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Even if you empty your pond before the winter, there’s a good chance it will refill naturally. It’s ideal in most cases, then, to leave water in your pond and winterize it instead. This method will prevent ice damage and protect wildlife. Plus, it’ll lessen the steps required to reopen your pond in the spring.

How many fish can call your pond home depends on the volume of the pond and the fish size. Your pond's filtration system also influences the number of fish that will thrive in a pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish for every square foot in a pond that's 2 feet deep. Another rule of thumb you can follow is to have one koi fish for every 200 gallons of water or two goldfish for every 200 gallons.

You have several options for your pond by getting your yard ready for the winter. You can winterize your koi pond by ensuring it’s at least 5 feet deep so it doesn’t freeze completely, installing a pond heater or aerator and having it run at all times, and installing a deicer if temperatures are dangerously low for an extended period. You can also choose to shut down your pond for the winter by removing all the wildlife in it and bringing it indoors, cleaning out the filter and pump, and then covering the pond with a tarp.

Placing your water feature in direct sun can speed up evaporation, leading to pump damage and algae growth. Shade or partial shade serves as the ideal location for most water features—just watch out for tree and plant debris that may fall in and clog the pump.