Power House Ice Eaters by Airmax
Not sure which Ice Eater to choose?
Jump straight to the two sections that answer 90% of sizing questions.
Quick Ice Eater Size Reference (Most Docks)
- Under ~34 ft dock: P500 (½ HP)
- ~35–54 ft dock: P750 (¾ HP)
- Large or multi-slip docks: P1000 (1 HP) or multiple units
Depth, winter severity, wind, and obstructions can affect results. View the full sizing guide below →
The Power House Ice Eater is one of the Best Dock De-Icers on the Market.
It will Protect Your Assets from Winter's Wrath.
Updated for Winter 2025-26
Proven commercial-grade ice eaters trusted for docks, marinas, and waterfront properties nationwide.
The Power House Ice Eater has built up trust with customers over the last 40 years and has made a strong case for the best dock de-icer. With more revolutions per minute, more gallons of water moved per minute, and low operating costs, you will soon see why. There are 4 models to choose from so that all needs can be accommodated.
Designed for continuous operation in freezing conditions, these units prevent damaging ice buildup by circulating warmer bottom water upward, not by heating the water.
Manufactured by Airmax, Power House Ice Eaters are built for reliability, efficiency, and long service life—making them a top choice for homeowners, HOAs, marinas, and commercial waterfront facilities.
What Is a Power House Ice Eater?
A Power House Ice Eater is a submersible, motor-driven circulation unit designed specifically for winter ice prevention. Rather than melting ice with heat, it moves warmer water from below the surface upward, disrupting ice formation and keeping targeted areas open.
This approach:
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Uses less energy than heating solutions
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Works effectively in sustained freezing conditions
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Protects docks, pilings, boat lifts, and shoreline structures
Power House Ice Eaters are engineered for horizontal or angled water movement, which is critical for maximizing ice-free coverage around docks and slips.
Why Choose Power House Ice Eaters?
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Manufactured by Airmax – Industry-leading expertise in water movement and aeration
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Designed for winter duty – Built to run continuously in harsh conditions
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Proven circulation performance – Maintains open water without heaters or chemicals
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Multiple horsepower options – Scalable from small private docks to large marinas
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Freshwater and saltwater compatible – Suitable for lakes, ponds, and coastal docks
Power House Ice Eater Models
Power House
P250 Ice Eater
For Small Boats & Docks; Moderate Conditions
Efficient entry-level ice eater that provides reliable circulation for smaller areas.
- Horsepower: 1/4 HP
- Running Amps: 2.5 (115V) / 1.25 (230V)
- Open Water: 20–25 ft
- Thrust: 28 lbs
- Flow: 900 GPM
- RPM: 1650
- Hertz: 50/60
- Shroud: 12" W × 6" H
- Cost / 24 hrs: ~ $0.87
Power House
P500 Ice Eater
For Small - Mid-Size Boats & Dock Slips; Moderate Conditions
Offers an excellent balance of coverage, power, and energy efficiency.
- Horsepower: 1/2 HP
- Running Amps: 5 (115V) / 2.5 (230V)
- Open Water: 40 ft
- Thrust: 32 lbs
- Flow: 1075 GPM
- RPM: 1650
- Hertz: 50/60
- Shroud: 12" W × 12" H
- Cost / 24 hrs: ~ $1.88
Power House
P750 Ice Eater
For Large & Multi-Slip Docks, Colder Conditions,
and Thicker Ice.
Most popular size—ideal when additional thrust and circulation are needed.
- Horsepower: 3/4 HP
- Running Amps: 6.3 (115V) / 3.15 (230V)
- Open Water: 60 ft
- Thrust: 34 lbs
- Flow: 1275 GPM
- RPM: 1650
- Hertz: 50/60
- Shroud: 14" W × 15" H
- Cost / 24 hrs: ~ $2.16
Power House
P1000 Ice Eater
For Large Docks & Marinas; Tough Winter Conditions - Sustained Freezing
Max circulation, thrust, & performance for demanding ice control situations.
- Horsepower: 1 HP
- Running Amps: 7 (115V) / 3.5 (230V)
- Open Water: 80 ft
- Thrust: 36 lbs
- Flow: 1400 GPM
- RPM: 1650
- Hertz: 50/60
- Shroud: 14" W × 15" H
- Cost / 24 hrs: ~ $2.44
How Does an Ice Eater Work?
The ice eater is suspended from your dock or boat using the included mooring ropes. It will hang 2-3 feet below the water surface and at least 1 foot above the bottom. The motor, shroud, and propeller combine to thrust warmer water up to the surface, melting the ice and maintaining a water opening.
Customers are often amazed at how well these units perform. They can melt ice that has already formed and will maintain a large opening in freezing conditions. It is our go-to trusted source for protecting our boats, docks, and marinas from winter's wrath, and it can be used in freshwater or saltwater.
How to Choose the Right Ice Eater Size
Selecting the correct Power House Ice Eater depends on several factors—not just horsepower.
Consider:
- Dock size and configuration
- Water depth at the installation point
- Typical ice thickness in your region
- Both the avg. and the extreme temperatures of a usual winter in your region
- Exposure to wind and current
- Residential vs commercial usage
Larger or more exposed docks may require higher horsepower or multiple units to achieve optimal ice control.
Power House Ice Eater Sizing Guide
- Click each step to expand.
- Follow all five steps for the best real-world results.
- Aim for ~2-3ft of open water beyond the dock perimeter.
Example: With a 32ft dock in normal conditions, a P500 can create a 40ft opening, leaving ~ 4ft of water beyond the dock.
- Under 20 ft: P250 (1/4 HP)
- ~20–34 ft: P500 (1/2 HP)
- ~35–54 ft: P750 (3/4 HP)
- ~55–74 ft: P1000 (1 HP)
Multi-Slip Docks: a P750 or P1000 Ice Eater is the usual recommendation.
* Longer docks and multiple slips often benefit from multiple units to maintain consistent circulation coverage.
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Minimum of 2–3 ft of water below the ice eater
- Ice eater model for desired opening remains the same as Step 1. In extreme temperatures, the opening size could be slightly affected.
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Less than 30 in of water below the ice eater
- Opening size can be moderately to significantly altered.
- Horizontal mounting is likely necessary; opening will become oblong or oval.
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More than 4 ft of water below the ice eater
- Maximum results will be achieved and meet Step 1 estimates.
Pro Tip: In shallow water, and when obstructions could affect water flow, increase horsepower to ensure desired results.
Water temperature is the #1 factor, with air temperature and wind as major influencers.
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Moderate (~ 31°F to 13°F)
- Adhere to Step 1 + 2 sizing guidelines
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Harsher (~ 12°F to -10°F)
- Opening size begins to be affected.
- Sizing up one Hp tier is recommended.
- P750 or P1000 preferred.
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Extreme (~ -11°F and colder)
- Opening will likely be affected.
- Size up an Hp tier or use multiple units.
- P750 and P1000 recommended unless opening is very small.
- Wind: Winds affect water movement and can reduce achievable opening size.
- Precipitation: Heavy or sustained snow and sleet accumulation combined with near 0* temps will likely shrink opening size.
- Underwater Obstacles: Boat lifts, crappie beds, pilings, or other obstructions can alter circulation.
If you anticipate any of these factors, increasing horsepower or using multiple units is recommended.
- Single-slip docks: Follow desired opening size recommendations.
- Multi-slip docks: P750 and P1000 are the normal recommendation.
- Marinas & large commercial installs: Multiple units required; P750s and P1000s are typical.
Most residential customers use a P500 or P750 for the best balance of coverage, reliability, and efficiency—assuming correct placement and typical dock and weather conditions. If you have a bubbler system already, you may only need an ice eater for targeted structure protection.
Not sure? Email us and we’ll recommend size + placement.
Proper Placement Matters
Correct installation is critical to performance and is just as important as choosing the right horsepower. Even a high-powered ice eater will underperform if installed incorrectly.
Power House Ice Eaters are designed to circulate warmer bottom water horizontally across the surface, preventing ice from forming around docks, pilings, and boat slips.
Even when we are mounting the ice eater vertically, we want the thrust to push the warmer water horizontally also.
Recommended Installation Guidelines
Depth
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Suspend the unit 24–36 inches below the water surface
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Do not place directly on the bottom. Minimum of 2ft beneath the ice eater when suspended vertically.
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Adjust depth based on total water depth and ice thickness
Position
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For a circular opening pattern, place the ice eater in the middle of a dock slip with mooring ropes. Ice eater will pull warmer water up vertically from deep waters.
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For an oval-shaped opening pattern, install near the outer edge of the dock and mount at an angle
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Aim circulation toward pilings, lifts, and high-risk ice zones
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For large docks or multiple slips, additional units may be required
Angle
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In shallow water, for single-slip docks, and for narrow piers, you will mount at an angle with the ice eater slightly upward or horizontally
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The goal is to push water across the dock area, not straight up
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You can use an additional mooring rope, a dock mount, or a shallow water mount to accomplish the angled implementation.
Pro Tip: Coverage Beats Horsepower
A properly placed P750 can outperform a poorly placed P1000.
Correct depth and angle maximize circulation efficiency and reduce unnecessary power usage.
Safety Reminder — Thin Ice Hazard
Power House Ice Eaters intentionally create thin and unstable ice to protect docks and waterfront structures.
- Clearly mark open water and thin ice areas
- Keep people, pets, and vehicles away
- Always operate using a GFCI-protected outlet
Power House Ice Eaters vs Dock De-Icers vs Bubblers
| Feature | Power House Ice Eater |
Other Prop De-Icers |
Dock Bubbler Systems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method of warm water propulsion | Propelled | Propelled | Diffused air |
| Ideal for Docks & Slips | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works in Severe Winters? | Excellent | Yes | Limited |
| Works in Shallow Water? (< 30 in) | Limited | Limited | No |
| Works in Deep Water? (10 ft +) | Excellent | Yes | No |
| Possible to Install after ice forms? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Energy Efficiency | Good | Avg. - Good | Best |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 2 - 5 Years | 1 - 2 Years |
Slide to view →
A Power House Ice Eater Is the Best Choice When:
- You need reliable open water around the docks
- Ice thickness and freeze duration are unpredictable
- Bubblers do not provide enough lateral circulation
- Dock structures, pilings, or lifts must be protected
Power House Ice Eaters deliver active, controllable circulation, making them the preferred solution for docks, boats, and waterfront structures.
Power House Ice Eater Mounting Options:
Ice Eater Mooring Ropes 2 are included with the purchase. Additional ropes can be used to create other water flow options.
Click to view Mooring Ropes
Power House Ice Eater Dock Mount Allows you to quickly and easily adjust the angle with precision. Great for oval-shaped openings.
Click to view Ice Eater Dock Mount
Power House Shallow Water Stand Perfect for ponds and shallow water. Often used by duck hunters to keep their favorite water hole open.
Click to view Shallow Water Stand
Most Popular Ice Eater Accessories:
Power House Ice Eater Timer Set your unit to only run at certain hours of the day. This will keep energy costs down.
Click to view
Power House Timer
Power House Ice Eater Thermostat
Set your unit to only run when the temperature gets near freezing point. Keeps energy costs down.
Click to view
Power House Thermostat
Power House Ice Eater Screen Kit
Add a screen kit to protect your unit from chunks of ice and debris. Protects against damage.
Click to view
Power House Screen Kit
All Other Ice Eater Accessories View all of our other accessories. Click to view
Ice Eater Accessories
Ice Eater FAQs
How many amps does an Ice Eater draw?
When a unit is in use, it will draw between 2.6 and 7 Amps for 115V. The P250 runs at 2.5 amps, the P500 runs at 5 amps, the P750 runs at 6.3 amps, and the P1000 runs at 7 amps. For 230v, the running amps will be 1/2 of what they are for 115v. In this case, 1.3 amps for P250, 2.5 amps for P500, 3.15 amps for P750, and 3.5 amps for the P1000.
How does ice damage a dock?
Ice can damage docks in several ways and can affect different types of docks in different ways. The main problem overall is that when water freezes, it expands, which can cause extreme pressure on dock pilings and floats.
On lakes with floating docks, ice can form around a dock and hold it in place. Then, if the water level drops, instead of the dock slowly lowering with the water level, it will stay in place until the ice begins to thaw or the weight of the dock becomes too much for the ice. Then the entire dock could drop several feet at once. This can break and damage cables and also damage the entire structure of the dock; metal poles can be bent, and roofs can collapse.
If your dock is made out of wood, that can also be problematic in freezing conditions. Water will seep into the wood pilings, and once the water begins to freeze, it will expand and splinter off or even break the pilings. This can also cause the entire dock and roof to collapse or be mangled.
Sometimes a dock can even survive and withstand its integrity in the ice, only to fail when the ice begins to thaw. That is when the dock can drop and land hard. Once the ice thaws and there are openings in the ice, your problems are not over. Docks can also be damaged by chunks of ice that the wind or current can blow into the dock. Floating ice can be every bit as damaging as ice freezing around a dock.
Are docks covered by homeowners' insurance?
Sometimes, docks will be covered by homeowners' insurance, but there can also be exclusions to what is covered, and oftentimes, ice and snow damage is not covered. Whether it is from ice expanding and damaging the dock or the weight of snow on the roof causing a collapse, dock damage is most likely NOT covered. Please check your homeowner's insurance to see where you stand.
Specs and guidance reviewed by staff and updated for Winter 2026.
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