Winterizing in the south

[tbendl]

I've been reading a ton of posts about getting ready for winter. I see some people pull pumps and some run it 24/7 for the duration of winter. So, since I'm in the south, zone 8b, we don't get snow but we have had winters when our pool froze a thin sheet of ice. Now I don't have fish so I'm wondering if it would be smarter to just pull the pump going from the pond to the bog or just turn it on a few hours a day or at night when we have a freeze warning.
Thoughts? Jazz hands?

 

[Mmathis]

I run mine all the time, and I'm just a little north of you. No problems yet, but this will only be my 3rd winter.

 

[morewater]

If you don't have fish, it doesn't matter if it freezes over. Leave the pumps in.

 

[Aaron S]

I leave mine going all year. Never had any problems except when my mother-in-law saw ice on the pond and decided to break it up with a sledge hammer and a 2X4. Oh well she was only trying to help.

 

[addy1]

I shut mine off, too much of a chance of it freezing over, getting a ice dam and draining the pond. Down there you could leave it running, or shut it off, or just run it off and on. Take your pick

 

[tbendl]

Thanks everyone. I was kinda thinking I'd put the pump on a timer and run it like we did our pool but I just wanted to make sure. I'd hate to not have my waterfall going during the winter when I sit out at the fire.