Preparation

• 1). Set up a holding tank for any fish, frogs and turtles that live in the pond. Transfer pond water into an appropriately sized holding tank, and set up an aerator to keep the fish healthy.
  
  
• 2). Catch the fish as you drain the pond.
  
  
• 3). Drain the pond completely. Many filtration systems have drain settings to help pump the water out, or continue using the pond pump until all the water is gone. Turn off the pump when the water is gone.
  
  

Cleaning the Pond

• 1). Vacuum the sludge and accumulated material along the bottom of the pond.
  
  
• 2). Remove and clean or replace any filter materials. Rinse waterfall pads and lava rocks thoroughly or replace them.
  
  
• 3). Spray the pond bottom and rock features with water. This will help clean off any unwanted algae or bacterial colonies, as well as dislodging the last of the dirty water and sludge.
  
  
• 4). Refill the pond. Remove the pond pump, and turn the filtration pump back on once the water level is high enough to circulate through the system. Reintroduce the fish and other aquatic life when the water level reaches 8 inches.
  
  
• 5). Add dechlorinating chemicals and beneficial bacteria packs.