An ideal set up is to have a bottom air diffuser aeration system running in your pond all year long. With an adequate aeration system, you can reduce the risk of winter fish kills and begin the Spring Startup with a balanced ecosystem.

 Decorative floating fountains that are removed during the winter for recreational purposes should be reinstalled as soon as the ice melts, to avoid quick turnover in your pond.

Follow these steps for a gradual spring startup:

1.      Re-level the Cabinet:

 Re-position the cabinet and system on level ground.

2.      Replace the Air Filter:

 The air filter on an air pump stops debris from entering the compressor and require cleaning periodically to remove light debris. For the best system performance and long life of your pump, replace the filter every four to six months.

3.      Check the Side Intake Air Filters:

 Inspect the cabinets side air filters to ensure they are clean and replace if necessary.

4.      Check the Cabinet Fan:

 After reinstalling the system, plug the unit in and test the cabinet fan to make sure it is working correctly so that fresh air can cool the inside of the cabinet.

5.      Clean or Replace Air Diffuser Sticks:

 Air diffusers allow air bubbles to be released into the water. Though they are pretty much maintenance-free, always check to make sure it is clean and replace if necessary, before being turned on for the season.

6.      Air Hose Lines:

Check your weighted airlines for ice buildup or other debris if the water is still icy. If the airlines are clogged, pour a cup of isopropyl alcohol through the airline running out to each plate. Then, turn on the air compressor, and it will push through the airline clearing any ice or debris.

7.      Turn the Compressor On:

 Follow the aeration system’s seven-day spring startup procedure. On the first day, run the aeration system for 30 minutes and turn it off for the remainder of the day. On each day after, double the amount of running time. So by the seventh day, you can now run the system 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

8.      Check Pressure Gauge:

 Now that you have your aeration system up and running, it is important to make sure the pressure gauge keeps within a normal range of 5 to 10 psi. Here is a helpful tip: mark the gauge during the first startup and then check it on a regular basis to see whether the pressure has significantly risen above or dropped below the initial reading. If your compressor’s airflow is beginning to narrow, you may need to perform some additional maintenance to see what is causing this.

To ensure your aeration system provides your pond with all the oxygen benefits it has to offer, follow these simple steps. With an adequate, well-maintained bottom air diffuser system, you can enjoy a healthy pond all year long. This holds true for solar pond aeration kits as well. Make sure to place the solar kit in an area that has full sun and follow all the same steps in this guide.