Pond Maintenance by Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter

A pond requires different care throughout the year. This guide outlines seasonal maintenance, so you're never caught off guard.

Spring: starting up after winter

• Turn the filter back on completely (if switched off during frost) as soon as the temperature rises above 10°C
• Remove dead plant debris and accumulated leaves from the bottom
• Start feeding cautiously as soon as fish become active - begin with easily digestible food before switching to regular summer food
• Check water parameters: after winter, the balance may have shifted

Summer: peak season for growth and algae

• Feed seasonal koi food, such as Sera Koi Color Medium for optimal colour development
• Pay extra attention to oxygen levels in warm weather - warmer water holds less oxygen. Consider additional aeration with an air pump during heatwaves
• Manually remove excess algae and string algae to prevent fish from suffocating
• Refresh part of the water during prolonged drought to compensate for evaporation

Autumn: preparing for winter

This is the time for major maintenance: dealing with sludge layers, maintaining GH levels, and placing a cover net against falling leaves. Read our comprehensive guide Preparing your pond for autumn for the full steps.

Winter: rest and protection

• Keep the filter running, but remove the filter media during severe frost
• Stop feeding as soon as the water temperature drops below 10°C - fish hardly digest food then. If you do feed at lower temperatures, use special winter/cold water food like Sera Koi Professional Winter, which is tailored for slower digestion
• Ensure the water does not freeze solid - keep a hole open for gas exchange with a floating object or pond heater
• Avoid noise and vibrations around the pond: fish in winter rest are extra sensitive to disturbance

Year-round: basic checks

• Regularly test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, and KH
• Check the filter for blockages or wear
• Keep the pump and aeration clean for optimal operation

Questions about pond maintenance?

Feel free to visit our store in Heinkenszand for personal advice on maintaining your pond throughout the year, or ask your question via chat.