Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Aeration System Recommendations

I am looking for recommendations on putting together an aeration system for my new pond.

The (excavated) pond was completed about a month ago, and there is about 3.5-4 feet of water in the deepest portion. I would like to get a system installed in the next 2-4 weeks, as this is the last of my free time until next summer. Additionally, it would be much easier to do before it fills up.

I am located in SE Michigan. The pond is approximately 1.5 acres. About 1.1 acres is at full depth (12-15 feet) with 3-1 slopes, and an addition 1/3 acre is leveled out at a 6ft depth with an 8-1 entry slope for a swimming area.

My goals for this pond are, IN THIS ORDER :
1. Low Maintenance
2. Clean Swimming.
3. Recreational Fishing.

My initial thinking is that I would go with a single compressor & 4 outlets/diffusers. I would normally run 3 diffusers in the locations noted (see diagram below). The 4th line would normally be turned off, but during the winter months, I could use it to run a diffuser (maybe in the top right corner, on the slope?) to keep a small hole opened up on the ice. I would ideally like to do some skating over the shallow end, so I don't know if it is a good idea to keep ANY of it open with this in mind, but I am open to opinions.

As for the aeration system, I am not the greatest do-it-your-selfer, but if I can save some money by buying different parts from different vendors, I am all for it. I haven't been won over by any of the prepackaged deals that I have seen yet.

As for the compressor specifically, I would like to try and keep the operating cost down as much as is reasonably possible (ie I would like to avoid systems with 2 compressors or ones that run at 10-12 amps). My power is about 300 ft from shore, so I will have to run my air lines around 500 feet each to most deep parts of the pond.

I have looked at most of the major systems out there, and I have done a little exploring on the various diffuser types. If anyone has good recommendations based on my particular pond & goals, I would be very appreciative.

Here is a link to various current pictures:
MY NEW POND

Here is an approximate diagram of the pond layout. The measurements are based on the preliminary plans and are not exact, but most of it is pretty close:

Hi Derek -
Your pond doesn't need that many diffuser locations. I would recomend one at A, C, and the other to be turned on in a shallow area to run during the winter months if you deside to winter aerate. During the winter if there is any open water, the pond is not safe for any activities. You could just have the two locations and if you are having a harsh winter with thick ice and snow you could turn the system on long enough to create an opening for diffusion to occur.
You also do not have to run the expensive weighted tubing the 300 feet to your pond. You could run 1" pvc to the side of the pond where you connect to an underground valve box that splits into the separate air lines. I will size and design a valve box system for your pond and send it to you.

Thanks for the quick reply.

The 3 locations noted are similar to what was recommended by a local sales rep that recently came out and did a consultation.

Prior to his visit, I was assuming I would just need two. That said, I am wondering if a third diffuser would be at all worthwhile considering that I am more focussed on keeping the pond low maintenance & clean for swimming. I want a nice fishing pond, but not at the expense of the other two goals. Or would it not make a difference?

As for the tubing, I wasn't planning to use weighted stuff outside the water, but the guy I had out said (if they installed it), they would run all 3 unweighted lines out together and enclose them inside some sort of PVC conduit to protect them from digging, etc. Then, the 3 unweighted lines would be fitted to the weighted stuff at the shore. For whatever its worth, I will have to trench the entire 300' run through hard-packed clay (spoils from the pond dig). With that in mind, I obviously want to make sure that tubing is as safe & secure as possible because I will not want to dig it up for repairs or replacement.

Would a single tube to the shore be cheaper or "better" in any way than 3 unweighted lines?

Derek - I sent you a PM.