Hello

[Sandra]

Thank you Fresia 1999

 

[sissy]

A pool will not freeze as solid if you have the chemicals in it .I had a hot tub in NJ and if it was really cold you would have to add stuff to the water or run it once in awhile .And if you run it why waste it so i would run out the door shivering and get in . :razz:

 

[j.w]

Sandra that was Shoestring Ponder that also has an above the ground pool as a pond now. You can look in the member section and send a message to her and she may be able to help you out w/ questions on your project.

 

[j.w]

Here ya go Sandra, I found Shoestrings introduction thread: https://www.gardenpondforum.com/topic/5019-hi-everyone/page__hl__shoestring+ponder__fromsearch__1

 

[addy1]

Here ya go Sandra, I found Shoestrings introduction thread: http://www.gardenpon...__fromsearch__1

yeah jw! good find

 

[sissy]

I could not say or feel comfortable saying it would work and if it would make it through a winter ,Has shoestrings made it through a winter .

 

[Sandra]

Thank you all. I will contemplate but it is getting chilly in these parts so I need to decide. We are under alot of trees so that makes for another issue. Hum??

 

[sissy]

A net on the top is all you could do and then you would have to make sure they do not weigh the net down and would sure have to remove them before they get wet with dew or rain .

 

[j.w]

In Shoestrings pool/pond thread she says it was their 2nd Summer so assume they made it through the winter ok. She did mention something about a tear in the liner where they had to lay some sandbags on top cuz the patch did not work. You'll have to check out the thread to see all she wrote.

 

[don't ask]

welcome Sandra, quite the decision you have to make. Although I don't live as far north, am at the Pennsylvania/Maryland border. I would personally try your idea before tearing down the pool and digging and installing a new pond. I would consider purchasing an outdoor air pump and bubbler to keep an air hole and a modest pump and filter and just a few goldfish and see how it does come spring. If all goes well you can upgrade your pump and filter and maybe even get more fish to what will be more suitable for the pool pond.. at the least you will have an second pump and filter to help... oh i remember reading somewhere once that people up north have used bales of hay/straw around perimeter of pool to help insulate and even use clear heavy gauge plastic to create a slight warming effect...just remember to leave space between water and plastic for air movement and so plastic doesn't freeze to water...maybe even using one of those inflatables to keep the plastic aloft... not sure if it will work but wish you luck with your decision

 

[Sandra]

My life is so extremely busy also at the moment so I want to be able to devote the time needed as well. You all have good ideas but I don't want this thing to be an eyesore either. I just hate to waste a nice big pool of water. Still contemplating in Pawcatuck Ct I guess. Maybe I will just leave it empty for the winter, no chemicals etc to see how it does as far as freezing. I hate even to use GF as gineau pigs- poor things!!

 

[don't ask]

can't really say about eyesore as i don't know all the variables, but i will say this... even a properly built pond, above or below ground can lose fish over the winter or from winter and they die come spring... sadly people tend to use the word guinea pig as a reason to possibly justify their experiment or not try something

 

[Sandra]

Yes, it is just a term used- unfortunately. But it is best to be prepared than go in half ASSED and take a chance with ones life when I dont have the time to do it correctly. I am sort of a perfectionest and I like things to look nice as well as work right.

 

[don't ask]

didn't mean to sound in-compassionate but you'll never know if an idea will or won't work unless you try it.. we can all give our advice or thoughts but because something has or hasn't worked well for us doesn't mean it will or won't for you... shoot for what you would like to do or can afford to do, if it doesn't work usually you can modify or change it completely..hopefully without much added expense and /or loss of fish life

 

[Sandra]

I really would love to give it a shot but with 2 business's , a mom that need's 24/7 care and a disabled sis that needs alot of help it is a bit tight for my recreational activities these days. Couldnt even find much time to keep the pool clean for swimmers this year. I guess that is what brought me to thinking about a Koi pond. Who knows!! havent given up on the idea yet.