Question
Thank you so much for your reply.  As a follow up:

There are some, but not many, leave already in the pond.  No more are in the area to fall into it.  Should I try and remove these the best I can now or in the spring?

Also, do I need to drain the pond for the winter?  If not, should I drain it in the spring?

Was it right to remove the pumps and put them in buckets of water for the winter?

Can I purchase this "beneficial bacteria" anywhere?  If so, does it have a more official name?

Thanks again,
Jason

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Followup To
Question -
I just bought a house in Michigan that has a beautiful pond/waterfall.  The previous owner advised me to remove the two pumps (one for the waterfall and the other for the fountain in the middle of the pond) and place them in a bucket of water during the winter so that they don't rust.  I completed that step yesterday.  This pond does not have any fish, although I noticed several tadpoles in it yesterday from a frog not placed there purposefully.

I want to ensure that I do everything correctly so as to not ruin the pond.  Should I drain it?  Treat it?  Was the above actions correct?  All information I've found thus far is with consideration of fish, of which I have none.  

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Kind regards,
Jason Clark


Answer -
Hello Jason!
The winterization of the pond is a lot simpler if no fish are present.
If a lot of trees are in the vicinity you should probably cover it with a net to make sure not too many leaves fall in and fould the water.
In the spring it would be a good idea to seed the water with some beneficial bacteria to take some of the decomposing organic matter out (otherwise it is common for the waterfall and/or fountain to produce foam, which does not look so good).
Otherwise you should be good to go!
Brigitte/www.pondmarket.com

Answer
Hello again, Jason!
You did fine taking the pumps in!
Indeed, you can buy the special bacteria right here:
http://www.pondmarket.com/store/category.cfm?Category=12
It is called "Microbe Lift Fall/Winter Prep"
We do not drain ponds unless absolutely necessary, because it takes ponds a couple of years to mature and they have to start all over every time you drain it.
Best regards
Brigitte/www.pondmarket.com