Everything You Need To Know About A Pond Rake

Having a pond or lake on your property can be a wonderful thing. You can use this as a water source for various things such as irrigation, but a pond or lake is also great for stocked fishing. There are many pros, but there are also several cons. One of the biggest downsides to having a pond or lake is the upkeep. Of course, if you choose, you can leave the pond unattended, but this is a mistake generally speaking. When a pond is left unattended, the water becomes stagnant which will draw in various insects. It will also smother most of the water-dwelling creatures that reside within the waters which will not be pleasant in a myriad of different ways. Keep in mind that ponds and lakes are stationary, they do not have the ability to move and flow like other bodies of water. Because of this, the water does not have a way to filter itself the way others do which in turn means that you will have to take care of these things to keep the pond healthy. When caring for a pond, there are several things that must be done, but one of the primary steps is to keep the pond clear of algae and weeds. The best way to do this is with a device known as a pond rake. This is a fantastic device designed specifically for keeping a pond clean. It has two function functions. Here you will get to explore all of the different uses for a pond rake, where to buy one, and other useful information.

First, consider what a pond rake is used for. As previously stated, it has two functions. The first of these functions is skimming the top of the water to gather all of the weeds and algae that have gathered on the surface. The second function is dragging the bottom of the pond to uproot unwanted weeds. This rake has a similar design to what is often referred to as a fire rake. The head is larger with more tines and unlike a fire rake, this one has an elongated handle and generally an attached rope. The elongated handle is there so that you will be able to reach farther out into the pond when skimming the surface. The rope is there for when you want to clear the bottom of the pond. That way you can toss it out and pull it back by the rope. This is an incredibly simple to use tool that you will need to employ regularly so long as you have the pond.

Many people wonder if there is a specific method or technique that is supposed to be followed when using one of these rakes. The answer is no. You will learn to use it the way that works best for you. However, here are a few tips to help you get started. First, if you are skimming the surface, you need to determine exactly how far out into the pond you can reach using the handle fully extended and appropriately held. This will determine how you handle the process from here on out. If the pond is very small, you will most likely be able to reach the vast majority, if not all of the pond standing on the bank. As the size of the pond increases, you will need to consider different methods. For example, you may be able to walk the perimeter of the pond and reach most of the surface or you may have to employ the use of a boat. In this case, you will go slowly along the pond in a boat, preferably a rowboat and skim as you go. Make sure to follow all safety precautions.

The second use for a pond rake is clearing the bottom of the pond. This is where a rope will be an immense help. Many of these rakes come with a rope, but if yours did not, buy one before attempting to use it. Make sure to attach it in such a way that it will not slide off while the rake is in the water. if the handle is wooden, staples work very well to secure the rope. If you attempt to use glue, you will need to find something that is non-toxic and will not release in the water. Again, if your pond is quite small, you should be able to stand on one bank and clear the entire pond bottom, but the larger the pond is, the more creative you may have to be. One option for bigger ponds is to attach the rope to a boat and pull the rake around the pond that way. Another option, depending on terrain, is to throw the rake out and then attach the remaining end of the rope to the back of an ATV and drive around the perimeter of the pond. If none of these options work, you may need to look into a custom-made rake that will be able to handle your needs.

There are several different types of pond rake, there are ones that are versatile which can easily handle either function at any given time. Then there are ones designed primarily for skimming the surface. This model will likely not have a rope but will have an incredibly long handle. The next model is designed primarily for dragging the bottom of the pond. This model will have a slightly shorter handle and will include a rope. Each model will have a slightly different price tag attached to it, so be certain of what you need before making a purchase.
You can pick one of these rakes up at most lawn and garden stores, but they are also available through many online retailers. All you have to do to find what is available is search the term "pond rake" in your favorite search engine and viola. Keep in mind that different retailers will have different price ranges. Therefore, it is best to shop around a bit before committing to a single retailer. You never know when you are going to find a better price or a better overall retailer. These rakes generally cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on size, type, and where you buy from.