Windmill Aeration 101
Everything you Need to Know About Windmill Aeration!
Do I Need Aeration?If your pond is old or new, large or small, clear or cloudy, weed filled and algae covered or yes, even weed free, aeration can improve and work to maintain the health of your pond and its inhabitants. Oxygen is the most important requirement for clean water.
What Will Aeration Do?Aeration works to rid your pond of excess nutrients which cause unnaturally heavy weed growth. In keeping the water circulating, aeration will eliminate stratification (the temperature layering that often causes fish kill) and help control mosquito larvae. Aeration will oxygenate the lower levels of your pond and replace the dead water layer on the bottom with fresh oxygenated water. This helps keep anaerobic bacteria from forming which in turn helps rid the pond of undesirable algae. Fish health is also improved with the upgraded water quality that aeration provides.
How Do Superior Windmill Aerators Work?It all starts at the fan blades. As the blades turn, a diaphragm moves up and down in the compressor taking in filtered outside air. The compressor in turn builds up pressure, which is then released through valves and into the air line leading to the pond. The diffuser, located in the deeper areas of your pond, then breaks the air into fine bubbles. These bubbles (the smaller the better) carry with them gases, pollutants and excess nutrients releasing them into the air as the bubbles reach the top of the water.
It is important that the Superior Windmill compressor develops a steady stream of air, not the part time pulsing air stream of other manufacturers. Equally important is the Superior Windmill's capability of developing more than 30lbs of pressure, enabling deep placement of the diffuser for maximum cleansing action.
What Size Tower Is Best?More is better. The 20' tower catches up to 20% more wind than the 12' tower. The 20' tower is always recommended where possible.
What Is The Difference Between A Superior Jet Stream And A Superior Turbo Jet Stream?The Jet Stream is a single diaphragm compressor designed for use in smaller bodies of water. It produces 1.5 cfm at 9 mph wind speed. The Turbo Jet Stream is a dual diaphragm compressor and produces 3 cfm at 9 mph wind speed.
Which Model Is Right For Your Pond?Because of the diversity of pond sizes, depths, shapes and locations, selecting the correct Superior Windmill depends on a variety of factors. Please call 1-866-493-6953 and we can determine together which Superior Windmill is right for your application.
Pumping WaterYes, Superior Windmills can also pump water. Two pump models are available. The VT-6 is a vertical pump designed for use in a 6” or larger well casing. The SW-16 is a horizontal pump that works well in the more shallow water of ponds and streams. Both models are built using PVC casings and brass fittings for longevity.
Why Use A Freeze Tank?When air is compressed, moisture is formed. In colder climates moisture may accumulate in the air line causing the line to freeze. This can damage the compressor. Also, aerating a pond in the winter can be very beneficial for a number of reasons. Winter aeration eliminates winter fish kill, keeps an area of open water for wildlife and perhaps most important, helps the pond recover from the damage caused by Summer's high heat and low water levels.
How Much Maintenance Does A Superior Windmill Need?Very little. The pivot tube and swivel bearing need to be greased once a year for proper operation. This is easily done in 15 minutes or less.
What About Assembly?On average it takes two people 8 to 10 hours to complete the assembly process.
More Questions?Please call 1-866-493-6953.
All Natural Product Could Help Our Pond A Lot
Terry at Windmillaeration,
I need to thank you for the excellent advice you gave us last summer. After installing a Superior Turbo Jet Stream for our 1½ acre pond we immediately noticed a huge improvement. By mid summer our pond was much clearer and 75% of the algae was gone, but we were not entirely satisfied with the results.
When I called with our concerns you spent a good deal of time asking questions about the surrounding environment. I must admit, when you advised me to get the pond water tested for contaminants I thought you were just passing the buck in hopes that I wouldn't call back.
Our local USDA representative came the following week and took water samples. He contacted us a week or so later with some surprising information. It seems that our pond was being contaminated from an abandoned manure pit almost ½ mile away and uphill from our place. Somehow it was seeping underground and found its way to our pond (and who knows where else). He said he was surprise that the pond looked as good as it did with the amount of contamination he measured. Actually, he was very impressed that the windmill could maintain the pond's current condition at all!
When I called you back you recommended a product called the Pond Care Pack. I was skeptical that an all natural product could help our pond very much. As you can see from the picture I sent, the results are nothing short of spectacular. Thank you so much for your help.
R. Alexander
New York
Clear, Odorless Ponds
Dear Terry,
Since I have been running my
Superior Jet Stream windmill, my wife has allowed both our Labrador Retrievers to come in the house. Before our windmill my pond was weedy and caused the dogs to stink. Now our pond is clear, odorless, and my children swim in it many times during the summer.
Jeff Hibbard
Hilton, NY
Windmill Aeration You Can Bet On
Dear Terry,
The Turbo Jet that I ordered two weeks ago is up and running. My wife
and I had a ball putting it together. Purchasing from someone that has
actually assembled these windmills is also a real bonus. When we called with a question you knew exactly what we were talking about.
My neighbor, who works for a pond maintenance company, told me there was
no way that
windmill would pump air in 37 feet of water. As a matter of
fact he bet a steak dinner on it. He was standing next to the quarry when we
connected the two diffuser's air lines to the windmill. He couldn't
believe the amount of bubbles that he saw coming to the surface. "When do you want your steak?" was the only thing he said! Thanks very much for everything.
J. Williamson
New York State
Irrigation of Acre Size Ponds
Hi Folks
Our acre + pond always had irrigation water in it along with algae, weeds, etc. I spoke with some pond caretakers and they advised me to
aerate the pond, in order to improve the quality of water, especially for the five different types of fish that we have. Found this outfit in New York (my home state) that sold Windmills that pump air and water. Talked my neighbors into buying one and
proceeded to build this giant erector set. Spent two additional days
preping it for painting, selected the color of the trim of the house - Dark Green, Joyce gets credit for the idea and color.
That me sitting down tighting the hold down bolts. It's a dual-head pump,
so we aerate two sections of the pond, the deepest part is 12 feet deep and
goes up to 6 feet.
Of course I much rather be playing with an old Classic vehicle, but hey,
this is fun too. The Valleys trees are turning all different colors, this
is one of the best times of the year. Plenty of clean crisp air and the best
drinking water, bar none.
When I finish landscaping our front acreage next spring, I'll send some
pictures. Already had our first frost, so planting comes to a halt.
Have a good week and thanks for such a great product.
John
Cleaning an Acre Sized Pond
Hi Folks
Our acre + pond always had irrigation water in it along with algae, weeds, etc. Spoke with some pond caretakers and they advised me to
aerate the pond, in order to improve the quality of water, especially for the five different types of fish that we have. Found this outfit in New York (my home state) that sold Windmills that pump air and water. Talked my neighbors into buying one and proceeded to build this giant erector set. Spent two additional days preping it for painting, selected the color of the trim of the house - Dark Green, Joyce gets credit for the idea and color.
That me sitting down tighting the hold down bolts. It's a dual-head pump, so we aerate two sections of the pond, the deepest part is 12 feet deep and goes up to 6 feet.
Of course I much rather be playing with an old Classic vehicle, but hey, this is fun too. The Valleys trees are turning all different colors, this is one of the best times of the year. Plenty of clean crisp air and the best drinking water, bar none.
When I finish landscaping our front acreage next spring, I'll send some pictures. Already had our first frost, so planting comes to a halt.
Have a good week.
John
Windmill Aeration Testimonial
Terry,
Our
Turbo Jet Stream - Windmill Aeration System is up and running. It looks beautiful out next to the pond and many neighbors have stopped by to have a look. After
aerating our pond and having it running for just two weeks we can already see improvements in the water.
Thanks so much for the friendly advise and service. Its nice to be able to talk with someone that has actually assembled and installed these
windmills aeration systems. The "Installation Tips" that you emailed us were a great help and gave us much more confidence when we started the project. Thanks again.
P.S. Our neighbor Gary will be calling you to find out about windmill water pumping from the creek to his pond using these windmills. Just a heads up.
Allan and Deb,
Syracuse NY
Windmill Testimonial
Terry,
Since I have been running my
Superior Windmill, my wife has allowed both our Labrador Retrievers to come in the house. Before installing our windmill aeration system in my pond it was weedy and caused the dogs to stink. Now our pond is clear, odorless, and my children are even swimming in it many times during the summer.
Jeff Hibbard
Hilton, NY
Corporate America: Wake Up and Smell the Water
Look almost anywhere in a populated area and you can spot one. They're everywhere. Retention ponds have spread across North America unchecked in just a few decades. There are tens of thousands of these ponds in the United States alone. Maybe more. Some heavily populated areas have as many as four hundred in a single county. No one really knows the total number. Google
retention ponds and you'll find over 1 million search results. Government agencies, studies, pond equipment and contractors are just a few of the results from which you may choose. From designing and constructing to maintenance, there are now companies that specialize in the recent phenomenon of retention ponds.
The reason for these retention ponds, also called retention basins, is simple to understand. The surface of any developed area ( asphalt, roofs, concrete etc ) sheds water faster than natural undeveloped land. As this water flows unchecked from developed areas serious environmental damage can occur. This damage can include soil erosion, the leaching of minerals from the soil and sedimentation. Retention ponds are designed to hold runoff water during heavy rains, then release it back to a natural surface at a slower controlled rate thereby eliminating any negative impact on the environment.
The variety of these man made ponds is as diverse as the areas you'll find them in. From the 100ft diameter shallow pond located out of sight at a small business to the multi acre small lake used as a landscape centerpiece at a condominium complex, the diversity of retention ponds is almost endless. In some areas these ponds are so numerous some studies show a change in wildlife habits. Canadian geese now make their home in many developed locations and as their numbers rise become a nuisance.
I have always had an interest in small bodies of water. Maybe this fascination dates from my childhood when I couldn't walk past a mud puddle without getting my feet wet. As a child I spent many hours in and around the pond in our back yard. When not at our pond I could always be found near the small creek that ran across the farm behind our house. Possibly this causes me to pay extra attention to streams and ponds when I travel. Whether near to home or several states away the results of my ongoing survey are usually the same.
From these observations I have come to a general conclusion regarding retention ponds. As unscientific as it is, from my limited experience there seems to be a direct correlation between the physical appearance of these ponds and the extent they can be seen by the general public. Travel around to the rear of a business or development and chances are if the retention pond can't be easily seen you will find a algae covered, weedy, mosquito infested detriment to the environment. On the other hand if the pond is in front and in full view to the general public this pond is usually well maintained and benefit's the landscape, environment and wildlife. In these cases the business owner or public's opinion may be the deciding factors. What's being overlooked is the negative effects on the environment. Poorly maintained, algae and weed covered ponds are also a breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the threat of West Nile virus.
I applaud the many responsible business owners who maintain their ponds whether they be retention or decorative, in full view or out of sight of the public. Maintenance regulations often absent in older zoning laws are now being written and enforced in the larger metropolitan areas. However, in rural locations where poor water quality impacts wildlife the greatest, maintenance regulations for small bodies of water are often lax or nonexistent.
The single most cost effective way to keep small bodies of water healthy is aeration. Aeration rids water of excess nutrients that cause algae and weeds to grow unchecked. Chemicals and residues contained in runoff from parking lots are greatly reduced. Stagnation and stratification are eliminated as well. In short, a body of water that is aerated is healthier and more attractive in every way.
Two companies,
Superior Windmill and
Koenders Windmills are the world leaders in wind powered aeration. Both companies offer a wide selection of time tested products, technical support and excellent warranties. These windmill aerators are perfect choices for retention ponds, whether existing or still in the planning stage. Their products are quiet, reliable, low maintenance and require no electricity to operate. They also look great in any setting. Koender's does however offer electric powered alternatives for those who wish to use them.
With great products like these on the market there is no excuse not to maintain your retention pond. The wildlife and your neighbors will thank you.
© 2006
Windmill Aeration
