PLINTH is a raised pond with integrated filtration, pump, and fountain — built to work year-round in UK conditions. This guide covers how to prepare your raised pond for winter, protect fish and plants, and restart in spring.
HOW TO WINTERISE A RAISED POND
Autumn Preparation
Remove fallen leaves and debris regularly — decomposing leaves release harmful gases and reduce water quality. A pond net during peak leaf fall prevents the worst.
Cut back dying plant foliage to just above the waterline. Leave root systems in place — they regrow in spring.
Clean the filter media gently in a bucket of pond water (never tap water — it kills beneficial bacteria).
Reduce fish feeding as temperatures drop. Below 10°C, switch to wheatgerm-based food. Stop feeding entirely below 8°C.
Winter Protection
Keep the pump running — moving water is harder to freeze and maintains oxygen levels. The integrated pump in a PLINTH is designed to run year-round.
If ice forms, never break it by hitting the surface — the shockwave can stress or kill fish. Place a pan of hot water on the ice to melt a hole, or use a floating de-icer.
A de-icer is a worthwhile investment for prolonged freezing spells. It maintains an area of open water for gas exchange.
The fibreglass shell of a PLINTH is frost-proof and needs no special winter protection. Leave it filled and running.
Spring Restart
Resume feeding gradually above 8°C. Clean the filter, check the pump, remove dead plant material, and add new plants from late April. A 20% water change with dechlorinated water freshens the system after winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A fibreglass raised pond like PLINTH is frost-proof and UV-resistant. Keep it filled and the pump running — do not drain it.
No. Moving water resists freezing and maintains oxygen levels. Turning off the pump kills the biological filter, causing water quality problems in spring.
Keep the pump running. In prolonged cold, use a floating de-icer to maintain open water. Never break ice by hitting it.
Reduce below 10°C, stop entirely below 8°C. Resume gradually in spring above 8°C.
Most UK-hardy aquatic plants survive outdoors. Cut back dead foliage in autumn. Only tropical or tender species need overwintering indoors.
A fibreglass pond is frost-proof and will not crack. Keep it filled — an empty pond is more vulnerable than a full one.
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The PLINTH Founding Collection is available now. Three sizes with integrated filtration, pump, and fountain. Free UK delivery.
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