Winterizing Your Pond Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide for Proper Care and Storage
As the colder months set in, many pond owners choose to shut down their water features for the winter. Properly caring for and storing your pump during this time can extend its lifespan and ensure it’s ready to go when spring arrives. Follow this simple guide to properly winterizing your pond pump, and storing it over the winter season.
1. Remove and Store the Pump in a Warm Location
After shutting down your pond, remove the pump from the filter system and store it in a warm, protected space such as your garage or basement. To maintain the life of the pump’s seals, submerge the pump in water during storage. This helps keep the seals from drying out, ensuring optimal performance when you restart the pump.
2. Kick-Starting the Pump After Winter Storage
After several months of inactivity, your pump might need a little help to get running again. Here’s how to “kick-start” it:
- Test the Pump: Before reinstalling the pump into your pond’s skimmer, plug it into an electrical outlet to check if the impeller (the spinning mechanism inside the pump) is functioning.
- Assist the Impeller if Necessary: If the impeller doesn’t start spinning on its own, use a small tool like a screwdriver to assist it gently. This action helps reintroduce lubrication between the seals and allows the pump to regain its self-starting functionality.
3. Reinstall the Pump
Once you’ve confirmed that the impeller is spinning correctly, reinstall the pump into your water feature. Ensure it is securely placed and connected to the filter system. Properly storing and restarting your pond pump can save you from costly repairs and downtime.
If you have any questions or need assistance winterizing or restarting your pump, contact us at 610.380.1119. Our team is here to help!
Contact us today for expert advice and support with all your pond care needs.
