As winter fast approaches it is time to say goodbye to your water feature for a few months. Following these helpful tips will ensure your water feature will be in good working condition for the spring.
1. Clear leaves and debris
This step can be started in the fall by placing a net over your pond to catch any falling leaves and debris. If you didn't install netting you may have a build up of leaves and debris settling in your pond. Pond nets helps make this removal process quick and easy. If pond debris isn't removed before the winter months, it will decay and cause larger problem in the spring.
2. Clean the skimmer basket
This helps with the debris removal during the fall months. As fewer leaves fall you won't have to check it as regularly.
3. Trim back dead and dying vegetation
By trimming back the vegetation around your water feature you are decreasing the organic matter that would enter you pond and decay during the winter months. This will make opening your feature in the spring much easier. Hardy marginal plants can be cut back and left in the pond.
4. Preparing waterlilies for winter
If you have waterlilies in your pond it is now time to trim those back and get them ready for the cold weather. Waterlilies should be trimmed back and moved to the deepest part of your pond.
5. Add Cold Water Bacteria
Adding Cold Water Bacteria to your pond helps keep the water biology balanced. This helps keep your pond clean and clear during the colder months. Cold water bacteria contains strains of bacteria that are specifically designed for temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. By regularly using cold water bacteria to help maintain a balanced pond system you can reduce the amount of maintenance in spring.
Keep in mind, there is required maintenance during the winter months if you choose to keep your water feature running. This time of year leads to evaporation, requiring more water to be added to the pond to keep it in working order. Make sure that there is consistently a hole in the ice forming on the surface by using an aerator or pond de-icer.
- Remove the pump from your pond and store it in a warm place (garage/basement). Make sure to store the pump in a bucket or tub of water.
- Drain the water from your ponds plumbing. This prevents the water in the pipes from freezing, potentially cracking the pipes.
- Remove and clean the filter media. Store the media in a basement or garage alongside the pump. (This does not need to be submerged in water).
- Place a re-circulating pump or aerator in your pond to prevent it from completely freezing over. This introduces oxygen into your pond, which is helpful for any fish you may be over-wintering. The hole created by the aerator allows for harmful gases to leave your pond and allowing oxygen to enter.
8. Ensure fish health before winter
If you have fish, ensuring their health before winter can increase their success in the spring. Happy, healthy fish have a well balanced diet going into the winter months. Lakeland Biologists offers a variety of fish food for the fall and spring. When water temperatures fall below 60 degree Fahrenheit, the metabolism and digestion in your fish starts to slow down. Be sure to stop feeing your fish once the water temperatures have dropped below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
By following these simple steps you can not only help your fish survive winter, but it makes spring maintenance that much easier.
