Winter in Dallas–Fort Worth: What Your Pond Really Needs (And What It Doesn’t)

Dallas/Fort Worth winter pond care can be a little confusing for pond owners. One week the temperature drops below freezing, and the next week it feels like spring again. Many people are unsure what their pond really needs during these strange weather changes.

The good news? Winter pond care in DFW is much easier than most people think. Your pond is built to handle normal winter weather here, and with a few simple steps, you can keep your fish, plants, and equipment safe all season long.

At FNC Ponds, we help homeowners all over Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and surrounding towns. Here is our friendly guide to keeping your pond happy during a North Texas winter.

Understanding Dallas/Fort Worth Winter Pond Care

Dallas–Fort Worth winters are not like winters in the northern states. We do not get long months of deep snow or solid ice. Instead, we see a mix of short cold snaps and warm sunny days.

Here’s what pond owners can expect most winters:

Light freezes overnight
A few mornings with thin ice on the pond edges
Warm afternoons that melt that ice quickly
A handful of very cold days each winter
Temperature swings from 25°F to 65°F in the same week

Because our winters change so fast, your pond does not usually freeze solid. Most fish and equipment stay safe as long as you follow a few easy steps.

**What Your Pond Does Need in a DFW Winter**

Even though our winters are mild, your pond will still need a little attention. These steps keep your pond clean and your fish healthy until spring.

1. Keep the Water Moving

Running water helps prevent thick ice from forming on the pond. As long as your pump is on, your waterfall or stream will keep water moving and open. This is helpful on nights that dip below freezing.

Even if a small amount of ice forms, moving water keeps oxygen flowing for your fish.

2. Watch for Hard Freezes

Most winters in DFW only bring a few very cold days. On these colder nights, your waterfall may build up ice around the edges. This is normal.

Just take a quick look to make sure the water is still flowing into the pond. If ice starts building a “dam” that pushes water out, turn off the waterfall until temperatures warm back up. Your pond water will stay fine until morning.

3. Protect Your Fish

Fish do very well in winter as long as the water stays above 40°F. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the water almost always stays warmer than the air. This helps fish stay comfortable.

Here’s what they need:

Do not feed when water is below 50°F. Their bodies slow down, and they cannot digest food well.
Make sure part of the surface stays open. A pump, waterfall, or aerator is enough.
Do not try to break ice with force. It can shock the fish.

Most ponds never freeze fully, so your fish stay safe all winter long.

4. Trim and Clean Plants

Winter is a good time to trim old leaves and remove mushy plants. Brown or dying plants can fall into the pond and cause cloudy water.

Hardy plants like lilies will go dormant, which means they “sleep” until spring. Tropical plants may die back when temperatures drop. You can remove them or let nature run its course.

5. Add Beneficial Bacteria When Needed

Even in winter, your pond still builds up waste from leaves, fish, and wind. A cold-water beneficial bacteria keeps the water clear and healthy. You do not need to add it as often as summer, but a small dose helps keep the pond in good shape.

**What Your Pond Doesn’t Need in a DFW Winter**

Many homeowners worry about their pond in winter, but in North Texas the pond often needs less care than you think. Here are things you don’t need to do:

1. You Do Not Need a Pond Heater

In most northern states, pond heaters are common. But in Dallas and Fort Worth, ponds rarely freeze thick enough to need one. Moving water is enough to keep a small opening in the ice.

2. You Do Not Need to Bring Your Fish Inside

Your koi and goldfish are hardy. They can handle cold water and short freezes. As long as the pond is deep enough and oxygen can get in, your fish stay safe outside.

3. You Do Not Need To Cover the Pond All Winter

Covers are helpful during fall leaf drop, but winter in DFW is usually windy and mild. Most ponds can stay uncovered all season.

4. You Do Not Need To Run Your Waterfall Every Day

If we get a very cold week, you can turn off your waterfall and just run an aerator or a small pump. This saves electricity and avoids ice dams.

5. You Do Not Need Constant Cleaning

Winter is a quiet season. Algae slows down. Plants rest. Fish eat less. Your pond stays cleaner with very little effort.

Special Tips for Those Sudden Cold Snaps

Every few years, North Texas gets a stronger winter storm. These freezes are usually short but can be tricky. Here is what to do if a hard freeze is coming:

Check that your pump is running well
Remove ice build-up around the waterfall edges
Keep a small hole in the ice for oxygen
Stop feeding fish
Make sure your skimmer box is not frozen shut
If snow falls, clear the top of the waterfall so water can flow

Most cold snaps pass quickly, and the pond returns to normal in a day or two.

When to Call FNC Ponds for Dallas/Fort Worth Winter Pond Care

You never have to worry alone. At FNC Ponds, we help pond owners all over Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding suburbs keep their ponds healthy through the winter.

Call us if:

Your pond pump freezes or stops
You see water leaking or spilling out
The pond freezes more than usual
You want winter maintenance or a check-up
You need help trimming plants or preparing for a freeze

We are always happy to help homeowners feel confident about their ponds—especially during strange North Texas winters.

Enjoy Your Pond All Winter Long

One of the best things about living in the Dallas–Fort Worth area is that you can enjoy your pond year-round. Even in winter, the sound of moving water and the sight of your fish swimming below the surface is calming and beautiful.

With a few simple steps, your pond will stay healthy, clear, and ready for spring. Contact us for help today!