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Like anything else in the world filled with water, fish ponds, unfortunately, are susceptible to leaks. If your pond is losing water you first need to determine whether or not the cause is a leak. Remember, not all pond water loss can be attributed to pond leaks. If you do determine that leaks are the cause of your pond’s water loss you will need to first locate it and then repair it using a sealant, such as PondPro. Is Your Pond Actually Leaking? Just because your pond is losing water doesn’t necessarily mean that it is leaking. In many cases a pond may appear to be leaking when in reality it is not; it is important to keep in mind that pond water levels will naturally fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including temperature, humidity, and surrounding vegetation. Ponds naturally loose water to the surrounding soil, a process known as seepage. This is especially true of backyard ponds that have an earthen bottom, as opposed to a pond liner or concrete base. Trees in close proximity can accelerate this seepage process, especially water-loving trees such as willow trees or maple trees. Evaporation is also a common culprit when it comes to pond water loss, especially when the weather is hot and dry. In fact, on a warm, breezy summer day a pond can lose up to one-quarter of an inch of water. However, seepage and evaporation rarely account for water loss more than twelve inches per a month, even in incredibly hot, dry weather. Therefore, if you notice a water loss greater than this, you need to be on the lookout for a leak. The Next Step: Finding The Leak When searching for pond leaks the drainage pipe and outlet structures are a good place to start. These pieces of equipment are often prone to rust and corrosion, which can cause leaking. If this isn’t the source, the pond liner is likely to blame. Pay attention to the pattern of water loss. Does the pond water level rapidly fall to a certain point and then taper off? If so, pay attention to the point of tapering. If you do have a leak in the liner, the leak will likely fall somewhere right above this point. When searching for pond leaks, also pay attention to the soil around the pond. If you notice a particularly damp patch of soil or can see the development of water-loving plants, such as cattails, in a certain area, the leak is likely close nearby. PondPro: The Best Way To Deal With Leaks Lastly, once you have found the leak you need to seal it. When it comes to choosing sealants, the best option is probably PondPro, made from EPDM, a form of liquid rubber. Impervious to UV-rays, 100% waterproof and resistant to extreme temperature fluctuations EPDM is incredibly durable and has an incredibly long lifespan. Furthermore, it is also incredibly easy to apply, requiring only one coat, and is not toxic to either plants or fish.
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