How to Prepare Your Backyard Pond for Winter Temperatures

You'll Need

• Pond net or skimmer
• Pond vacuum (optional)
• Pond de-icer
• Water treatments (optional)
• Fish food (for fall feeding)
• Pond heater (if necessary)
• Pruners for trimming plants
• Storage for pump and filters
• Thermometer (for monitoring water temperature)

1. Clean the Pond

• Remove any debris such as leaves, sticks, and algae that have accumulated in the pond.
• If you are moving your pond fish and plants indoors, do that now. A garbage can or bucket of fish with a proper aeration kit will overwinter just fine in a basement.
• Use a pond net or skimmer to fish out floating debris. A pond vacuum can help remove gunk from the bottom if your pond has a lot of buildup.
• Ensure that organic material doesn’t decay over the winter, which can create harmful gases that affect water quality.

2. Cut Back Plants

• Trim back any overgrown pond plants like lilies or reeds.
• Remove dead foliage to prevent decomposition during winter.
• If you have tropical plants that won't survive cold weather, consider moving them indoors or into a greenhouse.

3. Shut Down the Pump and Filters (in Freezing Climates)

• If you live in a cold region, turn off and remove the pump and pond filters to prevent ice damage.
• Drain and store the pump in a dry location until spring.
• Clean your filter and any tubing before storage to avoid bacterial growth.

4. Install a De-Icer or Heater

• In freezing areas, installing a pond de-icer or floating heater helps maintain a small hole in the ice, allowing for gas exchange.
• A pond heater can also prevent fish from freezing. Check water temperatures to ensure you’re providing the right environment for your pond.

5. Feed Fish with Cool-Weather Food

• Gradually switch to cold-weather fish food as the temperature drops, usually around 50°F (10°C).
• Stop feeding your fish entirely when water temperatures fall below 40°F (4°C), as their metabolism slows and they become dormant.

6. Monitor Water Levels

• Make sure your pond water is topped off before winter to compensate for any evaporation that may happen during the colder months.
• If needed, add water treatments to keep the water quality stable during the dormant season.

FAQ

Do I have to remove the pump if I live in a warmer climate?

Not necessarily. In regions where temperatures stay above freezing, you can keep your pond pump running year-round. However, it’s still important to do a fall cleaning and regular maintenance to prevent algae blooms and poor water circulation during the winter months.

How do I know when to stop feeding my fish?

Fish feeding should taper off as water temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). By the time the water temperature reaches 40°F (4°C), it’s time to stop feeding entirely. At this point, fish enter a winter slumber, or a state of torpor. Their digestive systems slow down dramatically and they'll hide out in the deepest areas using organic debris and plant material as a layer of insulation.

Do all ponds need a de-icer?

De-icers are essential for ponds in areas where freezing temperatures are sustained throughout the winter and a thick layer of ice is a permanent fixture. If your pond is shallow or tends to freeze over completely, a de-icer will maintain an opening in the pond ice to allow toxic gases to escape, protecting your fish and pond health.