💧Do You Need to Run Your Pond Pump All Winter in Arizona?

The Question Every Pond Owner Asks

As the temperatures drop and Arizona evenings start feeling just a little chilly (you know…when you finally need a hoodie instead of flip-flops), many pond owners start wondering:  “Do I need to run my pond pump all winter?”

If you’ve seen videos of ponds freezing solid in other states, it’s easy to assume you should shut yours off too. But here’s the reality:

➡️ In Arizona, your pond pump should stay running all winter long.

And yes, that’s true even when nights dip into the 40s or 30s.

🌊 Why Running Your Pond Pump Year-Round Is So Important

1. Keeps Water Circulating (and Healthy!)

Still water is bad news for ponds. It becomes stagnant, oxygen levels drop, and debris starts to collect. Your Aquascape pond pump creates the gentle, consistent movement that keeps your ecosystem balanced.

Circulation also helps distribute oxygen evenly, which is vital for both your koi and your beneficial bacteria.

💡 Pro Tip: If your waterfall slows down, check your skimmer basket for debris. In fall and early winter, leaves and dust are sneaky cloggers.

2. Protects Your Equipment

Unlike pumps in colder climates, Aquascape pumps are designed to run year-round, even outdoors. When you turn your pump off, water inside the plumbing can stagnate or dry out, causing seals to crack. Keeping it running maintains water flow, protects seals, and prevents costly repairs later.

3. Prevents Debris from Settling

Running your pump through winter keeps leaves, dust, and other organic matter moving toward your skimmer. Without movement, debris sinks to the bottom and decomposes into sludge, creating ammonia and feeding algae before spring even arrives.

4. Keeps Beneficial Bacteria Alive

Your pond’s natural filtration relies on tiny helpers called beneficial bacteria. They don’t die off in winter; they just slow down. Running water helps them stay oxygenated and active enough to process waste and keep your pond balanced.

5. Keeps the View Beautiful

Let’s be honest, the sound of running water on a crisp winter night is one of life’s small luxuries. With your pond pump running, you can enjoy your Aquascape waterfall glowing under soft LED lights even in December.

🧊 But What If It Freezes?

In the Phoenix Valley or Tucson area, freezing temperatures are rare and brief. If a light freeze is expected, keep your pump running and water flowing, it’s unlikely to cause any problems.

If you’re at higher elevations where ice can last longer, consider shutting your pump off temporarily and using a pond aerator instead to maintain oxygen flow.

🌿 Bonus Tip: Pair It with Aeration

Even in mild winters, a pond aerator is one of the best upgrades you can make. Aquascape pond aerators add oxygen, reduce toxic gas buildup, and keep your fish thriving through temperature swings.

🎯 The Bottom Line

If you live in most parts of Arizona, keep your pump on! It’s better for your fish, your filtration, and your sanity come spring cleaning time.

Let PondscapesAZ take the guesswork out of winter pond care. We’ll inspect your Aquascape pump, test your system, and make sure your pond runs perfectly all season long.

Looking for pond contractors near you in Phoenix AZ? Give us a call at 480-987-7781 or contact us online to get started.