good condition

Apart from ensuring optimal water level in your pond , there are other things to do to keep your pond in great condition. These might include:

  • Avoid overfeeding fish
  • Choose the right pump size
  • Balance plants in your pond
  • Maintain an appropriate fish population
  • Clean debris from the pond before decaying

Bottom line

A water feature is a worthy addition to your outdoor space. It enhances the property value while offering a tranquil environment where to wind down after a hard day. However, a pond needs appropriate maintenance and care to ensure to works efficiently throughout the year. The ideas above will help you to ensure that your pond always has enough water for your fish and aquatic plants. The best thing is investing in a quality fountain pump that will work efficiently without issues for years.