How to Winterize Your Backyard Pond or Waterfall in Oklahoma

Oklahoma winters can be unpredictable. One day it is sunny, and the next it turns icy cold. Although your backyard pond, fountain, or waterfall is built to last, freezing temperatures can take a toll if you don’t prepare. Pumps can crack, fish can suffer, and repairs can be expensive.

The solution? A little winterizing now will save you headaches later. At Backyard Depot, we help homeowners across the state keep their water features safe and beautiful all year round. Here’s a simple guide to get your pond or waterfall ready for the cold season.

1. Clear Out Leaves and Debris

When leaves sink and rot, they create smelly water and algae problems.

• Scoop out leaves and twigs with a net.
• If your yard gets lots of fall leaves, place netting over your pond for a few weeks.
• Want a deeper clean? Call the pros for the best fountain maintenance in Oklahoma; we’ll get your water feature sparkling before the freeze.

2. Get Your Plants Ready

Plants add beauty and balance, but they need care before winter:

• Trim hardy plants and move them to deeper water.
• Bring tropical plants indoors until spring.
• Cut back the edge plants to stop them from rotting in the cold.

These steps are especially important if you’ve invested in a waterfall installation in Oklahoma, since healthy plants keep the whole system looking and running better.

3. Protect Your Fish

If you have koi or goldfish, don’t skip this step:

• Once water drops below 50°F, switch to wheat-germ fish food.
• Stop feeding when temps hit 40°F, fish go semi-dormant and can’t digest food.
• Keep a small hole in the ice using a pond heater or aerator. And never smash the ice, it can shock your fish.

4. Check Your Pump and Equipment

Your pump is the heart of your pond or waterfall. Take care of it now to avoid spring surprises:

• If you plan to run your waterfall all winter, make sure your pump can handle freezing temperatures.
• If not, remove it, clean it, and store it indoors.
• Look over your tubing for cracks or blockages.

Whether you found us while searching “fountain installation near me” or you’re enjoying a custom water feature for your backyard in Tulsa County, this step is key to protecting your investment.

5. Safety + Winter Beauty

Ice formations on waterfalls look amazing, but they can be slippery. Keep walkways clear and add some outdoor lighting to enjoy your feature safely through winter nights. Even in the cold, your backyard can feel like a retreat.

Why Winterizing Is Worth It

Taking a little time now means:

• Longer life for your equipment.
• Healthier water and fish.
• Lower repair bills in spring.
• A backyard that looks great all year.

And in a state like Oklahoma, where winter weather changes fast, preparing ahead makes all the difference.

Let Backyard Depot Handle It for You

Not everyone wants to clean or maintain a pond in chilly weather, and that’s okay. At Backyard Depot, we handle everything from clean-outs to full fountain maintenance in Oklahoma. 

Whether you’ve got a koi pond in Edmond, a waterfall installation in Oklahoma, or a water feature for your backyard in Tulsa County, our team makes winterizing easy.

Don’t wait until the first freeze. Call us today and let’s get your water feature ready for winter.