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 AirStationsTM, 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 AirStationTM. There are a few reasons for winter pond aeration. Whether it is to increase oxygen levels in order to prevent winter fish kills, keep open areas of water to attract winter water fowl and other winter wildlife, or to prevent dock or boat damage, Vertex Water Features can provide the perfect design to meet your specific needs. Winter fish kills
The most common application for Vertex winter pond aeration systems is to prevent winter fish kills. During winter months in northern climates where ponds and lakes freeze over, oxygen related fish kills can be a very real possibility without winter pond aeration. As a pond or lake freezes and is covered by snow, diffusion of oxygen from the air above and the production of oxygen by plants below is cut off. As the fish and bacteria consume what's left of the oxygen, the levels quickly plummet. A significant, and potentially catastrophic, winter fish kill is the result. Winter Waterfowl
A second application for Vertex winter pond aeration systems is to keep areas of water open to attract winter waterfowl and other winter wildlife. Winter waterfowl seek out areas of open water for a number of reasons, most importantly to rest while protected from predators. Winter predators seek out areas of open water in order to drink, and because their prey will likely be there too. Dock de-icing
Yet another application for Vertex winter pond aeration is dock de-icing, and winter dock and boat protection. Property owners with ponds or lakes that freeze in the winter face the daunting possibility of severe dock and/or boat damage caused by ice every year. Ice has a tendency to shift over the course of the season which can cause ice jacking/lifting damage or ice expansion damage resulting in extensive repairs with astronomical costs. As surface waters begin to freeze around boats, docks, and pilings, concerned owners begin to worry and wonder if they'll be lucky again this year.
** 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. | 
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