Planted or Ornamental Pond with No Livestock: If you don't have any fish in the pond, you don't need to run the equipment during the winter months. As the water temperature drops below 10°C, the bacteria that process pond waste start to die back, making filtration less essential.
Fish Pond: For ponds with fish, it depends on your climate:
- If your temperatures stay above freezing, it might be best to keep your filter running. You can decrease the flow rate and ensure the filter is positioned higher up in the pond to avoid disturbing the bottom.
- If your area experiences freezing temperatures, it's recommended to disconnect your pump, filter, and UV clarifier before the water freezes. Drain any water from the equipment, clean the filter and media, and store everything properly until spring.
For more detailed guidance, check out our full article here.