Asked By: Quintin of Pine Bluff, AR
A: Maintaining pond water quality throughout the winter is a common concern for pond owners. If you already have good water quality in your pond, it’s easy to let your guard down in the fall. Thanks to your hard-working bacteria, the water is clean and clear with minimal algae, and your fish are happy. You have nothing to do but coast into winter and hibernate until spring.
Not so fast.
As water temperatures drop, those bacteria stop fighting off excess nutrients and algaecides are less effective on cold-temperature plant growth. Fortunately, several easy pond products can help maintain lake or fish pond water quality this winter.
- Add Some EcoBoost PRx: Formulated to bind phosphates suspended in the water, EcoBoost PRx helps to clear water and enhance beneficial bacteria. It also provides over 80 trace minerals to fish, keeping them well over the winter. EcoBoost PRx has no temperature restrictions, so you can use it all year round. Simply mix the powder with some water in a pail and pour it into the pond.
- Tint With Pond Dye Packs: During cold temperatures and even iced-over conditions, your pond's bottom can still be exposed to sunlight. Pond Dye can be used year-round—winter included—to shade your pond from the sun's UV rays. The dye also imparts a dramatic hue to the water, giving it a great look when it ices over.
- Add an Air Pump for Pond Aeration: You can also improve water quality through the winter by keeping the oxygen levels up and water circulating. If you are not going to use the pond for ice skating or hockey, we recommend you use a subsurface aerator, like the Airmax Aeration Systems. The system will keep the air bubbles flowing throughout the water column while maintaining a hole in the ice for gas exchange. If you have a fountain running, remove it and store it for the winter, as ice can damage the motor in the pump.
More Pond Water Quality Tips
If you’re still struggling with how to improve your pond’s water quality before the winter, The Pond Guy’s friendly staff of experts can help. You can contact us by phone at 866-766-3435 or on the website. You can also learn more below:
Pond and Lake 101
Running Pond Aeration During Winter
Pond Dye: The Essential Guide
Can Algae Grow in Winter?
Aeration Improves Water Clarity
Last Updated: August 12, 2024