Get your koi pond ready for the cold months in Colorado – it’s essential, especially if you plan to keep the pump and waterfall or stream running. Keeping the pond operational throughout winter helps oxygenate the pond and clean the water throughout the cold weather.
For koi, the pond needs to be 36 inches deep for them to over winter. Goldfish can deal with 24 inches and at times have made it over the winter in 18 inches of water.
Key Winterization Steps:
#1 Clean the Skimmer: You know when is going to be crazy cold. Make sure you clean out any debris in the skimmer basket or net before it hits. It’s harder to clean once it’s cold, and accumulated gunk can obstruct the pump.
#2 Winterize Equipment:
– Remove IonGen and Autodose systems and store them indoors.
– If you use a UV light, it should also be taken inside to avoid damage.
– Set pressure filters to winter mode to prevent freezing and damage.
– Move aerators to an upper shelf to avoid making the water colder than it needs to be. Remember, the aerator is bringing in outside air to the pond water.
#3 Commit to Keeping It Running: Once you decide to keep your pond running through winter, it’s crucial to stay with that choice. Do not panic and turn off the pump because it gets too cold. The water moving int he pipes will not freeze, but when you turn of the pump during freezing temperatures, it causes some water to remain and FREEZE! The actual pipe break won’t occur until the pipe thaws. Just keep it running!
#4 A heater: For ponds with fish, it’s vital to keep at least a small 6 inch area of the pond free from ice to allow for gas exchange. This prevents the build-up of harmful gases from fish waste. A floating de-icer (otherwise knows as a heater) will keep an area of the pond open. An aerator may keep a place open for most of the winter until we get the REALLY low temps. Either way, you’ve got to ensure gas exchange. Learn more about which pond deicer is the best.
#5 Watch the water level even in the winter: There is less evaporation, but sometimes the pond needs water. The level may be down because some of the water is ice. Of course, you don’t want to fill it totally full and then have the ice melt, causing the pond to overflow. You can lower the skimmer window (if you have that type of skimmer) to accommodate for this.
#6 The Hose: Always disconnect the hose from the spigot after adding water to prevent pipe freezing.
#7 Yard Cleanup: Rake up the leaves and debris in the yard. This will help immensely because, as we know, those leaves will end up in the pond. No one wants to have to figure out how to unclog a pump that is a couple feet below in VERY cold water while it’s -4.
By following these guidelines, your koi pond will be well-prepared for winter, ensuring the health and safety of your fish and the longevity of your pond equipment.