Water in Motion
Pond aeration involves the natural or mechanical movement of water that breaks the pond’s surface, bringing the water into contact with the air and infusing oxygen throughout the water column.
A water aeration system enhances the natural beauty of your pond or lake while restoring water quality by increasing dissolved oxygen levels. Pond aerators and fountains assist Mother Nature by adding much-needed oxygen in an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and time-saving way.
So, how do you choose between a pond aerator and a pond fountain? Although many types of aeration systems are available, most are classified by their primary purpose (fountains more for aesthetics, aerators for adding oxygen to the water column) and location in relation to the water (floating or sub-surface).
Pond Fountains
Pond fountains are popular with homeowners, golf courses, and commercial properties because of their beautiful spray patterns and the tranquil sound of cascading water. Our Scott Aerator Pond Fountains float on the water’s surface and are powered by oil-free motors that pump water through a variety of nozzles, creating elegant spray patterns and a stunning display.
Fountain light kits are often added to enhance the nighttime experience. Fountains create an inviting pond atmosphere, help mask traffic noise, and add oxygen to the water. They are also effective at pushing floating debris, algae, and plants such as duckweed toward the edges of the pond, where they can be removed or treated more easily.
When it comes to aeration, a fountain helps increase oxygen levels in the pond in much the same way that rainfall or wave action does. Oxygen enters a pond primarily at the surface. A fountain also draws water from around and below it, improving circulation throughout the pond. We recommend running your fountain (or aerator) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our fountains and aerators can operate year-round or be turned off and left in the pond throughout the winter.
Ultimately, many people choose fountains because they offer appealing aesthetics while also providing aeration.
Surface Aerators (Floating Aerators)
Our floating aerators keep your water sparkling clean while creating a mesmerizing, high-volume “white boil” effect of highly aerated water. Surface aerators, also known as pond bubblers, are designed primarily for function rather than aesthetics. They move large volumes of water, providing exceptional circulation and high levels of oxygenation.
In industrial applications, surface aerators are often used to help settle particulates, process waste materials, or release dissolved gases from the water. While most pond owners do not require these capabilities, surface aerators are an excellent solution where these functions are needed.
If your primary concern is aeration but you still want some visual appeal, larger-horsepower surface aerators provide an attractive display, especially when paired with an LED light kit.
Display Fountain Aerators
Scott Aerator offers two products that combine the aesthetics of a fountain with the oxygenation of a surface aerator: the Scott Aerator Display Fountain Aerator (DA-20) and the North Star Fountain Aerator. These fountain aerators provide a dynamic solution for property owners and managers who want the benefits of increased oxygen throughout the water column along with the visual appeal of a traditional pond fountain. A fountain aerator also helps create a healthier, more attractive pond by discouraging mosquito breeding, reducing algae growth, and minimizing unpleasant odors. It improves water clarity, keeping your pond looking fresh and inviting while enhancing it with the soothing beauty of a decorative fountain.
Sub-Surface Aerators and Diffusers
Adding a sub-surface aeration system is an excellent way to improve your pond’s or lake’s water quality and oxygen levels while maintaining its natural appearance. Sub-surface aerators use diffuser modules that rest on the bottom of the pond and connect to an onshore air compressor through weighted tubing.
The compressor delivers much-needed air to the bottom of the pond, helping de-stratify the water column and increase dissolved oxygen. The diffuser’s membrane breaks the air into tiny bubbles that rise slowly to the surface. As the bubbles rise, they carry oxygen-poor bottom water upward, where it mixes with oxygen-rich surface water. This continuous circulation de-stratifies the water column and allows harmful gases to escape into the atmosphere.
Bubble Pro Sub-surface Aerators also make excellent pond de-icers. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect a circular opening approximately two feet in diameter for every foot of water depth where the diffuser is installed. For example, if the diffuser is placed at a depth of one foot, it will typically maintain an opening about two feet in diameter. At a depth of five feet, it can create an opening approximately 10 feet in diameter. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline, as changing temperatures, wind, and other winter conditions can significantly affect results.
The diffusers rest on the bottom of the pond and release billions of tiny bubbles that rise to the surface. The size of your pond determines how many diffusers are needed to achieve effective water circulation.
Diffused air not only adds oxygen to the water but also helps remove harmful dissolved gases, including methane, ammonia, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide. As oxygen transfers from the bubbles into the water, these gases enter the bubbles and are released into the atmosphere at the surface. The rising bubbles also draw surrounding water upward, exposing nutrient-rich bottom water to the atmosphere, releasing additional gases, and increasing oxygen transfer. These systems also accelerate the breakdown of organic sediment (muck) by supplying oxygen to bottom sediments, allowing beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms to decompose organic material more efficiently.
So What Will It Be, Fountain or Aerator?
- If you want to add aeration while creating a beautiful water feature, a fountain is the right choice.
- If your priority is maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem with clear water and thriving fish, a surface aerator or sub-surface diffused aerator is the better choice.
- If you want the best combination of beauty and performance, install a display fountain aerator, such as our DA-20 Display Fountain Aerator or North Star Fountain Aerator.