How to Clean a 160 Gallon Preformed Water Pond

Fig.1 Algae pond

By Gary Boutin             

Tools and Supplies:
Cleaning brush
Cleaning bucket 
CLR™ (Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover)
Electrical Extension
Electrical ties 
Hand gloves
Lime Away
Pond Flex Kit 220 Gallon, (300 G.P.H. Pump, Model# 79991)
Pond Underlayment Liner (Beckett 6 ft. x 12 ft.)
Pond Boss Pump Barrier Bag (Model# A16555)
Scrub brush
Ridgid™ wet vacuum
Soap (Dawn™)
Water hose with pressure

Mrs. H. home is located in Hollywood, California. Today, she called about working on front yard pond. This is a job that usually takes 4-hours. The pond must be emptied, the water must be removed from the pool liner. The pool must be cleaned because of several layer of algae and dirt. The recirculated water pump was full earthworms but after this job then the pond looks wonderful again.

This post shows the nine steps to clean a front pond. 

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the pond water was full of algae and dirt. Fig.2 shows a front view of the pond. Fig.3 shows some of the water was removed.

Fig.2 Full but dirty

Fig.3 Water loss

Step 2: Fig.4 through fig.7 shows that using a Ridgid™ wet vacuum cleaner to remove the water out of the plastic pond. Fig.4 is the draining area, unscrew the wingnut and the water flushes out of the vacuum tank. Fig.5 show the water is being removed and the water line has dropped. Fig.6 show the wingnut has been removed so the water is released. Fig.7 shows a 5-gallon container is used alongside of the vacuum to remove the scummy water.

Fig.4 Ridgid™ wet vacuum

Tip:  It is extremely dangerous to use an electrical item when removing water. The Rigid wet vacuum was plugged into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) plug to protect in case of a electrical shock event. Care must be taken when using an electrical appliance.

Fig.5 Dropping water line

Fig.6 Water streaming out

Fig.7 Five gallon bucket

Step 3: Fig.8 shows the removal of the plastic pond from the pond liner. Fig.9 show the pool has been turned over to be cleaned. Fig.10 show the vacuuming hose in the water out.

Fig.8 Removing 
plastic pond

Fig.9 Turned 
upside down

Fig.10 Vacuuming 
water from liner

Step 4: Fig.11 and fig.12 show that there still water in the pond plastic liner. This water must be removed before placing the clean pond back in its hole. Fig.13 shows the bottom of the pond liner is muddy and it will need to be rinsed off. Fig.14 shows the liner was washed and no mud exists.

Fig.11 Pond liner water

Fig.12 Muddy Pond water

Fig.13 Bottom of muddy liner

Fig.14 Clean liner

Step 5: Fig.15 shows a dirty and wormy circulating pump. Fig.16 shows the worms that had invaded the pump, and the its bag. This is one of the reason why the pump failed. Fig.17 shows the pump has been cleaned. Fig.18 shows a new bag with new netting and electrical ties to keep it closed. Now the water pump  is ready for its new clean pond.

Fig.15 Worm filled pump

Fig.16 Earthworms all alive

Fig.17 Clean pump

Fig.18 New bag and cleaned pump

Step 6: Fig.19 and fig.20 shows the electrical outlet by the pump. That plastic cover had trouble closing because it was to close to the ground. The socket was a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) safety outlet.

Fig.19 Outlet cover

Fig.20 GFCI ground 
fault circuit interrupter
safety outlet

Step 7: Fig.21 shows that CLR was used to remove the rust in the tub from a metal clip. Fig.22 shows a hand brush was used with soap to clean the sides of the pond. Fig.23 shows the plastic pond was rinsed off from the soap. Fig.24 shows the pond sides are clean.

Fig.21 CLR 
rust remover

Fig.22 Soap the sides

Fig.23 Rinse the pond

Fig.24 Clean sides

Step 8: Fig.25 and fig.26 shows the pool is being filled.

Fig.25 Water 
being filled

Fig.26 Water 
hose filling pond

Step 9: Fig.27 through fig.29 shows the lights being placed on the bottom of the pool. Fig.28 and fig.29 shows two version of a clan pond.

Fig.27 Pond lights

Fig.28 Filling the 
water to the top

Fig.29 Job Finished

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-