As we’ve mentioned before, the region you live in heavily affects the amount of maintenance required for winter preparation. If you live in areas with a warmer, year-round climate, you have less to worry about. However, for those of you with harsher winters, a bit more work is necessary. Either way, the Fall is a great time to do a deep clean.
To start, you’ll need to remove your fish and drain your pond. Using a siphoning hose or a water pump with a hose attachment will be the most efficient.
Once you drain your pond, it’s time to clean your rocks, concrete or other decorative items that you may have around your pond or fountain. It’s vital to use a safe scrubber that won’t scratch or damage, either a handheld one or one with a handle. You’ll also want to use safe cleaning agents that are specifically for pond and fountain care – you don’t want to harm your fish or plants. Removing organic material, leaves, and other debris, and scrubbing away algae build-up will ensure your pond and water features stay in pristine shape during the frigid winter temperatures.
Sludge destroyers, like the ones we sell at Frogpondaquatics.com, will help remove that build-up of organic waste and other materials that build-up on the bottom. A large water pump like our RO350s, (which you can find here), coupled with our (garden hose adaptor) is the fastest and most efficient way to complete this task.
Ponds, fountains, and other water features that use properly constructed concrete should have no issues withstanding freezing temperatures. Ponds made with pre-formed liners or earth-bottomed ponds also don’t need to be emptied –these can withstand freezing temperatures just fine. If you don’t want to drain your pond, there are other options for more mild climates where ice never forms more than two inches thick.
One, you can float a piece of plastic foam in the water that is at least 2 inches thick and 1 square foot. If you live in a region where air temperature doesn’t drop below negative ten degrees Fahrenheit, a water pump with an attached air stone in the center of the pond will do the trick. For small ponds, move all plants and fish indoor, as these will freeze much quicker than larger pounds.
Once your maintenance is complete, cover your pond and fountains with a protective net for the duration of the winter season; this will help catch any falling debris.
For more information about preparing your fish and plants for the winter, tune in the next few weeks for the last two parts of our Winter Care blog series.
