How To choose Pond Cover Nets.
Pond cover nets are usually made from a flexible plastic material with a fine mesh structure of around 1cm. They are available in a number of pre-cut sizes so choose one or a combination of sizes to fit the pond with sufficient allowance for an overlap that will allow them to be fixed firmly. Some packs have tent peg like fixings that can be pushed into the ground through the mesh to secure and other types are secured simply by weighting down with bricks or stones.

When To Use Pond Cover Nets
Leaf fall in autumn can pose a serious threat to the pond environment as any leaves falling into the pond, if not removed quickly will decay and in the process pollute the water. During the winter months toxic gases released from this decaying material can drive fish to the surface where they may be trapped in newly forming ice. To avoid deterioration in water quality, possible livestock loss and unnecessary maintenance, cover the pond with a net at the first sign of leaf fall.

Predators such as Cats, Herons, Magpies and other members of the Crow family can decimate a ponds livestock population and virtually the only guaranteed method of protection from them is to net the pond. To ensure total protection against particularly persistent predators it may be necessary to form a double layer of netting which will be more resistant to sharp beaks and claws.

During the Spring and early summer season as the water temperature rises fish will often jump and many a prize Koi or favourite fish have been found dried up on the lawn Patio as their seasonal exuberance leads them to a sticky end. This can be avoided by fitting a temporary cover net at these times.

Maintenance Of Pond Cover Nets
Although the netting is made from a UV resistant material it does become increasingly brittle with time and checks should be made to make sure gaps have not appeared that will allow access to predators or leaf material to enter. Draw damaged sections together with nylon twine or fishing line. In planted ponds it will be necessary to ease the net around plant clumps or even to make cut outs. If this is done, thread nylon twine through the mesh and completely around the plant clump, draw together and tie the ends. This will ensure a neat fit and close any gap. Regular maintenance checks and repairs will also prevent Hedgehogs and small mammals from becoming trapped and drowning.

Pond Cover Nets And Safety
Mesh Pond Cover Nets are not to be used as a means to try and make the pond safe for children, as they will not be able to support even a small child’s weight. Special covering structures can be made to make a pond totally child safe but the best aid to safety is education and information.