Pond Aerators: How Do They Work and Do You Need One?

by Ringo Ladue August 31, 2021

Pond Aerators: How Do They Work and Do You Need One?

Do you have a pond on your property or are you planning on constructing a pond? There are few things you can do to your backyard that could create a more serene, relaxing, and natural environment than by adding a pond.

Not only are they pleasant to look at, but the sound of flowing water will make you want to sit outside all day. And that's a good thing, too, as spending more time outside, even if it's just your backyard, provides a wealth of mental and physical health benefits.

When you have a pond, you want to make sure you invest in a pond aerator. These wonderful little machines will improve the health of your pond, prevent algae from building, and prevent stagnant water; which is smelly and unpleasant.

So what exactly is pond aeration, and how does it work to prevent pond odors and create a healthy, clean pond? Keep reading to find out now.

What Is Aeration and How Does It Help Ponds?

Aeration is the process of adding air into something. When it comes to ponds, aeration adds and circulates oxygen throughout the water.

For water to be clean and healthy, oxygen is vital. Circulating oxygen throughout your backyard pond can help prevent algae from building up and muck from collecting on the surface or the shore. It will also keep odors at bay, as stagnant water can begin to smell bad rather quickly.

Stratification occurs when water isn't actively mixed or aerated. It's the process of a body of water separating into layers. The cold water sinks to the bottom of the pond, while the warmest water, heated by sunlight, floats to the top.

The oxygen levels in the lower, cold section of water can be depleted, causing pond-dwelling organisms to either migrate to the higher, more oxygenated level of water or die off.

A pond aerator prevents stratification by constantly turning over the water using air bubbles. This will ensure that all of the water in the pond is at a healthy temperature, with adequate oxygen, to support life.

Aeration also helps to reduce or eliminate surface tension on your pond. When water is still, the tension created at the surface is enough to support water-walking insects, as well as mosquitoes laying eggs. Thus, aeration can help prevent your yard from filling with those pesky, biting insects.

Because natural ponds always have some degree of movement, aerators seek to emulate the natural flow of oxygen into a pond.

How Do Pond Aerators Work?

Pond aerators oxygenate the water by using a propeller to create movement in the water and create a boiler effect from the thrust that gets oxygen into the water. This is similar to air pumps that take oxygen from the air outside of the water and then pump this air into the pond.

Aeration happens as these air bubbles enter the pond, filled with oxygen. These bubbles rise to the surface, causing the water in the pond to mix and distribute oxygen.

Some aerators are placed on the bottom of a pond, creating a vertical current of air. Other types of aerators float on the surface, creating a bubbling or fountain effect. Still, others exist as a built-in waterfall, where falling water creates the splashing and turbulence necessary to distribute oxygen and keep the water in the pond moving.

Waterfalls and surface aeration works well for smaller bodies of water, but for larger bodies of water, having aerators placed under the water will normally be more effective at introducing plenty of oxygen to keep your pond healthy.

Getting a Pond Aerator

If you are planning a new pond build, you'll want to factor in aeration right from the get-go. If you have an existing pond that continually gets dirty or smelly, it's not too late to add an aerator. We can help you create a healthier pond in almost any situation.

Here's what to consider when choosing a pond aerator.

Types of Aerators

There are different types of aerators to consider for your pond. It's will depend on the size of your pond, how much natural movement you have in your pond, weather conditions, and more.

Waterfall Aeration

If you are planning to build a small, natural-looking pond in your backyard, a waterfall aeration system is easy to construct and looks beautiful. this will involve a degree of landscaping and may need professional installation.

The benefit of a waterfall is how enjoyable they are to watch, as well as the sound of falling water. Many people cite the sound of falling water as soothing and relaxing, helping to manage stress.

Floating Fountain Aerators

Larger ponds, or those in commercial uses such as at parks, golf courses, or shopping centers, often use large fountains on the surface of the water. These spew water up into the air, creating a dramatic, visually appealing effect.

Floating fountain aerators work by pulling water from the bottom of the water column, that has been depleted of oxygen, and thrusting it into the air, before landing on the surface of the pond. Thus, these effective aerators completely turn over the water column, keeping it balanced, full of oxygen, and thoroughly mixed.

Vertical Aerators

If you don't need a visual display provided by a fountain, most small to medium-sized ponds would do well with a pond aerator, which are placed on closer to the surface of the pond. They circulate oxygen into the pond and will quickly start improving the health of your pond.

You can add multiple pond aerators throughout your pond, to ensure the entire pond is effectively oxygenated. It's important to put these wherever the least amount of natural movement takes place, otherwise known as dead zones in your pond.

Size and Number of Aerators

Most ponds would do well with more than one aeration system. A large pond, for example, can have one floating fountain aerator in the middle, with other floating pond aerators located in other parts of the pond.

Very small, backyard ponds, would likely only need one aeration system. When it comes down to it, your pond can never have enough oxygen. It is easy, however, for your pond to not receive enough oxygen.

Do You Need an Aerator?

If you want your pond to be full of life, with fish and aquatic plants, as well as to attract other wildlife like birds or deer, you need fully oxygenated water that is hard to obtain without aeration. This will not only improve the health of your pond, but create a more enjoyable scene for you to enjoy.

If you want your pond to look beautiful, smell pleasant, and not attract mosquitoes, you need water that is circulated on a regular basis.

If you are ready to create a happy, healthy, beautiful pond in your yard, or on a commercial property, you can find the perfect pond aerator at Splashy McFun.

We offer a wide selection of pond aerators at the best pricing and offer a complete, 100% money-back guarantee. And did we mention that all orders ship free?

Pond Aerators: How Do They Work and Do You Need One?