I fish ponds how do I know when to use a top water bait. And how do I know if I should use a top water frog vs a crank bait ?

I start throwing topwater once the bass begin to move up spawn...usually a sammy or spook.

Noe that the weeds are coming up i have moved to the frog...both sammies and frogs work in open water and near structure too!

Lure choice is most often an art, not a science. Conventional wisdom often says use certain lures under certain conditions, but the bass don't know that conventional wisdom. You can start off with the bait that seems right for the conditions, but if it doesn't work, try other stuff. More often than not it's a matter of trial and error since we can't predict what the fish will hit on any given day.

BUZZBAITS!!!

Wait till the late evening/dusk on a hot day. Then throw out a popper and walk the dog.

usually top water (for me) in the early morning and late afternoon.  low light times, and when the fish are popping the top around.  BUT I wouldn't listen to me, i'm striking out this year!