Description
Revolutionize Your Water Bodies with Can-Air® Diffused Aeration System for Ponds, Lakes and Dugouts in Canada
The Can-Air® SS diffuser offers the same reliable aeration system as the Can-Air® diffuser, but with a slightly smaller stainless steel base, which is self-weighted for easy installation
The Can-Air® SS Pond or Lake Aeration System is designed for ponds, lakes and dugouts where dependable bottom-diffused aeration is required. Proudly designed and assembled in Canada, this cabinet-free system is well suited for installation in an existing shed or other protected location near the water.
The Can-Air® SS diffuser features a durable, self-weighted stainless steel base designed to land upright when deployed, simplifying installation and providing consistent diffuser positioning. Its diffuser area is approximately 38% larger than many competing systems, helping move and circulate water throughout the water column.
The system uses weighted sinking airline and Can-Air® rocking piston compressors matched to the number of diffusers required. With the compressor and electrical equipment located safely onshore, only the airline and diffusers are installed in the water.
This version is supplied without a compressor cabinet, making it a practical choice when a suitable shed or protected enclosure is already available. Compressor shelves with cooling fans are included with the applicable system configurations to support proper installation and ventilation.
Not sure which SS system is right for your pond? Use the sizing guide or contact Pond Pro at sales@pondpro.ca for personalized system sizing and aeration recommendations.
Features & Benefits
- Self-weighted stainless steel diffuser base simplifies underwater installation.
- Diffuser is designed to land upright when deployed.
- Approximately 38% more diffuser area than many competing systems.
- Bottom-diffused aeration circulates water from deeper areas toward the surface.
- Helps improve oxygen distribution throughout the water column.
- Designed for ponds, lakes and dugouts, including deeper-water applications.
- No gravel is required in the diffuser base for sinking.
- No electrical equipment is placed in the water.
- No floating aeration equipment at the surface helps preserve the natural appearance of the water body and keeps boating areas clear.
- Can-Air® aeration has been proven to reduce phosphates by up to 95% in many applications.
- Can-Air® rocking piston compressors are designed for straightforward maintenance with replacement components readily available.
- Compressors and associated cooling fans are available in 120V or 240V configurations.
- Most routine compressor inspection and maintenance can be performed onshore.
- Available in one- through six-diffuser configurations to accommodate different water body sizes and conditions.
- Proudly designed and assembled in Canada.
System Size Guide
Choosing the Right SS Aeration System
The area one Can-Air® SS diffuser can service depends on water depth, climate and overall pond condition. Deeper diffuser placement generally creates a larger circulation pattern, while eutrophic or problem ponds require more intensive aeration coverage.
Approximate Area Covered by One Can-Air® SS Diffuser
| Pond Depth | Northern Climates | Southern Climates | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Ponds / Preventative | Eutrophic / Problem Ponds | Good Ponds / Preventative | Eutrophic / Problem Ponds | |
| 5–8 ft | 65 ft x 65 ft | 45 ft x 45 ft | 75 ft x 75 ft | 55 ft x 55 ft |
| 9–12 ft | 125 ft x 125 ft | 85 ft x 85 ft | 145 ft x 145 ft | 100 ft x 100 ft |
| 13–15 ft | 160 ft x 160 ft | 125 ft x 125 ft | 185 ft x 185 ft | 145 ft x 145 ft |
| 16–20 ft | 210 ft x 210 ft | 160 ft x 160 ft | 235 ft x 235 ft | 180 ft x 180 ft |
| 20+ ft | 290 ft x 290 ft | 220 ft x 220 ft | 325 ft x 325 ft | 245 ft x 245 ft |
| 30+ ft | 320 ft x 320 ft | 265 ft x 265 ft | 360 ft x 360 ft | 300 ft x 300 ft |
These values serve as general aeration sizing guidance. Pond shape, depth profile, water quality and site conditions may affect the system required.
System Components
Choose Can-Air® SS 1 through SS 6 based on the number of diffusers required for your pond, lake or dugout.
| Can-Air® SS 1 | Can-Air® SS 2 | Can-Air® SS 3 | Can-Air® SS 4 | Can-Air® SS 5 | Can-Air® SS 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Need a protective compressor cabinet? This system is supplied without a cabinet and is designed for installation in an existing protected location. A Pond Pro Post-Mount Aeration Compressor Cabinet can also be purchased separately.
Installation
Can-Air® SS systems are designed for straightforward installation. Compressors remain onshore in a protected location while the weighted airline runs from the compressor or manifold to the SS diffusers positioned in the water.
Installing Aeration in a Pond with Fish
If your pond has not previously been aerated, do not immediately place the diffuser at full pond depth. Start with the diffuser at approximately half the pond depth, then gradually lower it toward the bottom over the following weeks.
A typical approach is to lower the diffuser approximately 2 ft every other week until it reaches the pond bottom. Gradual startup helps reduce the risk of rapidly mixing poor-quality bottom water and accumulated gases throughout the pond.
Systems on this page are supplied with compressor mounting shelves and cooling fans rather than protective cabinets. Can-Air® systems with one, two, three or four diffusers can be housed in a post-mounted cabinet. Larger systems using two compressors may be installed in back-to-back cabinets where appropriate.
Important Warranty Installation Requirements
Can-Air® systems include a two-year standard warranty, extended to three years when purchased with a protective compressor cabinet. For warranty coverage to remain valid, systems purchased without a cabinet must be protected from snow, wind and dust, kept off the ground on a shelf or post, and operated with a cooling fan positioned to blow hot air away from the compressor.
View the Can-Air® SS Aeration System Manual
View the Can-Air® SS Diffuser Installation Guide
For additional product specifications, manuals and technical resources, visit the Pond Pro Resources Page.
Can-Air® Advantages
- Proudly designed and assembled in Canada with components selected for pond and lake aeration applications.
- Self-weighted stainless steel diffuser base is designed to land upright for straightforward installation.
- Approximately 38% more diffuser area than many competing systems.
- Air released at depth creates rising bubbles that circulate water throughout the water column.
- The compressor remains safely onshore while only airline and diffusers are installed in the water.
- No floating aeration equipment is required at the surface, keeping boating, recreation and the natural appearance of the water body largely unobstructed.
- Can-Air® rocking piston compressors are designed for straightforward maintenance, with replacement components available.
- Can-Air® aeration is proven to reduce phosphates by up to 95% in many applications.
- SS systems are available with one through six diffusers to accommodate a wide range of pond, lake and dugout sizes.
- Can-Air® systems include a two-year standard warranty, extended to three years when purchased with a protective compressor cabinet.
- System components are designed for accessible setup, inspection and routine servicing.

Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Can-Air SS Aeration System?
The Can-Air® SS is a bottom-diffused aeration system that uses onshore compressors to send air through sinking airline to self-weighted stainless steel diffusers positioned underwater.
What Is Different About the SS Diffuser?
The Can-Air® SS diffuser uses a durable, self-weighted stainless steel base designed to land upright when deployed. No gravel is required in the base to sink the diffuser.
How Many Diffusers Are Available?
Can-Air® SS systems are available in configurations ranging from one to six diffusers. The appropriate system depends on water depth, surface area, climate and overall pond condition.
Which Compressors Are Used in the Systems?
SS 1 uses a CA-65, SS 2 uses a CA-65, SS 3 uses a CA-125, SS 4 uses a CA-150, SS 5 uses one CA-65 and one CA-125, and SS 6 uses two CA-125 compressors.
Does This System Include a Cabinet?
No. This version is supplied without a protective compressor cabinet and is intended for installation in an existing shed or other suitable protected location. You can purchase a Pond Pro post-mount cabinet separately.
Does Electrical Equipment Go in the Water?
No. The compressors and electrical equipment remain onshore. Only the sinking airline and SS diffusers are installed in the water.
Can the SS System Be Used in Deep Water?
Yes. The SS sizing guide includes recommendations for depths exceeding 20 ft and 30 ft. Actual system requirements depend on the water body dimensions, condition and climate.
Can I Install Aeration Immediately at Full Depth?
If the pond contains fish and has not been aerated before, introduce the diffuser gradually. Begin at approximately half depth and slowly lower it toward the bottom over several weeks.
Can the SS System Help Improve Water Quality?
Yes. Bottom-diffused aeration promotes circulation and oxygen distribution throughout the water column. Can-Air® aeration has also been proven to reduce phosphates by up to 95% in many applications.
What Voltage Are the Compressors?
Can-Air® compressors and associated cooling fans are available in 120V or 240V configurations.
What Is the Warranty?
Can-Air® systems include a two-year standard warranty, extended to three years when purchased with a protective compressor cabinet. To keep warranty coverage valid, systems purchased without a cabinet must be protected from snow, wind, and dust; kept off the ground on a shelf or post; and operated with a cooling fan positioned to blow hot air away from the compressor.
How Do I Know What Size System I Need?
Use the System Size Guide above as a starting point, or contact Pond Pro at sales@pondpro.ca for personalized system sizing based on water body dimensions, depth and water-quality concerns.