Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Myth or Truth re artificial lily pads?

Texas Hunter has recently announced a new line of artificial fish structures, including 30 inch wide green lily pads. These are touted as shallow water attractants, as they provide shade & cooler water.

The shade is beyond question. But is it really cooler?

Yeah, I know: Shaded water, all other things being equal, is cooler than unshaded. But note that all other things are NOT equal in this case! The green artificial pad absorbs the sun's heat, perhaps more than the surrounding bottom. If it passes along that extra heat to the water, perhaps it causes more warming, not less.

The genesis for this question is that I once did a bit of research on the impact of water hyacinths in my favorite fishery. I was quite surprised to discover that, despite shading the water, they absorbed so much heat that water temps under them actually increased. Could this be true in this instance?

I don't know about lily pads.

However, when I was a small boy with lawnmowing money burning a hole in my pocket, my father used to tell me "They don't design fishing lures to catch fish, they design them to catch fisherman."

The cost of said product eliminates my interest.

Just thinking out loud, but "if" the TH lilies raised water temp, wouldn't it be a boon for northern pond owners? Increased fish metabolism, longer lasting holes in the ice, higher catch rate by targeting the lilies? I would think it all depends on how deep the water is below any potential heat generating material.

The answer to your question lies in an experiment. Perform it and you will know the answer. When another repeats it. It is then science. Did they report experimental results or describe the testing behind the claims.

Just offhand, a reflective surface would probably help to reduce heating from solar radiation.

anthropic - Thanks for your helpful information. I think your idea and your temperature testing are correct. IMO TH made this cooler water claim based on a matter of opinion and they did not do any tests.