Lakes and large ponds are living ecosystems. Without regular care, they quickly suffer from algae blooms, duckweed and other surface growth, invasive aquatic plants, unpleasant odors from stagnant water, and risks to fish health from low oxygen. The result is unsightly and undermines the very purpose of a pond or lake - to serve as a focal point that enhances the beauty and appeal of the property. A neglected waterbody not only looks bad but can lower property values and even become a liability for owners and HOAs.
This no-nonsense guide focuses on the key factors that truly make a difference in water health and appearance. It also details the services we offer, which are constructed around those needle movers.
Two key factors keep a pond or lake healthy:
1. Aeration through fountains or diffusers - These are not just decorative. A well-sized fountain circulates water, prevents stagnant zones, increases oxygen levels, and reduces the risk of algae blooms and fish kills. Proper circulation also discourages mosquito breeding, maximizes effectiveness of water treatments, and improves overall water clarity.
2. Consistent water treatment dosing - Regular applications of natural products, such as beneficial bacteria, barley extract, etc. are essential to keep a pond or lake in balance. These treatments improve water clarity, reduce organic buildup, and limit the conditions that fuel algae and surface growth. These treatments are most effective when applied on schedule throughout the season - even missing a month can allow problems to return quickly.
If your pond or lake doesn’t currently have a fountain or diffuser, treatments can still be applied, but they are far less effective without water movement. We strongly recommend adding aeration, and our team specializes in installing and maintaining these systems - reach out to us to discuss the best option for your waterbody.
Beyond the huge ecological benefits, fountains also look great! With elegant spray patterns that bring a focal point to the landscape, it’s hard to imagine a reason not to have one.
Already have a fountain? Consider adding lighting to extend its impact after dark and make the water feature stand out even more.
Core
Monthly Algae Control + Basic Fountain Care (9 total visits March - November)
Monthly algae prevention and application of water treatments (bacteria, dye, barley, etc.)
Visual inspection & water quality testing (DO, TDS, pH, Temp., clarity depth)
Inspection will include assessment of aquatic & shoreline plants, presence of trash or other debris, and condition of fountain and lights, when applicable
Spring fountain/aerator setup and fall removal
💡Provides routine algae control, seasonal fountain handling, and ongoing monitoring.
Pro
Bi-Monthly Algae Control + Comprehensive Fountain Care (18 total visits)
All services from the Core Plan
Visits occur every two weeks during the season instead of monthly, providing stronger and more consistent control
Fountain is cleaned as needed during visits, including the pump screen, intake filter, nozzles/spray heads, float, and light lenses
💡Recommended for larger ponds or nutrient-rich waterbodies where monthly visits are not enough.
Additional Services
Aquatic Plant Control (management of nuisance floating and submerged plant growth)
Shoreline Vegetation Management (control of shoreline weeds maintains access, appearance, and water flow)
Trash & Debris Removal
Fountain Maintenance & Repair*
Why aren’t these services included in our maintenance plans?
Whenever possible, we focus on manual removal of weeds and surface growth, since this physically takes nutrients out of the system rather than leaving them to decompose in the water. Herbicide treatments are available when infestations are too widespread or rooted for hand removal, but our priority is always to remove biomass directly. Because this work is intensive and tailored to the conditions at the time, it is usually performed as a one-off service rather than part of a recurring plan. This approach is structured to provide the best value and only what we know is needed, but custom plans can always be built - reach out if you’d like a tailored program or have any questions!
*Beyond basic cleaning & maintenance included in Pro Plan