Pond owners frequently explore new ways to enhance the quality of pond water while, at the same time, keep operating costs as low as possible. One of the obvious ways to cut monthly expenses for maintaining a pond is to eliminate the use of electricity. But, does that really make sense? Can you effectively aerate a pond without using electricity?
Modern equipment manufacturers provide pond owners with a number of ways to keep their ponds healthy without using grid-based power. There are a couple of ways to accomplish that objective. One is to use windmill pond aerators that totally eliminate the need for electricity. The other option is to use solar-powered pond aerators. In that case, electricity is still being used, but that power is not from the grid—it’s from the sun.
Using the Wind
Windmills have been around for centuries. The Persians used wind-powered devices as early as 500 AD to grind grain and pump water, and the basic designs of those early devices are still used today. Rather than paying hundreds of dollars per year to power a pond aerator, why not use a windmill aeration kit that’s designed to aerate a pond?
Windmill aerators haven’t received the attention they deserve. Since ponds come in all sizes and depths, there is no one-size-fits-all aeration solution. That’s why companies providing windmill aerators have different units available to fit the needs of pond owners. Whether you’re exploring ways to aerate a backyard pond or a small lake, there are windmill aeration options readily available to fit those needs.
One advantage of windmill aerators is that they can be used in any location as they don’t require an outside power source to function. That means property owners who are off the grid can enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful, productive pond.
The costs of windmill aerators tend to be quite reasonable, which suggests anyone looking for a relatively inexpensive way to aerate a pond may want to put a windmill aeration system at the top of their list of options to consider.
Taking Advantage of the Sun
Solar power is rapidly becoming a major player for electrical power suppliers, but individual property owners can also take advantage of the free power provided by the sun. The first solar cell was invented in 1876, but early systems didn’t provide the level of power today’s users demand. The newest solar cells are capable of producing significant power, which means pond owners can take advantage of solar pond aerators to keep their ponds clean and useful.
Solar-powered pond aerators, like windmill aerators, are designed to work in a wide variety of situations. Most ponds can easily be aerated with a small aerator, but there are systems intended for ponds covering up to five acres.
Discover the Benefits of Pond Aeration
Most pond owners know that stagnant water isn’t going to support fish or desired plants. There simply isn’t enough oxygen in stagnant water to keep the pond healthy. Remember, ponds are complex ecosystems that need aeration to thrive. Pond experts agree there are several reasons aerating a pond is a good idea.
- Aeration Prevents Muck from Accumulating in the Pond. No one likes to walk into a pond and have their feet sink into several inches of muck. Proper aeration creates an environment that reduces existing muck and keeps the creation of additional bottom muck to a minimum.
- Proper Aeration Enhances Water Quality. Fish and most desirable pond plants won’t thrive in murky water. Aeration improves water clarity, which allows fish and other types of pond life to thrive.
- Aeration Eliminates Thermocline Issues. Most people already know that any body of water will tend to get cooler near the bottom. A pond ecosystem functions better when warm, oxygen-rich water from the top of a pond is circulated to the cooler, bottom areas of the pond.
- Fish Thrive in Oxygen-Rich Water. Stagnant water contains little available oxygen, but fish and other pond life must have oxygen-rich water to survive. Since many pond owners want to grow fish in their ponds, it pays to make sure the level of oxygen in the water will be sufficient for them to live.
Whether you’re constructing a new pond or attempting to improve the water quality of an existing pond, aeration will be an important tool to use. With proper aeration, it’s possible to have a pond that’s productive, beautiful to look at, and even provides a place to swim.
Creating a Natural Pond
While aeration is an important tool, it’s also important to take other steps to keep your pond healthy. A large percentage of pond owners look for natural ways to improve their pond’s appearance and function. Pond experts have a number of suggestions to make sure your pond design functions naturally and efficiently.
Always remember that a pond is a complex ecosystem that requires careful balancing to flourish. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
- Choose Plants Carefully. While allowing a pond to develop without help is possible, doing so doesn’t always produce the best conditions. Pond plants should be selected with the local climate in mind, but there are some plants that almost always work well in a pond. Water lilies are a good example, but don’t be afraid to reach out to local experts to determine which plants are recommended for your area.
- Control the Amount of Light. Too much light encourages algae growth, so make sure surface plants cover a relatively high percentage of the water surface. Again, take the time to review the best pond plants for your region.
Obviously, there will be other pond design issues to consider depending on local conditions, and careful planning is always recommended to prevent disappointing results. However, pond aeration should always be at the top of your list. Whether it’s a windmill aerator or a solar aeration system, making sure your pond always has plenty of oxygen-rich water will be a great start toward creating a perfect water feature.