How do I maintain my pond?

• <div><p>To maintain your pond, you’ll need to occasionally <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-clean-your-backyard-koi-pond.htm">clean your backyard pond</a>, especially if you have koi fish. Test the water twice a week to make sure your fish have everything they need and always remove visible debris.</p></div>

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Q: How much is pond maintenance?

• <div><p>One reason you may want to fill in your pond is the cost of maintenance. Pond cleaning may cost about $1,000 for an annual cleanup, or monthly visits may cost $75 to $100 per visit. If you don&rsquo;t want to spend that much per year on pond upkeep, you may consider filling in your pond.</p></div>

Q: How many fish can live in my pond?

• <div><p>How many fish can call your pond home depends on the volume of the pond and the fish size. Your pond's filtration system also influences the number of fish that will thrive in a pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish for every square foot in a pond that's 2 feet deep. Another rule of thumb you can follow is to have one koi fish for every 200 gallons of water or two goldfish for every 200 gallons. </p></div>

Q: How do you care for a koi pond?

• <div><p>Though there are a lot of factors that go into caring for a koi pond, the most important maintenance you can do is frequent water checks using a koi pond test strip that checks the water for dangerous conditions. In addition to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pond-maintenance-cost.htm">regular pond maintenance costs</a>, you&rsquo;ll also need to winterize your koi pond if you live in a colder area.</p></div>

Q: How do I maintain my pond?

• <div><p>To maintain your pond, you&rsquo;ll need to occasionally <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-clean-your-backyard-koi-pond.htm">clean your backyard pond</a>, especially if you have koi fish. Test the water twice a week to make sure your fish have everything they need and always remove visible debris.</p></div>

Q: Should a water feature be in the sun or shade?

• <div><p>Placing your water feature in direct sun can speed up evaporation, leading to pump damage and algae growth. Shade or partial shade serves as the ideal location for most water features&mdash;just watch out for tree and plant debris that may fall in and clog the pump. </p></div>

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First State Ponds and Fountains

4.73(

)

•Approved Pro

First State Ponds and Fountains

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

11 years of experience

Our mission is to be a provider that brings back the personal touch with our customers. We will build a relationship that will last a lifetime after you see our quality work. As a locally owned and operated business we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. We won't leave until the job is done right! Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Erik from First State Ponds, and I can't recommend him enough. Erik traveled all the way from Delaware to Maryland to service my pond, which was having persistent issues with murky water. Before connecting with Erik, I had already been advised by another company to purchase a specific filter and pump. Thankfully, I found First State Ponds just in time. Erik took the time to explain that while the recommended filter might clear my water, it would require constant maintenance. He suggested a different filter and a stronger pump, but he was also willing to install the one I had already purchased if I preferred. After some consideration, I decided to take his advice and returned the original filter to have him install his recommended system. After struggling with murky water all summer, l admit, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn't sure that anything would truly work. But Erik's recommendation exceeded even his own predictions. Within just two days, the water was crystal clear! I didn't really think that was possible. There were a few challenges during installation and I admit this was 100% due to a few things I had set up prior to meeting Erik. But he handled them seamlessly, troubleshooting as needed. For the issues that couldn't be addressed that day, Erik provided me with helpful suggestions on how to finish the job myself. While I initially found the price a little high, after seeing the fantastic results, answering my many questions (including a few the following day), and delivering on everything he promised, I can confidently say he earned every cent. If you're looking for quality service, prompt responses, and impressive results, I highly recommend First State Ponds. Erik and his team are truly top-notch."

Q S on September 2025

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Erik from First State Ponds, and I can't recommend him enough. Erik traveled all the way from Delaware to Maryland to service my pond, which was having persistent issues with murky water. Before connecting with Erik, I had already been advised by another company to purchase a specific filter and pump. Thankfully, I found First State Ponds just in time. Erik took the time to explain that while the recommended filter might clear my water, it would require constant maintenance. He suggested a different filter and a stronger pump, but he was also willing to install the one I had already purchased if I preferred. After some consideration, I decided to take his advice and returned the original filter to have him install his recommended system. After struggling with murky water all summer, l admit, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn't sure that anything would truly work. But Erik's recommendation exceeded even his own predictions. Within just two days, the water was crystal clear! I didn't really think that was possible. There were a few challenges during installation and I admit this was 100% due to a few things I had set up prior to meeting Erik. But he handled them seamlessly, troubleshooting as needed. For the issues that couldn't be addressed that day, Erik provided me with helpful suggestions on how to finish the job myself. While I initially found the price a little high, after seeing the fantastic results, answering my many questions (including a few the following day), and delivering on everything he promised, I can confidently say he earned every cent. If you're looking for quality service, prompt responses, and impressive results, I highly recommend First State Ponds. Erik and his team are truly top-notch."

Q S on September 2025

Fountains questions, answered by experts

One reason you may want to fill in your pond is the cost of maintenance. Pond cleaning may cost about $1,000 for an annual cleanup, or monthly visits may cost $75 to $100 per visit. If you don’t want to spend that much per year on pond upkeep, you may consider filling in your pond.

How many fish can call your pond home depends on the volume of the pond and the fish size. Your pond's filtration system also influences the number of fish that will thrive in a pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish for every square foot in a pond that's 2 feet deep. Another rule of thumb you can follow is to have one koi fish for every 200 gallons of water or two goldfish for every 200 gallons.

Though there are a lot of factors that go into caring for a koi pond, the most important maintenance you can do is frequent water checks using a koi pond test strip that checks the water for dangerous conditions. In addition to regular pond maintenance costs, you’ll also need to winterize your koi pond if you live in a colder area.

To maintain your pond, you’ll need to occasionally clean your backyard pond, especially if you have koi fish. Test the water twice a week to make sure your fish have everything they need and always remove visible debris.

Placing your water feature in direct sun can speed up evaporation, leading to pump damage and algae growth. Shade or partial shade serves as the ideal location for most water features—just watch out for tree and plant debris that may fall in and clog the pump.

The Ridgely, MD homeowners’ guide to fountain services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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