How to winterize your pond

Hey, there! As Victoria's leading pond contractors, we have some great tips for winterizing your pond. Preparing your pond for the winter and fulfilling several tasks will ensure the well-being of your aquatic ecosystem during the colder months. So without further ado, here's a detailed list of essential tips for winterizing your pond.

Clean and Install Netting

Remove all feeble and sensitive plants from the pond's perimeter and use a skimmer to remove any fallen leaves, twigs, and debris from the pond's surface. Once the pond is clean, installing a net over the surface before winter gets underway will prevent further leaves and debris from falling into the pond which will make it much easier to clean again when winter's over. And speaking of cleaning, now's also a good time to check your pond's water filter and give it one last cleanup before winter settles in.

Lower the Water Level

The winter months tend to see a lot more rain, especially in Victoria. By reducing your water level slightly, you'll avoid overflowing during storms. A pond that overflows can cause lawn swamping and a muddy mess in your garden. That's why it's also wise to check your water's levels throughout the winter.

Raise Your Pump

When the pond freezes over, any fish you have will instinctively hibernate in the deepest part of the pond. If your pump is at the bottom of the pond, it will make the environment much colder than necessary. For your fish's sake, it's best to leave the pump in a shallower part of your pond during the winter months, so that the fish can hibernate in peace. If you don't have any fish though, leaving your pump at the bottom of the pond is fine.

Aerate the Pond

When your pond freezes over, break a hole in the surface to allow the exchange of air and gases. This is crucial for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms, and it will also make feeding your fish easier if you have any.

Invest in a Pond De-Icer or Pond Heater

One way to ensure your pond doesn't completely freeze is by using a pond de-icer or by installing a pond heater. This is an important step especially if you have fish in your pond that you want to stay happy and healthy. Just make sure that if you do install a pond heater to check the temperatures often to ensure the water is at the ideal temperature for your fish to thrive. If you don't have any fish, a pond heater is still nice if you like to enjoy your pond all year round. After all, it's a great place to enjoy a hot chocolate on Christmas!

Check and Waterproof Your Electronics

Last but not least, go over your pump, your filtration system, your pond heater if you have one and any other electronic components in your pond and make sure they're all functioning properly. Once that's done, make sure all the electronics are waterproofed by concealing any exposed wires and laying tarps where needed. Some pond owners even prefer to stow away all the components until winter is over, but they should be fine so long as they're waterproofed.



However, if your pond has a fountain or pump-powered waterfall, turning these off during the winter is a good idea, because they may freeze over anyways and you can save on electricity while the pond isn't being used. If you want your fountain running all winter long, though, a well-placed pond heater should prevent it from freezing.

By following these essential tips, you can ensure the health and survival of your pond and its inhabitants during the winter months. Thanks for reading the Larix Landscape Blog.

Happy holidays!