Posts Tagged ‘storing’
Winter: Take it out or leave it in?
Our fountain does not mind the ice as long as it is unplugged.
Each year around this time I get several calls asking whether the fountain is safe in the water or should it be taken out. Well, it depends. If the pond is going to freeze solid most or all of the winter than yes, I would take it out. Most of my customers from north of Ohio should indeed remove the fountain. Simply let it drain, remove the float, and store it away in a safe place out of the reach of field mice and the like who will make nests out of the wire. Remember to place your nozzles in a safe place that you will remember come spring.
Those below Ohio, and whose ponds won’t freeze all winter, have the option to leave the fountain in. Even if the pond does ice up on occasion it will not hurt the fountain. If a cold snap is coming, simply unplug the fountain until the ice has melted off. Otherwise the fountain can create a large ice mountain or worse yet, it can freeze over and burn out the pump. Once the ice has retreated plug it back in and enjoy it for the winter.
The third option is to use our de-icer/aerator. It caps off the displays, but sucks air into the flow and blows it out underneath the float. If you have a great deal of aquatic life in a smaller pond this will allow oxygen to be diffused into the water avoiding winter fish kills (these are rare).
Now all you have to do is stay warm and dream of spring!
Edited: January 15th, 2009