We have gone 2 winters now turning off the aerators in early November. I do plow the pond so that my wife can ice skate and then use my ice fishing auger to punch a bunc of holes along the inner edge of the ice skating loop. This allows me to bring water up on hte ice to smooth it off. So far no winter kill here. This year could be different unless we get the much needed rain before ice over. I don't have a DO meter to know what our levels are at but would feel alot better if we get a major refresh of water with a good soaking of rain.