CHICAGO - TelAve -- 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.
   
   
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.
   
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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