Above Ground pond covered for the winter

[SandyL]

I have cleaned and removed the bio filter for the winter and the pump will remain in use and will move the water just enough to prevent the surface from freezing. On extremely cold days and or nights I will bungee a tarp over the entire pond and can pull back the tarp on warm days.

 

[Lisak1]

Be careful that you don't seal it off too effectively. Gases can build up under pond covers, too just as they do under ice. In your zone, I don't think you'll have too much to worry about. In fact, if I were you I might consider putting some insulation around the sides - maybe some bales of hay or even bagged leaves. That would do more good than a cover I think.

 

[SandyL]

Be careful that you don't seal it off too effectively. Gases can build up under pond covers, too just as they do under ice. In your zone, I don't think you'll have too much to worry about. In fact, if I were you I might consider putting some insulation around the sides - maybe some bales of hay or even bagged leaves. That would do more good than a cover I think.

Thanks, been covering it up for 18 years. Pond is lined with underlayment and Styrofoam on the sides and ground level. believe me its not sealed tight, one of the windows stays 1/2 open. Got down to -5 last year and no ice formed on the surface at all.

 

[Jack B. Nimble]

Mine right now

 

[SandyL]

Mine right now View attachment 117294

Hi Jack, You keep your pump running for water movement? or maybe an air stone?

 

[Tula]

Just covered mine today. Still running water fall and filter. As temps drop I'll turn off the waterfall , the filter will be turned off once temps are cold.

 

[Mmathis]

Be careful that you don't seal it off too effectively. Gases can build up under pond covers, too just as they do under ice. In your zone, I don't think you'll have too much to worry about. In fact, if I were you I might consider putting some insulation around the sides - maybe some bales of hay or even bagged leaves. That would do more good than a cover I think.

Was thinking the same about gases — they need a place to go.

@SandyL Where do you live?

 

[Jack B. Nimble]

Hi Jack, You keep your pump running for water movement? or maybe an air stone?

No nothing running as I made a winter home in my house. I have a camera under the tarps and saw a few fish so I guess well see how it goes. I could not catch them all but tried.

 

[MitchM]

No gas exchange = dead fish.
How each of us maintains gas exchange depends on our location and pond setup.

 

[Lisak1]

Thanks, been covering it up for 18 years. Pond is lined with underlayment and Styrofoam on the sides and ground level. believe me its not sealed tight, one of the windows stays 1/2 open. Got down to -5 last year and no ice formed on the surface at all.

Sounds like you've got it covered. Haha! Get it?

But it's a good reminder for others that may be considering the same approach.