Maintaining Golf Course Water Features

Water quality testing can provide insight into the water quality conditions of the lakes and ponds on a golf course property. Each may have unique water chemistries and physical characteristics that may dictate how they should be managed. Some may contain imbalanced levels of nutrients that contribute to weed and algae growth. The application of eco-friendly nutrient remediation products like Phoslock, Aluminum Sulfate, or EutroSORB will help greatly reduce the level of available nutrients in the water column. Each solution works differently, so aquatic experts rely on this robust data to inform their management choices.

Beneficial biological bacteria are also an excellent solution for golf course lake management in California. These bacteria work like a probiotic to metabolize excess nutrients, pollutants, and undesirable organic materials that are known to intensify poor water quality conditions. Because biological bacteria are completely natural, they pose little risk to irrigated turf.

Beyond the functional benefits of golf course lakes and ponds, they also serve as essential aesthetic features around a course. Cracked and crumbling shorelines are unacceptable for golf courses that take pride in having spectacular scenery. Moreover, they can endanger players and employees – posing significant liability concerns for businesses.

When shorelines are showing signs of erosion, it’s time to consider a complete structural restoration. New bioengineering approaches allow professionals to reshape and anchor the shoreline for ideal sloping and maximum stability. In some instances, this work can be paired with dredging services to raise large amounts of sediment that have accumulated at the bottom over time. Once in place, turf, sedges, and native vegetation can be introduced to create a continuous and flawless look.

To further add to the beauty of the course, superintendents may also desire floating fountains that feature unique spray patterns and stunning lights. While serving as a beautiful focal point, fountains help circulate and oxygenate aquatic ecosystems. When dissolved oxygen is plentiful, water quality conditions become less hospitable to nuisance algae and weed growth. For enhanced water quality benefits, professionals recommend placing a submersed aerator underneath or near the fountain in deeper water.

Much like everywhere else, golf course lake management in California can be complex and unpredictable. When water quality problems occur, they can quickly start to impact an entire facility. This underscores the importance of consistent maintenance. Annual management programs aim to keep conditions in a state of balance through the use of advanced monitoring and maintenance strategies. When lakes and ponds are at the top of their game, so is the rest of the course.