So like the title says, upon learning more about ponds I realize I have a much bigger problem than originally thought and it’s quite discouraging. I moved here less than a year ago and wanted to get my 40+ year old pond in nice shape. It’s about 3/4 acre and in summer is quite nasty and unusable. Rampant duckweed and algae. I figured I would get a nice aerator and I bought some diquat and cutrine to take care of any outbreaks and I’ll be on easy street.Then I learned about muck and the uphill battle one faces when they have a build up. I took a canoe out and only 6-8 feet off shore I have a couple feet of muck. The max depth I’ve found is 12 ft but there’s no doubt several feet of muck there too. I’m sure previous owners have never taken care of the pond.

I honestly don’t know what to do. I can’t fathom draining and dredging the pond and I highly doubt I can afford the guys that travel to come pump it out. From what I’ve learned, bacteria will only do so much and is better for maintaining. Any advice from the pros? Is there any way I can maintain a nice pond with what I have without breaking the bank?

The pros may want to know how deep the water is 6' off shore.

About 3-4 ft deep

Drain, seine, excavate, restock. Probably looking at $5K project here in NE, no clue on costs out your way. I had a .2 acre pond rehabbed in this manner and spent about $2k. It's quick work with an trackhoe - entire process took 3 hours, operator must not pierce the clay liner or may result in leaking issues [which we can also help with].

Man that’s kinda depressing. I’ve gotta imagine it’ll cost significantly higher here. I guess the least I can do is start calling some local pond maintenance companies or something and get a quote. Did not see this coming when we bought the place

Getting multiple estimates is a good idea and it's free. I don't know any pond building pros in MD but maybe the forum can provide some recommendations. There is a great guy Drew Hays out of PA who travels anywhere for projects, but I don't think he's on the cheaper end. If you or someone you know can run a dozer and/or trackhoe renting the equipment for a few days would be the cheapest route.

I would stop at your counties NRCS office (part of the USDA) and see if they have a list of pond contractors. Call them to get estimates on cleaning it out. The pond maintenance companies might just want to sell you chemicals and bacteria, not do the actual muck removal.