I have been looking for solutions to my pond management issues and came across this forum. Have read through the aluminum sulfate threads, and am not sure that is the total answer to my problem (although it may be).
I had a pond built little over 3 years ago. Half-acre surface area with an estimated 6ft average depth (I would need to confirm the depth prior to any possible chemical treatment. Depth in the center is 12-15ft). That would put it at 3 acre/feet. We are in the Hudson Valley region of New York.
In 2014 we stocked some fish. Channel catfish, rainbow trout and bass. Also some feeder minnows. I forget the exact numbers, but think it was about 20-30 bass and cat, about a dozen trout and 1500 minnows. The actual numbers were suggested by the fish farm people based on the dimensions I provided. They seem to be doing well.
Pond is fed by some natural spring(s) and runoff. There is also a runoff pip that feeds into the pond - this is all diverted runoff from some higher ground).
It tends to stay full most of the year. In the spring it makes good use of the spillway. The area has pretty much had a drought for a month or so and water level has dropped about 8-10 inches. A healthy rain or two and it will flll right back up.
The local area is pretty much all red clay under the topsoil. Lots of rocks and clay.
The bottom of the pond is that same red clay.
Pond is surrounded by healthy growth. Grass/clover/etc. on all uphill areas.
We have a "beach" area on one side with pea gravel and sand. This is to reduce the stirring up of bottom sediment when swimming.
In the first year, the pond settled and cleared to its current point and stayed relatively constant. No formal test, but I would say 12-18 inches of visibility.
There is still a considerable amount of sediment suspended in the water. After swimming, you can smell the clay scent. It can leave a red discoloration on clothing. Especially bad on the dogs since they also tend to stir up more sediment. They need a bath after swimming in the pond.
The bottom of the pond is very prone to being stirred up. Something as simple as a frog jumping in at the edge or a fish swimming near the bottom will create a cloud that takes a considerable time to settle down. My dog jumping in (or a person walking in) will create a large, spreading opaque mud cloud that seems to last the entire day.
I am wondering what my options may be. I understand the Alum can help currently suspended mud, but I don't see it doing anything to help the condition of the bottom.
Before I start testing, I would like to make I am heading down the right road.
Thanks in advance for any advice.