Pond Pump Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips

Do I need to do maintenance on my pond pump?

Yes, In Central Florida ponds run all year unlike our neighbors to the north, so we have to make sure that we are servicing them year round.


How Often Should I service my pump?

We suggest that you check the pump intake at least once a month. If you see a reduction in flow over the waterfalls or if you hear the pump making noises service right away.

When it comes to pond pumps, it's always a good idea to be proactive and stay on top of maintenance so you can prevent problems before they happen. Every pond owner knows that a broken, non-working pump can create a headache with water quality and fish health, so use these tips to prolong the life of your pump.

• Do not allow the filters to become clogged with debris and sediment. Conduct weekly skimmer cleanings and seasonal maintenance.
• Keep water flowing freely to the pump by routinely cleaning the skimmer debris net and filter mat. Be sure to maintain proper water level in the water feature. Avoid allowing the pump to run dry or operate in low water level situations.
• Inspect and remove large debris, such as mulch, sticks, small pebbles, etc from the bottom of the Skimmer, Snorkel™ Vault, or sump basin in order to prevent the pump from becoming clogged and possibly damaged.

If you are experiencing pump issues, follow these tips to troubleshoot common pump problems.

• First of all, is the pump receiving water? This sounds like an obvious question, but we have had clients call and state that their pump is not working only to find that they haven't added water to the pond in the past few weeks and the skimmer ran dry. The pump in this situation may actually be running, but just not receiving enough water. A lot of times you can actually hear the "hum" or "gurgle" of the pump while it's in the skimmer.
• Make sure nothing is blocking the flow of water to the pump, such as large boulders, debris blocking the front of the skimmer opening, a clogged skimmer net, or clogged skimmer filter mat that has not been emptied or cleaned in a long time.
• The pump may be vapor locked. This term sounds complicated, but it simply means that air is trapped in the volute of the pump. The pumps are designed to push water, not air ... so an air bubble gets trapped, and the pump becomes vapor locked. In this situation the impeller is basically spinning, but water is not being pushed. Listen to see if you hear the hum of the pump. A vapor lock can be fixed by tilting the pump to allow the air to escape from the intake. You may even be able to accomplish this without disconnecting the fitting on pump.
• It is also effective to check and see if the electrical supply is operating properly. Premature pump failures can occur due to faulty electrical. For example, pumps hooked up to extension cords may cause potential problems. While this electrical setup usually works for testing the pump soon after the water feature is built, it is not recommended for permanent installations, and may end up causing the pump to fail.
• Check the electric box to see if the safety breaker on the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) has tripped. The proper electrical setup for the pond should include a GFCI outlet. The GFCI's responsibility is to shut the power down if it senses an electrical problem.The GFCI is a safety device installed to protect people from receiving a shock in case of an electrical malfunction.                GFCI's are very sensitive and can sometimes trip during a thunderstorm or a power surge. Reset the breaker if it has tripped.
• Unplug the pump and disconnect the union fitting found at the top of the check valve. The water will back-flush from the BIOFALLS® back into the skimmer. This will help flush out any possible clogs along the length of the pipe.
• Pull the pump out of the skimmer and inspect the intake on the pump for any lodged debris. Aquascape pumps are capable of handling solids and debris up to a reasonable size, typically 5/8". On some occasions, debris may become lodged in the impeller (housing) of the pump. This could possibly seize up the impeller, or restrict the flow causing the pump to stop operating properly. Thoroughly check the pump intake, including the area above the impeller where small debris, such as gravel, may be trapped.
• Plug in the pump after inspecting it for debris, and see if the impeller spins.
• If the impeller does not spin, unplug the pump and try to assist it by using a screwdriver or similar tool to give it a little kick start. On some occasions, the impeller may seize up and not spin. This sometimes happens after the pump has been out of operation for a period of time (such as over the winter). Hopefully, the pump will then begin to operate after it is plugged back in. Once it starts back up on its own, you'll want to unplug the pump again, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. The impeller should begin to spin without assistance this time.
• If you still have no luck, bring the pump over to a different electrical receptacle on the property, specifically one that contains a GFCI breaker, and see if the pump operates. This will tell us if the pond's electrical supply is bad, or if there is something internally wrong with the pump. If the pump trips this GFCI, then there is definitely something wrong with the pump, and it should be replaced. However, you'll want to have a qualified electrician come out and check the pond's electrical setup if the pump runs without a problem on another outlet.

This video shows you how to troubleshoot and service your Aquascape Aquasurge Pump.

 

Need a new pond pond?
Call Pondtastic to order your pump today

Waterfall Wednesday in Winter Park, Florida

Winter Park is in the heart of busy Central Florida, however when you stand next to this waterfall the interstate feels miles away.

These Waterfall Wednesday pictures give you a glimpse of an amazing large water feature which is home to countless koi fish.

This very large pond has 40,000 gallons of water flowing over the massive rocks. 
4 -10,000 Aquascape pumps are placed within each of these pump vaults.













The huge Tennessee boulders are placed around the pond with heavy equipment. It's always important that the boulder are proportionate to the pond size.

Aquatic plants are a very large part of the ecosystem bog filtration. 

The 100+ plants are placed in the bog and on the plant shelves to create a lush water garden.

Spillway Bowls Make A Splash

These new Spillway Bowls are creating quite a splash in Orlando.

 

Are you looking for a something to enhance your Central Florida landscape? Or maybe you want to add more circulation to you koi pond.

These versatile water features can be installed to create many different looks and sounds.

Beautiful spilling water features can be added to small spaces adding tranquility and soothing sounds to any patio or entryway.







Spillway Bowls can also easily be linked together creating a unique standalone water feature.
Enhance your landscaping with the sounds of water.
 





What about adding these bowls to your pond for a modern looking waterfall? Add pond lighting to capture the dancing water as it splashes from bowl to bowl.

These beautiful bowls are made from durable glass fiber reinforced concrete and come in a beautiful patina.


 

 Watch this short video for more ideas

 

Call today for your custom installed Spillway Bowls

                                    407-601-7663

Pond Charity Build Featured on Pond Squad

Several months ago Pond Squad started airing their latest episodes of their pond reality TV series.
The shows feature ponds all over the US and Mexico.
Haven't seen all the episodes? You can view them on our  Pondtastic Facebook page.


Jim and I are personal friends with the stars of the show and many of the pond companies featured in the shows. This episode features our friend's at Pondscapes Az, they organized this build for Sunshine Acres Children's Home in Azizona.

I posted this when this episode was released however I spent a few days with Alison last month and I was reminded of how AMAZING our friends are for organizing such a special project.


Enjoy!!

Waterfall Wednesday in Orlando, Florida

What an amazing view these home owners have as they look out into their Orlando, backyard.


The week that this pond was built was unlike any we've ever had. We started construction on a Monday and the excitement was building as the week went on, not only for the homeowners to see their completed water, stream and koi pond but because they were expecting their first child any day.

Friday finally came and the pond was completed, pictures were taken, lots of pictures.
Even more pictures were taken over the weekend as the happy parents welcomed their beautiful daughter into the world.

Today this koi pond is the focal point of this backyard with Jumbo koi that now call this pond home.
This gorgeous outdoor room has now seen many family gathering and great parties.

Years of enjoyment are yet ahead for this great family as they enjoy their piece of paradise.

Pond Renovation Is It Time?

Have you sat out at your pond or waterfall and thought this needs work?

What is the difference between pond renovations vs. pond repair?  

Even though they sound similar, they are quite different. To repair something means fixing or replacing a part that is broken or not working. Whereas, a renovation is a complete overhaul and redo, resulting in a practically brand new water feature.

What renovation work can I have done? 

This is the perfect opportunity to change anything you don't like, and address any issues. You could install lighting, upgrade your filtration, increase pump size, add fish caves. Maybe you want to make the pond larger, or add another waterfall.
In the last 5 years there are many new technologies developed that help reduce maintenance and enhance the enjoyment of the water feature that can be added.

Who gets pond renovations?
Our pond renovation work comes from Pondtastic pond owners who want to increase the size of their ecosystem pond. Homeowners who did not have a Certified Aquascape Contractor build the pond, instead they had a landscaper  build the pond and it is not the pond they had hoped for.
Often pond renovations come from new homeowners who don't know their pond's history and want to incorporate their own ideas into their backyard paradise.

How much does it cost? 

We have done renovations from $5,000 all the way up to $85,000

So are you ready for a renovation to be done on your pond or waterfall? 

Contact Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

Please go to our CONTACT US page at www.pondtastic.com

We will begin with a FREE phone consultation upon receipt of your contact form DON'T forget to attach your pictures.

** All Onsite design consultations are $120.00

 Begin enjoying your pond again!

 

Keep Your Koi Safe From Predators

As we all look forward to enjoying Central Florida's cooler temperatures in the months ahead we need to be proactive when it comes to protecting our koi fish from predators.

A few simple additions to your backyard pond can save your beloved koi.

 Know your enemies
While there are many predators that love to eat fish we really only have a few that cause problems in the Central Florida area.

For the raccoon, you have to first remember he doesn’t mind getting his hands wet, however he does not want to get his entire body wet so it is not likely swim to catch a fish. The design of the pond plays a big role in the safety of your koi. A plant shelf that is too shallow will help him snag a fish every time.

The Florida Great White Egret and the Blue Heron are much more of a challenge to deal with. They are very crafty and smart birds and you should not underestimate them.
These two birds tend to be more of a concern in our winter months. As the lake fish swim deeper in the cooler months it becomes more difficult to get fish from the lakes. They then often find their way into our backyard ponds.

How to protect your koi

There are many methods available to keep them or scare them away from your pond – from plastic heron statue replicas to floating alligator decoys and motion-activated sprinkler. Often ponds are netted to prevent the unwanted predator from entering the pond.
These options all offer varying levels of success for every water garden hobbyist.  

How Decoys Work
Your first defense is to use a decoy of some sort, whether it is heron or alligator decoy. They work better if you keep moving them around the pond to fool the heron into thinking they are real. Herons would rather not feed in the same water as an alligator, and if they see that another bird has staked out your backyard already, they are more likely to move on to the next available spot. The trick is to move the decoy about every three days in the winter and spring and every couple of weeks in the summer.

Fingers Crossed

The most important thing to remember is to have fun with your fish, and to remember that all of these occurrences are case specific. You may never see a heron or raccoon in your backyard.

Watching Koi Fish Is Good for Your Health

Have you ever noticed that many Dr. offices and Dentist offices often have aquariums in them?

           “Fish tanks and displays are often associated with attempts at calming patients in doctors' surgeries and dental waiting rooms," said PhD student Deborah Cracknell.
Watching fish and marine creatures going about their daily lives, swimming and meandering is oddly soothing and hypnotic. And, according to research recently published in Environment & Behavior, it’s good for your health too.

I for one have spent many hours at our water garden pond watching my koi fish in an effort to relax.
Like you, I wear many hats in my daily life; I need the quiet time to transition from my workday at Pondtastic, to being Mom and Wife. I go to the pond armed with koi food and a glass of wine.

Like many pets our koi are happy to know Mom is home and the feeding frenzy begins. To me this is more comical than relaxing, many of our Koi are hand fed and that means I’m getting wet as they swim and splash like crazy to get their food.
Once they have eaten I sit on my huge rock (thanks Jim) that’s when the relaxing really begins.

My favorite fish in the pond are my butterfly koi, as their extra-long fins gracefully float by I can feel their calming effect. Of course I love my standard koi as well; they glide through the pond always looking for more food. Baby koi grant us with the occasional glimpse as the swim in and out of the aquatic plants.

After watching my koi for about 20 or 30 minutes I’m ready to switch hats and finish the night.

Is my health better? I think so; my resting heart rate is lower and I feel relaxed.
That’s good enough for me.

Pondtastic Is Named 2015 Top Frog

Pondtastic is a 2015 Top Frog

Pondtastic Water Gardens left the blazing temperatures of Orlando, Fl to enjoy a breezy week in St Charles IL. for our annual pond conference. 

Pondemonium is the water gardening industry's premier annual training event for contractors, retailers, and distributors. Certified Aquascape Contractors from around the world travel to this yearly event. 

This is a time where we connect with the best of the best in the water garden world, hear inspirational keynote speakers and learn the newest technologies.

This year Pondtastic Water Gardens is ranked #20 in the Construction and Retail category. We are honored to have received this Top Frog Award!