Difference Between Pond and Lake

Do you ever look out at that shimmering body of water on your property and wonder whether it qualifies as a pond or a lake? As odd as it may be, that question is the subject of this article. If you’d rather leave whatever body of water to uniformed maintenance specialists, then call Aquatic Restoration to hire lake and pond maintenance professionals.

Aquatic Restoration is an established business with decades of industry experience in the Southeast region of the United States. You are always welcome to give us a call or message with any questions or concerns regarding your lake or pond.

Size Isn’t Everything: Key differences between ponds and lakes

At first glance, the distinction between ponds and lakes might seem straightforward: lakes are big, and ponds are small. But this size-based definition is just scratching the surface.

While size does matter, there’s depth to it. Yes, it’s a combination of surface area and depth that really define the water bodies. This affects everything from temperature layers and oxygen levels to aquatic life and the types of habitats available for wildlife.

Tangentially, light penetration is another difference factor. In ponds, light can often penetrate to the bottom. In contrast, lakes usually have areas where the light doesn’t reach the bottom, creating distinct zones with different types of aquatic plants and animals.

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It’s also worth noting lakes often experience more significant water movement. This can include wind-driven waves and more substantial thermal turnover. Ponds, being smaller and shallower, usually have more stagnant water. This stagnant water is actually a lead cause of challenges and maintenance needs.

Care and Maintenance: What property owners ought to know

Whether you’re dealing with a pond or a lake, one thing is for certain: maintenance is the key to a healthy and aesthetic water body. With that said, maintenance will vary depending on the subject matter. Here are some key factors involved:

Aeration and Oxygen Levels: Because ponds are shallow, they often suffer from low oxygen levels if there is no aeration system in place. Lakes enjoy waves and thermal turnover, but they also might need aeration in certain areas.
Algae and Plant Control: Both lakes and ponds face algae issues, but the control methods will differ. Mechanical harvesting and herbicides are common strategies in lakes while introducing beneficial plants can help outcompete algae and maintain water quality in ponds.
Nutrient Management: Ponds are typically stagnant and they are especially vulnerable to nutrient buildup from runoff. Lakes have their own challenge when it comes to nutrient management. Given their larger watershed, lakes require broader nutrient management strategies.

Hire Pond and Lake Maintenance Specialists

How’s your pond or lake? Are you looking for uniformed professionals from a reputable and time-tested company in the Southeast region? Call Aquatic Restoration to get in touch!

We offer a wide range of services, including detention and retention pond maintenance as well as lake maintenance services. Trust Aquatic Restoration to bring life to your water body, both literally and metaphorically. Our team is on standby to take your call or message today.

05 / Aug / 2024