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January 18, 2008

Spring Cleanouts!

Spring…. Get it while it’s hot! Or at least unseasonably mild that is. I can hardly believe we are entering springtime this early. The weather predictions call for an early warm up so we are beginning our cleanouts now. The way we determine when it is most appropriate to perform this essential duty is that we look at the long range forecast and measure the water temperature in the pond. When the temperature in the pond is within ten degrees of the water supply, you know it’s less stressful for the fish.

So Why Do We Need To Do a Cleanout Anyway? Remember that the way Vought Water Gardens Designs these ponds is replicating the process found in nature. It is typical to get more rain in the spring. Some areas even get runoff from snow melt. This process flushes out excess organic matter and does a good job of exchanging water in the riparian (rivers and streams) system. So, since the floods are hopefully missing your backyard, we do the work while Mother Nature takes a pass on your backyard pond. While we are at it, we change out the light bulbs in the underwater lights, divide or reposition water plants, restack rocks as necessary, and survey the fish for general health and appearance. We inspect plumbing, wiring check for leaks and service your filters. By doing this, we get your pond ecosystem up and running for the spring. You may notice that your pond wakes up earlier than if you wait on a cleanout until later. We also like doing the maintenance now because it gets us in the mood for spring before spring officially gets here!

So What is the Cost? A variety of different factors may affect your cleanout price. Time is a factor. I have though, seen some ponds where the little things were taken care of during the year and the pond is well balanced and fairly clean. Those ponds require less time; just a quick water change, fish health, plumbing and wiring check and new light bulbs. We charge seventy five dollars per man-hour for our time. Last year, a typical two hundred square foot pond cleanout ranged from $150.00 to over $500.00! Most are somewhere in the middle. Some factors that affect a cleanout are: How long has it been since you did a cleanout on your pond? Do you have a skimmer and biofalls or a bog? Is it a pond with fish or a pondless waterfall? Is it full of leaves? Do you have the right balance of fish and plants? Have you been using the bacteria like you should?

We are booking now! Contact us to schedule your visit. We can be reached by phone or email. Our Birmingham number is 205-87-WATER, our Decatur number is 256-350-8857. Both numbers ring to Lee’s mobile phone. Email us at mail@voughtwatergardens.com. We are trying to schedule geographically to save on fuel and greenhouse gases so the earlier you contact us, the better.

© 2008 Vought Water Gardens, P.O. Box 184, Decatur, AL 35602