Many homeowners wonder if outdoor ponds are suitable for New York’s cold climate. While you can expect some freezing, it’s still possible to maintain this water feature year-round. Here are a few ways you can prepare your pond before temperatures drop.  

5 Steps to Winterize Your Garden Pond

1. Trim Plants

Excessive plant material can deplete oxygen from your pond, which can be dangerous if you have fish. It can also trigger algae growth that may put other plant life in danger. To keep things under control, trim excess growth off plants—such as small leaves around the base.

2. Remove the Pump & Filter

Freezing water can strain and damage the pump and filtration system. If you’re completely closing the pond, you can remove the pump and filter altogether and store them indoors.

However, you can keep this equipment installed if you have a pond heater that will keep the water flowing. If you go with this option, it’s still a good idea to remove and clean the appliances before putting them back in the water.  

3. Clean & Cover

Using a vacuum or a skimmer, remove any dead plant matter and debris from the pond. As these materials decompose, they can deplete oxygen and contribute to algae problems. To prevent further debris from entering the pond, place a screened cover slightly above the water’s surface.

4. Introduce Cold Water Bacteria

Purchase cold water bacteria from your water feature supply store. These organisms thrive in lower temperatures and will consume waste that could throw off the ecosystem of your pond, as well as put the health of your fish at risk.

5. Prepare Fish for the Cold

When temperatures drop, pond fish will start to enter hibernation to conserve energy. Once water temperatures get below 60 degrees, start your fish on a winter diet, as they will not need as much food. Be sure to follow the specific instructions intended for your species of fish.

If you don’t have a pond heater, it’s also a good idea to put an aquatic deicer in the water to prevent freezing.

 

Providing a wealth of outdoor water feature products, Clearly Aquatics makes wintertime care easy with their in-depth pond maintenance services. Stocked with high-quality supplies, these certified specialists will introduce you to all you need to keep your pond healthy—including algae control, fish, aeration, pumps, filtration, and aquatic weed control solutions. As experts in the field, this Bloomfield, NY, pond installation company can also offer recommendations on how to keep your water feature in pristine condition throughout the winter, as well as every other season. To learn more about their offerings, visit the team online, or call (585) 657-7679.