Winter Pump Operation for 2,000-gal Pond in Virginia

Richmond, VA: 2,000-gal, 3-ft deep pond, 15 koi/goldfish. Conflicting advice on running pump all winter.

Author's Practice (Central MD, Colder)

Run main waterfall (2,600 gph) all winter. Turn off smaller features. Risks: ice dams divert water. Buried tubing helps. No check valve (allows drain on power loss).

Alternatives

• Pump discharge at surface (no waterfall) for movement/hole.
• If pump off: run air stone for oxygen.
• Always keep de-icer for gas exchange.

See pros/cons list and author's winter newsletters.