The hot weather and dry periods during summer are really tough on garden ponds and their delicate ecosystem. With heat and drying up of water, your water world is quite vulnerable and needs tender care.
Especially when you think of safeguarding wildlife and maintaining the pond liner,contact That Pond Guy, the trusted name in water feature maintenance. Their experience demonstrates how selecting the materials wisely, such as UV-resistant EPDM or butyl liners, can ward off leaks and cracks in extreme weather conditions.
Choose the Right Pond Liner
A quality liner is the foundation of a resilient pond.
Here is what to consider:
- Material Matters – Use EPDM or butyl rubber liners that are not sensitive to UV and changes in temperature. Avoid cheap PVC liners, which can crack in the heat.
- Underlay Protection – A thick underlay (200gsm fleece) should be used to protect the liner against sharp rocks and roots, as the dry soil tends to move, causing breakages more often when it becomes dry.
- Proper Sizing – Make sure your liner is overlapped (minimum of 1 metre) to allow varying levels of water without notching an edge.
Maintain Water Levels and Quality
Evaporation peaks during the summer, and prevention is vital:
- Top Up Carefully – Preferably use rainwater, as tap water has chlorine, which can kill fish and plants. Add slowly to prevent temperature shock.
- Shade the Surface – Water lilies or shade nets slow evaporation and algae because they lower exposure to sunlight.
- Aerate the Water – The pond is oxygenated by fountains or air pumps, critical to the survival of fish in the heat, where oxygen is reduced.
Protect Pond Wildlife
Ponds serve as a lifeline to animals in times of drought.
Support them with these steps:
- Create Shallow Zones – Animals (frogs and birds) can use gentle sloping edges to reach water safely. Install ramps or stones to give easy access and exit.
- Avoid Overcleaning – Leave algae and underwater plants; they are food and cover for insects and amphibians.
- Provide Refuge – Place log piles along the pond or clusters of rock as cool places to hide for wildlife.
Prevent Common Summer Pitfalls
Pond problems are worsened by heat, and some of these tricks can be used to assist:
- Algae Control – Use nutrients balanced with barley straw or good bacteria rather than stressful chemicals when water is warm.
- Check for Leaks – When water falls too fast, mend the liner. Small tears can be repaired with patch kits.
- Limit Fish Feeding – Fish metabolisms slow in heat. Do not feed too much, as waste would cause pollution of the water.
Long-Term Resilience
Preparing in advance makes your pond survive upcoming heat waves:
- Deepen the Design – Deep ponds (greater than 60cm deep) are cooler and evaporate more slowly.
- Plant Strategically – In dry periods, marginal plants such as irises ensure that the banks do not erode.
- Monitor Regularly – Measure pH and clarity of water weekly to detect problems early.
These measures will help keep your pond a lush oasis for plants and wildlife, even during the driest summers. Your aquatic ecosystem needs a bit of preparation to survive in hot temperatures.
