How to Convert a Traditional Pond into an Eco Pond

Want to trade in the maintenance routine required by most traditional backyard ponds? Converting it to a self-sustaining, eco-friendly pond is easier than you think. But it does require a few practical steps and a little know-how. We'll walk you through the process.

Why Convert to an Eco-Friendly Pond?

The beauty of an eco pond system is that it works with nature—not against it. This harmony creates a system where plants, wildlife, and even bacteria work together to:

• Improve water quality naturally, using beneficial bacteria and plants that absorb nitrates.
• Eliminate chemicals because plants naturally filter water.
• Minimize equipment needs associated with maintaining or replacing heavy-duty pumps and complex filters.
• Cut maintenance routines—no more vacuuming, adding chemicals, and fighting algae.

Making the Eco-Friendly Pond Conversion

Assessment & Planning

First things first: Is your traditional pond deep enough? Generally, we recommend that your pond be between 8 and 24 inches deep, with a mix of shallow and deep sections. This depth may vary, depending on whether you want to keep fish, focus on plants, or go all in and create a wildlife habitat.

You should also assess your equipment. Unlike traditional ponds that require big pumps and heavy-duty filters, eco-friendly pond equipment requirements are minimal. A small pump, for example, can reduce mosquitoes, improve oxygen levels, help with nutrient distribution, and prevent stagnation.

Natural Filtering Systems

Instead of just trapping debris, use beneficial bacteria and plants to remove contaminants naturally. There are a few ways to filter your eco pond system naturally:

• Create a natural filtration zone: A shallow area filled with gravel and populated with plants. When water flows through this zone, plant roots and bacteria clean it.
• Install a biofilter box: A box filled with materials like lava rock that help bacteria colonize and break down as water flows through it.
• Get strategic about plants: Ideally, you want to aim for 60-70% plant coverage to optimize filtration (we’ll tell you about the best plant options below).

Plant Selection

In terms of plant life, you have endless options.

• For floating plants, we recommend water hyacinth, water lettuce, duckweed, fairy moss, and floating fern.
• For plants with roots below the surface and leaves above it, opt for water iris, pickerelweed, taro, lilies, lotus, and watercress.
• For submerged plants, we suggest anacharis, hornwort, and fanwort.

Wildlife Integration

What’s an eco pond system without wildlife?

To attract birds, install perches, shallow bathing areas, and natural plants that produce seeds or berries. For beneficial insects, plant native wildflowers and long-blooming plants that provide a food source throughout the year. We love Koi, but they are not the only backyard fish. Goldfish, minnows, and even catfish are all options, depending on the size and depth of your eco-friendly pool.

Maintaining Your Eco Pond System

Once established and healthy, eco pond systems are relatively hands-off affairs. Rather than weekly chemical treatments, cleaning is generally seasonal.

In the spring, trim back excessive plant growth. If you have deciduous trees, remove any fallen leaves in autumn. Thanks to San Diego’s mild climate, winter maintenance typically consists of general monitoring and minimal cleanup.

The key to eco pond system maintenance is monitoring, not controlling it. Look for signs of imbalance and address them immediately. You may need to add beneficial bacteria (with supplements). And be sure to maintain proper plant coverage to avoid overgrowth or thinning.

Finally, while water testing will likely be unnecessary once your eco-friendly pond is established, we recommend frequent testing during the first year. Simple test kits for pH and ammonia can help you assess.

Make a Splash—Without the Hassle

While eco pond systems are relatively low-maintenance once they are established, you've likely determined by now that getting there requires a lot of research and careful planning. This is one among many reasons San Diego homeowners turn the task over to us. With over 20 years of experience, we'll help you avoid common eco pond challenges and create a thriving retreat. Contact us today!