10 Florida Winter Lake and Pond Management Dry Season Tips For Golf Courses And Public Parks
Florida’s winter season may be milder than most, but it still brings unique challenges and opportunities for pond and lake management. In the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties), the cooler, dry winter months mean lower rainfall and dropping water levels.* Florida Golf course superintendents, HOA boards, and municipal park managers can use this season as an ideal time to perform critical maintenance. Winter pond care not only preserves the beauty of water features but also ensures they manage stormwater and support wildlife effectively. Below are 10 essential tips – affable yet professional – to help manage lakes and ponds during Florida’s winter, with best practices, legal compliance, and the services available from A&B Aquatics Lake and Pond Management Solutions.
1. Monitor Water Quality Regularly
Even in winter, when algae growth slows due to cooler temperatures, regular testing of water chemistry is vital. Checking nutrient levels, pH, and dissolved oxygen helps detect issues early. Golf course ponds often face fertilizer runoff, while park ponds may contend with pollutants from human activity. Tip: Establish a monthly testing schedule. Many HOAs partner with professionals for water quality testing & restoration, a service A&B Aquatics provides to keep ponds clear and compliant.†
2. Keep Fountains and Aerators Running
Aeration is crucial for oxygen levels and circulation, even in Florida’s short winter days. Fountains and sub-surface aerators prevent stagnation and support fish health. Winter is also the best time to service pumps and diffusers. A&B Aquatics offers fountains & aeration maintenance to keep systems in top shape.‡
3. Control Algae and Weeds Proactively
Invasive weeds and algae can appear even in cooler months. It’s easier to prevent a bloom than fight one. Use state-approved treatments at the first signs of growth and maintain buffer zones of vegetation. Florida law mandates control of invasive plants – neglecting this is not just unsightly but illegal. A&B Aquatics specializes in algae & aquatic weed control for safe and effective results.§
4. Stabilize Shorelines and Prevent Erosion
Lower winter water levels expose eroded banks. This is the perfect time to plant native aquatic plants to anchor soil, filter runoff, and prevent collapse. Florida Statute Chapter 373 requires owners to prevent shoreline erosion and sedimentation. A&B Aquatics provides shoreline erosion management and native plant restoration to keep banks stable.‖
5. Remove Debris and Organic Matter
Leaves, grass clippings, and trash break down into nutrients that fuel algae. Winter cleanups should include skimming floating leaves, raking muck, and clearing stormwater inlets. A&B Aquatics’ lakefront cleaning and shoreline debris removal services help keep ponds clean and safe.¶
6. Plan for Sediment & Muck Removal
Stormwater runoff carries silt into ponds, reducing depth and capacity. Lower winter water levels reveal shallow areas that may need dredging. Florida regulations (FAC 62-330) cover sediment removal activities. A&B Aquatics’ lake mapping & restoration identifies sediment buildup and restores depth through muck removal.**
7. Support Healthy Fish and Wildlife
Healthy ponds support fish, turtles, birds, and beneficial insects. In cooler water, fish eat less; uneaten feed can degrade water quality. Winter is an excellent time to stock fish like triploid grass carp. A&B Aquatics provides fisheries sustainability restoration, ensuring balanced fish populations and thriving ecosystems.††
8. Check Equipment and Infrastructure
Inspect irrigation intakes, pump stations, fountains, culverts, and outlet structures in winter. Service fountain motors, check diffusers, and repair safety fencing. Winter downtime allows for proactive fixes. A&B Aquatics offers fountain and aeration maintenance as well as guidance on structural upkeep.‡‡
9. Stay Compliant with Florida Environmental Laws
Florida requires property owners to maintain stormwater ponds to prevent pollution and erosion. Statute 369.20 requires invasive plant control; Statute 373 addresses shoreline erosion. Winter is ideal for reviewing compliance checklists and preparing required reports. A&B Aquatics keeps clients up to date on these regulations, avoiding fines and liabilities. §§
10. Implement an Annual Management Plan
The best pond managers use seasonal plans to cover inspections, treatments, and upkeep year-round. Many HOAs and golf courses enroll in Annual Management Programs for convenience and peace of mind. A&B Aquatics provides tailored plans covering everything from routine cleanups to emergency algae treatments.‖‖
Winter is the best time to get ahead on pond and lake care. By following these tips, you’ll ensure your water features remain healthy, safe, and beautiful year-round. A&B Aquatics Lake and Pond Management Solutions is your partner in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. From shoreline restoration to muck removal, we provide expert, compliant, and reliable services. Contact A&B Aquatics today to create your customized pond management plan.
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Madelyn Grant, “Winter Pond Management,” UF/IFAS Panhandle Agriculture, December 16, 2022.†
A&B Aquatics, “Florida Pond Maintenance Laws All Commercial Property Managers Should Know,” A&B Aquatics Blog, May 13, 2024.‡
USGA Green Section, “Golf Course Ponds Need Maintenance Too,” USGA Green Section Record, 2020.§
St. Johns River Water Management District, “Your Stormwater System Stores and Treats Runoff…,” SJRWMD HOA Resources.‖
Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, “The Dry Season,” NPBCID News, 2025.¶
NOBL Sitework, “Retention Ponds in Florida: Your 2025 Guide and Laws,” NOBL Sitework Blog, 2025.**
A&B Aquatics, “Understanding the Differences Between Detention and Retention Ponds,” A&B Aquatics Blog, May 27, 2024.††
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, NPDES Stormwater Permitting Resources.‡‡
Florida Statutes, Chapters 369.20 and 373 (Water Resources; Aquatic Plant Management).§§
