A beautifully designed pond should be a peaceful focal point where water glistens, fish thrive, and the surrounding landscape comes to life. But when your pond turns murky, starts to smell, or develops a thick green layer of algae, it quickly becomes more of a liability than a luxury.
Whether you’re a homeowner, HOA manager, or property owner in areas like Cherry Hills Village or Greenwood Village, a neglected pond in need of pond cleaning can damage your property’s curb appeal, pose health and safety concerns, and even violate local environmental codes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why ponds turn green, smelly, or cloudy, what these symptoms really mean, and how to restore your pond to a clean, thriving centerpiece with professional support.
What’s Causing the Algae, Murk, and Odor?
Let’s start with the obvious: if your pond looks or smells off, it probably is. Here are the three main signs something’s wrong and what may be behind them.
1. Algae Overgrowth
If your pond has turned bright green, has floating mats of slime, or looks like pea soup, you’re likely dealing with algae blooms.
Common causes include:
- Excess nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers or runoff)
- Stagnant water with poor circulation
- Direct sunlight exposure with no shade or cover
- Imbalanced pond ecosystems
Not all algae are bad, but when they grow out of control, they can deprive your pond of oxygen, harm fish and plants, and create an unpleasant visual experience for anyone nearby.
2. Murky, Cloudy Water
Cloudy pond water isn’t just unattractive — it’s often a sign of suspended solids, decaying organic matter, or high bacterial activity.
Possible causes:
- Sediment runoff from landscaping or surrounding hardscaping
- Decaying leaves, fish waste, or plant debris building up at the bottom
- Poor filtration or broken pumps
- Overpopulation of fish or inadequate ecosystem balance
Murky water can interfere with natural light, prevent plant photosynthesis, and create conditions for future algae blooms or bacterial imbalances.
3. Unpleasant Odors
Ponds that smell like rotten eggs, sulfur, or sewage are likely suffering from anaerobic conditions, which occur when oxygen levels in the water are too low to support healthy microbial activity.
This often happens when:
- Sludge or organic debris builds up over time
- Algae or fish die off and aren’t removed
- Circulation is poor, causing the water to go stagnant
This is unpleasant for residents and visitors, but it can also attract pests and lead to bigger environmental problems.
Why Decorative Ponds Need Regular Maintenance
While retention ponds are designed primarily for function, decorative ponds in luxury neighborhoods or commercial properties serve another critical purpose: aesthetics. But beauty requires care.
Without regular maintenance, even a well-designed pond can quickly become a breeding ground for algae, insects, and odors.
Neglect Can Lead To:
- Erosion of the surrounding landscaping
- Complaints or violations from HOAs or city inspectors
- Damaged pumps and filtration systems
- Declining property values
Routine cleaning and upkeep help your pond do what it was designed to do — add value, serenity, and beauty to your space.
How to Get a Pond Back in Shape
If your pond is already struggling, here’s how to restore its health, beauty, and balance.
1. Schedule a Full Pond Cleaning
This is more than just scooping out leaves. A professional pond cleaning involves:
- Draining the pond (if necessary)
- Removing sludge, algae, and debris buildup
- Inspecting pumps, filters, skimmers, and liners
- Cleaning or replacing filtration media
- Gently handling fish and aquatic plants
- Refilling and balancing water chemistry
At Biolein, our high-end pond cleanouts are designed to revive both function and appearance, without cutting corners.
2. Test and Balance Water Quality
Imbalanced water pH, hardness, or nutrient levels can lead to murky water and algae growth. We test:
- pH and alkalinity
- Ammonia and nitrate levels
- Dissolved oxygen
- Temperature and clarity
This helps us fine-tune your pond for optimal ecosystem health.
3. Improve Circulation and Filtration
A stagnant pond is a struggling pond. We inspect, repair, or upgrade:
- Pumps and circulation systems
- Biological and mechanical filters
- Skimmers and UV clarifiers
In some cases, adding a small aerator or waterfall can dramatically improve water movement and oxygen levels, helping your pond self-regulate more effectively.
4. Manage Algae the Right Way
Rather than overusing harsh chemicals, we take a balanced, eco-conscious approach to algae control:
- Manual removal
- Shading with aquatic plants or pond dyes
- Bacterial treatments or natural algaecides
- Preventative nutrient control
If you have fish, we also ensure treatments are non-toxic and safe for aquatic life.
Preventing Pond Problems Before They Start
Once your pond is clean and healthy, the next step is keeping it that way. Preventative maintenance is far more affordable and far less stressful than emergency restoration.
Tips for Long-Term Pond Health:
- Schedule seasonal cleanouts (spring and fall are ideal)
- Trim nearby plants and trees to reduce debris
- Avoid overfeeding fish or overstocking your pond
- Add natural shade with water lilies or floating plants
- Have your equipment inspected annually
- Work with a professional for complex or decorative systems
Serving Cherry Hills, Greenwood Village, and Beyond
At Biolein, we understand the level of detail and discretion required when working on high-end properties and HOA-managed communities. Our team provides professional, white-glove service for clients who expect:
- Clear communication
- Respect for your property
- Experienced technicians
- Beautiful, measurable results
Whether you’re restoring a backyard koi pond or managing decorative fountains across an HOA, we’ll help you maintain water features that reflect the quality of your community.
Don’t Let Your Pond Turn Into a Problem
If your pond is green, murky, or emits a smell that keeps people away, it’s time to act. The longer you wait, the more costly and complicated the fix will become.
The good news is that with expert cleaning and ongoing care, your pond can quickly transform from eyesore to showpiece.Need help restoring or maintaining your decorative pond? Biolein is Denver’s trusted partner for high-end pond care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s bring your pond back to life.
