As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves begin to fall, your pond may quickly become a resting place for nature’s seasonal display. However, leaving leaves to accumulate in the water can cause problems for your pond's health. Not only do decomposing leaves release excess nutrients that can lead to algae growth, but they also produce harmful gases as they break down, which can deplete oxygen levels and threaten the wellbeing of fish and plants. Regularly clearing leaves from your pond is essential to maintaining clear, healthy water and preventing costly maintenance down the line.

1) Using a pond net

A pond net is one of the simplest ways to skim leaves off the surface before they sink. Choose a net with a fine mesh to catch even the smallest leaves, and clear the surface every few days, especially if trees surround your pond. It’s a quick task that, when done regularly, can save you hours of deeper cleaning later on.

2) Using a pond skimmer

If you'd rather get a tool to do it for you, a pond skimmer is what you're looking for. 

The  Velda Ultra Skimmer is easy to set up and use - without tools. It will keep the surface of your pond free of leaves, twigs, and other floating debris. This is important to the delicate eco-balance of your pond, as over time such debris sinks to the bottom to form a sludge, which as well as making your pond murky can also be a nutrient source for algae.

The height of the Velda Ultra Skimmer can be adjusted by pulling out the flexible tube from a minimum depth of 1 metre to a maximum of 1.8 metres. It is suitable for a pump rate of between 5000 and 15000 litres per hour (pump not included). The base can be weighted with gravel or stones.

• Prevents eventual sludge build up
• Adjustable height from 1m to 1.8m
• Floating head (moves up or down with water level)
• Large removable debris collection bag
• suitable for a pump rate of 5000 to 15000 litres
• Base can be weighted down with gravel or stones for a stable installation
• Suitable for large ponds up to 100 m²

3. Cover Your Pond with a Protective Netting

If your pond is particularly susceptible to falling leaves, consider covering it with pond netting. Lightweight and easy to install, the netting keeps leaves from entering the water in the first place. Secure it around the pond’s edges and lift it periodically to clear off gathered leaves. This preventative measure can reduce the need for frequent skimming and help keep the water clear.

Clearing autumn leaves from your pond is essential for keeping the water clear and healthy throughout the cooler months. By taking simple steps, like using a pond net, setting up skimmers, or placing protective netting, you’ll keep murky water and algae growth at bay.