Can You Still Keep Your Pondless Water Feature Running During The Winter?
Apr 19th 2024
Many people who own pondless water features are curious about whether or not they can be used during winter. While numerous experts will recommend deactivating such features for the winter season, it is possible to safely operate them all year round, if you don’t mind performing a few chores.
Due to the fact that pondless water features don’t require caring for fish or filtration units, the maintenance required for them during winter is minimal by comparison. However, you will want to perform an occasional inspection to see if there is flowing water or ice dams. You want to avoid having the water freeze, and the best way to do this is by keeping it moving. This will reduce the buildup of ice.
You will also need to be on the lookout for ice formations near the feature. If you notice that ice is redirecting water from the feature, this is a problem that should be addressed immediately by applying warm water.
The water level will have to be topped off for the duration of winter, so it is essential to maintain a supply of water nearby that can be used for the purpose of refilling the feature when it needs it. Some people use a special device called the hose warmer which will ensure that the water continues flowing so that the feature is properly refilled.
After reading all the info above, some people won’t want to be bothered with running their water feature during winter, and this is certainly understandable. In this case, you will want to deactivate the water feature for the remainder of the season and then make sure the parts are properly stored so they can be put back together in spring. When doing this there is a special checklist you should follow.
First you will need to give the water feature a nice scrub down. This will break up any debris which is present on the waterfall or rocks, and will ensure the water feature not only maintains its looks, but also its functionality. Second, you will want to remove the pump. You will start by making sure the water basins are empty, and then take the pump and put it into storage. The tube should be drained and the pump should then be placed in a bucket filled with water so that the seals remain moist and do not crack or dry out.
Next you will need to store the décor. Disconnect any parts which are fragile, such as vases or spitters, and place them in either a garage or basement. Water features often consist of plants which are sensitive to temperature, and if this is the case they should be taken indoors where it’s warm. While water features can provide great pleasure to those that keep them running during the holiday season, they must be properly cared for to maximize their longevity.
Make Sure It’s Always Running
Due to the fact that pondless water features don’t require caring for fish or filtration units, the maintenance required for them during winter is minimal by comparison. However, you will want to perform an occasional inspection to see if there is flowing water or ice dams. You want to avoid having the water freeze, and the best way to do this is by keeping it moving. This will reduce the buildup of ice.
You will also need to be on the lookout for ice formations near the feature. If you notice that ice is redirecting water from the feature, this is a problem that should be addressed immediately by applying warm water.
Refill When Necessary
The water level will have to be topped off for the duration of winter, so it is essential to maintain a supply of water nearby that can be used for the purpose of refilling the feature when it needs it. Some people use a special device called the hose warmer which will ensure that the water continues flowing so that the feature is properly refilled.
Shutting It Down
After reading all the info above, some people won’t want to be bothered with running their water feature during winter, and this is certainly understandable. In this case, you will want to deactivate the water feature for the remainder of the season and then make sure the parts are properly stored so they can be put back together in spring. When doing this there is a special checklist you should follow.
First you will need to give the water feature a nice scrub down. This will break up any debris which is present on the waterfall or rocks, and will ensure the water feature not only maintains its looks, but also its functionality. Second, you will want to remove the pump. You will start by making sure the water basins are empty, and then take the pump and put it into storage. The tube should be drained and the pump should then be placed in a bucket filled with water so that the seals remain moist and do not crack or dry out.
Next you will need to store the décor. Disconnect any parts which are fragile, such as vases or spitters, and place them in either a garage or basement. Water features often consist of plants which are sensitive to temperature, and if this is the case they should be taken indoors where it’s warm. While water features can provide great pleasure to those that keep them running during the holiday season, they must be properly cared for to maximize their longevity.
