Why Pond Aeration is Critical for Water Health

Pond aeration as a water health issue. We often hear the question “Is pond aeration something for a pond to be asked?” Many new pond owners want to hear whether aeration is the best solution to cleaning up algae and odor, dirty water or some others.  

In this article, we’ll be looking at what pond aerators do, different types of pond aerators, why they’re important, and some of the benefits of pond aeration.  

What Do Pond Aerators Do?

Pond aerators amplify dissolved oxygen in a pond.   As water gets broken and churned, it mingles with the atmosphere, absorbing oxygen and releasing bad gasses, which helps make for a more beneficial aquatic ecosystem.  Pond aerators give fish and healthy bacteria much-needed oxygen, which breaks down organic waste, reduces the presence of pond sludge and odors, and even helps prevent algae blooms.  That makes for much cleaner water — and improved life in the ecosystem.

Types Of Pond Aerators

Surface aerators and bottom diffused aerators are the two most common kinds of aerators.   Surface aerators are positioned on the surface of the water which agitate the upper layer of water to enhance air contact and improve gas exchange.  They can be used as fountains for aesthetic purposes and can generate lovely displays while also improving water quality by agitating the surface, or they can use “splash” aerators — where a propeller at the bottom of the unit draws water up from below and sprays it back into the water. 

With bottom diffused aerators, on the other hand, what you do get are tiny bubbles on upper water layers, but most of aeration is below. Submerged pads, which are connected to a shore-mounted air compressor by diffusers, create fine bubbles, so that the entire water column is aerated, from bottom to top. Comprising a compressor, air tubing, and diffuser stations are the primary parts used to operate these systems.

Pond Aeration, So Why is it Important?

Pond aeration is vital to water health throughout the year in order to maintain water quality. In autumn, aeration is helpful in lowering turnover and decreasing the chances of a fall fish kill. If the water temperature has changed, turnover can occur. That is when water is in a natural state of separation, with no top-to-bottom circulation. Deeper areas are low oxygen or have none, whereas oxygenated water is near the top. And weather changes push these divided waters to mix, aka “turnover.” Sudden changes in the weather can surprise fish who wound up at the wrong place at the wrong time. Aeration removes pollutants from water and restores oxygen in the winter. In the winter, autumn leaves and dead vegetation begin to decompose and become muck.  Decomposition depletes waste of oxygen. Muck also releases gasses back into the water.   In warmer water like that of summer months, we should add bottom aeration to ensure you have enough dissolved oxygen going and at the same time improve the water quality. Unhealthy amounts can appear in stagnant, low-oxygen water. Algae blooms are caused by both silt at the bottom and nutrients in the water. Oxygen levels fall as water temperatures rise.  

What Are The Top Benefits Of Pond Aeration?

1. Boosts Oxygen Levels. Aeration brings essential oxygen to the water in a way that improves fish health, while preventing oxygen-induced fish kills. It helps keep the right levels of oxygen in the pond — not just above the surface.
2. Reduces Algae Growth. Aeration assists in disrupting algae’s ability to thrive by circulating the water and dividing up zones that remain stagnant. It encourages the establishment of beneficial bacteria that challenge algae for nutrients.
3. Eliminates foul odors. Rotting organic matter at bottom of a pond can be very sulfur-rich or “rotten egg” scents. Aeration decomposes that material naturally by adding oxygen and stimulating aerobic bacteria in it.
4. Improves Water Clarity. It contributes to reduced debris buildup and improved environment. This usually results in clearer, healthier water; less suspended sediment and organic muck.
5. Supports Fish and Wildlife. Aeration prevents drops in oxygen that fish rely on to survive in particularly hot summer days or when the ice blanket is thick. Frogs, turtles and other types of animal coexist in a well-oxygenated pond.
6. Prevents Thermal Stratification. Aerators mix water column layers from the top to the bottom, eliminating temperature layers that can trap oxygen below the surface. This in turn makes the aquatic life in this ecosystem more stable.
7. Breaks Down Excess Nutrients. High nutrient levels from runoff or decaying plants can produce algae blooms and lower water quality. Aeration helps beneficial bacteria to break down these nutrients before a problem enters.

Not sure which aeration sytem is right for you?  Give us a call at 888-825-6214 and let one our experts help you decide.