FAQ

This page addresses frequently asked questions relating to large ponds and lakes. For common questions pertaining to koi ponds,  garden ponds, and other smaller water features, please click here. 

Answers to many common questions about our maintenance plans - including what they cover, why they matter, and how floating fountains fit in - can be found here in our maintenance plan guide. 

Do I really need a maintenance plan for my pond or lake?
Yes. Regular maintenance prevents costly problems. A plan typically includes seasonal cleanings, equipment checks, water quality monitoring, and algae or plant control. It ensures your pond or lake stays healthy and attractive year-round.

What does a floating fountain do besides look nice?
Fountains provide both beauty and function. They improve circulation and oxygen levels, which reduces algae growth, prevents fish kills, and helps balance the ecosystem. Larger lakes may also use diffused aeration systems on the bottom for full water-column oxygenation.

How do you manage algae growth?
We use a combination of strategies: aeration, beneficial bacteria treatments, shading with aquatic plants, and in some cases EPA-approved algaecides. The goal is to prevent algae from taking over while keeping water safe for fish, plants, and people.

What about duckweed and other floating nuisance plants?
Duckweed, watermeal, and similar fast-growing plants can quickly cover a pond’s surface. We manage them with targeted treatments, aeration improvements, and long-term nutrient control so they don’t keep coming back.

How do water treatments work?
Treatments range from beneficial bacteria (which consume excess nutrients) to safe herbicides or algaecides for tougher problems. They’re chosen based on the specific nuisance growth and the size of the pond or lake.

Will one treatment fix algae or duckweed for good?
Not usually. These plants thrive on nutrient buildup, so ongoing management is needed. That’s why maintenance plans are important—they combine proactive prevention with treatments when necessary.

Can fish and wildlife be harmed by treatments?
When applied correctly, the products we use are safe for fish, pets, and wildlife. Part of our job is knowing when, where, and how much to apply for effective but safe results.

What’s the difference between treating a pond vs. a lake?
Smaller ponds can be cleaned and managed more directly with equipment and treatments. Larger lakes require aeration systems, shoreline management, and ongoing nutrient control. The principles are the same, but the scale is different.