Choosing the best aeration system for your pond can be tricky, especially if it is large, deep, or uniquely shaped. If your pond aerator is not sized correctly, you could risk inadequate oxygenation, leading to toxic gas buildup and eutrophic conditions that threaten pond life.
Choosing the best pond aerator depends on two primary factors: your pond's dimensions (size, shape, and depth) and electrical power access. We offer aeration options for ponds of all sizes and shapes, and our team can help you pick the perfect fit.
Bottom-Diffused Aeration Systems:
Bottom-diffused aeration is the best choice for an overwhelming majority of ponds and lakes. These systems come with shore-mounted cabinets that house energy-efficient air compressors connected to diffuser plates on the pond bottom. These diffusers create tiny bubbles that provide aeration and circulation throughout ponds and lakes up to 50 feet deep.
Many pond owners assume that if power is not located by the shore of their pond, a bottom bubbler will not work. Thankfully, Airmax bottom-diffused aeration systems can be placed far from the pond's edge—up to 1,000 feet away using a remote manifold and direct burial airline.
Fountains & Surface Aeration Systems
Fountains are attractive decorations that provide aeration in shallow ponds. These units rest on the surface of the pond, pulling water from below and propelling it into the air to make a decorative spray pattern.
Because of design and engineering limitations, fountains can only pull water from about six feet below the surface. It is essential to supplement fountains with bottom-diffused aeration in ponds deeper than six feet. Depending on your pond's surface area, you may need more than one fountain to aerate properly.
Like fountains, surface aeration systems have a limited capacity for aerating deep ponds and lakes. If your pond is less than six feet deep, and you desire minimal water movement compared to a decorative fountain, then a surface aerator is an ideal choice.
Solar Aeration Systems
Solar aeration is a fantastic alternative energy option for customers looking to go green or those without access to electric power. They are suitable for ponds and lakes up to 20 feet deep. Solar-powered aerators are available with two types of power systems: direct drive and battery backup.
Direct-drive solar aerators operate at maximum efficiency in direct sunlight, pumping air into the pond during the hottest part of the day when it is most needed. Battery-backup systems provide continuous aeration all day and night, as the battery kicks in at night, or whenever conditions are not sunny enough to power the compressor.
Windmill Aeration Systems
Windmill aerators are suitable as supplemental systems in remote ponds without power access nearby. These pond air pumps are effective in water up to 15 feet deep, but they need constant wind in order to provide continuous aeration. Generally, windmills should not be used as the primary or sole source of aeration. Combine them with diffused solar aeration pumps for the best results.
Circulators & Blowers
Mainly for moving water below the surface, circulators blow debris from boat wells, keep ice from forming around docks, and help create directional movement in dead zones. These systems provide limited aeration and must be supplemented with a more robust system.
Need Help Choosing a Pond Aerator?
Do you have your pond measurements but are still unsure about which aeration system you need? We are here to help! Contact us online or by phone at 866-766-3435, and one of our Aeration Experts will map your pond and design an aeration system for you with our free Pond Profile Service.
Learn more about pond and lake aeration by reading the following helpful guides:
Alternative Energy Pond Aeration
Why Aerate My Pond
Is Your Pond Properly Aerated?
How to Measure a Pond
Pond Water Clarity
Last Updated: May 9, 2024