Should I let my pond freeze?

Allowing a pond to freeze over in the winter has its advantages and disadvantages.  Let us take a quick look at both and help you to determine which is best for your pond.

There are several advantages to allowing your pond to freeze over.  The obvious advantage is that the ice on the pond allows several recreational uses for your pond.  Ice fishing, skating and ice hockey are all great uses of ice on a pond.  Another use is the harvesting of large cubes of ice for use in ice houses (Amish still do this today).  Ice covering allows snow build up that may reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the algae in the water.

However, there are several downsides to allowing your pond to freeze.  Probably the most important consideration is the reduction in oxygen introduction to the water.  While it is true that cold water holds more oxygen than warm water, it is also true that a lot of oxygen is introduced to the pond through waves and surface contact between air and water.  If ice is present, then it acts as a barrier to the air-water oxygen exchange process.  Now, this may not lead to any problems, but it does increase the chances of a winter fish kill.  Another drawback to winter ice is the lack of open water for ducks and wildlife during the winter season.  This may or may not affect you, depending on the ponds location in relation to wildlife areas. 

If you do desire to keep your pond from freezing over, the most efficient and economical method is to use an aerator or “bubbler.”  Operating your aerator in the winter should be done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in order to keep the surface from freezing.  Keep in mind that no activity should be done on any ice on an aerated pond because the aeration process will not allow ice to thicken enough to support people.