can I use a piece of clear plastic over 1 end of the pond to provide warmer water during the winter?

by A.
(portsmouth,va)

Living in va the weather varies a lot in the winter. The plants are dead...do the fish need some type of cover/protection over one end of the pond. What about a net over it to keep out pine needles & such?

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Doug says: As long as you have the right depth for your fish, so the water doesn't freeze solid to the bottom of the pond, then they'll be fine. Always assuming that they're hardy fish (not tropicals) :-) to start with.

You *can* put a cover over a pond - netting to stop leaves etc is often done by folks trying to keep the pond bottom a little clearer. But you don't have to.

Clear poly - you can but again, it's not likely necessary as long as the pond isn't freezing solid. Between you and me, half a pond covering of poly isn't likely going to have much of a protective effect in any case.

If you're concerned or if the pond is going to freeze, then the answer is to have a pond heater to keep the ice clear in one area or leave a pump on the bottom of the pond running to circulate the water and keep a section of surface clear.

Remember though, if the pond freezes over, do not hit it to break it (water shock waves will kill the fish).