A koi pond can be quite a challenge to clean if you are unsure how to do it properly. But with a few adjustments to your routine and a little patience, you will find it isn’t quite the monumental task you first believed it to be.

I have laid out a step-by-step routine you can follow to clean your koi pond in a quick and efficient manner. By following this method you will be doing it properly and safely (for both you and the fish). You will also be able to save money by not having to hire anyone to clean your pond for you.

The first step is to find an old kid’s swimming pool or aquarium to put your koi in. Make sure you don’t place them in the sun. Be sure to fill the tank or swimming pool with water from the pond, using your sump pump.

Now find a place where you can safely drain the water from the pond. Then be sure to place the pump in a basket to keep debris and fish from getting caught in the pump’s filter. If your pond is dirty, then be sure to clean the basket and the bottom of your sump pump to keep the filter clean. This will protect your pump and also allow the water to pump out much faster.

While the pond is draining, you will want to clean the waterfall and skimmer pads, along with the media filters. Simply spraying them with a hose should suffice. You can then use a dry rag to remove any leftover debris.

Once the pond is drained about half way, you will want to remove your koi. Be sure the tank or swimming pool has enough water to keep them submerged. You will also want to try and place a cover over them to prevent the koi from jumping out.

The next step is to remove the plants and decorations from the pond. You can squirt these down with a hose to remove and lose debris that may be on them.

Now using a pressure nozzle from your hose, you will want to spray out the pond. Be sure to remove and leftover gravel or debris with a wet-dry vac.

Now it’s time to put back your decorations and plants, then to start filling the pond back up. Be sure to add some de-chlorinator evenly throughout the pond.

Finally, place the fish back into the koi pond. Now you have a nice, clean pond for them to enjoy!