pond liner upheaving

by katie
(racine, wisconsin)

how do we winterize our pond? We currently have a plastic liner and after emptying out the water it seems to be upheaving. we even put some weight in the bottom. Now the landscaping rocks are falling into the hole! How do we take care of winterizing the aquatic plants? cattails, lilies,etc...?

Doug says you fill it back up with water. Do not empty it for the winter but remove all filters and tender tropical plants. In short, remove the things that will die or break if frozen and then let it sit for the winter.

First now though you have to fix the damage - rebuild or remove the things that are creating potential winter damage and rebuild in the spring (depends on how bad the damage is). Then refill with water.

Much easier than trying to empty the darn thing. :-)

Pond liners that heave during the spring or summer when the water is in the pond are usually because of ground water below the liner pushing it up and that's another story and problem (again solveable).