Scummy pond - any tips

[sybilvimes]

new house has a really nice pond. There are actual newts living in it, which we are all ridiculously excited about.

The problem is it has become very green and scummy since the warmer weather. We have a pump/filter which is on constantly and which isn't making any difference.

What can I use to make it lovely and clean again wiithout damaging the newts or plants?

Thanks!

I believe you need to have oxidising plants? Sure someone more knowledgeable will fill you in on those!

But otherswise, make sure there's no leaves etc rotting at bottom of pond. Are there any long strands of weeds hanging around? If so stick a cane in and wind it round, candy-floss style.

I could easily have dreamt this but I've got a vague recollection that when I was a kid people used to just chuck a bale of straw (or was it hay?) into scummy ponds to get rid of the scum.

That didn't help at all, did it? Sorry!

That sounds completely bonkers, I hope its true! Dare you to try it sybil!

www.ehow.co.uk/how_5602232_use-straw-keep-ponds-clean.html
Well its not quite bunging a bale in, but...

thanks everyone, I may try the straw as it sounds very ecologically friendly.

I resorted to skimming the green crap out with a tadpole net yesterday and caught one of the newts accidently, I wonder how they will take to the straw!

barley straw of lavender will clear it.