In winter months, non-aerated ponds exhibit a type of reverse-stratification in their water column.  The water is warmer, and slightly denser at the bottom.  By installing a Vertex winter pond aeration system, that warmer water can be brought to the surface to melt a hole in the ice and create an area of open water to aid in gas exchange and increase winter oxygen levels.  The size of the hole created in the ice is dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, air temperature, depth and number of AirStations^TM, and amount of airflow.  The hole can be opened if ice has already closed the area. 

The time it takes to open a hole can vary, but has been noted to take as little as a few hours to open an area as wide as 100 feet, depending on the thickness of the ice, the air temperature, and several other factors. If the aeration system is started before ice completely covers the area it will prevent the initial icing over of the area above the AirStation^TM.

Many of the submersible propeller-style systems also contain large amounts of oil in their casings to lubricate their motors. These can leak and cause environmental damage to your pond. Vertex winter pond aeration systems utilize oil-less piston compressors in a remote location, and nothing but BottomLine^TM self-weighted air tubing and our industry leading AirStations^TM in the water, for your peace of mind.

When compared to other aeration systems, Vertex stands head and shoulders above the competition. Vertex AirStations^TM can lift well over 8,000 gallons of water per minute, are self-cleaning, and carry an unrivaled 5 year "no questions asked" warranty. Our 1/3 hp Brookwood^TM compressors have a long-standing proven track record for low maintenance and extremely high energy efficiency, and come with an extended 2 year warranty. Our QuietAir^TM cabinet is constructed of 100% powder coated aluminum and provides a rust and corrosion resistant housing for the compressors under even the most severe weather conditions, and a lock for security. Our 115 volt models also come complete with a GFCI outlet for safety.

** Vertex winter pond aeration systems generally will not keep entire bodies of water free from ice, unless specifically designed to do so. Thin ice around the perimeter of the open area can be extremely dangerous. It is highly recommended that strategically placed signage accurately convey the danger of thin ice in an obvious manner.