Covering a pond in the colder period of the year can be done by using different materials. Most ways to cover a pond are easy to make yourself. Cheaper solutions such as bubble wrap or styrofoam sheets are widely available and will already show significant results compared to a pond that is not covered. There will certainly not be any ice formation on a pond that uses a pond cover. The koi will get through the winter more easily without any problems. And go into spring with a better condition.
Methods of covering the pond for the winter
There are several ways and methods to cover the pond during the colder period of the year, below is an overview of the most common ways to cover the pond for the colder period of the year.
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is available in many places such as hardware stores. It is often offered in rolls of 25 meters at an affordable price. The studs have stagnant air that will provide an insulating layer.
It is best to make a frame of, for example, wood over which the bubble wrap can be stretched. Make sure that the water that falls on the bubble wrap can run directly downwards along the bubble wrap. Make sure that no water can get stuck in the bubble wrap. When a lot of water presses on the foil, it will quickly fail.
A cheap, effective solution that will certainly ensure that the pond remains ice-free during the winter period. The disadvantage of this form of covering is that when the wind blows very hard, there is heavy rainfall or snowfall, the covering can give way.
Use floating insulation
Another solution is to use some form of floating insulation. For example, commercially available insulation balls can be used here. You can also be creative by using bottles or flasks. The balls or bottles contain air and float on the water surface. This will provide an insulating layer. An advantage of floating insulation is that it can take on all shapes of the water surface. Suppose you have a naturally formed pond with round shapes, this insulation material is very easy to use.
By making a square shape of PVC pipe using four 90 degree bends, and floating it in the floating insulation on the water surface. Will this create a “window” in the floating insulation. This way the fish can be monitored at all times during the cold period.
Tempex plates
Another solution are styrofoam plates. These plates are available at most hardware stores in thicknesses of about 5 cm. The most common plates are 100 by 50 cm. They can easily be placed over a small construction of wooden beams over the pond. Always make sure that there is some form of weight on the plates. The plates weigh almost nothing and are very susceptible to the wind. A disadvantage of the styrofoam plates is that they do not let light through into the pond.
Polycarbonate pond cover
A more expensive method, but probably the best method to cover the pond is by using polycarbonate sheets. The plates can be easily attached to a construction of wood, aluminum or steel (stainless steel). During the construction always make sure that no rainwater or melt water from snow can remain around the polycarbonate sheets. Provide sufficient drainage for the plates so that it is immediately disposed of. Always keep in mind that there is sufficient support under the plates if there is snowfall. The snow will put a lot of weight on the plates, which can cause the pond cover to collapse.
Polycarbonate plates provide the best insulation of the pond. It is certainly not the cheapest solution, but it is the most effective. Especially when you have heated the pond in the colder period of the year, it is recommended. You will quickly recoup the costs you incur to heat the pond by retaining the heat in the pond for longer.