Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions When to Start Aerator?

OK, the hard winter is over here in SE Michigan and the large amount of snow we have is now starting to melt all over the edges of our 1/2 acre skating rink. (pond) The question I have is when is the best time to start the aerator back up? Last year I ran the aerator 24/7 and turned it off in November. I know there are many different thoughts on how much time during any given day the aerator should run, but I like the 24/7 routine as it keeps the surface of the pond clear of any scum or debris, pollen etc. I am a little concerned about the next month or so when there is still ice on the pond, but not enough to be able to go out and shovel it off so I thought I would post the question. The pond is 1/2 acre, about 14 feet deep with very little shallow water, steep side slopes, and about 12 months old, Drainage area is about 80 acres +/- and mainly surface water fed.

fozz, I would not be in any hurry to aerate.With the melting snow you will have clear to semi clear ice when it refreezes.With your surface water drainage you have some water movement. It is still winter and a little early to force the warmer lower waters to the surface. I would imagine that you have plenty of DO.A little sunlight goes a long long way this time of year.I would not turn your system on before April. Just my .02 cents. Ted

I wouldn't even start it up until just before stratification which won't be until sometime in May or June. Your pond will be mixing until it stratifies so there is no need to waste electricity by turning on your aerator.

We usually fire up the deep diffusers when the surface water temperature hits about 50F. In northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin this usually happens in April.

I also favor turning on the aerator at around 50F (+or-5F)surface temp. The warmer you allow your pond surface water to get the more compressor running time it will take to destratify it and the harder it will be to get a initial complete mixing.