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A new year is a great time to reset a few things at home. Your pond is no different. If your waterfall looks weak, your skimmer is not pulling like it should, or your water is not as clear as you want – the fix is often simple.
Most ponds feel “off” for the same reason: a drop in flow. And flow usually drops because the pond pump or the filter is dirty, partly blocked, or not matched to the job.
This guide is simple. You just need a little time.
Our New Year’s resolution at Webb’s is to be your trusted pond supplier. Your resolution can be even easier: do a quick reset so your pond runs smooth and looks great.
In this Yearly Pond Reset, you will:
- Check your pond pump for clogs, wear, and low flow
- Refresh your filter the right way (clean the mess, keep the “good” biology)
- Fix the most common reasons waterfalls lose strength
- Know when to replace parts or upgrade equipment
Safety first
Before you touch anything, unplug equipment or turn off power at the breaker. Water and electricity do not mix.
If you’re not sure what you are looking at, stop and ask for help.
Signs your pond needs a reset
- Your waterfall flow has lessened or is uneven
- Your skimmer is not filling as fast as normal
- The filter is overflowing or bypassing water
- Your pump is louder than normal (rattle, hum, grind)
- The water turns cloudy more often than it used to
- You see excessive string algae wrapped around intakes or tubing
If you notice one or two of these, do not panic. Most issues come from one of three things: a clogged intake, a dirty filter, or a plumbing restriction.
Step 1: The 10 minute pump check
Think of your pond pump as the heart of your pond. If the heart cannot push water, everything else struggles.
1) Check the water level
When the pond level drops, a skimmer can run dry and the pond pump can burn out. Fill the pond back to normal before you do anything else.
2) Empty the skimmer basket or prefilter
Lift out the basket and remove leaves, pine needles, and sludge. Rinse any sponge or screen prefilter.
3) Clean the intake screen
Wipe clean any string algae or debris stuck to the pump’s intake slots or screen.
4) Check the impeller area
The impeller is the small spinning part inside the pump. If debris wraps around it, flow drops even if the pump still runs.
- Unplug the pump
- Remove the cover
- Carefully pull out debris
- Rinse, reassemble, and test submerged
If you hear grinding or see damage, the impeller or pump may need replacement.
5) Check the entire length of tubing
- Kinks or crushed hose
- Leaks
- Partly closed valves
- Loose fittings
Step 2: My pump runs, but my waterfall is still weak
- Clogged filter: Dirty filters restrict flow.
- Hard plumbing run: Long runs, many elbows, or high lift reduce output.
- Worn pump: Older pumps lose pushing power over time.
Step 3: Reset the filter
Filters handle mechanical debris and biological waste. Clean debris, but protect beneficial bacteria.
1) Rinse mechanical pads and brushes
Rinse until water flows freely. They do not need to look brand new.
2) Be gentle with bio-media
Swish bio-media in pond water. Do not pressure wash.
3) Back flush pressurized filters
Backflush several times. Occasionally open and clean internal media.
4) Replace worn parts
Replace falling-apart pads, worn media, o-rings, and gaskets.
Step 4: A simple way to think about flow
- More height and distance = less flow
- Every elbow and valve adds resistance
- Box ratings differ from real-world performance
Step 5: Do you need UV clarifier?
UV clarifiers help with green water when flow and filtration are correct. Replace UV bulbs every 12 months of operation.
The New Year Pond Reset checklist (30–45 minutes)
Pond pump checklist
- Check water level
- Empty skimmer basket / rinse prefilter
- Clean intake screen
- Check impeller area
- Inspect hoses and fittings
Filter checklist
- Rinse mechanical pads and brushes
- Gently swish bio-media
- Clear outlets and ports
- Replace worn media
System checklist
- Look for leaks
- Confirm steady waterfall flow
- Check UV bulb and sleeve if installed
When it’s time to replace or upgrade
- Flow is still weak after cleaning
- Pump is noisy, hot, or shuts off
- Pond or fish load increased
- Stream or waterfall was expanded
- You want clearer water with less work
A simple shopping list by need
If flow is weak
If water is cloudy
- Fresh filter pads or media
- Filter upgrade
- Water conditioner and beneficial bacteria
If water is green
- Properly sized UV clarifier
- New UV bulb
- Correct pump flow through UV
Notes for warm and cool ponds
This reset works in all climates. Warm ponds may need more frequent light cleaning. Cooler periods call for gentler maintenance.
When to ask for tech help
- Photo of the pond and waterfall
- Pond size
- Equipment list
- Problem description
- Current treatments and dosages
Final takeaway
A New Year Pond Reset is about small, smart steps. Start with the pump, restore flow, refresh the filter, and upgrade only what is needed. Small resets make the whole year easier.
