Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water Cloudy water in shale bottom pond

Hello All,

Somewhat new to the forum, read topics when having my pond dug but then had a 2 year hiatus while we built the house on the property. So, I'm back and have some questions I'm hoping to get some help with.

Long story short, the pond is ~1 acre in size and about 12-14 feet deep at the deepest point. It was built in the middle of a 15 acre hay field, so there isn't any shade. When the pond was built we hit several springs that filled the pond within 3 month to the overflow. The water was crystal clear, it looked like something you'd see in a travel magazine. Last year, upstate NY had a drought, the pond lost about half the water (I was able to walk across and almost keep my head above water). Since then, the water has been very cloudy with a slight slim on the bottom. If I'm knee deep I cannot see my feet.

I just added dye as was recommended by a neighbor who did the same to clear his pond. I also threw a hay bale in the deep end (tied to anchor) in hopes that it would somehow magically help.

My question(s):
-Will a hay bale (banded together like a barley bale) help? I had the hay and couldn't find barley, so figure what the heck...

Will the dye help with anything to clear the water up? It looks nice, and to be honest, feels better to swim in rather than the muddy water, but cannot see how it would help.

I've heard of enzymes that will drop the solids to the bottom. Any recommendations?

We're located near Buffalo, NY so summer is short. We built the pond for recreation mainly, with fishing being an after thought. The clearer the better!

Thanks in advance for the help.

I added a 1/4 bale of alfalfa to my pond when I wanted a bloom when my pond was new and being filled. I might have some concern where the pond might get a bloom turning the water green and not so clear from adding a bale of hay. I am no expert but passing long what a hay bale might do. It depends on what the hay bale is made from. And Welcome to the PB forum

Thanks, TGW1. The bale is some Alphafa/timothy mix. After reading a lot more about it, it doesn't appear to do a whole lot. Figured it was worth a try.