• Chemicals are commercially available to maintain ponds.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Part of maintaining a backyard pond is using the right cleaning and support chemicals to keep the chemistry of the water just right. Cleaning and maintaining your pond on a regular basis without disrupting the ecosystem is vital because altering the pond's natural chemistry can throw everything off balance.
  
  

Water Clearing

• Water clearing products remove the pond water's clouding, caused by suspended algae, debris, bacterial blooms and dirt particles. Most of these commercially available products cause suspended particles to clump. Your pond filter will catch these larger particles more easily and whatever particles remain will sink to the bottom of the pond. With fewer tiny particles in the water the water will clear up. Some water-clarifying products break down dead organic material and algae to improve water clarity.
  
  

Algae

• Algae chemicals work to control string algae, algae blooms and blanket weed, types of algae that cloud the water and throw a pond's water chemistry off-kilter. Most algae chemicals are plant and fish safe and keep the water clean and clear by killing the existing algae blooms while controlling the growth of new blooms. String algae, hair algae, single-cell algae and blanket weed can cause trouble in a pond but these chemicals work well to control the problem.
  
  

White Scale

• White scale and lime build-up occur on statuary, fountains, waterfalls and related structures. White scale chemicals break down this buildup over time. These products are not typically recommended for ponds containing live aquatic plants or fish. Speak to an aquatic professional for advice on cleaning white scale from rocks and water fixtures when your pond contains fish.
  
  

Water Treatments

• You can use water treatment products to neutralize ammonia, chlorine and chloramines that often appear in pond water. Ammonia occurs naturally in any pond that contains fish, while chloramines and chlorine can appear in many city water supplies. Treat your pond water before introducing fish and aquatic to balance the water chemistry and give the fish a fighting chance at thriving. Add these products to the pond with water changes and when introducing new plants or fish to the pond as well.