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Should I Winterize My Pond?

 



For pond owners that live in regions where winter months are cold, snowy and icy, winterization is a process you conduct on many systems in and around your home.  Essentially, winterizing anything simply keeps it from incurring damage that can cost quite a bit in repairs or possibly a complete replacement. When it comes to ponds, some owners shut it down and some continue to run it with added maintenance.  As winter sets in, what should you do?

Honestly, this is entirely up to your comfort level and how much maintenance you are willing to do to run the pond in freezing temps.  

Some pond owners choose a complete shut-down in winter so they don't have to worry about ice dams or the cost they will take on to run a larger pump.  All leaves and debris are removed, plants trimmed and prepped and each piece of equipment, maintained, cleaned and/or stored for the coming season.  Jets, bubblers, etc. need to be checked, disconnected and excess water drained to prevent issues caused by freezing expansion.  Even in shut down, you still need aeration to keep healthy levels so there will be a smaller pump running close to the surface.

In areas where temperatures will be dropping below 10 degrees for long stretches, you'll also need a floating de-icer or heater to keep an open hole in the ice.

Of course, you can keep your pond running during the winter but this largely depends on the amount of time and energy you want to put into maintenance, such as making sure there is enough water for your pump to function properly.  Speaking of pumps, you will need a fairly large one to run continuously through the winter.  Something to keep in mind is that, while your waterfalls will look gorgeous as ice formations, these same formations can create dams that cause water loss over the edge.  You will need to stay diligent with upkeep and account for extra energy used and increase in cost for the winter months.

The biggest area of concern, no matter what you choose, will be your fish.  Fish will hibernate in winter - even in two feet - as long as there is adequate oxygenation.  The hole in your ice will release toxic gases and the agitation from your pump keeps the surface from freezing and gives fish proper oxygen.  Don't forget that your fish need an area at the bottom of your pond to gather and hibernate so relocate stones or obstacles if need be.  Your fish also need to be properly nourished BEFORE hibernation.  Take a look at our feeding suggestion in the article Getting Your Pond Ready For Fall.

With either choice, you can DIY or hire a professional pond service to manage it for you.  They have the experience, equipment and time to devote to keeping your pond in great shape during the freezing months if you don't feel comfortable managing it yourself.  No matter what you decide to do, taking the proper precautions to run your pond correctly or shut it down properly during cold weather will keep it in great shape and make it easier to reopen in the Spring!


For help with getting your pond ready for winter, contact the Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance pros at 708.586.2393 or visit our main site at laughingwatersinc.com!






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Location: Palos Heights, IL, USA

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