Pond Plants 

• Prune dead leaves (leave at least 3 or 4 inches of stems)
• Move hardy marginal Pond Plants into deeper water (several inches below the freezing line)
• Bring tropical marginal Pond Plants inside, store by a window and keep very moist all winter (some leaves will wilt but the plant will perk back up in the Spring)
• Check the cold hardiness of your Pond Plants
• Check the USDA Hardiness Map for your area
• Watch the Pond Plant Winterization Seminar Video

Pond Fish (Koi, Goldfish, Golden Orfe, etc)

• Switch to Cool Weather Pond Fish Food once the water temperature of the Pond drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (Pond Fish do not have a stomach and their digestion slows which can lead to impaction if food with too much protein is fed in cooler water)
• Keep a Pond Thermometer in the Pond to closely monitor water temperature
• Stop feeding the Pond Fish once the water temperature drops below 48 degrees
• Add Pond Salt & Koi TLC to increase the slime coat, help ward off parasites & disease & reduce stress
• Watch the Pond Fish Winterization Seminar

Pond Filters

• Thoroughly clean the Pond Filter
• Inspect the Pond Filter for any wear or damage (it is best to order Pond Filter Replacement Parts now, so the Pond Filter is ready to go in the spring)
• Submersible Pond Filters & Pond Filters without UV should be disconnected & stored in a frost free area
• External Pond Filters w/UV should be stored in a frost free area if you plan to turn it off during the winter
• Watch the Pond Filter Winterization Seminar

Pond Pumps

• Thoroughly clean the Pond Pump
• Inspect the Pond Pump for wear and damage (order Pond Pump Replacement Parts now so it is ready for spring)
• Move the Pond Pump well below the freezing line if it will be left running
• Take the Pond Pump inside if it will be turned off
• Watch the Pond Equipment Winterization Seminar

Pond Water Quality

• Use a Pond Fish Net or Skimmer Net to scoop out dead leaves & other debris on the pond bottom
• Change 1/3 of the Pond Water (be sure to use de-chlorinator)
• Test the Pond Water for pH level, Ammonia and Nitrite
• Make further slow water changes if Ammonia and Nitrite are present
• Adjust the pH level to within 6.8 - 8.0
• Add cool weather Beneficial Bacteria to digest any left-over leaf debris and organic waste (this goes a long way to avoiding a complete pond draining in the spring)
• Use a Barley Product to inhibit stringy growth on pond rocks, waterfall, liner and other water features
• Use Restor to clean existing stringy and slimy growth off the waterfall, rocks, liner and pond plants

Pond Winterization Equipment

• Install a Pond De-Icer to keep a hole in the ice on the Pond surface to let toxic gases escape (carbon monoxide produced by the Pond Fish)
• Use a Pond Air Pump in Ponds with Koi or high Pond Fish Populations to ensure sufficient oxygen when the Pond freezes over
• Cover the Pond with Pond Netting to keep out leaves and protect the Pond Fish from predators