Most people know the challenges that snow and freezing temperatures can create with a pond and its inhabitants, but not everyone knows about the other weather extreme – heat.

During extended periods of high temperature, pond water can get pretty warm. Once the water temperature rises above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you may start to notice changes in your pond. Your fish might appear stressed out; gasping for air close to the water’s surface, and your plants might be looking a little forlorn.

What Happens to the Fish?

Warm water has a low capacity for holding oxygen, while cooler water can hold large amounts of oxygen. As the water becomes warmer, your fish become more active. That increased activity means the fish require more oxygen when less oxygen is available to them.

Fish aren’t the only pond inhabitants who increase their activity in warmer weather. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites also tend to increase which means diseases can spread quicker. Just like humans, stressed fish are more susceptible to diseases when they’re not feeling up to par. Since most pond owners stock their water gardens with cold water fish, it’s even more imperative to be aware if your pond is becoming uncomfortably warm.

Problems with Plants

Fish aren’t the only living things that can be negatively affected by warm water conditions. Your pond plants might start to show the effects of extreme heat. Water lettuce and water hyacinth can turn yellow and burn.  The pads of your prized hardy waterlily might also begin to turn a brownish color and start to decay. Since the leaves of a waterlily help shade the pond and keep it cooler, maintaining the plant’s health is a priority. Fortunately, it takes a long time for pond water to reach 80 degrees, and you have solutions available to assist with cooling.

Beating the Heat

Ponds with a depth of two feet or more have an advantage over shallower ponds, as the bottom of the pond will remain cooler and the fish can hang out at the lower depth.

Aquatic plants help cool a pond provided one-third to one-half of the pond’s surface area is covered. Waterlilies, mosaic plant, and water lettuce are all great options for shading the surface of your pond. Of course, natural overhead shade from trees, bushes, and even your house will help.

One of the most important parts of pond design is circulation. Your biological and mechanical filters should be placed across the pond from each other so that all areas of the pond are skimmed and the water circulated. A Pond Powerhead can be added to stagnant areas of the pond to help circulate water in dead zones.

Keep in mind that your waterfall or stream plays a huge role in the oxygenation of pond water. Oxygen enters the water when there is air and water interacting. Streams and waterfalls create turbulence which increases oxygen levels.

Cooling Off

You can use a pond thermometer to check the temperature of your pond water. If you find the water nearing 80 degrees, you can increase oxygen with a pond aerator. You can also perform a partial water change and add cooler water. Just remember to detoxify the pond after adding municipal water – for the safety of your fish. Some pond owners also opt to add pond dye during the summer to help keep the water cooler.

Keep in mind, you don’t need to take your pond’s temperature every day – especially if you have an ecosystem pond with proper circulation and filtration. Simply watch for tell-tale signs like fish gasping for air at the surface of the water or near a waterfall. That’s typically the first sign that the pond is overheated and needs oxygen.

Summer is a great time to enjoy your pond – and you may have noticed it’s also the coolest spot in your yard! Keep your fish and plants healthy, and you’ll enjoy a low-maintenance pond