Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction Winterizing a floating dock

I'm considering putting in a floating dock but I don't know anything about them.

What do people do that have floating docks and live where the water freezes in the winter? Do you remove your dock or do you put an aerator under it?

If anyone removes their dock, how do you do it and how big is your dock?

I know people that have made docks out of 55 gallon plastic drums and leave then in all year long.

If you use too soft a material or want to make your dock last longer I would pull it out. But it is a lot easier to just make one strong enough to leave in.

Last summer we built a floating dock using 6 big square plastic containers. They are probably about 100 gallons apiece or so. We had no problems with ice cracking the plastic or anything like that and the dock still floats great. We did paint the containers green before it went in the water. Not sure if that helps answer your question.

I didn't even consider leaving the dock in all winter. Are some floats better than others for freezing temperatures?

I do wonder if filling the container what ever it may be would help it winter?

Certain plastics will probably hold up better, but i wouldnt know how to tell.