Kasco De-Icers/Water Circulator Kasco De-Icers/Water Circulator — 1/2 HP, Model# F2400D-50 Kasco De-Icers/Water Circulator — 3/4 HP, Model# F3400D-50 | Deicing Products Boating Materials & Accessories 1. SeaDog GREY FLUSH PULL 227312-1 Buy new: $9,999.00 › Show only SeaDog items2. Complete Lower Unit Assembly Buy new: $4,429.00 $3,255.76 › Show only Sierra Supply items3. Complete Lower Unit Assembly Buy new: $3,679.00 $2,592.09 › Show only Sierra Supply items 4. Complete Lower Gearcase Assembly - Unit Buy new: $3,469.00 $2,554.03 › Show only Sierra Supply items5. Morse Controls Control Unit Buy new: $2,365.56 $2,365.55 › Show only Morse Controls items6. CMac ATB SUP Board Buy new: $1,519.95 › Show only Boardworks items 7. NRS MaverIK II Inflatable Kayak Buy new: $1,495.00 › Show only NRS items8. Grand Slam 350 Outrigger Mounts - Adj Hard Top Port Handle 1Pr Buy new: $1,899.99 $1,476.73 › Show only Taco Supply items9. Grand Slam 350 Outrigger Mounts - Adj Soft Top Port Handle 1Pr Buy new: $1,871.49 $1,470.30 › Show only Taco Supply items 10. NRS RIKEN Seminole I Inflatable Kayak Buy new: $1,450.00 › Show only NRS items11. Charles Marine Charles 30 Amp 24 Volt 120vac Power Supply Buy new: $1,324.00 › Show only Charles Marine Group items12. A57D 5.7" Fishfinder / Chartplotter Combo Buy new: $1,545.21 $1,199.99 10 Used & new from $1,199.99 › Show only Raymarine items 13. Teleflex Morse Tournament Tiebar Cylinder - P Buy new: $1,160.19 › Show only Teleflex items14. Teleflex Morse Tournament Tiebar Cylinder - S Buy new: $1,160.19 › Show only Teleflex items15. Walker Bay Boats 99108 SAIL KIT FOR 10 FT PERFORMANCE Buy new: $1,099.99 › Show only Walker Bay Boats items 16. Power Supply Unit Used W/ 1964C (25Kw) Buy new: $1,295.00 $1,087.80 8 Used & new from $1,087.80 › Show only Furuno items17. NORTHSTAR EXPLORER 660 W/O DUCER COMBO W/EXTERNAL ANTENNA Buy new: $1,222.00 $1,000.00 3 Used & new from $1,000.00 › Show only NorthStar items18. Kokatat GMER Dry suit Buy new: $999.00 (1)› Show only Kokatat items 19. Scanstrut Lmm-3 Self Leveling Radar Mount 24" Navico & Jrc Buy new: $969.00 › Show only Scanstrut items20. Hydro-jacker 10" Setback Plate Buy new: $1,202.71 $930.76 2 Used & new from $930.76 › Show only Ellett Bros items21. CHARLES 30 AMP 24 VOLT 120VAC POWER SUPPLY Buy new: $919.88 22. Morse Controls Ke-4 Control Head Twin Buy new: $891.06 $891.05 › Show only Morse Controls items23. Condo Tent Buy new: $1,209.99 $887.60 8 Used & new from $879.57 › Show only Eureka items24. Hubbell 50 Amp 125/250 Volt Yellow, 50 Buy new: $871.99 › Show only Hubbell items Boating Materials & Accessories

Dock Bubblers & Deicers
Simple ways to protect your dock from pack ice damage and heaving winter lake ice.
Email us with questions about keeping your dock ice free & we'll send a free quote within 48 hours
Send us an email describing your dock, marina or boathouse including depths, lengths etc. and our design team will submit an affordable bubbler plan or de-icing strategy.
Please note that all emails or questions submitted to The Pond Report become the property of The Pond Report and may be re-printed. Your name will not be used if we re-print your question. Submitting a question does not guarantee a response

Ever since I moved out to Thousand Island country and was surrounded by lakes with pond owners or lake cabin owners with docks and boat cribs I have been asked about protecting docks from ice damage. What I have learned over the years about installing a simple do it yourself dock system is that there are many different systems available that do basically the same thing.

The idea behind keeping ice away from the dock, boathouse or pilings is to reduce the damage caused by heaving ice floes and ice pressure buildup that can actually shift dock pilings and boat house structures resulting in some expensive repairs. I am often asked if it is possible to build or put together a cheap dock bubbler system and the answer is always "Yes!" .

Arbrux Deicers Arbrux Limited is the leading manufacturer of De-Icers in Canada. The Arbrux de-Icer is known for its reliability and efficiency. The De-Icer brings the warmer, deeper water from the bottom of a body of water to the surface to create open water by utilizing a propeller to move the water at a rate of 500 gallons per minute. The ½ HP De-Icer will generally keep a 40’ diameter circle open when the unit is placed 5’ below the surface of the water. Positioning of the De-Icer depends on the area/structure being protected. A De-Icer installed in a sling mount formation is ideal for boats and boat houses. When slung between two mooring points, the De-Icer has less potential to oscillate. For areas with one mounting point, the De-Icer should be hung by a single chain. A float mount is also available for De-Icers that are being used in areas without a mounting point available. For Installation after freeze up, the De-Icer can be installed through a hole that has been augured in the ice. This is convenient for mid winter installations. The De-Icer comes standard with hooks and ropes for hanging. The use of a Franklin, stainless steel, water cooled and water lubricated motor eliminates the concern for oil leakage into the water while allowing for a maintenance free product. Their specially designed propeller and drive structure (both made from reinforced Zytel) create a high water flow while protecting the propeller and power cord from damage. Arbrux De-Icers are fully ETL approved. They meet UL and CSA standards for safety. Arbrux Limited’s De-Icers come standard with 1/2hp, 120V Stainless Steel Submersible Motors and either 7.5m (25’) or 15m (50’) power cables. Other voltages, Hp and cable lengths are available. Contact us by email for recommendations or more information on Arbrux De-Icers. Kasco Agitator/Thrust Deicer Perfect for docks in 6 feet+ of water 1/2 HP Keeps 30'–50' ice free! These Kasco units are also known as submersible de-icers, ice-eaters, thrusters or dock de-icers. We love the Kasco Marine 1/2 HP as an all-purpose inexpensive system. Kasco® de-icers are designed to be suspended from a dock, boat or pilings or boat house. Mounted in either a vertical or horizontal position, the de-icer circulates water to the surface, causing turbulence that reduces or eliminates ice formation. The motor assembly is sealed in an oil bath for long life and has ball bearings that provide smooth operation. The guard and motor case are made of stainless steel. The 1/2-hp model keeps a 30–50' diameter area from freezing. Each unit includes a motor, propeller, 20' of suspension rope, guard assembly, zinc anode and 50' of low-temperature-rated power cable. ETL-approved to UL standards. 110V/115V. Two-year warranty. Kasco De-Icers/Water Circulator — 1/2 HP, Model# F2400D-50 3/4 HP Deicer with 50 foot power cord Kasco De-Icers/Water Circulator — 3/4 HP, Model# F3400D-50 Dock Mounting Kit For use with Item#s 108696 and 108699. Unit can be attached to dock or piling in vertical or several angle positions Customer must supply up to 10ft. length of 1in. pipe with male threads on one end. 2-year limited warranty. U.S.A. Application: Support water circulator / de-icer, Includes: 1 Dock mount kit Kasco Dock Mount Kit Accessory, Model# 243485 Larger sizes available email us for best pricing on larger units. Bubbler Hose 100 Foot Roll De-icer Airhose/Bubbler Tubing - $495 A 100 foot length can provide an open water perimiter of 100' to 150' free of ice. Requires 1 CFM and 3 PSI Min. Free shipping in the USA. Item # PR-BTUB-100 50 Foot Roll De-icer Airhose/Bubbler Tubing - $275 A 50 foot length can provide an open water perimiter of 50' to 100' free of ice. Requires 0.5 CFM and 3 PSI Min. Free shipping in the USA Item # PR-BTUB-050 FULL SYSTEMS Small Dock Bubbler System w/ Compressor and 50' Bubbler Tubing - $950 50' of Bubbler Hose can keep a 50' to 100' perimiter area open for docks, cribs and boathouses. Email us for detail Free shipping within continental USA. Using the weighted bubbler tubing this system can keep shallow waters free from ice using a small air pump that pushes air in to the weighted tubing where slits every 24 inches release bubbles. Can be layed on the pond bottom or lake bottom around the outside perimeter of your dock or boathouse. This Complete Dock Bubbler Package Includes: - 90 Watt Linear Compressor - 110/120V with single outlet. Compressor must be kept in a boathouse, shed or outside of the elements perferably in a ventilated area. - 50 feet of lead-keeled de-icer tubing (bubbler line) with three coarse bubbling slits every 24 inches. - 50 feet of 1/2" ID weighted airline - Clamps and connectors and caps Item # PR-SD50BKIT Large Dock Bubbler System w/ Compressor and 100' Bubbler Tubing - $1800 100' of Bubbler Hose can keep a 100' to 150' perimiter area open for large docks, cribs and boathouses. Email us for detail Includes shipping within continental USA. Using the weighted bubbler tubing this system can keep shallow waters free from ice using a small air pump that pushes air in to the weighted tubing where slits every 24 inches release bubbles. Can be layed on the pond bottom or lake bottom around the outside perimeter of your dock or boathouse. This Complete Dock Bubbler Package Includes: - 1/4 HP Rotary Vane Compressor - 110/120V with single outlet. Compressor must be kept in a boathouse, shed or outside of the elements perferably in a ventilated area. - 100 feet of lead-keeled de-icer tubing (bubbler line) with three coarse bubbling slits every 24 inches. - 100 feet of 1/2" ID weighted airline - Clamps and connectors and caps (enough to run 2 lines if required) - Two-way ball valve manifold for running two separate bubbler lines Item # PR-SDBKIT Bubbler Tubing Weighted De-icer Airhose/Bubbler Tubing Requires only 1 CFM per 100 feet.If you already have a blower or compressor then all you really need is this weighted bubbler hose! Lead keeled die-cut diffuser de-icer airline. Requires only 0.01 CFM per foot and 3 PSI for operation. Price includes the required plugs and connector (end plug and barbed airline inlet 1/2"). Simply lay the weighted bubbler tubing at the outer extremity of your boathouse, crib or dock and you will leave a lovely open area free of ice preventing the pressure damage from ice against pilings and other structural dock damages. 100 Foot Roll De-icer Airhose/Bubbler Tubing - $495 A 100 foot length can provide an open water perimiter of 100' to 150' free of ice. Requires 1 CFM and 3 PSI Min. Free shipping in the USA. Item # PR-BTUB-100 50 Foot Roll De-icer Airhose/Bubbler Tubing - $275 A 50 foot length can provide an open water perimiter of 50' to 100' free of ice. Requires 0.5 CFM and 3 PSI Min. Free shipping in the USA Item # PR-BTUB-050 Linear Air Compressors Air Hose and Air Feeder Line Not sure of what size of a compressor is needed for your bubbler? We carry linear air compressors, piston air compressors, rotary vane compressors as well as blowers and high-output customized systems. Email us for help in selecting an inexpensive compressor, pump or blower according to the tubing you need. Email Jay at info@thepondreport.com Large Pond/Lake Deicer System - $995 Includes shipping within continental USA. ** Suitable for de-icing large ponds and lakes from 1/4 acres to 5 acres. Keeps a single large hole in your pond or lake to allow gases to escape and to prevent winterkill of fish. Suitable for de-icing large ponds and lakes from 1/4 acres to 5 acres. Keeps a single large hole in your pond or lake to allow gases to escape and to prevent winterkill of fish. The ultimate low-cost de-icing system for ponds and lakes This will do a fine job keeping water open in larger ponds and includes everything you need. The heart of the bubbler is the reliable rocking piston compressor, which uses only 253 watts at 115V. The compressor is mounted in a cabinet with an exhaust fan to provide cool compressor operation. Air is delivered from the shore-mounted compressor to the air diffuser assembly located in the deepest area of the pond. This is done via self-weighted tubing (included) to insure that the tubing and the diffuser assembly stay securely on the bottom (our weightedtubing does not contain lead or other metals). The special de-icing diffuser assembly is a 10" diameter flexible membrane that is ideal for de-icing applications. The diffuser is mounted on a weighted plastic support. To prevent any possible bottom erosion and to give the assembly a stable platform, a 24" x 24" polyethylene underlay is included. Weighs 63 lbs total. One-year warranty on all parts, five-year warranty on diffuser. Call for placement suggestions. Full system includes: 1/3 HP single piston compressor, ventilated and lockable cabinet suitable for post mount, self-weighted diffuser bubbler, all clamps and connectors, 100' weighted tubing, instruction booklet. Item # PR-LPA3-3 * Custom sized de-icing systems for outfalls, intakes, piping runs or water storage and mining ponds as well as docks and marinas. Contact us by email for design assistance. POND HEATERS Thermal-Pond De-Icer - $99 Includes shipping within continental USA. Energy efficient patent-pending design keeps a small isolated hole open and uses only 100 watts for cheap deicing. One unit handles up to 2,000 gallons. Use more than one unit for larger ponds. This unit can even melt it's way through ice two inches thick. UL Listed and weighing only 3 pounds this unit has a 10 foot power cord and runs on standard 110/115V. Item # PR-TPH1 Pond Heater & De-Icer - $149 Includes shipping within continental USA. 1500 Watts of pond de-icing power! These rugged and popular pond-heaters/ de-icers are available in both the floating or sinking style. The floating version will just keep a hole open in a large pond and the sinking model will keep a very small pond, water garden or tank ice free. These pond de-icers have a nonadjustable thermostat, an automatic shut-off for safety (should it be removed from the water, it cannot start a fire) and a 15' power cord. These heaters automatically turn on at about 40°F. The protective guard is included which keeps the heater from touching pond liners or the bottom in both floating or sinking models. One-year warranty.Runs on a standard 110/115V household current. Floating Pond Heater / De-Icer - $149 Use in larger ponds - Keeps an ice-free hole in ice over winter Item # PR-PD11 Sinking Pond Heater / De-Icer - $149 Use in smaller ponds & tanks - Keeps up to 80% ice free Item # PR-PD33

The principle of a keeping a dock or marina clear of ice is to ensure that the natural crushing pressure of ice is not able to squeeze the structure. Ice is so powerful that it can literally lift lake bed pilings out of their footings and toss them about like sticks. I have seen large yachts tied up in large Eastern Seaboard marinas suffer thousands of dollars of damage due to ice. The sad part is that almost all cases of ice damage and dock damage are a result of negligence by eh owner or sheer laziness; installing a homemade dock deicer or dock bubbler is not really difficult but the key is to start preparing components and supplies early enough in the season, October or November, to not get caught without a viable system when the cold snap first falls and often surprises!

While ice usually forms in shallow or areas in lakes and ponds without circulation it is important to remember that early ice formations can occur in November in some areas. While typical ice thickness will not maintain a constant spread until December in most Northern Latitudes the freezing of ponds can occur without warning so it is better to buy an inexpensive dock bubbler or build a dock deicer before it is in January and the ice is thicker than you'd like!

Types of deicers, ice eaters and Bubblers
The principal types of automatic systems for protecting marinas and docks from ice damage can be broken down into two main types: the submersed thruster or agitator and the dock bubbler.

Agitators involve placing a heavy-duty submersible motor that drives a rugged propeller in continuous duty to draw warm waters from the depths of the pond or lake towards the surface. The warmer waters at the bottom of the pond usually maintain a temperature of around 4 degrees Celsius or 39 Fahrenheit and by bringing them rapidly to the surface in a directed thrusting stream they can keep large areas of open water even in the coldest of winter temperatures. I have seen this sort of ice-eater literally open up solidly frozen areas in only a few hours.

This sort of deicer works best when you have deeper waters around the dock but keep in mind that even an agitator aimed at the shallow shoreline, if it originates in waters of say 12 feet deep, can create a large opening under the entire dock structure. The size of the opening in the ice depends on the overall ambient air temperature but typically even a 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP device can open up a hole in the ice up to 60 feet in diameter.

When it is desirable to prevent ice damage in large marinas or yacht clubs over winter several units can be combined together to create a huge current that will open upon incredibly large amount of water. These units can either be suspended below the dock or pilings by nylon mooring ropes or can be attached to some sort of dock mount system. Several manufacturers, like Kasco Marine, offer high quality dock mount apparatus that allow you to strictly control the angel of attack of the deicer unit by using a graduated bracketing system.

When a dock is in shallow waters the popular deicer or ice eater may not work as well because this sort of motor needs to push warmer waters to the surface in order to be effective. When waters are 6 feet deep or less there is less temperature stratification in the water and even the water at the very bottom can be too cold to effectively melt surface ice. While the agitation of the water will keep a small hole open even when trying to deice a shallow area the diameter of the hole is typically smaller.

In shallow waters the most popular system is called a bubbler or a dock bubbler. This sort of system involves an air compressor on the dock or shore mounted that blows air into diffusers or a diffuser line like a Bubble Tubing or deicer tubing which is a weighted perforated tubing that releases tiny bubbles down the length of the tubing. The long linear length of bubbles creates a constant movement of water and this steady flowing curtain of bubbles ensures that there is no ice formation along the dock structure or boat slips.

Buying a dock bubbler or a de-icer
Buying a dock bubbler or a de-icer requires a certain level of expert knowledge. The Internet is full of websites that sell dock Bubblers and promote their simple systems and most claim that they do the job without issue. I have seen disappointment in many purchases because the retailer was more keen on selling their product than actually customizing a bubbler system to meet the specific needs of the clients particular situation.

In my years in helping solve pond issues I have seen my share of deicing projects. I don't sell de-icers; I leave the final shopping to those with the hard earned money. There are so many options when it comes to dock deicing that it is crucial to use due diligence and to look for the best deal. But beware, the best deal isn't always the cheapest. I have seen some people save a few hundred dollars by buying a cheap deicer on eBay but then they got no service or tech support when things go wrong. My advice has always been: deal with a company that does more than sell products; make sure they have an actual store, with experienced technicians and a track record of knowing what they are doing. There is more to doing the right thing than saving a few dollars; getting good advice and information is worth much more in the long run. See our Bubbler Packages.

Dock Bubbler & De-Icer Product & Website Reviews

We've seen all manner of websites and products and here are some reviews of popular products and websites from companies you have likely heard of. All website reviews are based on our reviewers experience with the websites being reviewed that offer Bubblers or deicers and their overall knowledge of deicer systems and should be considered as opinions and not scientific or even valid. May the buyer beware in all cases and ask questions before you buy!


Arbrux Ice Away Pond Report Product Quality Rating™ : 8/10
The ice-away product is along the same lines as the ice eater and the Kasco systems. Another variation whcih left our reviewers looking at a few Canadian websites that did seem to specialize in Canadian deicing companies. The product itself was impressive and the price points were good and the websites offering the product seemed to be specialists in dock care so they did recieve one of our best ratings. Contact us by email for recommendations or more information on Arbrux De-Icers. Great for Canadians.

From the website:
"ICE-AWAY's high speed motor-driven propeller brings the warmer deep water to the surface. It is diffused upward and outward into a circular area equivalent to approximately 8 feet in diameter - for every foot of propeller depth! A 1/2 HP ICE-AWAY with a 25' cord placed at 5 feet of depth will- in most cases keep a 40 foot circle of water ice-free during the winter months. There are optional cord lenths and HP models. The price of a 1/2 HP ICE-AWAY unit with a 25' power cord is $689.95 plus GST and PST. To ensure proper operation, these units should be monitored during the winter months. Changing water levels in the lakes could expose the de-icer unit and result in a burned out motor. De-Icer units need to be kept at proper depth for maximum performance. Power outages that drop breakers will need to be turned back on, to re-start the de-icer. Nothing should be left unattended for a long period of time. "
Contact us by email for recommendations or more information on Arbrux De-Icers.

Kasco Marine, Inc. De-Icers Pond Report Product Quality Rating™ : 8/10
Kasco has been a leader in submersible deicers for years and this website was popular amongst our testers. Good source of information on deicing docks and all specifications for the products. They have dealers throughout North America and our review panel found it easy to contact them to find a reliable dealer in any area in Canada or the United States. No pricing, typical of a manufacturers website, but overall it instilled confidence in our test subjects.

1/2 HP Deicer with 50 foot power cord
Kasco De-Icers/Water Circulator - 3/4 HP, Model# F3400D-50

3/4 HP Deicer with 50 foot power cord
Kasco De-Icers/Water Circulator — 3/4 HP, Model# F3400D-50

Dock Mounting Kit
For use with Item#s 108696 and 108699. Unit can be attached to dock or piling in vertical or several angle positions Customer must supply up to 10ft. length of 1in. pipe with male threads on one end. 2-year limited warranty. U.S.A. Application: Support water circulator / de-icer, Includes: 1 Dock mount kit
Kasco Dock Mount Kit Accessory, Model# 243485

Larger sizes available email us for best pricing on larger units.

From the website: http://www.de-icer.com/
"Kasco De-Icers have been trusted to protect property and equipment for over 40 years. Kasco De-Icers have been proven to prevent ice formation around docks, boats, equipment, etc. from areas with minimal ice formation to over 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle. You can rest assured, your Kasco Marine De-Icer will protect your property during the harsh winter months. Kasco De-Icers are also used during non-winter months for improved water quality and water movement. Kasco De-Icers can eliminate stagnant water areas and keep trash and debris from entering your marina, boat house, or dock area. Use your Kasco De-Icer year round for improved water quality during summer months and for preventing ice damage during the winter months."

Ice Eater Pond Report Product Quality Rating™ : 8/10
The range of websites offering the ice eater shows that it is a popular low-cost deicer system and our review team was quite impressed by the construction presentation of the ice eater system. The Power House, Inc. uses only the finest materials in our patented product. By example, the end bell is made of solid brass, our housings are stainless, and the venturi shroud, which not only directs water flow, but protects the unit if it's dropped is made from schedule 40 PVC. The Ice Eater is actually more efficient to operate than Kasco. The Power House Ice Eater can clear a larger area than Kasco hp. for hp. The units don't require a dock mount, a cost saving feature. The material used in these products are superior to many other vertical lift unit. They one of have the best warranty return histories in the industry with some units still in operation after 20 years of use (i.e.. Cutter Marine in Maryland). They have established over the last 28 years a strong dealer-distributor network throughout North America.

From the website: http://www.thepowerhouseinc.com/ice_eater.html
"Ice Eater's propeller draws up warmer subsurface water and deflects it to the surface creating a constant circulation of warmer water that prevents ice formation. Ice Eater will melt existing ice. Unlike other de-icing units, Ice Eater requires no additional hardware in order to obtain the desired de-icing patern. Ice Eater is shipped complete with suspension lines. It can be taken out of the box, hung in place and plugged in. Ice Eater may be hung from a pier or boat. Two to three feet is the average operating depth. For optimal use and placement contact your Local Ice Eater Distributor by clicking the link above. DESIGN FEATURES: The design of the Ice Eater's venturi shroud (housing) with outwardly flared ends draws warmer water from greater depths than other conventional de-icers. The shroud is submersible below the surface either vertically or angled from vertical. A set of mounting holes at opposed positions on the flange allows the lines to be attached."


Dock De-Icer - Dock Deicer
http://www.lmimg.com/dock_deicer.asp
The website and product did not inspire confidence in our review panel. Pricing seemed high given the fact that the compressors seemed like cheap linear models and the tubing seemed like low quality clear food-grade plastic. Broken links in website and poor design left our review team asking if it was even a legitimate business.

From the website:
"DB40 Dock Bubbler™ System w/ 50' Bubbler Loop Our DB40 Dock Bubbler™ System features a quiet SILENT AIR™ Linear air pump with a weather resistant aluminum housing for better ventilation and easy maintenance. The system is very energy efficient and uses less than 36 watts. The Dock Bubbler™ System includes 50' of weighted bubbler line, anchor strap to secure pump to dock or nearby flat surface, 10' supply line (runs from pump to bubbler loop), check valve, and all required clamps and fittings Price $575.00 - QTY weight: 35 lbs Premium Dock Bubbler™ Enclosure The Premium Dock Bubbler™ Enclosure, available with all Dock Bubbler™ models, houses that best of what we have to offer in an extremely durable, lockable fiberglass container. Features • Reinforced fiberglass construction • Aluminum piano hinge • Stainless steel cable stays • Stainless steel locking hasp • 4” vents • GFCI cord set • Digital thermostatic controls • Watertight hardware • It’s ideal for those who insist on keeping a tidy dock area – even during winter. For areas with tidal issues, where water levels vary widely or in areas with “Brackish” water, we recommend leaving the system running continuously to avoid deposits from collecting on the bubbler hose and impeding its efficiency. Because this particular item contains thermostatic controls, this upgrade is not recommended for use in salt water. For Salt Water applications; please refer to product number: DB-PESW"
Pond Report Website/Product Quality Rating™ : 5/10

Dock bubbler packages
Dock Bubbler
This product and marketing seem to have struck a negative chord with our reviewers. Widespread marketing of what appears to be a sub-standard product left our reviewers unsure if this was a trustworthy operation. Systems indicated on website seemed to be cheap in quality yet pricing was high. Comments that this website seemed to be one of many offering the exact same product lead our reviewers to ask if it wasn't just an example of flooding the market with the same product under different website names.

From the website: http://www.dockbubbler.com/
"DB150-85 Dock Bubbler™ System w/ 180' Bubbler Loop Our DB150 Dock Bubbler™ System features a quiet SILENT AIR™ Linear air pump with a weather resistant aluminum housing for better ventilation and easy maintenance. The system is very energy efficient and uses less than 118 watts. The Dock Bubbler™ System includes 180' of weighted bubbler line, anchor strap to secure pump to dock or flat surface, 20' supply line (runs from pump to bubbler loop), check valve, and all required clamps and fittings. Price $1,395.00. DB150-90 DB150-90 Dock Bubbler™ System w/ 190' Bubbler Loop Our DB150 Dock Bubbler™ System features a quiet SILENT AIR™ Linear air pump with a weather resistant aluminum housing for better ventilation and easy maintenance. The system is very energy efficient and uses less than 118 watts. The Dock Bubbler™ System includes 190' of weighted bubbler line, anchor strap to secure pump to dock or flat surface, 20' supply line (runs from pump to bubbler loop), check valve, and all required clamps and fittings. Price $1,425.00."
Pond Report Product/Website Quality Rating™ : 4/10

Canadian Pond
http://www.canadianpond.ca/de-icer.html
A clear and concise website offering unique systems and custom designed dock protection systems. While no pricing was available the website offered a good supply of information and our review teams found the information was presented in a professional manner. Large and small systems were presented with examples of how they would personalize a system based on client needs. Also an authorized Canadian Kasco Dealer.

From the website:
"Using Bubble Tubing™ to Keep your dock free from ice We recommend two different types of systems to prevent ice from forming around a dock a "dock bubbler" type or a submersed motor type; one uses a length or several lengths of air diffusing Bubble Tubing under or around the dock to circulate the deeper warmer water. A low cost compressor on the dock or nearby feeds air to a length of Bubble Tube™ and the rising boil of active bubbles bring warm water to the surface where it keeps ice from forming. Even a small linear compressor, which consume very little electricity, can produce enough air to create an active circulating movement under your dock due to the low operating pressure of our new air diffusion tubing."
Pond Report Product/Website Quality Rating™ : 8/10

Ice Away
http://www.arbrux.com/deicer.html
http://www.cottagesitters.com/de-icer/index.html/
The ice-away product is along the same lines as the ice eater and the Kasco systems. Another variation whcih left our reviewers looking at a few Canadian websites that did seem to specialize in Canadian deicing companies. The product itself left some of our test subjects a bit un-impressed but the price points were good and the websites offering the product seemed to be specialists in dock care so they did recieve a good rating.

From the website:
"ICE-AWAY's high speed motor-driven propeller brings the warmer deep water to the surface. It is diffused upward and outward into a circular area equivalent to approximately 8 feet in diameter - for every foot of propeller depth! A 1/2 HP ICE-AWAY with a 25' cord placed at 5 feet of depth will- in most cases keep a 40 foot circle of water ice-free during the winter months. There are optional cord lenths and HP models. The price of a 1/2 HP ICE-AWAY unit with a 25' power cord is $689.95 plus GST and PST. To ensure proper operation, these units should be monitored during the winter months. Changing water levels in the lakes could expose the de-icer unit and result in a burned out motor. De-Icer units need to be kept at proper depth for maximum performance. Power outages that drop breakers will need to be turned back on, to re-start the de-icer. Nothing should be left unattended for a long period of time. "
Pond Report Product Quality Rating™ : 7/10