Article: What to Remove From Your Pond for Winter: Item-by-Item Guide
What to Remove From Your Pond for Winter: Item-by-Item Guide
Which pond items should come out for winter? It depends on where you live and how cold it gets.
Use the quick guide for a fast answer, or read on for the details on each item. Need the full closing steps? Follow our guide to closing your pond for winter.
Quick Guide: Remove or Leave?
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Pump | Deep freeze: remove. Short cold snap: leave running. |
| Fountains and water features | Longer freezes: remove or shut off. Short cold snap: can stay on. |
| Filters | Deep freeze: bring indoors. |
| Leaves and debris | Always clear before the pond freezes. |
| Fish | Usually stay put. |
| Plants | Tropical: bring indoors. Hardy: move to the deepest part. |
| Decor | Usually bring indoors. |
Item-by-Item Guide
Pond Pump
If your pond is heading into a deep freeze, remove the pump. If you expect only a temporary drop in temperature, leave it running. Moving water can help keep your pond from freezing over.
Learn more: What to Do with Your Pond During a Short Freeze
Fountains and Water Features
Like your pump, fountains and water features add oxygen and water circulation. That helps during a short cold snap. For longer freezes, remove them or shut them off to prevent internal damage.
Filters
If your pond will freeze solid, bring your filters indoors with your pump for the season. Our fall prep checklist walks through cleaning and storing them.
Leaves and Debris
Clear out leaves and debris before your pond freezes. Trapped debris breaks down and can release harmful gases. Use a skimmer, and clean the bottom of the pond before winter hits. A handheld pond vacuum makes quick work of it.
Fish
Most of the time, you won’t need to remove your fish. Check with your fish dealer about the lowest temperatures yours can handle. In cold water, fish move to the bottom and go into hibernation mode. They stop eating, move very little, and breathe more slowly.
If your pond will freeze solid, fish do need to move indoors. See How to Care for Pond Fish in Winter.
Plants
Tropical plants should be trimmed and moved indoors. For hardy plants, trim any brown leaves and stems, then move them to the deepest part of the pond.
Water
In some regions, moving your fish indoors and draining your pond is the best option. In warm areas like Florida, it’s rarely done because it doesn’t get cold enough to justify the effort. There, you may need to prepare for rainy season instead. Draining a little water keeps your pond from overflowing.
Decorative Items
Most pond owners bring decor indoors for winter, since they’re not outside enjoying it as much. Storing it inside prevents cracks and other damage from wet conditions and temperature swings.
FAQs
Should I remove my pond pump for winter?
If your pond will go through a deep freeze, yes. For a short cold snap, leave it running, because it can help keep the water thawed.
Do I need to take my fish out of the pond?
Usually not. If your pond will freeze solid, move them indoors.
Should I drain my pond for winter?
In some colder regions, moving fish indoors and draining the pond is the best option. In warmer areas like Florida, it’s rarely needed.
Need Help Deciding?
Whether you need a full winterization or just have a few equipment questions, the pond boss® team is here to help. Contact us or browse our FAQ.
