I'm trying something different this year that will make winterizing and
spring startup easier for me. As many of you know I have a 4 barrel filter:
http://users.owt.com/jjspond/koipond/photos/44.jpg
In winter I have emptied barrels 3 & 4 and put a smaller pump behind the
filter media in barrel 2. This year it was easier to put the smaller pump
in the pump chamber leaving the main pump connected, but off. Thus flow is
going thru barrel 1, 2, & 4. Main waterfall is off. Hose from small pump
feeds straight into upper pond:
http://users.owt.com/jjspond/koipond/photos/set1/04.jpg

Is there any reason that the main pump should not be left in the pump
chamber over winter? It will not freeze in the pump chamber.

Also, I'm currently leaving the bottom drain connected, as I read in a 3 ft
pond there is little to no stratification, and my flow is so slow, I do not
believe it will disturb the fish, plus it keeps the water "fresher" at the
bottom. Thoughts? ~ jan
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Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us