Every Winter Dreamscapes gets quite a few calls about the best practices for Winterization of ponds and waterfalls in the Lebanon County, Lebanon Pennsylvania area. If you're looking for the answer to how to keep your fish safe over Winter, you should read our "Life Supports" blog. One of the most frequent questions we've gotten this 2016 season is:
Should I keep my Lebanon, County PA waterfeature running over Winter?
Should I keep my Lebanon, County PA waterfeature running over Winter?
Cons to Running Ponds Over Winter
First we will look at the cons to running your waterfeature over the Winter:
1) Accompanied with Winter weather in Pennsylvania, we inevitably go through periods of freezing and periods of thawing of water. During the periods of freezing water, if you are running your waterfall, ice formations on the waterfall could divert the water outside of the pond; ultimately draining your water level. While your pump does not turn off automatically, it will continually try to pump water that is not in the skimmer box and could burn out--costing you the price of a new pump.
Worse yet: If your pump sits submerged in the pond, it will keep pumping your water until there is no water left in your pond--leaving your fish without the most vital part of their survival: water to swim in.
2) If you lose electric and/or your GFI trips, shutting off your pump--it is likely that the water in the plumbing could freeze in the interval between the electric tripping and you fixing it. This freeze of water in the pipes could crack them and cause a major leak issue the next time you get the pump running again. In order to fix cracked pipes you have to replace the entire section that is damaged which is no fun at all.
1) Accompanied with Winter weather in Pennsylvania, we inevitably go through periods of freezing and periods of thawing of water. During the periods of freezing water, if you are running your waterfall, ice formations on the waterfall could divert the water outside of the pond; ultimately draining your water level. While your pump does not turn off automatically, it will continually try to pump water that is not in the skimmer box and could burn out--costing you the price of a new pump.
Worse yet: If your pump sits submerged in the pond, it will keep pumping your water until there is no water left in your pond--leaving your fish without the most vital part of their survival: water to swim in.
2) If you lose electric and/or your GFI trips, shutting off your pump--it is likely that the water in the plumbing could freeze in the interval between the electric tripping and you fixing it. This freeze of water in the pipes could crack them and cause a major leak issue the next time you get the pump running again. In order to fix cracked pipes you have to replace the entire section that is damaged which is no fun at all.
Pros to Running Ponds Over Winter
One of the very coolest parts of owning a pond is being able to see the seasons take shape on it i.e. a Summer pond is a completely different world from a Winter pond. Without all the lush plants and activity going on, what is left to enjoy when Winter hits?
One word: ICE.
Ice formations can be one of the coolest natural occurrences to happen to your waterfeature because they happen all on their own and are never the same from freeze to freeze! Watching water freeze as it trickles is also a pretty fascinating activity as well. The ice sleeks and shines as water trickles over it and is definitely a pretty sight to be seen. But is it worth the hassle that goes into maintaining your water levels, plumbing pipes and pump health?
One word: ICE.
Ice formations can be one of the coolest natural occurrences to happen to your waterfeature because they happen all on their own and are never the same from freeze to freeze! Watching water freeze as it trickles is also a pretty fascinating activity as well. The ice sleeks and shines as water trickles over it and is definitely a pretty sight to be seen. But is it worth the hassle that goes into maintaining your water levels, plumbing pipes and pump health?
Conclusion:
Namely, if you are a homeowner who works extra long shifts, go away for long weekends or are not home to be around your pond to double check it's levels, running your pond year round could be a huge problem for you! Needing to babysit the waterfeature and constantly top it off with water could be more of a worry and hassle than it's worth for you if you are not home enough to enjoy it. There is nothing more sad than coming into the backyard to greet your pets and finding out that the water has diverted elsewhere.
So we recommend to disconnect the pump, store it in a bucket of water somewhere where it won't freeze (like a garage or basement) and make sure to disconnect the check valve if one is present! Follow the steps in this blog about fall shutdown for more information to shutdown your waterfeature!
So we recommend to disconnect the pump, store it in a bucket of water somewhere where it won't freeze (like a garage or basement) and make sure to disconnect the check valve if one is present! Follow the steps in this blog about fall shutdown for more information to shutdown your waterfeature!
So What Now?
Especially in the Lebanon, Pennsylvania area, Dreamscapes recommends to shut ponds down for the Winter by pulling the pump (store it in a bucket of water in a place that doesn't freeze), bleed the pipes (especially if there is a checkvalve in place) and plop in a deicer and/or air station (especially fish that are 8" or larger). For more information on the complete steps to take to shut down your pond or waterfall contact Dreamscapes Watergardens directly at 717-272-6555.
Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August. If you think you need it, we have it!
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]
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