Winter Pond Maintenace Tips for Southern States

Winter time in the south often means a slow down to pond treatment.  Here are a few strategies that I would recommend for use in the southern climates.  Our recommendations for the southern states are very similar to those in the northern states with the exception that southern states may still need to use algaecides and herbicides.

First and foremost, be sure to add pond colorant to the pond.  Crystal Blue, Ocean Blue and Black Out are great to add once a month during the winter.  They will help to reduce the severity of a spring algae bloom if added in the winter.

Secondly, adding Natural Pond Cleaner during the winter will aid in the decomposition of dead organic matter that has accumulated over the spring, summer and fall.  Natural Pond Cleaner will also reduce areas of muck if applied on a monthly basis throughout the entire year.

One other item that you may want to use in the winter is an aerator/bubbler.  The use of an aerator aids in oxygenation of the pond water and allows water fowl access to the pond while most all other water supplies are frozen over.  Keep in mind that aeration produces thin ice and open water, so avoid all ice skating if using an aerator.

Continued use of algaecides, such as Crystal Plex and copper sulfate, are suggested as needed when water temps are above 40 degrees F.  Also, continued use of Catt Plex on cattails and other emergent vegetation when the air temps are above 50 degrees F and the plants are actively growing can kill off this unwanted growth.  Otherwise, the use of Tsunami DQ will need to be used in late winter and early spring once submerged weeds begin to show up and water temps are above 60 degrees F.