End-of-Season Fall Pond Maintenance Checklist: For Healthy Water Features
As the warm days of summer give way to cooler nights, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your pond for the colder months ahead. Whether you have a koi pond, pondless waterfall, or decorative water feature, a well-executed fall maintenance routine can mean the difference between a healthy spring start or a long list of expensive repairs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do to winterize your pond properly, protect your fish and equipment, and make sure your water feature weathers the Indiana winter with ease.
Why Fall Pond Maintenance Matters
Fall isn’t just about pretty leaves—it’s a crucial transition period for your pond. As temperatures drop, your pond’s ecosystem starts to slow down. Fish begin to eat less, beneficial bacteria reduce activity, and falling leaves pose a real threat to water quality.
Neglecting fall pond maintenance can lead to:
Clogged filters and pumps
Oxygen depletion under ice
Algae blooms in early spring
Unnecessary equipment damage
By following the steps in this checklist, you’ll ensure your pond stays clean, clear, and healthy through winter—and is ready to thrive again come spring.
Step-by-Step Fall Pond Maintenance Tips
1. Skim Out Leaves and Debris Weekly
Falling leaves can wreak havoc on your pond. As they decompose, they release ammonia and other toxins that can harm fish and upset your pond's balance.
Tips:
Use a long-handled pond net to remove floating leaves
Empty your pond skimmer basket regularly
Trim back overhanging tree branches where possible
If your pond is surrounded by trees, consider installing a pond net (more on that below).
2. Install a Pond Net or Leaf Cover
One of the best fall pond maintenance tips we can offer is installing a pond net. It’s a simple step that can prevent hours of cleanup and costly damage later.
Choose a net that:
Is UV-resistant and durable
Covers the entire pond surface
Is secured with stakes or stones
Remove the net before heavy snowfalls begin to avoid it collapsing into the pond.
3. Cut Back Aquatic Plants
Most pond plants will begin to die back in the fall. If not trimmed, their decay can fuel algae growth and pollute the water.
Steps:
Cut hardy marginals like cattails or rushes to just above the waterline
Remove floating plants like water hyacinth and lettuce
Trim lily pads down to about 3" above their crown
Dispose of the cuttings—don’t toss them into the pond.
4. Switch to Cold Weather Fish Food (Then Stop Feeding)
As water temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C), your fish's metabolism slows dramatically. Feeding them summer food can actually harm their digestion.
Tips:
Use a wheat germ-based cold-weather food
Stop feeding entirely once water is consistently below 50°F
Fish will naturally enter a semi-hibernation state during winter, and they don’t need food until spring.
5. Clean Your Pond Filters and Pump
Before shutting things down, give your filters and pumps some love.
Checklist:
Rinse mechanical filters (like filter pads or brushes)
Backwash biofilters if applicable
Clean and inspect your pond pump
Check plumbing and fittings for leaks or wear
Consider storing your pump indoors for winter if your pond is fully shut down.
6. Remove and Store Fragile Equipment
UV clarifiers, aerators, and external pumps that aren’t rated for freezing temperatures should be removed and stored in a dry, frost-free place.
Pro Tip: Label your plumbing connections before disconnecting anything. You’ll thank yourself in the spring.
7. Add Beneficial Cold Water Bacteria
Fall bacteria treatments help break down organic debris and prepare your pond for dormancy.
Look for:
Cold-water-specific formulas (works in temps as low as 35°F)
Monthly treatments from September through November
This step helps maintain clarity and prevent muck buildup.
8. Install a Pond Heater or De-Icer (For Fish Ponds)
If you have koi or goldfish and plan to keep them in the pond through winter, maintaining an opening in the ice is critical for oxygen exchange.
Options:
Floating pond de-icer
Pond aerator with bubbler stone
Never smash ice to create a hole—this can stress or kill fish. Instead, use warm water or an approved device.
9. Check Edge Rocks and Liner Folds
Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can shift rocks and soil, leading to leaks or liner damage come spring.
Inspect for:
Low edges where water could escape
Exposed liner that should be covered
Loose rocks around waterfalls or streams
Adjust now, before the ground freezes.
10. Schedule a Professional Fall Pond Closing (Optional)
Some homeowners prefer to handle fall maintenance themselves—but if you’re unsure or want a second set of hands, a professional service is worth the peace of mind.
At Aquascapes of Michiana, our fall cleanout services include:
Netting and debris removal
Plant trimming
Equipment cleaning and winterization
Fish health check
Optional aerator or de-icer installation
Learn more about our pond maintenance services »
Fall Pond Maintenance Tips for Northern Indiana Homeowners
Pond owners in areas like Elkhart, Plymouth, and South Bend face unique challenges as Midwest weather shifts dramatically in fall. Here’s how to adapt your maintenance plan:
Start fall prep by mid-September—leaves fall earlier in Indiana than in warmer regions
Expect early freezes—be ready to install a de-icer by late October
Heavy rains can clog filters with runoff—keep skimmers clear
If you’re located in Plymouth or the surrounding Michiana region, our team at Aquascapes of Michiana offers localized service tailored to our climate and native plants.
Contact us to schedule your fall pond cleanout »
Fall Pond Maintenance FAQs
Q: Should I drain my pond in the fall?
A: No—draining a healthy pond can stress fish and disrupt the ecosystem. Only drain if a full cleanout is absolutely needed.
Q: Can I leave my waterfall running all winter?
A: That depends on your personal preference and whether your pond or water feature is equipped to run safely in freezing conditions. Some clients love the look and sound of flowing water in winter, while others prefer to shut things down to minimize maintenance. If you choose to keep it running, make sure you have cold-weather-rated pumps, proper plumbing insulation, and a plan to prevent ice dams or overflows.
Q: When should I stop running my UV clarifier?
A: Turn off and remove your UV light once water temps fall below 55°F. Algae growth slows in cold water, and the unit won’t be effective.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your pond for winter might seem like a lot of work—but following these fall pond maintenance tips can save you time, money, and frustration in the spring.
If you need help getting started, or just want the job done right, Aquascapes of Michiana is here to help.
📍 Serving Elkhart, Plymouth, South Bend, Mishawaka, and surrounding areas 📞 (574) 361-7745
