Pond Winterization Check List

Winter is here!

Links will take you to needed products in our online Pond Supply Store.

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)

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