Water Aeration and Winter Oxygen Levels
Studies have shown during winter, oxygen levels in ponds can be reduced when photosynthesis from green plants and algae is less active. This occurs when there is a normal die off of these plants and algae due to the colder weather. Oxygen levels may still be healthy in an unfrozen pond due to the fact that less oxygen is required during cooler months.
During the winter months, plants will produce less oxygen and therefore pond aeration for maintaining a healthy pond is important and recommended. Natural factors, such as a strong winter wind can help keep the top of a pond circulating, which adds oxygen back into the water, however, nature can be somewhat unreliable to provide a consistent source of wind to help circulate and aerate a pond. Also, many ponds freeze over and can become snow covered which further reduces the amount of oxygen that can enter the water via sunlight. Tests have shown that using a windmill aerator for the purpose of pond aeration has proven a consistent, reliable, and effective way to maintain a healthier pond year round. The use of a windmill aeration system with a freeze control unit helps to prevent a freeze over, adds continuous aeration throughout the winter months, and prevents pond "turnover" resulting in fish kills.
