Q: Can I continue to run my waterfall over the winter?
Constance – Broomfield, CO
A: The short answer to your question: Sure! Many pond and water garden hobbyists keep their waterfalls running all year long—of course, those in warmer climates are probably more successful than those of us further north when the temperatures dip below freezing!
If you live in a colder region that freezes and you’re thinking about keeping your falls flowing through the wintertime, consider these important points:
- Is your pump in a skimmer? If so, you may want to move it to a deeper area of your pond that doesn’t freeze.
- Use your bubblers wisely. Keep your air stones, like those found in the Pond Logic® PondAir™ Aeration Kit for smaller ponds, or your diffusers, like those found in the Pond Logic® KoiAir™ Aeration Kit for medium to large ponds, near the pump or bottom of the waterfall to help prevent ice from forming.
- Are you home to keep an eye on things? Ideally, someone should be home to periodically check on the waterfall and make sure it’s not freezing. If it does begin to freeze, the water may begin to divert out of the pond—leaving your fish high and dry.
Keeping your waterfall running during the wintertime has some definite benefits. Snow-covered and shimmering with crystals, a partially frozen waterfall can be a stunning attraction in your backyard. But that’s not all. You may also attract thirsty animals to your pond that decided to brave the winter elements!
Pond Talk: If you keep your waterfall running during the winter, why do you do so?
Filed under: Aeration - WG, Deicer, Seasonal Care, Water Gardens & Features, Waterfall, WG-Winterizing Tagged: | hole, winter
My wife is big on having the pond in our backyard always running because it helps mask the noise of cars driving through the night. We have to have the repair guy come out every now and then for a cleaning or part replacement.
I am building a stream above my already existing pond, which contains KOI and goldfish. I have used mortar cement to construct the 4 waterfalls. Do I need to be concerned about any toxic material from the mortar getting into the pond, and if so, what is the best way to decontaminate the mortar.
Bob
Make sure you let the concrete cure before adding water. We do sell an epoxy coating call Pond Armor® Pond Shield® for these types of projects that seals your cement and provides a water-proof fish and plant friendly barrier.