Pond Cleaning Services

We recommend at least one full cleanout per year, ideally in the spring, to reset your pond after winter. Many homeowners also schedule a fall cleanout/shut down to prevent leaves and sludge from breaking down over the colder months. Skipping cleanouts may save time now, but it almost always leads to water clarity issues, algae blooms, and added maintenance later.

Our cleanouts are more than just scooping out leaves. We carefully move and hold your fish, fully drain the pond, and remove all organic debris from the bottom and rockwork. Then we rinse and reset the pond, clean filter pads and skimmer baskets, and inspect your pumps, plumbing, and lighting. Finally, we refill, dechlorinate, and reintroduce your fish safely. It’s a full reset of your pond’s ecosystem — not just a surface-level tidy up.

Pond cleanouts look simple, but they’re easy to get wrong. Moving fish improperly can stress or harm them. Using the wrong cleaning methods can damage beneficial bacteria or even your liner. And missing hidden clogs or leaks can mean expensive repairs later. As experienced pond professionals, we know how to protect your fish, preserve your ecosystem, and spot problems before they become costly. When you hire LWI Designs, you’re not just getting labor, you’re getting expertise.

Yes. We handle koi and other ornamental fish with care during every cleanout. Fish are safely transferred into aerated holding tanks while we clean, ensuring proper oxygen and temperature levels. Once the pond is refilled and treated, we carefully acclimate them back to the water. Our process is designed to minimize stress and keep your pond’s most important residents safe.

Skipping cleanouts allows sludge and organic debris to build up, which releases ammonia and other harmful gases as it decomposes. This stresses fish, clogs filters, and fuels algae blooms that turn your pond green. Over time, the buildup can damage pumps, shorten equipment lifespan, and even lead to foul odors that make your pond less enjoyable. A neglected pond can quickly go from a relaxing retreat to a costly repair project.

Yes. We specialize in koi pond cleaning but also maintain smaller ornamental fish ponds and decorative water gardens. Each type of pond has unique needs, and we tailor our cleaning approach accordingly. Koi ponds, for example, require deeper cleanouts to maintain water quality and protect fish health, while ornamental ponds benefit from lighter but more frequent debris removal.

Absolutely. A cleanout is the perfect time to evaluate your pond for upgrades. Many clients use cleanouts as a chance to replace old pumps, add new filtration systems, adjust rockwork, or improve circulation. We can recommend the best solutions for keeping your pond clearer and easier to maintain long-term.

We’re based in Downers Grove, IL and serve homeowners throughout the greater Chicago suburbs, including Naperville, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Schaumburg, and Aurora. If you’re looking for an experienced local pond professional who understands Midwest weather and seasonal challenges, LWI Designs is your trusted partner.