Cleanouts
Cleanout Process
Draining and Fish Safety: We use professional pumps to drain your pond, moving the water and any aquatic life into a holding tank until the clean out process is finished.
Debris Removal: Our team will manually remove all large debris, such as leaves, sticks, and algae, in and around the pond.
Pressure Washing & Cleaning filters: We then pressure wash all rocks, waterfalls, and pond liners to remove dirt, algae, and muck During this step, we also thoroughly clean the biofall and skimmer filters to ensure all components are free of debris.
Finishing touches: We'll pump the original water back into your pond, while transferring any aquatic life. We then add beneficial bacteria to help maintain clear water and a dechlorinator if you are on city water.
What We Need From You
To ensure a smooth and efficient cleanout, we'll need a few things from you on the day of service:
Access to Water: A hose bib with a running water supply.
Access to Power: A functioning electrical outlet to power our equipment.
Drainage Area: A suitable place on your property to flush out muck and dirt.
Pricing
Cleaning your pond will typically cost between $450 and $1,500, though deep "clean-outs" for large or neglected ponds can reach $5,000.
Because koi are sensitive to water chemistry, professional cleaning is more than just a scrub; it involves safe fish relocation, pressure washing, and biological resets.
Average Cost Breakdown:
Basic Maintenance Visit: Filter cleaning, debris removal, water testing. $250 – $450
Standard Spring Clean-out: Full drain, power wash, fish care, and refill. $850 – $1,200
Deep Exploratory Clean For ponds not cleaned in 2+ years Includes sludge removal: $1,000 – $2,500
Annual Maintenance Plan: Usually includes spring opening, fall closing, and monthly checks. $1,500 – $3,000
Key Factors Influencing Price:
Pond Size: Most contractors charge by the gallon or square foot. For large ponds (over 2,500 gallons), expect to pay $1.70 to $2.50 per square foot.
Condition: If the pond has heavy sludge ("muck") or "pea soup" algae, the labor hours required for pressure washing and debris removal will double the price.
Fish Count & Health: Moving and acclimating a high volume of koi requires extra tanks, aeration, and time to ensure they don't suffer from "new water syndrome" or shock.
Add-ons:
UV Bulb Replacement: $70 – $150 (needed every 12 months).
Fish-Safe Chemicals: $50 – $200 (dechlorinators and beneficial bacteria).
Filter Media Replacement: $80 – $300 depending on the system.
Builds
With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in building stunning custom ponds and waterfalls. We work with you from start to finish to create a beautiful, natural-looking water feature that enhances your outdoor space.
Fall shutdown service
As the seasons change, preparing your pond for winter is essential to protect your fish and keep your water feature healthy. Our fall shutdown service is designed to safely prepare your pond for the colder months, making for a smooth and healthy start-up in the spring.
Our Process
Debris and Plant Removal: We start by removing fallen leaves and other organic debris that can break down and harm water quality over the winter. We also trim back aquatic plants to prevent decomposition.
Equipment Winterization: We'll safely remove and store your pumps to protect them from freezing temperatures and damage.
Winter Protection: We can also install pond netting to prevent leaves from entering the pond and recommend aerators or de-icers to maintain an open hole in the ice for gas exchange.
Contact Us
Commercial and Residential water feature Service.
If you would like us to service, build or decommission your pond, just leave a message or give us a call.