If you’ve got a backyard pond, you already know the joy it brings — the peaceful sound of water, the shimmer of koi darting beneath the surface, and that feeling of escape just steps from your back door. But you also know something else: ponds require work. Regular maintenance isn’t just a chore, it’s essential for keeping your water clear, your fish healthy, and your entire system running properly.
So, should you roll up your sleeves and handle it yourself, or call in a pro?
Here’s why more pond owners in Iowa are leaving their pond maintenance to the professionals — and why it’s often the smartest move you can make.
1. Professionals Know What to Look For
A murky pond or a sluggish waterfall might just seem like part of spring startup — but to a trained eye, those are red flags. Professional pond contractors like our team at Just Add Water have seen it all. We don’t just skim the surface. We know how to spot early signs of algae blooms, leaks, pump issues, and poor water chemistry before they turn into expensive problems.
Think of it like taking your car to a mechanic. Sure, you could Google a few things and take a guess — or you could trust someone who’s worked on hundreds of systems and knows what should be happening under the surface.
2. Save Time, Energy, and Weekend Frustration
Pond maintenance is more than a quick rinse or leaf scoop. A thorough clean-out or seasonal checkup takes time, tools, and know-how. Between draining water, moving fish, scrubbing rocks, inspecting the liner, and getting everything flowing again, you could be looking at an entire weekend (or more) of labor — and that’s if everything goes smoothly.
When you hire a professional, you free up your time to actually enjoy your pond instead of worrying about whether you cleaned the skimmer properly or reassembled your pump correctly.
Want your weekend back? Let us handle it.
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3. Professionals Use the Right Tools and Treatments
Not all pond equipment is created equal — and not all “pond-safe” products are actually safe for your ecosystem. When you work with a certified contractor like Just Add Water, you’re getting expert guidance on which water treatments, filter pads, and replacement parts work best for your specific setup.
We don’t just clean your pond — we use proven products that are designed to keep fish healthy, plants thriving, and algae at bay. That’s especially important if your pond is home to koi, turtles, or other wildlife that depends on a balanced environment.
4. Preventative Care is Better Than Emergency Repair
A big part of professional maintenance is catching issues early. We’re talking small tears in liners, worn-out filter media, failing pumps, or early signs of string algae. If those go unnoticed, you could be facing major repairs or even having to shut down your system mid-season.
Routine checkups and seasonal cleanouts go a long way in preventing costly emergencies. It’s a little like going to the dentist — stay on top of cleanings and checkups, and you’re much less likely to need a root canal later.
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5. You’ll Get Better Results — Period.
Let’s be real. DIY maintenance is admirable, but when it comes to water clarity, system performance, and overall aesthetic? Nothing beats the results of a professional team with years of experience and the right tools for the job.
At Just Add Water, we’ve been maintaining ponds in Des Moines, Ames, and surrounding areas since 2005. As a Certified Aquascape Contractor, we stay up to date with the latest pond care techniques, attend regular training, and treat every customer’s pond like it’s our own.
Whether you need a spring clean-out, routine maintenance, or a full exploratory drain and inspection, we’re here to help.
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Leave the Hard Work to Us
Owning a pond should be about relaxation, not stress. If your pond looks more like a science experiment than a backyard oasis, or if you simply want to make sure everything is running at its best this season, hiring a professional is the smart, stress-free solution.
Let us do the dirty work so you can sit back and enjoy the sound of moving water, crystal-clear views, and the beauty of your backyard.
Ready to schedule your spring pond maintenance?
Contact Just Add Water today and let’s get your pond back in shape.