Revitalize Your Outdoor Space with Expert Backyard Pond Maintenance Services in Rochester, NY1/1/2025
Revitalize Your Outdoor Space with Expert Backyard Pond Maintenance Services in Rochester, NY  Why Backyard Pond Maintenance is Essential for Your Water Feature Your backyard pond is more than just a decorative element; it’s the heart of your outdoor living space. Regular maintenance ensures it remains a beautiful, functional centerpiece while protecting your investment. At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we specialize in backyard pond maintenance services in Rochester, NY, and surrounding areas, ensuring your water feature stays in pristine condition year-round. With over two decades of experience, we’re Monroe County’s trusted experts for pond cleaning, filter upgrades, waterfall repairs, and full pond renovations.
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Pond Issues | Pond Solutions |
When Is The Best Time To Update My Pond?
The best time to update an existing pond is while it is drained and cleaned. After making the necessary adjustments, the pond will have to be cleaned anyway. If you have any fish, Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will safely remove and store them in holding tanks while the work is getting done.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning & maintenance
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
- Is Wetland Filtration Right For My Koi Pond?
- What Is The Importance Of Cleaning My Fish Pond This Spring?
- Can Critters Cause Damage To My Pond?
- How Do You Get Rid Of Pond Algae?
- What Is An Exploratory Pond Cleaning?
- Beautiful New Koi Pond Installation 2021!
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Most Common Pond - Water Feature Problems We've Had To Fix | Rochester New York | NY
Would you like to save a lot of money, time and headaches on your new project? Of course, who wouldn't right?
Over the past 20+ years customers have come to us with all kinds of water feature problems throughout the Rochester New York area and beyond. An improperly designed waterfall can cause a great deal of water loss, or it may just look unnatural and need a face lift or rejuvenation.
It's sad but true, our primary business is refurbishing and maintaining existing ponds to make them function properly. Some of these ponds installed by other "professional" pond installers or landscapers leave little to be desired, and loads of problems that drive people crazy and force them to look for help.
If you are thinking to hire a professional, please be sure to research your contractor first. This could save a lot of frustration down the road.
We've been hired numerous times to re-do a pond that was recently built. Water features are meant to help you relax and enjoy them, not get you frustrated.
Over the past 20+ years customers have come to us with all kinds of water feature problems throughout the Rochester New York area and beyond. An improperly designed waterfall can cause a great deal of water loss, or it may just look unnatural and need a face lift or rejuvenation.
It's sad but true, our primary business is refurbishing and maintaining existing ponds to make them function properly. Some of these ponds installed by other "professional" pond installers or landscapers leave little to be desired, and loads of problems that drive people crazy and force them to look for help.
If you are thinking to hire a professional, please be sure to research your contractor first. This could save a lot of frustration down the road.
We've been hired numerous times to re-do a pond that was recently built. Water features are meant to help you relax and enjoy them, not get you frustrated.
SOME OF OUR MOST COMMON WATER GARDEN ISSUES THAT WE HAVE HEARD OVER THE LAST 20+ YEARS
- Pond Is Too Small
- String Algae Is Taking Over
- Too Much Sludge Or Muck On The Bottom
- I Can"t See Or Hear It From The House
- My Fish Are Dying Or Disappearing
- My Aquatic Pond Plants Are Not Blooming
- My Pond Is Leaking
- My Water Garden Has Green Water
- My Koi Pond Pump Is Clogging Up All The Time
- No Waterfalls Or Stream
- My Waterfall Pond Is unsightly or does not look natural
- No Filtration System
- Insufficient Lighting
- Too Much Work To Maintain
- Pond Safety Problems Of Unstable Rocks Along The Edges
- No Shallows For Birds To Drink Or Take Baths
- My Recirculating Pump Is Burning Out
- My Pond Was Built By Another Contractor And He Won't Come Back To Repair It
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning & maintenance
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
- Is Wetland Filtration Right For My Koi Pond?
- What Is The Importance Of Cleaning My Fish Pond This Spring?
- Can Critters Cause Damage To My Pond?
- How Do You Get Rid Of Pond Algae?
- What Is An Exploratory Pond Cleaning?
- Beautiful New Koi Pond Installation 2021!
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
The "Blue Mind" |Water-gardening| Rochester|New York|NY
Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols coined the term “blue mind" to refer to the calm, peaceful sense of happiness that is triggered by being in or near water.
Being around water gives our overstimulated brains and senses a rest. Creativity thrives in this relaxed state, as the brain is able to make new and unusual connections because it is not overly distracted by visual and auditory stimulation.
So get outside near your pond and relax!
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning & maintenance
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
What Is An Ecosystem Pond?|Rochester|New York|NY
The basic goal behind an ecosystem pond is to take an otherwise closed body of water and turn it into its own thriving Rochester (NY) mini “ecosystem.” In nature, streams and rivers and the resulting pools of water along the way are constantly renewed with fresh, clean water, allowing them to support life while flushing toxins away down the stream.
Unless you are lucky enough to be blessed with a natural stream or source of water on your property, you won’t have the luxury of a naturally renewing water source. You have to find another way to keep your pond water clean and free of toxins. Through proper planning and the selection of appropriate filtration equipment, this is actually easier to accomplish than you might imagine.
A complete ecosystem pond consists of a biological filter and skimmer which combine to form a unique filtration system. Other necessary components are pond liner and underlayment, a re-circulating pump and plumbing, rocks and gravel, aquatic plants, fish and beneficial bacteria.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities.
Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities.
Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning & maintenance
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas
Planning A Pond Renovation?
What Should I do with my Pond in the Fall?
Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Pond Renovation
Koi Pond Installation Project Showcase Michelle & George
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
How To Get Pond Fish To Eat Out of Your Hand|Rochester|New York|NY
Want your fish to eat out of your hand?
The key is to be consistent, Feed your fish at the same time each day and from the same spot. After a few weeks in your pond, they will be conditioned to you feeding them. After a complete season, you will have them eating out of your hand.
Give Your Pond or Water Feature Some Much Needed Care!
Outdoor ponds and water features require routine maintenance for ongoing performance, functionality, and enjoyment.
Relax and reap the benefits of your water garden while Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls handle all the upkeep. From seasonal maintenance, leak detection, water clarity issues to rejuvenations Acorn can help.
Some Helpful Links:
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Pond Damage (Leaks) By Mice, Rodents & Chipmunks | Rochester | New York | NY
Have you noticed you are losing water in your Rochester (NY) pond or water feature? Sometimes what you think is a leak is really a rodent issue! Check around your feature (including in back of it) occasionally for any rodent activity.
They can undermine your equipment, and even chew through liner and plumbing, causing some major damage.
They can undermine your equipment, and even chew through liner and plumbing, causing some major damage.
Give Your Pond or Water Feature Some Much Needed Care!
Outdoor ponds and water features require routine maintenance for ongoing performance, functionality, and enjoyment.
Relax and reap the benefits of your water garden while Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls handle all the upkeep. From seasonal maintenance, leak detection, water clarity issues to rejuvenations Acorn can help.
Some Helpful Links:
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Why Are My Koi Eating My Pond Plants|Rochester|New York|NY
It could be that they are hungry! The first item to note is how many fish you have. If the fish are competing for food, they will eat everything they can get a hold of... including your plants.
If you have the proper ratio of fish (one inch per square foot) and they are still eating your plants, try feeding them a little more fish food. Fish much prefer fish food and pellets to plants, and if given the opportunity, will eat the fish food instead.
And finally, keep in mind that koi are inquisitive fish and explore their surroundings with their mouths. If you catch them rooting around the base of your waterlilies, try using larger rocks around the base of the plant so the fish can’t move them and destroy the planting
It could be that they are hungry! The first item to note is how many fish you have. If the fish are competing for food, they will eat everything they can get a hold of... including your plants.
If you have the proper ratio of fish (one inch per square foot) and they are still eating your plants, try feeding them a little more fish food. Fish much prefer fish food and pellets to plants, and if given the opportunity, will eat the fish food instead.
And finally, keep in mind that koi are inquisitive fish and explore their surroundings with their mouths. If you catch them rooting around the base of your waterlilies, try using larger rocks around the base of the plant so the fish can’t move them and destroy the planting
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities.
Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning & maintenance
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
Can Warm Temperatures Have An Impact On My Koi Fish Or Pond?
It’s July in Rochester (NY) and the summer heat may have you questioning the water temperature in your koi pond. Although Koi can survive in up to 90 degrees F. it doesn’t mean they’re healthy at that temperature.
Make sure your pond has plenty of circulation and oxygenation with waterfalls and/or deep aeration to protect your fish from the heat.
Make sure your pond has plenty of circulation and oxygenation with waterfalls and/or deep aeration to protect your fish from the heat.
How Will Aeration Help My Pond?
The addition of deep aeration in the summer will help turn over the entire pond including warm surface temperatures and cool bottom temperatures which will help cool the pond.
Once summer is over, the aeration system should be changed to shallow water. This will help keep an opening in the ice and provide a slightly warmer temperature for your fish on the pond bottom.
Waterfall aeration will help add oxygen to the pond encouraging growth of beneficial bacteria which also helps keep the water clear.
Once summer is over, the aeration system should be changed to shallow water. This will help keep an opening in the ice and provide a slightly warmer temperature for your fish on the pond bottom.
Waterfall aeration will help add oxygen to the pond encouraging growth of beneficial bacteria which also helps keep the water clear.
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
New Koi Pond Installation|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
Project Showcase Of Michele & George's Backyard Koi Pond Oasis In Pittsford NY
We would like to share the transformation of this beautiful backyard retreat that includes a fish pond, stream, waterfalls and the addition of accent rocks & plants. With low maintenance in mind, we wanted to create an interactive water garden that would be fun for the whole family from both inside and out.
Check Out This 5 Star Review By The Homeowners of Their Experience of Working With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
"Tom turned a dream into reality. His vision, creativity and talent turned a shady patch of grass into a gorgeous pond, waterfall and stream. Such a pleasure to work with him and his team".
- Michele & George M.
Pittsford, New York (NY)
Google Review
- Michele & George M.
Pittsford, New York (NY)
Google Review
Thinking About Adding a Little Bit of Paradise to Your Backyard (or Front) ? We Would Love to Hear From You!
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Is Wetland Filtration Right For My Koi Pond|Rochester|NY|New York|near Me
Having water clarity problems or thinking about upgrading your Rochester NY pond? You may want to consider adding a wetland filter.
A constructed wetland or bog filter functions similar to biological filter (waterfall filter) except there is an up-flow system that recirculates the water underneath and a shallow, plant filled area with gravel to help bacteria colonization. It mimics a natural wetland and provides crystal clear water quality.
If wetland filtration was a car, think of it as the Tesla.
A constructed wetland or bog filter functions similar to biological filter (waterfall filter) except there is an up-flow system that recirculates the water underneath and a shallow, plant filled area with gravel to help bacteria colonization. It mimics a natural wetland and provides crystal clear water quality.
If wetland filtration was a car, think of it as the Tesla.
The addition of a properly installed constructed (bog) wetlands will make any pond look natural and beautiful. Did you know more plant and animal life is associated with natural wetlands than any ecosystem in the world? By adding a wetland you are not only improving your ponds health but also adding to the diversity of nature.
Constructed wetlands can be installed on new water gardens or added to an existing pond!
Constructed wetlands can be installed on new water gardens or added to an existing pond!
Check Out The Water Clarity Of A Wetland Filtration System On This 6' Deep Koi Pond!
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Some Helpful Links
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Algae Problems|Is There Too Much Algae?|Rochester|New York|NY
A Little Algae Is Good For A Pond
Before you panic upon seeing a buildup of algae in your Rochester (NY) pond, keep in mind that algae are a completely normal part of any organic pond ecosystem. A small amount of algae in your water feature is perfectly okay! In fact, it’s a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Pristine, over-treated water isn’t natural, nor is it good for your fish who enjoy snacking on algae that cling to rocks. Algae only become a problem when the growth becomes excessive and therefore difficult to manage.
An abundance of algae has a simple cause – too much sunlight and an overabundance of nutrient-rich water. That’s why a well-designed pond includes proper filtration to diminish the nutrients that contribute to the growth of algae. In addition, aquatic plants compete for the same food source as algae and can help control its growth. The main goal in keeping clear, healthy water is not to completely rid your pond of algae, but rather to keep it in balance with nature.
Pristine, over-treated water isn’t natural, nor is it good for your fish who enjoy snacking on algae that cling to rocks. Algae only become a problem when the growth becomes excessive and therefore difficult to manage.
An abundance of algae has a simple cause – too much sunlight and an overabundance of nutrient-rich water. That’s why a well-designed pond includes proper filtration to diminish the nutrients that contribute to the growth of algae. In addition, aquatic plants compete for the same food source as algae and can help control its growth. The main goal in keeping clear, healthy water is not to completely rid your pond of algae, but rather to keep it in balance with nature.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning & maintenance
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?
Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Pond Renovation
Koi Pond Installation Project Showcase Michelle & George
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?
Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Pond Renovation
Koi Pond Installation Project Showcase Michelle & George
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Can I Feed Fruit ToMy Koi?|Rochester|New York|NY
It can be fun, although not necessary to give your pond fish a summer snack from time to time (not more than once a week). Koi in particular will enjoy watermelon, grapefruit, orange slices, and even Honey Nut Cheerios.
Be sure the fish are active before feeding and only toss in a VERY small amount of any snack (the amount the fish can eat right away) since old food is not good for your pond. In particular, peas will sink to the bottom of the pond.
Some Helpful Links:
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
5 Critical Summer Fish Pond Tips
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Learn More About Pond Filtration Systems
Project Showcase Koi Pond Installation For Michelle & George
How to Attract Birds & Butterflies to Your Pond
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Summer Pond Maintenance|Rochester|New York|NY
As we approach summer in Rochester (NY), there are three things to remember about your water feature to keep a balanced ecosystem pond along with happy fish.
- Be sure to remove dying leaves and flowers before they have a chance to decay in warmer water.
- Aquatic plants such as water lilies help provide fish with shade from the heat of summer sun, cooling the water and making algae control easier too.
- if you feed your fish, feed them in the morning and be careful not to overfeed. Uneaten food decays faster in warmer water and can pollute the pond.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning, maintenance & upgrades
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- Pond - waterfall leak repair & rejuvenation
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
Small Backyard Pond Ideas
6 Tips for Designing a Koi Pond
Pond & Garden Lighting - Magic At Night
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is Adding Beneficial Bacteria Worth it?
Small Backyard Pond Ideas
6 Tips for Designing a Koi Pond
Pond & Garden Lighting - Magic At Night
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is Adding Beneficial Bacteria Worth it?
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
It It Good To Have Frogs In A Pond?|Rochester|New York|NY
While eating up insects in your Rochester (NY) backyard pond, frogs add to the diversity of species. By coexisting productively with plants, fish, insects and other wildlife, they help play a role in your pond's ecosystem.
As a matter of fact, the number of amphibians in your pond can be a good indicator of your pond's health!
If you are interested in drawing them to your backyard, you shouldn't have to try very hard. It's not unusual for frogs to show up in your ponds because ponds provide two things that frogs crave: water & food!
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
How To Measure Pond Water Level|Water Loss|Leaks|Rochester|New York|NY
If you think you might have a leak or just want to monitor the water level in your Rochester (NY) pond, looking at water lines on rocks is NOT an indication of water loss. Water wicks on rocks and varies, making it ebb and flow and not a good way to see if you are losing water.
For a good reference, check for something that is plastic, like your skimmer box. Plastic does not hold water and will be a much better way to assess any water loss. Inside the skimmer there is usually screws that could be used to mark the water level.
For a good reference, check for something that is plastic, like your skimmer box. Plastic does not hold water and will be a much better way to assess any water loss. Inside the skimmer there is usually screws that could be used to mark the water level.
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Author
Landscape Designer / Pond Contractor, Tom Warmerdam has been designing, installing & maintaining koi ponds, water features, patios, landscape lighting & creating outdoor living area paradises all around Rochester, New York (NY) for over 30 years. His company Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls was awarded by Aquascape Inc. as one of the top 100 in North America in 2014. He has been attending conferences at Aquascape headquarters every year since 2004 in Chicago, Ill to maintain his Certification(Certified Aquascape Contractor) status.
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