The spring garden pond check: How to bring your water garden to life in Switzerland

When the snow melts in the mountains and the first warm rays of sunshine reach Swiss gardens, life in the garden pond also comes to life. However, the transition from winter to spring is a delicate phase for the biological balance. Organic waste from the previous year, such as fallen leaves or dead plant matter, can now affect water quality and lead to an algae bloom.

A structured spring check is therefore essential to ensure the pond ecosystem remains stable throughout the year. Technology, water chemistry and the proper care of the pond’s inhabitants play a central role in this.

The technical check: The heart of the pond

Before the biological processes get fully underway, the hardware must be checked. In many Swiss households, pond equipment is stored frost-proof or switched off during the winter months.

1. Cleaning the pump: Remove limescale deposits and dirt from the impeller. A clean pump works more efficiently and uses less electricity.
2. Check the UVC clarifier: The UV lamp should ideally be replaced at the start of each season. Even if it is still glowing, after around 8,000 hours of operation it loses a significant amount of its power to effectively combat floating algae (green water).
3. Filter start-up: Clean the filter sponges only lightly with pond water to preserve existing bacterial strains. The use of special filter starters (highly concentrated bacterial cultures) is particularly recommended in spring to quickly restart the nitrification process.

Keeping an eye on water parameters: After winter comes the risk of algal blooms

Meltwater and frequent rainfall in spring can significantly lower the carbonate hardness (KH) in the pond. A low KH value leads to an unstable pH, which in turn promotes algal growth.

You should therefore measure the key parameters at the start of the season:

• pH value: Ideally between 7.5 and 8.5.
• Carbonate hardness (KH): Should not be below 5° dH.
• Nitrite and phosphate: Elevated levels indicate too much organic material – partial water changes and phosphate binders can help here.

Particularly in regions with soft rainwater, hardening the pond water is often the only solution to prevent an algae bloom in May.

Plant care and algae management

As soon as water temperatures rise above 10 degrees, aquatic plants begin to sprout. Now carefully trim back dead reeds and water lily leaves from the previous year. Take care not to damage the new shoots.

If thread algae have formed over the winter, these should be removed mechanically with an algae brush. Moderate use of algae control products may be advisable at this stage to give the plants a head start on growth. The faster your aquatic plants grow, the more nutrients they naturally deprive the algae of.

The first feeding: what matters now

Fish such as koi or goldfish are cold-blooded animals. Their metabolism is extremely slow in cool temperatures. Do not start feeding until the water temperature is consistently above 8 to 10 degrees.

In spring, use special energy or wheat germ feed. This is particularly easy to digest and pollutes the water less than conventional summer feed. As the fish’s immune system is still weakened after winter, high-quality ingredients support recovery and help prevent spring diseases (such as spring viraemia).

A worry-free start to the pond season

A well-maintained garden pond is an oasis of calm and an important habitat for many native species. With the right preparation in April, you lay the foundation for clear water and healthy fish right through to autumn. The effort you put in now will save you from having to make laborious corrections in the height of summer.

Here at AQUATANA, we know that every pond is unique. Whether you’re looking for replacement lamps for your UVC clarifier, effective water conditioners or the right spring feed – in our online shop you’ll find a carefully curated selection of products specifically tailored to the requirements in Switzerland. Join us in getting the pond season off to a crystal-clear start and let us advise you if you have any questions.