I’m not really big on having much plant life in the pond, I do realize some will just come on its own and that is fine. The sides of the pond are pretty steep so that should help not having to much along with the aquashade. Our swimming area starts out at 2’ and gradually goes to 5’ then drops to 15’ fast. Have had some volunteer water plantain in the shallower beach area the wife pulls it so it isn’t getting out of control that we have noticed.