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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.

Like pools, ponds can be a safety risk, so they may increase your homeowners insurance. Be sure to let your insurance company know if you build a pond on your property—they may have safety requirements in order to keep your premium from increasing. 

In addition to length and width, pond liners also come in various thickness levels. Thickness is measured in mils, a unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of an inch, with most pond liners ranging from 15 to 60 mils in thickness. The smaller the number, the thinner (and weaker) the liner. To prevent rips and tears, it’s best to choose a pond liner that’s at least 30 mils thick.

When deep cleaning your koi pond, transfer fish to a clean, uncontaminated container at least one foot deep, like a large bucket, tub, or kiddie pond. Fill the container with their existing pond water to avoid shocking them, and place the container in full or partial shade. When it’s time to reintroduce them into the pond, slowly add the new water to the container before adding the fish and container water back into the pond.