This summer, Jones Lake Management kicked off its first-ever Glam My Pond contest—a program designed to give one pond a full glow up. But after seeing the overwhelming interest and the heartfelt stories behind our finalists, we couldn’t resist selecting two winners instead of one: Paul’s Pond in Ohio and Maureen’s Pond in Indiana. Both ponds are already showing promising progress after just a few weeks of professional care, and their journeys are only beginning.
Paul’s Pond – Akron, Ohio
Paul W. of Akron has been working tirelessly to keep his 1-acre pond clear and healthy. As he shared in his entry:
“My kids and grandkids love to fish and play in the pond, but I’ve been struggling to keep the watermeal and algae under control, and it’s already causing another fish kill. Please help me save my fish!”
When Paul’s pond was selected, it had been overtaken by watermeal and duckweed, creating a dense green mat across the surface. Not only was it unsightly, but the heavy growth had been suffocating the water and threatening fish survival.
7/29/2025: Persistent watermeal and duckweed has formed a dense, green mat on the water surface.
8/15/2025: A few weeks into the program, the change is already starting to show! The thick blanket of green is breaking apart, letting the pond breathe again.
Since the program began, we’ve seen big changes. Slow-acting herbicide treatments are breaking apart the thick surface growth, allowing the pond to breathe again. Paul also upgraded from a decorative fountain to a high oxygen transfer aerator, improving circulation and boosting oxygen levels—an essential step for preventing future fish kills.
Up next, Paul’s pond will receive beneficial bacteria to digest years of muck and phosphorus binders to limit nutrients that fuel weed growth. This makeover is setting the stage for the pond to once again be the vibrant gathering place Paul envisioned for his family.
Maureen’s Pond – West Harrison, Indiana
Maureen’s 0.58-acre family pond has long been a place of beauty and connection. But when she submitted her entry, her family was facing a difficult chapter:
“Our family pond once looked beautiful and serene; unfortunately, circumstances have left our pond in a sad state. My mother has become ill and has been recently hospitalized. Her care has required so much of our attention that our pond has been regrettably neglected. It is my hope that my mom can someday return to her back porch to enjoy the pond she so diligently cared for. Winning this contest would be a real honor and blessing at this time.”
The pond is experiencing an excessive growth of southern naiad around the edge of the pond —about 10 to 20 feet from the bank —with thick mats of filamentous algae on top of the weed beds.
The first step it to get the aquatic vegetation under control - not only for aesthetics, but to make it easier for bass to find prey.
Maureen’s pond is filled with algae and weeds, and it needs restocking to support a healthy fishery. Her Glam My Pond plan is comprehensive, including:
- Weed & Algae Control – Biologist-guided treatments to safely restore balance.
- Pond Dye – To enhance natural beauty.
- Phosphorus Reduction Program – Monthly treatments to lock away excess nutrients.
- Aeration Upgrade – Installation of a high oxygen transfer aerator for clearer, healthier water.
- Fisheries Enhancement – Stocking forage fish and installing artificial habitat to support her bass population.
By fall, Maureen’s Pond will not only look more beautiful but will also support a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Most importantly, it will once again be a place for her family—and hopefully her mother—to enjoy.
Follow the Glow Ups
The Glam My Pond contest proves that with the right expertise, even struggling ponds can be brought back to life. We’ll continue sharing updates as Paul’s and Maureen’s ponds progress through their transformations—so stay tuned for photos, videos, stories, and behind-the-scenes details.
At Jones Lake Management, we believe every pond has the potential to shine—and with Glam My Pond, we’re honored to help bring joy back to the families who care for them.