Winterizing a Pond in Ohio: Pumps, Ice, and Aeration

Preparing Your Ohio Pond for Freezing Winters

A 6×17 ft, 28-inch deep pond in Ohio needs proper winter prep. The key: keep a hole in the ice for gas exchange.

Pump & Waterfall

• Run the pump all winter but reduce flow (slower = less supercooling).
• If pump is in the skimmer, it may freeze; consider moving it deeper or using a de-icer.
• Waterfall can run but may create ice dams—monitor.

Essential Equipment

• De-icer: Floating heater maintains a 12–18" open hole.
• Aeration: Air stone at mid-depth (not bottom) adds oxygen without supercooling.
• Net: Cover pond to keep leaves out (decaying leaves = toxic gases).

Don't

• Break ice by banging—shock waves kill fish.
• Use boiling water—thermal shock.
• Turn off all circulation—stagnation = low oxygen.

Resource

See Winter Pond Care Guide for detailed steps.