Everyone’s got a secret for clear pond water, but some methods are more proven and reliable than others. It depends on what’s causing your water to get cloudy or discolored. If your water is green or has visible floating growth in it, you’re likely dealing with algae. Reducing any potential sources of fertilizers running into your pond, including pet bathroom areas, is one of the fastest ways to clear up algae filled water. Barley water floats also help if it’s algae, but they won’t do much for other issues.
Stirred up sediment and sludge or dirt coming from eroding soil near the pond will also cause murky water. If you can’t get the sediment in the pond itself to settle down, you may need to dredge it to clarify the water again. Controlling erosion on the land not only prevents murky water, it also stops sedimentation that slowly fills up your pond. If your pond is producing unpleasant odors, you may need to increase its biological activity by giving it extra oxygen. A pond aerator can be had for under $50 to speed up microbial decomposition that cleans and clears water without any chemicals needed. Flocculant, algaecides, and other treatments may be necessary for stubborn murkiness.
