How to Winterize Water Features

In the coldest regions, shutting down a waterfall for winter makes sense for several reasons. You save on energy costs, extend the life of equipment and also avoid having ice dams form. A running waterfall in winter cools pond water quickly and to a greater depth, potentially lowering water temperature to a point that’s unhealthy for fish. In place of a waterfall, add an aeration system to the pond for winter to add air to the water.

Use a net to keep leaves from falling into pond water. A net stretched across the pond surface requires daily emptying when leaves are falling. A pond shelter-type kit supports netting on a frame that prevents leaves from ever touching the water. An elevated net is also easier to keep free of leaves. If leaves do land in water, scoop them out. Also keep the skimmer basket emptied of leaves. Decomposing leaves in a pond release materials that can harm fish and muddy the water.

Keep an opening in ice that forms on the pond with a floating heater. An open spot in the ice protects fish by allowing harmful gases in the water out while letting oxygen in. In the coldest areas, it’s wise to have a back-up heater, along with a plan for storm-related power outages. If a solid sheet of ice forms on your pond, melt a hole by pouring hot water onto the ice. Do not pound on the ice. The sound waves stress fish, which leads to a compromised immune system and possibly death.

The first step in winterizing a spa is deciding if you want to close it down for the season or enjoy sitting in hot water surrounded by snow. If you opt for winter tubbing, review your manual’s instructions for use in freezing weather. Most spas have a freeze protection system. You may also need to set the spa’s auto heat mode to cycle on and off to keep water warm. A tight fitting cover prevents energy loss and keeps the heat where it belongs — in the water. Clean and drain the spa before cold weather arrives so it’s ready for winter use.

You can also run an above-ground spa through winter. If you decide to close it down for the chilly season, start with an inspection of the wood cabinet. Refinish wooden cabinets as needed. This task requires dry weather and warmth, so tackle this while autumn temperatures are still on the toasty side — and before fall rains arrive.

Remove the baskets from your skimmers and test the water. Take a sample to your local pool dealer or use a home test kit. If your chemical ranges are a little high, that’s fine. During winter, the levels will likely drop. Make sure the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity is 100 to 150 ppm and sanitizer level is correct. Add the winterizing chemicals while your filter and pump are still up and running. You can buy a winter pill that helps keep water clean so your spring opening goes more smoothly.

It’s vital to blow out the pipes on an in-ground pool. Call a professional if you’re uncertain how to do this procedure — it’s what protects the water lines from freezing. Afterwards, plug the return jets and install a Gizzmo in the skimmer to prevent it from cracking. If you do these few tasks, you don’t have to drain the pool for winter unless you have ornamental tile edging the pool. In that case, drain water four inches below the tile.