If your pond or water feature is shut down for winter, the pump may need to come out of the water and be stored where freezing cannot damage it. The right method depends on the pump's design and its manufacturer's instructions. A pump left running through winter needs a different plan; do not remove an essential circulation pump without addressing the pond's winter needs.
Check the pump manual before removal
Identify the exact model and check whether its instructions call for removal, draining, cleaning, or a particular storage position. Turn off power before handling the pump and disconnect it as directed. Note the position of hoses, fittings, and any check valve so the system can be put back together in spring. Never lift a pump by its power cord.
Clean and inspect it
Remove accessible debris from the intake and housing using the manufacturer's cleaning procedure. Look for a damaged cord, worn fittings, a blocked intake, or signs that the pump was running without enough water. If repair is needed, use the manufacturer's service guidance rather than opening sealed electrical components. For a pump that may have run dry, see How to Check Whether a Pond Pump Ran Dry.
Protect it from freezing
Drain water from the pump and connected lines when the model's instructions call for it, then store the pump in a frost-free location. Some pump makers specify dry storage; others give a different method to protect seals or internal components. Do not assume storing every pump in a bucket of water is safe, and do not let water-filled parts freeze. Label any removed fittings so they are easy to inspect and reconnect.
Before spring restart
Check the cord and housing again, reconnect the system according to its instructions, confirm adequate water at the intake, and watch the first run for leaks or unusual noise. The rest of a pond's shutdown needs its own plan for plumbing, fish, filtration, and ice. See Tips for Winterizing Your Pond for the wider seasonal checklist.