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How to Winterize Pond Fountains and Docks | Your Pond Pros
November 3, 2025 Jerry Moore

How to Winterize Pond Fountains and Docks | Your Pond Pros

Why Winterizing Your Pond Matters

As winter slowly creeps un on us, you may be wondering if there is anything you need to do about your pond.  After all, when temperatures get that cold, the only real use for the pond or lake may be ice skating or ice fishing.  But there are a few things to take into consideration prior to ice settling in. If you have a fountain, what should you do with it?  And what about your dock or boats?  These are valuable assets that ice can often reak havoc on.

In this article. we will dive into a few things every pond owner or lake manager should take into account and look at some solutions that will make your life easier once the ice thaws out.

How To Winterize Pond Fountains

Pond fountains add so much to a pond, offering majestic displays as well as helping aerate the water.  But ice can create problems if you are not prepared.  So what are some things you should consider?

  • Leaving Your Fountain In The Pond

If you do decide to leave your fountain in the pond or lake during icy conditions, it is recommended that you set it to run 24/7.  This will help reduce the chance of the propeller or motor freezing up and possibly damaging the unit.  Also, adding a bottom diffuser directly below the fountain helps ensure the water doesn't freeze and keeps the fountain better protected.

  • Removing The Fountain

Removing the fountain is generally the most suggested option because it completley eliminates any chance of harm to the unit.  It also helps keep the seals lasting longer as well as allows you to examine and clean the unit prior to launching it once the freeze is over.  Installing your fountain is simple and should take no time to get it back up and runnning.

Best Way To Prevent Dock Ice Damage

Part of enjoying your waterfront property is having a dock.  Docks can be as simple as a floating dock attached to a gangway, all the way up to multi-story wooden docks with TV's, furniture and kitchenettes.  These larger docks are usually used to house boats and water toys. which are often very expensive and demand care during winter.  So what are the best ways to prepare these docks for winter ice? 

  • Floating Docks

The simplest and most effective thing to do when it comes to protecting your floating dock from ice is to remove it from the water and store it in a secure area.

  • Boat Docks

There are a few things to take into account when it comes to protecting your dock and boat from ice.

  • Use a dock deicer: A dock de-icer an be a crucial tool that uses a small motor to pull warmer water from the bottom of the lake to the surface, preventing ice from forming around the dock and other structures.
  • Clear debris: Keep the area around the dock clean of leaves, sticks, and other debris, as this can contribute to ice buildup.  This can be done using an aquatic weed cutter or a weed rake.
  • Adjust anchor lines: Loosen the anchor chains to allow the floating dock to move up and down with shifting water levels.
  • Secure the dock: Tie a line from the dock to a secure, solid object on land to prevent it from floating away.
  • Add bumpers: Install dock bumpers to provide an extra layer of protection along the edges of the dock.
  • Mark the dock: Place markers on the dock to make it visible to others on the frozen lake and help them avoid it.
    What to watch for
    • Ice heave: The expansion and contraction of ice as it freezes and thaws can exert immense pressure on docks, potentially lifting or shifting them.
    • Structural damage: Ice can cause significant damage by crushing, twisting, or bending structures, and even pulling up pilings.
    • Spring surprises: Even if you don't remove the dock, you should check it for damage in the spring to catch any issues before they worsen. 

      Best Equipment for Winter Dock and Fountain Protection

      The best time to start preparing your pond or lake for the winter is before the ice sets in.  At Your Pond Pros, we offer speedy delivery and no shipping charges, so you can begin protacting those assets rigt away.  Not sure what products to get?  Below are a list of de-icers and pond rakes to get you started on winterizing your pond.

      Kasco Marine: Dock & Marina De-Icer

      Our top selling de-icer, the Kasco Marine Dock De-Icer is a powerhourse designed to make sure you rest easy at night.  Available in 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP, this de icer is sure to keep and size area free from damagin ice.  

      Power House Ice Eater

       

      Keep your pond, marina, or boat dock clear all winter long with the powerful and reliable Power House Ice Eater. Designed to prevent damaging ice buildup, this industry-leading de-icer works around the clock to maintain open water—even in the harshest conditions. Watch it in action and see why professionals trust the Ice Eater to protect their waterfront investments.

      Easy Pro Weed Rake

      There's no need to worry which side lands up when you throw this rake out into the pond since there's teeth on both sides! The 32" wide rake features seventeen 3" long teeth on each side of the rake, a baked-on, powder coat finish, and 25' of rope. An affordable and easy way to remove unwanted aquatic plants!

      EasyPro AWE 28" Aquatic Weed Cutter

      This 28″ wide aquatic weed cutter makes short work of cleaning up weed infested beaches and shoreline. The reversible, double sided, serrated blade quickly cuts through even the thickest weeds. 

      Need help choosing a de-icer or fountain storage solution? Contact Your Pond Pros at 888-825-6214 for expert advice before winter hits!

      Next article Best De-Icers of 2025