What You Need to Know Before Winter: Getting your Pond & Aeration System Ready

Winter is inevitable in Canada. Therefore, our products have been designed and tested for Canada. We offer aeration systems that are highly durable and low maintenance, allowing you to aerate your pond year-round. Always ensure that compressors are kept out of the elements and are kept in an enclosed, fan-cooled, and ventilated cabinet or shed.

Many people wonder if aeration in the winter is necessary. If your pond is not stocked with fish then you do not need to run your aeration year-round, if you do not wish to. If fish are present, aeration in the winter is a must.

Aeration is the winter is crucial for your fish’s survival, because as your pond freezes over it eliminates the natural transfer of oxygen from the air into the water. In addition to this, organic matter that has accumulated in your pond over throughout the year continues to decompose and produce gases which get trapped under the ice. As a result of little oxygen and gas build up, winter fish kill may occur.

Aeration is key to preventing winter fish kill as it ensures adequate oxygen levels in the pond. Making sure that your aeration system is ready for the winter is crucial to prevent system failure, which can be devastating for your fish. Here are some ways to “winterize” your aeration system:

• Frequent rebuilds for your compressor
  • Compressors should be rebuilt every 18 months to make sure that they continue to run properly and to extend the compressors' lifespan
  • Read more about compressor maintenance here
    
• Change your filter
  • Filters must be cleaned regularly, and it is highly recommended that filters be changed at least every 3 months (or as needed)
  • Check to make sure your pressure relief valve (PRV) is not popping.
    • If it is popping, this is a strong indication that there may be a blockage in the airline, causing pressure to build and pop the relief valve. Try to isolate and clear the blockage before continuing to run the system.
    • Most airline blockages occur in the winter due to improperly buried or insulated airline pipes that can result in ice buildup. Making sure your PRV functions as intended is a great practice before entering the winter months, as it can help protect your compressor from overpressurization and possible failure if a blockage occurs. To test your PRV, gently pull back on the spring; you should hear gas release. You can also close your outlet valves or the manifold to build pressure. Your PRV should pop at around 35-40 psi. This method is intended to be a quick check or test. Do not operate your compressor with the valves closed. 
• Make sure that you have a complete and undamaged insulated lines running from your compressor into your pond
  • Insulated line is required for running aeration in the winter as it prevents line freeze up. Insulated line should run from your compressor (trenched 12-18” underground) into your pond (about 5-10 ft in or down to the low water level (below where ice will normally form)). Air compressors naturally produce moisture, which can collect and freeze in the airline once temperatures drop to freezing. Plugged airlines will create a buildup of pressure, which is not good for your compressor. This will result in premature rebuilds, reduced expected compressor lifespan, or complete compressor failure.
  • Always make sure that the insulated airline is installed at a slight, gradual downward slope towards the pond. Make sure that there are no dips or low spots along the airline that could collect moisture.

To ensure adequate oxygen levels in your pond and to ensure your diffuser is working properly, check your pond’s oxygen levels every 2 weeks. Measuring O2 levels has never been easier than with the Milwaukee MW600 Oxygen Meter. Measure surface and bottom oxygen levels with the probe. Oxygen levels to support fish in the winter should be at least 5 ppm from top to bottom. This can vary depending on the species of fish in your pond. 

Aeration will create thin ice conditions in the winter. Do not skate on your pond if aeration is left on during the winter months.

If you have any further questions with regards to winterizing your pond, contact our team of experts at sales@pondpro.ca or at 1-855-414-7663.