Preparing your Garden Fountain and Pond for Winter

From the spring through the fall, having a fountain in your garden or a pond on your property adds a beautiful touch to your outdoor setting. Those warm days are always improved by spending relaxing hours next to fresh running water. While it is important to maintain your units and keep your fountains and ponds fresh and clean throughout the year, when the winter months are approaching, there are a few extra details of which you should be aware.

Cleaning

Whether you have a garden fountain or a small pond, one of the most important things you can do to prepare them for winter is cleaning them, and removing all organic debris. The decomposition process is slowed in colder temperatures, and the slowing of this process presents problems. During decomposition, organic materials will give off toxic gases, and slowing the process allows for a buildup of these toxic chemicals. If a layer of ice begins to form, the decomposition process is slowed down even more. This is especially harmful if you have a pond that contains fish or other wildlife.

Garden Fountains

If you are preparing a garden fountain for winter, you will want to drain all of the water, and turn the pump off before the first freeze. Frozen water expands quite a bit, and ice will ruin your pump and the pieces of your fountain. There are also fountain covers that can protect the materials your fountain is made of from Mother Nature. But, in some cases, it is sometimes best to remove your fountain from the elements completely. If you expect to experience harsh winter conditions, it may be best to move you fountain to a garage or shed during those months.

Preparing Your Pond

The options for maintaining your pond are a little different than a fountain. The pump in a pond for instance, can be left on throughout the year, so that it can continue to circulate the water. The pump will help to keep the water from freezing, but sometimes those temperatures just are too low. It is a big help to have a fountain thermometer to monitor these temperatures. There are also options for pond heaters for when the temperatures get too bad. If your pond begins to freeze, you can pour boiling water in the edge of it, allowing trapped gases to be released.

Cold weather is harsh, and it can bring a lot of issues to your water features. With the many methods and techniques that are available for maintaining your fountain or pond, there is no reason why the winter should ruin your pieces. If you keep your water clean, and act early enough, you shouldn’t have any problems.