Should I shut down my pond or keep it running during winter?

You can either shut down your Aquascape pond for winter or keep it running year-round. The best choice depends on your climate, the risk of freezing, and your ability to maintain the pond during cold weather.

Shutting down is generally recommended in colder climates to reduce maintenance and prevent damage from freezing.

Option 1: Shut down your pond for winter

To prepare your pond for winter:

1. Disconnect the pump from its power source and remove the pump and check valve.
2. Clean the pump to remove debris and mineral buildup. Aquascape Pump Cleaner Maintenance Solution can help remove scale.
3. Store the pump in a frost-free location, either submerged in water or stored dry, according to the pump manufacturer's instructions.
4. Drain all plumbing, filters, and check valves to prevent trapped water from freezing, expanding, and damaging components.
5. Drain and store external filtration equipment, including pressurized filters, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Shut down seasonal equipment, such as UV clarifiers and ionizers, following the equipment's winterization instructions.

If your pond contains fish

Fish can remain in a properly designed pond during winter, provided suitable winter conditions are maintained.

• Maintain an opening in the ice for oxygen exchange and the release of trapped gases.
• Use an aerator or small recirculating pump positioned on a shallow shelf rather than at the deepest part of the pond.
• Consider a thermostatically controlled floating de-icer in regions experiencing prolonged freezing.
• Position the aerator and de-icer near each other without placing them directly on top of one another.
• Never strike or break pond ice, as vibrations can harm fish.

Option 2: Keep your pond running during winter

An Aquascape pond can continue operating during winter, but freezing conditions require regular monitoring.

If you keep your pond running:

• Operate the pump continuously to maintain water circulation.
• Monitor waterfalls and streams for ice dams that could redirect water outside the pond.
• Check water levels regularly and replenish water when necessary.
• Keep the pump submerged and ensure adequate water flow to prevent damage.
• Inspect the pond frequently during freezing temperatures, especially when significant ice buildup occurs.

Important: Ice buildup can redirect water outside the pond, causing water loss and potentially allowing the pump to run dry.

Additional winter preparation tips

• Remove fallen leaves and excess organic debris before the pond freezes.
• Keep electrical connections protected from snow and moisture.
• Make sure an unfrozen water source is available if the pond will continue operating.
• Regularly inspect equipment during prolonged freezing weather.

For ponds in colder climates, winter shutdown is generally the lower-maintenance option. Keeping the pond running is possible but requires consistent monitoring to prevent water loss and freezing damage.