Summer is usually the time when you are out in your garden, enjoying your pond. Summer also presents some challenges in maintaining your pond that other seasons don't. With these tips, you can keep your pond healthy, and functioning well.

Oxygen

If you have fish, then the oxygen levels in your pond are essential. In 90 degree F. water, the oxygen level should be at least 7.0 ppm. Koi and goldfish will start getting stressed when the oxygen level drops to 4.0 ppm, and they will start dying at 3.0 ppm. As water temperatures rise, the oxygen level drops, so during the hottest part of the day, you should provide shade for the pond and the fish. A fountain, air stones, or other aerators will help to add oxygen to the water to keep the fish healthy.

Parasites

Anchor worms, fish lice, flukes, and other parasites increase in warm weather. Symptoms of parasites include thick mucous, rubbing against objects in the pond, jumping, and flashing. Anchor worms, fish lice, and other parasites that are visible can be treated with Dylox, Dipterex, and Masoten. For other parasite infections, you should consult a pond specialist for treatment. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid killing off the fish as well as the parasites.

Feeding

The metabolism of the fish increases in warmer water, so you will need to feed them at different intervals than in the winter. Estimate the total body weight of the fish in the pond. Give them 1%-1.5% of the total body weight in food, every 2 1/2 hours. Koi will digest food faster in warmer weather than in cooler weather. So, when the weather gets warm, you should feed the koi about 5-8 times a day. In cooler weather, you should only feed them 1-3 times a day, as it takes longer for them to digest the food.

Shade

If your pond gets direct sunlight, then you'll need to provide shady areas for the fish to hide, especially in shallow ponds. Water lilies will do well to shade the pond, and give the fish a place to get out of the sun. Rock overhangs will also provide shade for the fish. If you have to, you can also shade the pond with a beach umbrella. Just make sure that the fish have shelter from the direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.

Evaporation

The larger the surface area of the pond, the more water will evaporate, especially in warm weather. Monitor the level of the water every day, and add water as needed. Remember not to use water with chlorine if you have fish. You can buy water treatments that will remove chlorine from the water, or fill a few buckets, and let them sit overnight before adding it to your pond.

A pond does require quite a bit of attention in the summer. But by following these simple tips, you can keep the pond and its inhabitants healthy. And you'll get more enjoyment out of a healthy pond.