That Pond Guy

09/11/2026

Back to basics🪏

This spring fed pond was in dire need of saving! Our customer Sarah got in touch with us back in August to see what we could do to help. Brad, Bill and Syd spent a few days here, stripping it back to how it was before the swamp. From dumpers and diggers, to rakes and strimmers, the team were on all of the tools for this one.

Although this isn’t the most beautiful transformation, this is the perfect example of the variety of work that comes our way.

So tell us, do you have a challenging pond you may need some help with?

04/11/2026

Leaves collecting on your pond before you can get the net out? A skimmer can help catch floating debris before it sinks, but it needs to suit the pond and the way the water moves.

We would start by checking the water surface area, where leaves gather and how easily you can reach the collection basket. Pond volume on its own does not tell you which skimmer to choose.

The pump arrangement matters too. A SwimSkim 25 has its own pump, while an AquaSkim 20 or 40 needs a suitable separate filter pump. A wall skimmer needs its water level, pipework and access planned into the installation. Check the exact model instructions before buying.

Emptying the basket is still part of the job. A skimmer makes surface cleaning easier; it does not replace the rest of the pond's cleaning or filtration.

Our guide covers the different types, positioning, pump connections, cleaning and running costs, with a few common problems to check before buying a larger unit.

Have a read here:
https://www.thatpondguy.co.uk/pond-skimmer-guide/

01/11/2026

Not sure which basket your pond plants need, or how deep to put them?

We clean and plant ponds as well as supplying the plants, and the basket needs to work for both the plant and the pond. It should sit securely, give the roots suitable room and be somewhere you can reach when it needs attention.

One important check is the water above the plant. A shelf 35cm below the surface does not leave 35cm of water above the crown once a planted basket is standing on it. Basket height and any support change that measurement.

Our new guide explains how to choose the shape and size, when a liner is useful, and how compost, gravel and surface dressing differ. We also cover repotting, feeding and protecting planting from koi.

This photograph is from our Borough Green pond clean while the water level was still low. It shows the baskets during refilling, rather than their final planting depth.

Read the full guide here:
https://www.thatpondguy.co.uk/how-to-plant-pond-plants-in-baskets/

29/10/2026

Our building team has been busy in West Sussex…

Our customer Justin got in touch with us to install and maintain an upgraded filtration system for his amazing pond. As you can see from the before and after pics, this is some transformation. Harvey, Simon and Jacob worked so hard to get this job done and the final product is most definitely rewarding (the victory Costa trip definitely helped😂).

With a clean and new filtration system, this pond is looking brand new. Are you in need of some new filtration equipment or need some advice on what’s next for your pond? Contact us! 🐠

27/10/2026

Well this feels a bit scary (and perhaps even a little self-indulgent), but I thought it might be nice to share the story of how I turned a silly little hobby into a business.

All the long days and sleepless nights are finally paying off…

23/10/2026

The waterfall and stream of dreams…

We recently had the pleasure of transforming this stunning waterfall by Fibreglassing and adding Kent Ragstone. With fibreglassing, you never have to worry about a leaky liner again, this is your permanent fix.

Our customer Mark’s waterfall had been out of action for quite some time and decided it needed a revamp, so Mark got in contact with us. Brad, Bill and Tyrone done a fantastic job creating this amazing feature and as you can see, a revamp was definitely achieved.

19/10/2026

Why is the pond still green when the UV is switched on?

It is a question we get asked, and buying a bigger unit is not always the answer. An old lamp, a dirty quartz sleeve or too much water passing through the unit can all be worth checking first.

We have put together a guide to choosing and looking after a pond UV, including how it fits with your filter, why the fish or koi rating matters, and what to check before ordering a replacement lamp. There are examples from our own filter installations as well as a look at separate inline units and larger systems.

A UV helps with suspended algae that turns the water green. It does not remove blanketw**d attached to the sides, replace biological filtration or make unhealthy water safe for fish.

You can read the guide here:
https://www.thatpondguy.co.uk/pond-uv-clarifier-guide/

16/10/2026

Choosing koi food? The protein percentage on the bag is only one thing to look at.

We would start with the fish you keep, the water temperature and a pellet size they can manage. Then read the directions for the exact recipe. A growth food, a wheatgerm food and a colour food are made for different uses, even when they come from the same brand.

Ingredients matter too. If you want to compare fishmeal, poultry or insect ingredients, look at the full recipe rather than relying on a name on the front of the bag.

An automatic feeder can help split the daily food into smaller meals. Remember to count any food you give by hand as part of that same daily amount, and watch whether the fish finish what you put in.

Our koi food guide covers those choices, seasonal feeding, pellet sizes and comparing value. It includes Matt’s own long-standing feeding routine, alongside JPD, Burtons, Evolution Aqua and the other ranges we sell. His choice is personal experience, rather than a claim that one brand is best for every pond.

Have a read here:

Choose koi food with practical advice on ingredients, wheatgerm, growth foods, pellet sizes and value, plus Matt's own seasonal feeding routine.

16/10/2026

Putting oxygenating plants in your pond? They do not all need planting in the same way.

Hornwort is rootless, so it does not need a basket of compost. Willow moss can attach to stone, while spiked water milfoil can root into suitable substrate. It is worth checking whether you are buying weighted bunches or a rooted pot, as they need different handling.

Depth matters, but so does the light reaching the leaves. A sunny pond can still be quite shaded underwater once lilies and other plants spread across the surface.

We have put together a guide to choosing and caring for these plants, with real photographs and practical examples for depth and quantity. It also explains thinning, winter dieback and protecting planting where fish disturb it.

One thing to remember: submerged plants produce oxygen in daylight, but a stocked fish pond still needs suitable filtration and aeration.

Read the guide here:

Choose oxygenating pond plants for your UK pond. Our pond team explains hornwort, planting depth, baskets, thinning and winter care, with practical advice.

23/05/2026

That Pond Guy and Son 🥹