Have you come across a foul smelling pond overrun by aquatic plants and static water? If so, it probably made you do a 180-degree turn so you could move away from the unsightly pond of water.

However, there are many things pond owners can do to ensure their pond retains its scenic and healthy appearance. Ponds need aeration to control aquatic plant growth, water quality and overall pond health.

You can choose between surface aeration using a fountain, or bottom up aeration, where a series of air diffuser units are placed at the bottom of the pond to circulate air and water within the surface area.

When you have a shallow pond, less than 10 feet deep, you should consider using a surface aerating fountain. Fountains help control surface algae and duckweed. They’re also aesthetically-pleasing to look at. They splash water into the air, adding beauty to your pond and venting off unwanted gases. Surface aerating fountains also have the advantage of operating in as little as 18 inches of water.

If your pond is deeper than 10 feet, it’s good to use bottom up aeration, where the air diffuser lies on the bottom of the pond. With bottom up aeration, you’ll need to place more than one diffuser in your pond in order to properly aerate it. Electrical components are kept on shore, not in the pond. Distances of up to 2,000 feet of air tubing can be used, without the need for electricity nearby. And aerating from the bottom up takes care of aerating the entire water column since this system operates underwater. Although, you don’t get the “fountain display” with water shooting up into the air.

The folks at Absolute Aquatics in South Carolina have over a decade of experience in dealing with water management equipment. If you’re considering water aeration, they can help you choose the best option(s) for your pond, and help you get your pond looking beautiful once again.