Backyard Style - Outdoor, Backyard Pond and Birding

The Pond Owner November Checklist

1. Skim your pond weekly to remove leaves and plant matter
2. Switch to a spring/fall formulated fish food
3. Dose pond water regularly with Laguna Bio Booster while the leaves are falling*
4. Remove, clean and store pond equipment
5. Disconnect waterfall
6. Install a Pond Heater, De-icer or Aeration Kit
7. Prepare your pond plants for the winter
8. Prepare your pond fish for the winter

Tip of the month: A patch of leaves left in the deepest part of the pond can help to provide shelter when fish are being kept in the pond for the winter.

The Laguna Floating Thermometer is ideal for monitoring the water temperature in your pond. The thermometer includes an easy viewing window with large temperature indications for quick readings. It comes with a handy anchoring cord and is designed to float on the water surface for easy access.

*It is important to continue dosing your pond water regularly with Laguna Bio Booster to ensure that there are ample beneficial bacteria to handle the increase in organic pollution due to decomposing leaves.



Add a full dose of Laguna Water Prep when performing water changes or adding water. It eliminates harmful chlorine or chloramines from newly added tapor well water, immediately making pond water safe.


Depending on the climate zone you live in, November is when you will start to see the water temperature of your pond drop below 43 °F (6 °C). When the water reaches this temperature submersible pumps should be removed, cleaned and stored for the winter. Completely take apart and clean your pump. Storing your equipment without cleaning it could result in damaged equipment or a broken impeller shaft when you restart in the spring.


If you use your primary pump in the winter, completely clean your pump and impeller. If you are using a secondary smaller water pump ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned before use. Ensure that your pump is close to the surface of your pond or on bricks to prevent cooling of the lower water levels. This should be done even in climates where the pond freezing over is not an issue. It is important not to leave the pump in the deep area of the pond where fish will be hibernating for the winter. Doing this disrupts the water’s natural thermo cline* and will result in fish loss.

You will also need to disconnect, clean and store pond equipment such as UV sterilizers and external filters. If you have a waterfall you will also have to disconnect it for the winter months. In colder climate zones an air hole needs to be kept open to allow for gases to escape from your pond. If your pond completely freezes, fish may suffocate and die.

The Laguna Heated Pond De-icer helps keep ice from forming and helps de-gas the pond, making it safe for fish. The unit comes with a highly visible LED pilot light that indicates when it’s on.

Labels: pond winterization