Top 7 Pond Mistakes to Fix Before Spring Comes

Common winter problems, why they happen, and easy fixes that save you time later

January is one of the most revealing months for a pond. Everything looks calm. The water might even look “pretty good.” But behind the scenes, winter quietly exposes weaknesses that show up loud and clear once spring hits.

If you’ve ever said, “It was fine all winter… then spring happened,” this blog is for you.

Here are the seven most common pond mistakes we see in winter and how fixing them now leads to a clearer, healthier, easier spring.

Mistake #1: Turning Off the Pond Pump

This is hands-down the most common winter mistake in Arizona.

Many pond owners assume pumps should be shut off when it gets cold. That advice applies to frozen climates, not the desert.

Why this causes problems:
Without circulation:

• Debris sinks instead of being skimmed
• Oxygen levels drop
• Beneficial bacteria struggle
• Sludge builds faster than you realize

Your Aquascape pond pump is designed to run year-round. Turning it off often creates more problems than it prevents.

Quick fix:
Keep the pump running. If flow slows, clean the skimmer basket and pump intake instead of shutting the system down.

Mistake #2: “It’s Winter, I’ll Deal With Debris Later”

Winter debris is sneaky. Leaves, dust, pollen, and plant matter still enter your pond, even when trees look bare.

Why it matters:
Anything that sinks now becomes:

• Spring sludge
• Algae fuel
• Extra strain on bacteria and filters

Quick fix:
Light weekly skimming plus one mid-winter debris check keeps organic matter from becoming a spring nightmare.

Mistake #3: Overfeeding Koi (or Feeding the Wrong Food)

Koi don’t stop being hungry; they just stop being able to digest food efficiently.

Why it matters:
Below ~55°F, koi metabolism slows dramatically. Uneaten food:

• Sinks and decays
• Raises ammonia
• Stresses fish and bacteria

Quick fix:
Switch to Aquascape Cold Water Fish Food in early winter, reduce feeding frequency, and stop feeding entirely below 50°F.

Mistake #4: Skipping Aeration Because “Cold Water Has Oxygen”

Cold water can hold more oxygen, but only if the water is moving.

Why it matters:
Without circulation:

• Gases get trapped
• Oxygen stratifies
• Fish and bacteria suffer

Quick fix:
Add or maintain a pond aeration system. Gentle bubbles do powerful work all winter long.

Mistake #5: Leaving Dead Plants to Rot

Winter plant die-back is normal. Letting it decay in the pond is not.

Why it matters:
Rotting plants release nutrients algae loves, and your bacteria can’t process waste as efficiently in cold water.

Quick fix:
Trim yellowing foliage and remove dying plant material before it breaks down.

Mistake #6: “Spring Will Fix It”

Spring doesn’t fix problems; it reveals them.

Why it matters:
What builds quietly in winter explodes in spring: algae blooms, cloudy water, stressed fish.

Quick fix:
Handle small maintenance tasks now so spring is about enjoying, not fixing.

Mistake #7: Skipping the Winter Pond Check

Winter hides problems well.

Quick fix:
A simple January check can prevent major repairs later

• Pump & skimmer
• Aeration
• Debris load
• Fish behavior

Winter pond care isn’t about working harder, it’s about working smarter.

Need Help?
Not sure which winter mistakes your pond might be making? PondscapesAZ offers winter inspections and pond maintenance services to get you spring-ready without the stress.

Explore how our team of Certified Aquascape Contractors can support your pond’s health year-round. Our pond experts have served Arizona for over 20 years with artistry, craftsmanship, and care.