Fishhead,

I wouldn't waste my time with a surface aerator if your pond is deeper than 5 or 6 feet. Also surface aerators tend to use more power than bottom diffusers. However, as I have said before, I would have an alternate diffuser to hook up in only about 4 or 5 feet of water in winter to prevent to thorough of a mix of the water column.
Otherwise I run mine 24 /7 most of the rest of the year in the center of the pond.

If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.