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!
The 2025 Season Is Over Thank You For Supporting Small This Year We cannot thank you enough for being a part of our Backyard Oasis family! 2025 was a big year for us tranitioning to a new location - a building we own that can grow with us. Its crazy to think back to winter last year and the mad dash we made to get us ready in time to open in time for Spring. We weren't even sure we would be able to have fish or plants given how much of a project it was! And yet, 2025 opened even better than we imagined with those in place and all our amazing customers making the transition to the new location to continue supporting small. And spoilers...we are using winter this year to make some fun updates for our 2026 season. Can't spoil anything yet but let's just say there are PLANS upon PLANS getting worked on during this off season to continue to be your best resource to create your dream Backyard Oasis. All that to say...thank you for an awesome 2025 and we honestly can't wait to see you in the Spring! (Unless you need an appointment this winter for supplies of course - then we will get the privilege of seeing you earlier ;) Do You Need Winter Pond Essentials? We get it! Things happen! If you find yourself in need of supplies reach out for an appointment to 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 with regular hours 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 closed for the 2025 season, 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. Santa Saturdays & Porch Pot Classes We have truly loved offering our Porch Pot Classes and giving back to the community through Santa Saturdays the last several winters. Unfortunately our new building and the completed space available is not large enough to accommodate these events. We are hoping to one day provide events again during the season and will update you with an invite as soon as its possible. 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.
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
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!
This Event Has Passed – But We're Just Getting Started! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Home Show! While this event is over, we’re already planning for the next one — so stay tuned for future shows we’ll be part of. If you missed us and want to connect, we’d love to chat! Reach out for a 1:1 conversation about your outdoor space, project ideas, or service needs — no pressure, just a chance to dream and plan together. 👉 Contact us today to get the conversation started! Join Backyard Oasis at the Flint Home & Garden Show! 🌿🏡 Looking for inspiration to transform your backyard into a true oasis? Join Backyard Oasis at the Flint Home & Garden Show —an exciting event where you can explore ideas, talk with experts, and discover local businesses that can help you bring your outdoor and home improvement dreams to life! 📍 Location: Dort Financial Center, Flint, MI 📅 Dates & Times: Saturday, April 5th: 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday, April 6th: 11 AM – 4 PM Admission & Parking: FREE! What is the Flint Home & Garden Show? The Flint Home & Garden Show is the area’s premier event for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone looking to improve their home or outdoor space. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure environment where you can browse, ask questions, and connect with local experts in landscaping, home improvement, and more. Whether you’re planning a small refresh or a major renovation, you’ll find valuable resources and inspiration all under one roof. Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses that specialize in making homes and gardens shine! And the best part? It’s completely FREE to attend! No cost, no pressure—just an easy way to explore great ideas for your home and backyard. Why Visit Backyard Oasis at the Show? 🌊🌿 At Backyard Oasis , we specialize in water features, landscaping, and outdoor transformations that turn ordinary backyards into stunning, peaceful retreats. Whether you’re interested in a koi pond, a fountain, or a full landscape makeover , this is a perfect opportunity to: ✔ Chat with us in a chill, no-pressure environment – Ask questions, explore ideas, and get expert advice tailored to your space. ✔ See what’s possible for your home – Discover how ponds, waterfalls, and landscaping can enhance your property. ✔ Find out about our services – We offer custom landscaping, water feature design, seasonal maintenance, and more! ✔ Explore other great local businesses – Connect with vendors who specialize in home improvement, gardening, and outdoor living. Where to Find Backyard Oasis at the Show! 📍 Location Inside the Event: Right when you walk in you will see our smiling faces on the right side! Excited to visit? So are we! We’re getting our space ready and will share our booth details as soon as we have them. Stay tuned for updates right here, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time details. Plan Your Visit & Join the Fun! 🌱 Who Should Attend? Homeowners, gardeners, DIYers, and anyone looking to improve their home or outdoor space. 🎟 How to Get In? Just show up— admission and parking are 100% FREE! 📍 Where to Find Us? We’ll be at our booth, ready to chat and share ideas! 🔗 Learn More About the Show: Flint Home & Garden Show Website 👉 Thinking about a new pond or landscaping project? Stop by and let’s talk! We’d love to meet you and help bring your backyard vision to life. Let’s Make Your Backyard an Oasis! If you’re ready to take your outdoor space to the next level, don’t miss this event! Come visit Backyard Oasis at the Flint Home & Garden Show and get inspired for your next project. 📅 Mark your calendar and we’ll see you there!
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