CHICAGO - eTradeWire -- As Chicagoland nights dip toward freezing, Midwest Pond Features & Landscape is sharing essential guidance to help koi and goldfish safely overwinter and to protect pumps, liners, and plumbing from cold-weather damage.

Expert Winterization Tips

1. Keep a hole in the ice for gas exchange
   In our climate, ice cover is normal just don't let it seal completely. Maintain a small opening so oxygen can enter and harmful gases can escape. A thermostatically controlled de-icer and a pond aerator used together offer reliable protection during deep freezes. Never smash ice (shock waves can injure fish); if needed, melt a hole with hot water.
   
   
2. Place aeration shallow not at the deepest point
   Position air stones a bit below the surface so you keep a hole open without churning the warmest bottom water where fish rest in winter torpor. Excessive circulation can erase the pond's thermal layering and chill fish unnecessarily.
   
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3. Know when to stop feeding
   As water temps fall, fish metabolism slows. Reduce feed around 55°F and stop feeding at ~50°F until spring to avoid digestive issues and water-quality problems. Always go by a pond thermometer, not air temperature.
   
   
4. Manage leaves and debris early
   Net the pond or skim often. Decomposing organics consume oxygen and fuel ammonia spikes under ice; staying ahead of leaves keeps winter water clearer and fish safer
   
   
5. Decide whether to run the waterfall
   Many owners shut down features to reduce cooling and protect plumbing; others enjoy winter ice-scapes. If you keep water moving, insulate exposed lines and monitor flows to prevent ice dams that could divert water out of the pond.
   
   
6. Right-size depth and aeration
   Deeper refuges help fish in prolonged cold. Artificial aeration improves winter oxygen critical in small or heavily stocked ponds.
   
   
7. Protect equipment & power
   Clean and store canister/pressure filters that aren't rated for freezing; check GFCI outlets and weatherproof connections; and confirm de-icers/aerators function before the first hard freeze.

Seasonal Services & Scheduling
Midwest Pond Features & Landscape offers full winterization services for koi ponds, pondless waterfalls, and decorative fountains leaf netting, equipment shut-down, aeration/de-icer setup, plumbing protection, and spring-ready cleanouts. Appointments are limited as temperatures fall. Visit: https://midwestpondfeatures.com

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About Midwest Pond Features & Landscape
Midwest Pond Features & Landscape designs, builds, maintains, and repairs water features across the Chicago area, including koi ponds, streams, pondless waterfalls, and fountains. The company is a Certified Aquascape® pond contractor with a portfolio of residential and commercial installations across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will, and neighboring counties.

Media Contact
Midwest Pond Features & Landscape
(630) 407-1415 | hello@midwestpondfeatures.com
midwestpondfeatures.com