Even in warmer areas were temperatures get close to freezing, you should consider some preparation steps for cold weather, but winterizing ponds is vital for anyone who lives in a climate where the water temperature (not air temperature) typically falls below 50 degrees. If your pond is populated with cold hardy fish and plants, cold weather won't be a problem as long as the water temperature doesn't go below freezing. That's where winterization becomes critical.
Equipment won't suffer either, as long as the pond remains in a liquid state. The main problems start for both equipment and fish when water temperatures drop below freezing and the pond chemistry starts to change. In warmer areas, if the outside temperatures dip below 50 degrees consistently, you'll need to monitor water temperature regularly. When the water temperature itself hits 50 degrees, fish metabolisms slow significantly and you'll need to adjust or eliminate feeding schedules.
