Pond Heaters 101: What it is, how it helps, and best practices to install for a successful winter
7016436703 • October 17, 2025
DISCLAIMER: The following advice is for our Michigan friends though it would also apply to anyone else living in Zone 6 on the Hardiness Zone Map
(check out which zone you on in here).
How to choose the right pond heater
If you start off with the wrong Pond Heater you are just asking to have problems later. Whether you are researching which one to get for the first time or you have used the same one for years, we highly suggest taking the time to make sure you have the right one for your pond.
THE POND HEATER WE RECOMMEND
We did the research so that you don't have to! In fact, Backyard Oasis only carries this brand because we have found it to be the best on the market! We highly recommend the "Perfect Climate Deluxe Pond De-Icer" by K&H. Here's why...
WHAT SIZE YOU NEED TO GET BASED ON YOUR POND
The "Perfect Climate Deluxe Pond De-Icer" comes in 3 sizes. In order to figure out which size is the right one for you, you need to know how many gallons are in your pond. If you don't know how many gallons are in your pond then use this calculator.
Before you move forward please double-check that you are correct in how many gallons that you have. Now that you know why this is your best option here is how to know which wattage you need for your pond.
- 250 Watts: If you have 0-750 Gallons
- 750 Watts: If you have 750-1200 Gallons
- 1500 Watts: If you have over 1200 Gallons
*Please note that this is for those in Zone 6. If you live in a different zone you make have a different recommendation.
How (& when) to install your de-icer
Before we get into it we just want to remind you to keep safety at the front of your mind throughout the install. You’re going to be working around ice, water and electricity, so use common sense. Make sure your de-icer’s cord isn’t damaged. Unplug the de-icer before removing it from the pond. Be careful walking around ice.
Now that that's out of the way here are the steps to follow to install your De-Icer for the winter season.
- PLAN AHEAD:
- Because these De-Icers feature internal thermostats, turning on and off as necessary to keep the pond from freezing over, we recommend setting this up in your pond BEFORE it's even needed. Otherwise you run the risk of having to cut into the ice with an ice auger and that sounds like an unnecessary hassel.
- Your best bet is to put it in at the same time you have to switch over to your Spring & Fall Clean maintenance products (aka use a Pond Thermometer to see when the pond is steadily 55° & then install the De-Icer).
- GET YOUR DE-ICER READY:
- DON'T HAVE ONE YET? The Backyard Oasis is here to help! And while you are here you can check out the other products you need for winter.
- ALREADY HAVE ONE? Take the time to clean it from last season. Over time lime deposits can form on it, keeping the heat from spreading out. Just clean it up with some vinegar or lime-away and a scrubber and you will be good to go for another season.
- PLAN FOR ELECTRICITY:
- USE THE 12 FOOT CORD: Make sure that you are able to rely on the 12 foot cord for electricity. If there are no outlets close to the pond we highly recommend opting for a power control center over an extension cord because the latter can lower the effectiveness of the product. Plus MET safety doesn't recommend you use an extension cord because they can't test every extension cord with the product for safety.
- STUCK WITH AN EXTENSION CORD? If you absolutely have to use an extension cord, again not something we recommend, then make sure that it is the correct gauge. To make this easier head to this site and use the following Amp conversion to figure out what gauge you need according to the length of extension cord you have to use...
- 250 Watts = 2 Amps
- 750 Watts = 6 Amps
- 1500 Watts = 12.5 Amps
- Hint...According to the safety standards you need a 16 gauge extension cord for all three De-Icers for up to 50 feet. However, because effentiveness decreases the longer an extension cord is try to use a lower gauge if possible.
- CHOOSE TO FLOAT OR SUBMERGE
- TO FLOAT: To use this product as a floating De-Icer, leave the float ring attached.
- PRO: Guarantees that it will keep a hole in the ice...the main goal of having a De-Icer.
- CON: It's further away from the fish so it won't act like a heater for the water. However, if you house typical pond fish, like koi and goldfish, that's not a problem because they will overwinter in your pond as long as the depth is at least 18". Koi & goldfish go into a torpor or hibernation: their metabolism slows, they stop eating and they are able to tolerate cooler water—even water that's frigid enough to freeze.
- TO SUBMERGE: To use it as a submersed de-icer, simply unscrew and remove the float ring.
- PRO: If you house warm water fish, like Plecostomus, in your water garden, the De-Icer will also act as a pond heater to warm the water.
- CON: There is no guarantee it will keep a hole in the ice...the main goal of having a De-Icer.
- PICK YOUR PLACEMENT
- PICK A SHALLOW SPOT: De-Icers work best when placed in shallower sections, near the pond's edge. The heat will reflect off the edges and make the deicer more efficient. Having your de-icer close to shore also means that you will not be walking on thin ice to get your de-icer if problems arise.
- PICK A SPOT THAT WILL BLOCK WIND: Blocking as much wind as possible from the de-icer is a good idea for Michigan weather. The wind will take the heat away from the de-icer which will require it to stay on longer to keep up with the cold. If you don't have a natural spot in your plond plan on covering a corner of the pond with a piece of plywood and placing the de-icer under it to block the wind and hold in some heat. You can also try placing a bucket with the bottom cut out over the de-icer after the ice has formed.
- PLACE THE DE-ICER IN THE POND
- Don't plug it in yet! Let the unit calibrate to the water temperature for about an hour first. During that time you can complete other steps to set up your pond for winter. Once the hour is up plug it into the place you planned for your electricity.
And there you have it! Remember a De-Icer is only part of the process of preparing your pond for winter. Check out our other blog posts to complete the process! And remember, we are here to help you if you need it!
Season Closing Soon Don’t Miss Your Chance to Stock Up & Snag Our Upgraded Fish Sale! Pond season is winding down, and as the air cools off, we’re getting ready to tuck things in for winter. But before we do — there’s still time to visit Backyard Oasis and get what you need for a smooth, stress-free winter season. Our last open day of the year is Saturday, November 8th , so if you’ve been meaning to stop in, now’s the time! We’ve Upgraded Our Fish Sale! To wrap up the season right, we’ve upgraded our fish sale — it’s now Buy ONE, Get ONE FREE on all fish , and yes, that means every size is included! Check out the blog post to see what sizes we still have in stock. If you’ve been eyeing a few new additions for your pond, or want to balance out your fish community before winter, this is your last chance before we close for the year. Don’t Forget Your Winter Pond Essentials Before the frost really sets in, make sure your pond is ready. Stock up on: De-icers Pond nets Fish food for colder temps Water treatments and beneficial bacteria If you’re not sure what you might be missing, we’ve put together a simple Winter Pond Prep Checklist to help you make sure you’re fully covered. 👉 Check out the full checklist here. We’ll reopen for the 2026 pond season on April 7th, 2026 — but that doesn’t mean we disappear during winter! Open by Appointment During the Off-Season After November 8th, our storefront will close, but we’ll still be open by appointment throughout the off-season. If you need supplies, have questions, or run into a pond issue, call and leave a detailed message — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  And if your pond ever freezes over completely , don’t panic, but do act quickly. You have about 72 hours to get it opened up again to keep your fish safe. We’re always here to help you figure out the best solution. See You in the Spring! We can’t thank you enough for another great season. Every year, we’re reminded how special this community of pond lovers is. Take good care of your ponds (and your fish!) this winter, and we’ll see you again in the spring when everything starts to wake up.
Do you have everything you need for winter?
Why you need a thermometer for a pond
Are you ready to enhance your backyard pond or water feature with vibrant aquatic life? For a limited time, we’re thrilled to announce a BUY ONE , GET ONE FREE sale on all fish and snails at Backyard Oasis ! Whether you’re looking to stock your garden pond or add some flair to your water features, this is the perfect opportunity to bring home your new aquatic friends. Why Add Aquatic Life to Your Water Features? Incorporating fish, snails, and tadpoles into your pond not only boosts its beauty but also contributes to a healthier ecosystem. Here are a few benefits of having these aquatic residents in your water features: Natural Pest Control Fish like goldfish and koi are natural predators of mosquito larvae, helping to keep unwanted pests at bay. Increased Aesthetic Appeal The colorful swimming patterns of fish create a lively atmosphere, while snails add unique visual interest and charm to your pond. Enhanced Water Quality Fish can help improve water quality by consuming algae and organic waste, while snails excel at eating algae, keeping your pond clean and healthy. Tadpoles also help control mosquito populations, making them a valuable addition. Educational Opportunities Watching and caring for fish, snails, and tadpoles can be a great learning experience for children and adults alike, promoting an appreciation for nature and aquatic ecosystems. Featured Aquatic Life in Our Sale At Backyard Oasis, we carry a variety of high-quality aquatic life perfect for your garden pond, including: Assorted Goldfish (Comet, Sarasa Comet, and Shubunkins): 4" - Limited availability 8" - Limited availability 4" Standard Fin Koi: 4" - Very limited availability 8"-12" - Very limited availability 20"+ - Very Limited availability Butterfly Koi: 4" - Limited availability 20"+ - Very Limited availability Snails: Limited availability Tadpoles: SOLD OUT! (Available quantities last updated 10.28.25.) A note to our regulars This is your last chance to stock up before the season ends! Many customers wait for this final sale to fill their ponds, and we want to emphasize that there will be no further markdowns this year. Fish can sell out quickly, as we've just experienced with someone purchasing every last goldfish in stock. Don’t miss your chance—come by today to grab your favorites and stock up on snails and tadpoles before they're gone! Important Sale Details Discount: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE off all fish, snails, and tadpoles (excluding sold-out varieties) Duration: This offer is available while supplies last, so don’t wait too long! Visit Us: Stop by our store in Flint, Michigan , to explore our selection and find the perfect aquatic life for your water features. Learn More About Your Pond’s Harmony If you're considering adding both goldfish and koi to your pond, you might wonder, can they live in the same environment? Check out our informative post, “ Can Goldfish and Koi Live in the Same Environment? Discover the Harmony in Your Pond ,” to explore how these fish can coexist and create a balanced ecosystem in your pond. Final Thoughts Now is the ideal time to enhance your backyard oasis with beautiful fish, abundant snails, and delightful tadpoles at an unbeatable price. With our 50% off sale, you can create a stunning and vibrant environment that you'll enjoy for years to come. Don’t wait— come visit us today at Backyard Oasis in Flint and dive into the joy of fishkeeping! Happy ponding from your friends at Backyard Oasis!
The Backyard Oasis is running a promotion on our Water Plants! Learn about our Buy More Save More sale and current in stock plants to take advantage of the discount! While you are here at our location in Flint, MI be sure to check out our other products like garden decor and pond supplies.
Discover the exclusive Scratch and Save cards at Backyard Oasis! Uncover discounts of 10-20% off a wide range of products, from durable Studio M garden décor to Michigan-themed gifts and home accents. Learn how you can receive one of these surprise discount cards and explore our unique offerings, including eco-friendly items and thoughtful bereavement products. Mention this blog post during your visit to receive a Scratch and Save card and enjoy savings on your next purchase. Visit us in Flint, Michigan, to experience the magic of Backyard Oasis!
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