First Winter Pond Care: Kansas City Zone 6 Guide

Your Setup

5×7 ft, 24" deep, 4 goldfish, 1 small koi, pump/filter, floating oxygenators. KCMO winters: sustained freezes, occasional sub-zero.

Step-by-Step Winterizing

1. Remove floating plants (oxygenators) — they rot, add nutrients. Compost or discard.
2. Install de-icer (250W thermostatic) — keeps 12" hole open for gas exchange.
3. Lower pump to 12" depth — circulates cold surface water, preserves bottom warmth.
4. Clean filter media in pond water; store indoors (bucket with wet media) or leave running if pump stays.
5. Net the pond — keeps leaves out, deters herons/raccoons (critical with no plant cover).
6. Stop feeding at 50°F water temp.
7. Add cold-water bacteria monthly.

Koi Size Matters

If koi >8", 24" depth is marginal for winter survival. Consider indoor tank (100+ gal) for large koi. Small koi (<6") usually fine with de-icer + aeration.

Resources

Free e-book: pondmarket.com → "Winterizing Your Pond." Covers KCMO specifics.