How to Winterize a Pond and Protect Your Fish During the Cold Season

First, you’ll want to remove any fallen leaves and debris from your backyard pond. Otherwise, they could decay and release harmful gases that can kill fish and other wildlife. Use a pond net to remove any floating leaves from the surface, and then remove any debris from the bottom of the pond.

If you installed netting, this should be a fairly quick process. Simply remove and discard leaves or debris from the netting, and store the net away in a dry place. Make sure to check the pond for any leaves or debris that the net didn’t catch.

If you plan to shut down your pond for the winter, the next step is to turn off your pump. Detach the pump from any plumbing or water source and allow the water to drain out. Then, take a cloth and clean any debris off your pump. Do the same for other equipment, such as the filter media and UV clarifiers. It’s best to store your pump in a bucket of water to prevent drying and cracking. Lastly, store your equipment away in a dry place that will not freeze.

Like decaying leaves, dying plants can harm your pond’s health. Use pruning tools to remove any dead or dying foliage down to the base of your pond plants. You’ll need to discard plants that cannot withstand winter temperatures or bring them indoors.

Keeping an aerator in your pond over the winter will ensure proper oxygen levels and prevent harmful gases from being trapped underneath the ice. A de-icer keeps a hole open in the ice, making sure that fish can survive.

Bacteria isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, adding cold water bacteria to your pond can ensure that it stays clean and healthy during the winter months. Designed for low temperatures, cold water bacteria will keep debris at bay and minimize the maintenance you’ll have to do on your pond when spring rolls back around.

Before your pond fish go into hibernation, you’ll want to ensure they’re healthy. As water temperature drops, so does the metabolism and digestion of your fish. Before temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, switch your fish to a cold-weather food and gradually reduce the times per week and amount you feed your fish. Then, stop feeding your fish entirely once the temperature is below 50 degrees.