Imagine this: you, a golf course superintendent, already have way too much to do this afternoon and not enough time to do it. Then, one of your crew members comes to tell you that the intake screen on the pond’s irrigation pump is clogged – again. This is the second time this week. What do you do? You and your crew don’t have the time to fix it. You can kick and scream, yell at your crew, or quit. Or, you could simply call AEC to take care of this headache for you – once and for all!
Golf Course Pond Problems
Golf course ponds are not immune to problems that plague every other pond around. In fact, unfortunately, the aesthetics of these golf course bodies of water are scrutinized more so than most. Irrigation ponds are held to an even higher standard than other ponds on a golf course because they play a crucial role in the management of a course. Without the ability to easily access irrigation water, everything can come to a screeching halt. Excess weed or algae bloom in a pond irrigation system can clog the intake to the pump and even clog sprayer heads on the course.
How to Treat Your Golf Course Pond
There are several easy ways to reduce problems with your golf course irrigation pond and improve its overall aesthetic. Some of these include:
- Regular Maintenance: When a pond irrigation system is placed on a routine maintenance schedule, weeds and algae bloom can be treated preventatively, so as not to cause equipment issues or degrade the aesthetics of the pond.
- Fountains: Most irrigation ponds have electricity nearby, so a fountain could be added to improve water quality and add beauty to the setting.
- Aerators: A diffused aeration system could also be installed to improve the overall health of the pond.
Diffused Aeration Systems
If a pond is deep enough, it will stratify during the summer months. This means that the water on the surface of the pond is warmer and does not mix with the cooler bottom water due to the difference in densities. The bottom water becomes void of oxygen, and gases from decomposition will accumulate in the bottom water. Depending on where the intake is for the irrigation pump, the water could be coming from the bottom. A diffused aeration system pumps air through a manifold on the bottom of the pond that creates a column of bubbles. As the column of bubbles rises to the surface, they mix the pond water around. By mixing the pond, the gases trapped in the bottom of the pond are released and oxygen levels become uniform from top to bottom. The water is “healthier” – both for everything living in the pond and for the turf that will be irrigated.
Irrigation Restrictions
Many golf course superintendents ask us about irrigating restrictions during the months when we are treating the water. Depending on the product that needs to be used for treatment, there may be an irrigation restriction. We can usually work with a 24- or 48-hour restriction, and we will always coordinate this around the superintendent’s schedule and weather. Contact us for more information.
Contact AEC to Keep Your Golf Course Pond Healthy
If you want a healthier and better-looking irrigation pond for your course that is hassle-free, contact AEC! We’ll discuss what you’re looking for as well as what your pond needs and set up a plan to make your water body healthier, prettier, and free of problems. Schedule a consultation with us today.
Add Comment