Winterizing Fishless Pond with Waterfall: Pumps, Bacteria, Draining

Michigan pond, no fish, tadpoles present. Owner removed pumps (stored in water), asks: drain? treat? beneficial bacteria source?

Pump Storage

Correct—store submersible pumps in bucket of water (prevents seal drying).

Do Not Drain

• Draining resets ecology—takes years to mature.
• Leave water, leave tadpoles.
• Net leaves if trees nearby.

Spring Start-Up

• Add beneficial bacteria: Microbe-Lift Fall/Winter Prep (or similar).
• Reinstall pumps, clean gently.
• Expect some foam—bacteria will clear it.

Tadpoles Over Winter

They'll overwinter in mud. Don't disturb.

Simple: pumps in water, pond full, net leaves, add bacteria in spring.