Your Year-Round Pond Care Checklist
Every season asks something different of your pond. Spring means cleanup, summer means keeping up, fall means getting ready, and winter means protecting what you’ve built.
Use this season-by-season pond care checklist to stay on top of maintenance and stay in charge all year.
Spring (55-65°F): Wake Your Pond Back Up
Spring is typically between 55-65°F.
- Un-winterize by undoing everything from the winter (eg. remove covers, nets, and de-icers, then restart your pump and filter)
- Start feeding the fish when the water temperature is consistently above 50 degrees
- Clean out any debris
- Fertilize the plants
- Pump out the water and replace it: Do a partial water change and treat tap water with a water treatment before it goes in. Swapping out all the water at once can stress your fish.
Summer (Above 68°F): Keep Up and Enjoy
Summer can range drastically from 68-85°F, depending on your climate zone.
- Keep water levels up: Heat means evaporation. Top off as needed with treated water.
- Clean the filter as needed
- Continue fertilizing the plants
- Keep up water moving: Warm water holds less oxygen. Run your pump, or add a floating fountain, to keep aeration up.
- Feed the fish
Fall (55-70°F): Get Ready for the Cold
About 70°F at the beginning of Fall and gradually cools to about 55°F by the end of the season.
- Keep debris out of the pond: Cover your pond with netting before leaves drop. Decaying leaves foul the water.
- Continue feeding pond fish: Keep feeding while the water is warm, then stop once it stays below 50°F.
- Continue cleaning the pond filters
Winter (Below 50°F): Protect Your Pond
Winter temperatures can vary, depending on your climate zone. If the water temperatures near you are more moderate, you can continue enjoying your pond! If the water temperatures near you are colder and freezing, we recommend winterizing your pond.
- Winterize your pump: Turn it off, or make sure it isn’t pumping water from the bottom of the pond.
- Keep one area ice-free: A small opening lets oxygen in and harmful gases out. Never smash the ice, which can shock your fish.
- Stop feeding the fish
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start feeding pond fish in spring?
Wait until the water temperature stays consistently above 50°F, then start with small portions.
Should I replace all the water in my pond in spring?
No. A partial water change is gentler on your fish. Treat any new water before adding it.
How often should I clean my pond filter?
As needed. Clean it whenever flow slows, which happens more often in summer and fall.
Should I turn off my pond pump in winter?
If your pond freezes, either turn the pump off or make sure it isn’t pumping water from the bottom of the pond. In milder climates, you can keep it running.
