When you build a pond in Central Texas, you’re not just digging a hole, lining it, and filling it with water—you’re inviting the Hill Country into your backyard. That means limestone-rich water, blazing summers, live oak leaves in fall, and the occasional surprise critter. If your pond has ever gone murky or green, you’ve seen firsthand how quickly nature can take over.
At Stonebridge, we’ve learned that clarity comes down to balance—not a bottle of quick-fix chemicals. And in Austin’s climate, balance looks a little different than it does in other parts of the country. Here are some of the strategies we rely on:
Filtration That Can Handle Our Water
Our tap water is hard, heavy with minerals, and that affects how bacteria and plants perform. A strong skimmer, a pump that’s sized right, and a biological filter are non-negotiable here. Without circulation, the Texas sun turns a pond into soup in a matter of days.
Keep the Bottom Clean
Between spring pollen, oak tassels, and cedar debris, Austin ponds accumulate organic matter fast. If you don’t net in the fall or vacuum in the spring, you’ll have a sludge layer feeding algae all summer. A good cleanout once a year makes the rest of the season a breeze.
Shade and Plants Do the Heavy Lifting
Water lilies aren’t just pretty—they’re shade umbrellas for your pond, keeping temps cooler for fish and slowing algae growth. Marginal plants like pickerel and iris love soaking up nutrients that algae would otherwise feast on. We shoot for 40–60% plant coverage in summer; in our climate, it’s the sweet spot.
Beneficial Bacteria Are Your Best Friend
Austin ponds don’t need more chemicals—they need consistent bacteria treatments. Weekly dosing keeps excess nutrients in check, breaks down fish waste, and keeps that Hill Country water sparkling instead of soupy. We often recommend automatic dosing systems so you don’t have to think about it.
Fish Loads and Feeding
A little goes a long way. Too many koi or too much food equals ammonia, nitrites, and—you guessed it—algae. In a healthy pond, fish will happily graze on algae and natural food sources. Feed sparingly, especially during those triple-digit weeks.
The Bigger Picture
Clear water isn’t about one magic trick—it’s about designing a living system that works with nature, not against it. Once balance sets in, your pond won’t just look good; it’ll support fish, plants, and even the occasional thirsty raccoon or dragonfly.
That’s the kind of pond we love to build here in Central Texas: natural, resilient, and a joy to live with year-round.