How to Maintain a Water Feature During the Winter

You know that beautiful water feature your landscape experts at Top Cut installed for you? You may be wondering how to maintain it now that the weather has gone south. We’re here to help! While a water feature adds beauty and tranquility to any yard, as temperatures drop, it requires special care to prevent damage and ensure it remains in top condition for spring. Whether you have a fountain, pond, or waterfall, winter maintenance is essential to protect your investment from freezing temperatures, ice buildup, and debris accumulation. Follow these practical tips to keep your water feature in great shape throughout the cold months.

Drain or Keep the Water Flowing

One of the most important decisions when winterizing your water feature is whether to drain it or keep the water flowing.

Drain smaller features: If you have a small fountain or birdbath, it's often best to drain the water completely to prevent freezing and cracking. Store the pump indoors to extend its lifespan.
Keep larger features running: Ponds and waterfalls with a strong pump can often continue running throughout the winter, preventing ice buildup and maintaining water circulation. However, monitor them regularly to ensure ice doesn’t obstruct the flow.

Protect the Pump

Your pump is the heart of your water feature and must be properly maintained to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

Remove and store the pump: If you're shutting down your water feature, remove the pump, clean it thoroughly, and store it in a bucket of water indoors to prevent seals from drying out.
Insulate the pump: If you choose to keep your feature running, wrap the pump in insulation or use a de-icer to prevent freezing.

Prevent Ice Buildup

Frozen water can cause severe damage to your water feature’s structure, plumbing, and pump. Take the following precautions:

Use a pond heater or de-icer: These devices keep the water from freezing completely, especially in fish ponds.
Break up surface ice carefully: Avoid using sharp objects to break ice, as this can damage the liner or basin. Instead, pour warm water over frozen areas to slowly melt ice buildup.
Keep the water level stable: Evaporation occurs even in winter, so check water levels regularly to prevent damage from low levels and freezing.

Monitor Fish and Aquatic Plants

If you have fish or aquatic plants in your pond, their care is crucial during the winter months.

Ensure adequate oxygen: If your pond ices over, a small opening should be maintained to allow gas exchange for fish to survive.
Reduce feeding: Fish metabolism slows in colder temperatures, so reduce or stop feeding based on the water temperature.
Trim aquatic plants: Cut back dead plant material to prevent it from decaying in the water.

Check for Leaks and Repairs

Winter is a great time to inspect your water feature for any signs of leaks or structural damage.

Inspect the liner or basin: Look for cracks or wear that might worsen in freezing temperatures.
Address minor repairs early: Fix any issues before they become more significant problems when temperatures rise again.

Keeping Your Water Feature in Top Condition Through Winter

Beauty comes at a price, but by taking time to winterize and maintain your water feature, you can prevent costly damage and ensure it remains a beautiful focal point in your landscape year-round. Whether you choose to shut it down or keep it running, regular maintenance is key to protecting your investment and enjoying its soothing presence for years to come.

By Top Cut Landscaping Staff 1-1-2025

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