Pond fountain manufacturers recommend the removal of the fountain in the winter season. There are several reasons that support the removal of a fountain from a pond for the winter, even in southern climates.
One reason that one should remove their fountain from the pond in the winter is that this allows the opportunity to inspect, thoroughly clean and, when necessary, repair the fountain. By removing the fountain, one can clean off debris and growth that could cause problems if not dealt with in the cleaning process. Also, many people would miss out on unnoticed damage, such as a chewed cord or damaged screen, if the fountain was not removed and cleaned for the winter.
Another reason to remove the fountain in the winter is the fact that the unit can be stored free of the water and the threat of ice damage to the unit. As water freezes, it actually expands. This expansion could potentially damage the pump motor while it is suspended in the pond. If it is removed, then ice damage could not occur.