Even during milder winters, the water temperature can drop low enough to adversely affect your aeration system. Oil-cooled motors can remain in the water year-round, but diffused air systems should only remain submerged if they don’t have moving parts in the water.

If you wish to keep your oil-cooled system in the water to prevent freezing, Otterbine recommends running the system 24 hours a day. This helps to prevent ice formation and damage. If there is a power outage and the unit freezes in place, it must not be used until all ice has completely melted. Turning on a frozen aerator can cause significant motor damage. If you do not plan to operate the aerator continuously, consider removing it from the water instead.

Removing an aeration system is relatively simple and depends on how the unit is secured. If the system is anchored, you can disconnect the anchor lines and flip the unit over. From there, you can either hoist it into a boat or tow it to shore. If the system is moored, detach the mooring line on one side of the pond and gently tow the unit to shore.

For easier reinstallation, it is recommended to attach the cable and mooring lines to a buoy. Once the unit is onshore, disconnect the power cable (if the cable has a quick-connect fitting, detach it from the unit and cover the end with a protective cap) and store it properly. For oil-cooled motors, you can store your aerator indoors. The storage room temperature is not critical, but ensure the unit is protected from potential damage.