The Pond Guy Seasonal Defense, Spring & Fall Beneficial Bacteria, Barley & Enzymes, Cold Water Pond Sludge & Scum Treatment, Fish & Plant Safe, 6 Packets
$26.94
Price: $26.94
(as of Nov 04, 2025 08:37:01 UTC – Details)
Product description
All Natural & Safe
When used in accordance with label directions, The Pond Guy Seasonal Defense is completely safe for plants, fish, turtles, frogs, snails, pets, and other pond wildlife.
Made of all-natural beneficial bacteria and barley.
Beneficial Pond Bacteria for Cooler Seasons
2-in-1 Natural Bacteria & Barley Formulated for Cool Temperatures
The Pond Guy Seasonal Defense is a natural, beneficial bacteria treatment infused with barley straw! The natural bacteria in Seasonal Defense accelerates the decomposition of leaves, scum, and sediment that builds up during the fall and winter months.
The activated barley combats common water quality issues to keep water clear. It’s a great one-two punch to maintaining clean, clear pond water.
Natural Bacteria & Barley Treatment Accelerates Debris Decomposition No Mess Water Soluble Packets
Benefits of Beneficial Bacteria
When hungry beneficial bacteria are introduced, they instantly begin consuming and digesting organic debris, rapidly converting it into an odorless gas that escapes unnoticed from the water column. This process results in clean, clear pond water and an improved overall ecosystem.
Benefits of Barley
First reported in scientific journals in the early 1990s, it was discovered that barley straw releases small but steady quantities of extract during the decomposition process, which improves water clarity. Adding barley is a natural solution to maintaining clean and clear pond water year-round.
Easy Application & Reduced Maintenance
Simply toss water-soluble packets into your pond. No mixing or measuring required! When used consistently as part of your pond care routine, Seasonal Defense will maintain your pond’s water clarity and reduce the frequency of routine maintenance chores.
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Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars 450
4.3 out of 5 stars 32
4.4 out of 5 stars 305
4.1 out of 5 stars 352
4.4 out of 5 stars 72
4.2 out of 5 stars 678
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Product Usage
Accelerates Debris DecompositionAccelerates Debris Decomposition Promotes Balanced Ecosystem Clears Cloudy Pond Water Reduces Muck & Sludge Removes Tough Algae Stains & Lifts Debris Controls Algae
Application Method
Water-Soluble Packets Water-Soluble Packets Granular Tablets Powder Liquid
Water Temperature Restriction
40°F – 50°F Above 50°F None Above 50°F None Above 50°F
Natural Water Treatment
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EPA Registered Algaecide
Will Not Harm Fish & Ornamental Plants (Follow Label)
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Easy Application
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Contains Beneficial Bacteria
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Clarifies Water
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Digests Muck
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Made in USA
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How to Apply Seasonal Defense
Do not open packets. Simply toss the pre-measured packets directly into the pond, filter, or skimmer. One packet treats up to a 1,000-gallon pond. We recommend weekly use for the best results. See product label for complete dosage rates and frequency of application.
When to Apply Seasonal Defense
Seasonal Defense should be used in late autumn and early spring. Autumn applications should begin when water temperatures fall below 50°F. Spring applications should begin at pond startup or just after ice melts.
Restrictions
When used in accordance with label directions, The Pond Guy Seasonal Defense is completely safe for fish, plants, pets, and pond wildlife.
FAQs
Is Seasonal Defense safe for my koi and goldfish?
Yes. Seasonal Defense contains naturally occurring beneficial bacteria and barley. When used in accordance with label directions, Seasonal Defense is completely safe for fish, plants, pets, and pond wildlife.
What’s in the packets?
Each Seasonal Defense packet contains a highly effective blend of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and barley straw that gets to work to clean up your pond’s water.
Will I see immediate results?
Results will take some time. Keep in mind that it took a long time for pond debris to accumulate and for water conditions to deteriorate. Patience and consistent treatment with beneficial bacteria will pay off in the long run. Weekly treatments will produce the best results.
What is the best water temperature for Seasonal Defense?
Use Seasonal Defense when water temperature is between 40-50°F. We recommend a pond thermometer to monitor temperatures.
Can this product be used in a pool?
No. Seasonal Defense is a bacteria product intended for freshwater ponds. The chlorine found in pools will kill the bacteria.
Will Seasonal Defense kill algae?
No. Seasonal Defense is a beneficial bacteria product that reduces nutrients in the pond, but it is not an algaecide and will not effectively kill algae. If you are looking for an algaecide, consider The Pond Guy InstaFix Algae Control.
All-Natural Beneficial Bacteria & Barley
Seasonal Defense accelerates debris decomposition, so you can get back to enjoying your pond!
Product Dimensions : 3 x 3 x 4 inches; 6.24 ounces
Item model number : 200315
Date First Available : May 22, 2013
Manufacturer : The Pond Guy, Inc.
ASIN : B00CXXOSSW
Best Sellers Rank: #16,418 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #37 in Water Garden & Pond Treatment
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 450 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
2-in-1 Natural Bacteria & Barley Designed for Cooler Temperatures — Seasonal Defense accelerates the decomposition of leaves, scum, and sediment that create pond muck. Barley works to clear water.
Cool Weather Bacteria Accelerates the Decomposition of Leaves & Organics — Beneficial bacteria specifically formulated for autumn, winter, and spring when pond water temperatures are below 50°F.
Infused With Barley Straw to Keep Water Clear — The activated barley combats common water quality issues and improves water clarity. Apply once a week. One packet treats up to a 1,000 gallon pond.
Easy to Use, No Mess Water Soluble Packets — Just toss into pond. In the spring Seasonal Defense replenishes winter bacteria loss, jump-starts your biological filters, and breaks down unwanted waste.
100% Natural | Fish, Plant & Wildlife Friendly — All-natural product. Safe for fish, goldfish, koi, birds, pets, plants, and pond wildlife. Use in any outdoor fishpond, water garden, or koi pond.
Customers say
Customers find the barley straw pellets effective at cleaning ponds, particularly for string algae, and consider them better than other chemicals. The product receives positive feedback for its quality and ease of use, and customers appreciate its safety, with one noting it’s harmless to fish and snails. The water clarity results are mixed, with some customers reporting clear water while others mention their water remains slightly cloudy.
8 reviews for The Pond Guy Seasonal Defense, Spring & Fall Beneficial Bacteria, Barley & Enzymes, Cold Water Pond Sludge & Scum Treatment, Fish & Plant Safe, 6 Packets
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$26.94
Vi –
I LOVE this stuff!! great for keeping my fountain clean!
I have a fountain that has a lions head atop a square pillar that spits into a bowl that dribbles into a livestock trough where there is another fountain pump to keep the water moving. I used to drop a brick of barley straw in behind the pillar every 3 to 6 months & I was good to go. BUT the stupid raccoons kept pulling it out & ripping it apart & leaving barley ALL over my deck. I have no idea why. So I was looking for a way to fix that. BUT all I could find was stuff (pucks, solutions, etc…) that were for BIG ponds. I contacted Pond Guys and they figured out from my measurements how many gallons of water were in my fountain & told me how many tsp to use every 3 weeks. YAY!!! Great customer service & great product. They also suggested a motion sensitive “predator light” that looks like eyes to scare off the raccoons. I didn’t get that because (1) it would have to shine directly into my bedroom to be effective & I would be the one freaking out & (2) they aren’t afraid of ANYTHING. They are huge city raccoons & ignore me when I come out & yell at them so I doubt a light would do anything… except entertain them while they take it apart. Every few weeks they pull the lower fountain pump out & leave it on the deck… I have NO idea why. I had to order a special one that turns off when there is no water after they burned out the 1st one. I LOVE the sound & the birds playing in the water during the day but the raccoons… not so much.
Ervin Witmer –
Helps a lot
Helps level the pH in pond water well.
PhotoGuyCA –
Works as stated
Product appears to work as described. Previous owners were using chlorine in the water feature and wanted to get away from that. Followed the instructions and the water has been clearer then when the chlorine was being used. Now I can be comfortable that the birds, lizards etc will be ok drinking the water from the water feature.
Amazon Customer –
Awesome product
Works amazing
RTree –
This stuff does work!
My pond did clear for about 3 days, and then went brown and murky again, and has stayed that way for weeks. It may be due to the fact that this is a new pond. It struggles to stay clear, but it is clear again now. During the intense Summer months it is a challenge, but not that the temps are cooler, and the rains have stopped, the water is totally clear again. Super happy about that. I guess you just need to be patient, and let it do it’s job. I would definitely recommend this product.
B –
?
Not sure if it’s working still have algae
Stanley F. –
Natural Algae Control
I have a Spring fed clear water 1000 sqft pond. Clear constantly moving water can be challenging to control algae. Both chemicals & dyes can work, but in water moving 9-11 GPM are quickly flushed out requiring more frequent & costly reapplications. Barley Bails may be bulky & not authentic. For my type pond, BARLEY PELLETS are BEST.The included mesh bag may float, but works. I like to put pellets in a couple of one gallon black polyurethane paint buckets with lids & matal handle available at Home Depot. I drill 5 rows of 3/8″ holes around the bucket. I put a 5″x4″x3/4″ paver (Homo Depot Garden Section) in the bottom of each bucket to hold in place. It’s important to place the barley pellet buckets in or in front of your water stream. I’m very pleased with the natural vs chemical algae control offered by barley pellets. Buying a 12 lb bag every 6 months vs more costly chemicals works best.Daylily FarmerSpring Fead Irrigation Pond
C Will –
Wish I took pics so you could see the difference in just 24-hours!
These pellets work! I tried liquid barley straw last year, but it didnât work well at all, so I decided to try these pellets because I only need to replace them every six weeks. I put them in the net bag provided and dropped it in the pond yesterday morning no deeper than 3 feet as instructed. The directions warn the water will temporarily get cloudy, which it did. And, WOW, the algae that was starting to grow on the walls was totally gone already the next morning. The water is still a little cloudy so it will be interesting to see how much clearer it will get. The fish are fine, so this is definitely a win-win!