Lakes can be stunning features, but without proper care, they can encounter various problems, even if they are well-planted. Accumulating leaf debris, decaying plants, fish and bird waste, and runoff from surrounding areas all impact lake health, making it essential to manage these factors effectively.

One of the most efficient ways to maintain water quality in a lake is through aeration. The two most common methods are surface aeration—which involves a fountain-like stream of water above the surface—and sub-surface aeration, where air bubbles rise from the lake’s bottom to the surface. Both methods effectively circulate and oxygenate the water when properly sized and tailored to the lake’s unique size, shape, and needs.

In addition to boosting circulation and oxygen levels, aeration encourages the growth of beneficial aerobic bacteria. These bacteria help break down organic matter at the bottom of the lake and compete with algae that would otherwise thrive in nutrient-rich conditions.

Surface aerators typically use a floating pump to eject large volumes of water onto the lake’s surface, mixing and oxygenating it. While they often focus on maximizing water circulation over a wide area, some offer decorative displays, transforming the aerator into an eye-catching floating fountain.

Sub-surface aeration, ideal for deeper lakes, causes minimal surface disruption. An air compressor placed near the shoreline forces air through submerged diffusers on the lake bed. As tiny bubbles rise, they de-stratify, circulate, and oxygenate the water, helping to maintain a balanced and healthy lake environment.

Like humans, fish require oxygen to survive, but unlike the air we breathe, water contains only a fraction of the oxygen found in the atmosphere, making its balance even more critical in aquatic environments. Proper water circulation and aeration are essential to prevent oxygen depletion, which is a common cause of fish deaths. Unfortunately, once a fish kill occurs, emergency aeration is often too late to reverse the damage. However, a lake often shows early warning signs of oxygen-related issues, which should be addressed promptly to ensure long-term health.

Oxygen Reduction or Depletion

A key sign of oxygen depletion is fish gasping or behaving erratically at the water’s surface, trying to access oxygen that is no longer sufficient in the water. Oxygen is consumed by plants, aerobic bacteria, fish, and other aquatic life, and as water temperature increases, its ability to retain oxygen decreases. This makes oxygen depletion more likely during warmer months.

Aeration is an effective long-term strategy for preventing oxygen depletion in virtually any pond or lake. Using a floating fountain or lake aerator significantly improves oxygen levels, supporting aquatic life and promoting the growth of beneficial aerobic bacteria, which help break down organic waste at the bottom of the lake.

Parasites and Disease

If fish deaths occur, inspect the affected fish for signs of parasites or disease. Visible symptoms may indicate the need for professional consultation with a fish health specialist, who can diagnose the issue from photographs or samples and suggest appropriate treatments to address the underlying problem.

Pesticides and Run-Off Pollution

If the fish appear healthy with no signs of disease, test the water for pH imbalances or elevated levels of ammonia, ammonium, or nitrite. In agricultural areas, pesticide run-off can seep into the lake, disrupting water chemistry and harming aquatic life. Regular water testing and preventive measures can help protect against pollution from surrounding land.

A floating fountain is a decorative water feature designed to float on the surface of a pond or lake. It typically consists of a submersible water pump attached to a flotation ring, which draws water from the surrounding area and sprays it through a nozzle to create an appealing water pattern.

Floating fountains are ideal for ponds or lakes that are too deep or difficult to accommodate a traditional submersible pump mounted on the pond floor. They are also well-suited for ponds with dirty water, as they pull water from near the surface, which is generally cleaner than the sediment-laden bottom that could clog a pump.

Another key advantage of floating fountains is their adaptability to fluctuating water levels, which is common in lakes. The float rises and falls with changes in depth, provided that the tethering cables have enough slack. It’s essential to ensure the pump is positioned in sufficient water depth to prevent it from "bottoming out," which could cause the fountain to tip over or damage the pump’s motor.

Floating fountains come in a wide range of sizes, suitable for anything from small ponds to expansive lakes. Here at Healthy Lakes, we have a wide range of floating fountains to cater your needs. 

Floating fountains are an excellent choice for larger ponds and lakes, not only for their striking water displays but also for their ability to help oxygenate and circulate water. Compared to a static submersible pump, installation is significantly easier, especially in deep water where static pumps require building a solid plinth, a task that is nearly impossible without draining the water body.

Floating Fountain Installation

1. Assemble on Land
   It’s usually more convenient to assemble the floating fountain on the shore. This typically involves bolting the main motor to the float.

2. Extend the Power Cable
   If the power cable needs to be lengthened, it’s best to do this before positioning the fountain in the water. Use an IP68-rated, permanently submersible cable connector to ensure safe, waterproof connections.

3. Position the Fountain
   After assembly, float the fountain onto the water. You can either wade it into place or use a small boat if the water depth exceeds chest height.

4. Anchor the Fountain
   Attach 2 or 3 polypropylene ropes to the float and secure them either to opposite banks or to weights (like concrete blocks) anchored to the lake floor. The anchoring prevents the fountain from floating away and stops it from spinning while running. Be sure to leave some slack in the ropes to accommodate changes in water depth.

5. Connect Electrical Components
   Complete all electrical connections, and always consult a qualified electrician for safety and compliance.

6. Test and Monitor
   Power the fountain and monitor it to ensure it stays in position and operates correctly.

Once installed, your floating fountain should provide many years of reliable operation. Periodic maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines will ensure continued performance and longevity

Lake aerators are primarily designed to increase circulation and oxygenation during the warmer months but can also play a crucial role in winter maintenance. During colder seasons, aerators help maintain water movement and, most importantly, create ice-free areas on the lake's surface. This allows toxic gases to escape, preventing them from building up and harming fish and other aquatic life.

If you have a high-quality floating aeration system from trusted manufacturers like Otterbine Barebo, Kasco Marine Inc., or OASE GmbH, you can operate the aerator for just a few hours each day to minimize ice formation. The wave action generated by the aerator helps reduce ice accumulation beyond its immediate vicinity as well.

For diffused aeration systems, which use land-based air pumps and underwater diffusers, it’s essential to run the system continuously during winter. This prevents internal freezing of the pistons or rubber diaphragms, as the heat generated during operation keeps these components functioning properly.

Using dyes in lake waters is an effective method to control algae blooms by blocking the red part of the UV spectrum, essentially shading the water. These specific dyes are made from harmless industrial food coloring, ensuring they won't harm fish or aquatic life. Available in both grey/black and blue variations, lake dyes are easy to apply and provide a simple solution to managing light exposure in the water. Over time, the dye naturally dissipates but can be topped up as needed.

Lake dyes come in either liquid form or as water-soluble sachets, which can be tossed directly into the lake at various points for even distribution. Using a rowing boat, outboard motor, or an aerator can help spread the dye more quickly, but it will naturally disperse even in stagnant water. The depth of the color depends on the amount of dye used, so it’s best to gradually increase the dosage to achieve the desired shade.

While lake dyes are effective in reducing light penetration and inhibiting algae growth, they don't address the root cause of nutrient buildup, which fuels algal blooms, duckweed, and other organic issues. For long-term lake health, consider pairing dye use with lake aerators to improve water circulation and oxygenation, and possibly introducing beneficial aerobic bacteria to break down organic waste naturally.