For the majority of the year, our ponds create an area of tranquility for our homes. A space where we can go to relax and unwind after a long day. For most of us, our ponds represent an escape from modern technologies but in the winter, our ponds can be a great source of stress. Whether it is finding a safe place for our pumps, or ensuring our fish and plants get enough oxygen, it can be hard to know what exactly needs to be done to our safely get our ponds through the winter.
Question: What will happen to my fish over the winter?
Answer: Over the winter, fish naturally go into a hibernation like state and slow their bodily functions as the temperature drops. If you are interested, check out our other blog post on this topic!
Question: At what temperature should I stop feeding my fish?
Answer: It is not necessary to feed them when it is colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It can even be dangerous for them. When the Koi need to process food their bodily systems wake up when they should be slowed down to help the Koi survive the colder temperatures.
Question: What about my plants?
Answer: Kind of like your Koi fish, your plants will also go into a dormant state to conserve energy. Just make sure to trim them, put them closer to the center of your pond and be sure to bring all your tropical plants inside! For more detail on this topic, we also have a handy blog post ready for you!
Question: What do I do to keep my pump healthy over the winter?
Answer: When you winterize your feature, make sure to turn off your pump and remove it from your pond before first freeze. Place your pump in a body of water (such as a bucket) in a warmer place, such as a shed, garage or even your house!
Question: How do I know I need to shut my pond down during the winter or not?
Answer: It is suggested that all features should be shut off during the winter. If you want us to take a closer look at your feature to explore if keeping it running year round is an option, give us a call or email to get scheduled for a consultation.
Question: Will I have to maintain my pond at all during the winter?
Answer: During winter, ponds require very little maintenance. The only thing to keep in mind if you have Koi or plants is to make sure the pond does not completely freeze over so that fresh oxygen will reach the entire pond.
Question: When should I stop using treatments?
Answer: Typically, pond treatments will stop working at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you think it is necessary for your pond to continue receiving some of the benefits of certain treatments during the winter, look out for treatments labeled as "All Season".
Question: How do I set up my pond for the winter?
Answer: Every pond is unique so it is important to tend to the specific needs of your pond, but the most vital steps in winterizing you pond are: removing the pump and putting it in a bucket of water in a shed or garage and making sure you have a deicer to ensure oxygen is distributed throughout the pond.
Have a question that didn't get answered? Think you have a special case scenario? Give us a call or an email to get your questions answered!