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Dock and boathouse owners use de-icers to protect their valuable docks from expensive ice damage that can occur with changing lake levels. De-icers include bubblers, agitators and circulators.
Unfortunately, all too often these devices create large swaths of open water that go far beyond what is needed to protect the dock.
You CAN operate your de-icer in a manner that will reduce its impact but still provide the protection you wish — and save energy (and your dollars) while limiting the environmental and safety concerns of large expanses of open water.
All de-icers require registration with your town office
Best De-Icer Practices:
- Use a timer. Your de-icer does not have to run 24/7 to protect your dock or boathouse. Even better, use a timer with a thermostat to limit
de-icer use so that it only operates when it is cold enough to freeze the water.
- Right-size your de-icer motor. Choose a motor / de-icer system that will have just enough power to open only the water directly around your dock or boathouse.
- Turn on your de-icer only when the lake begins to freeze. Turn it off on ice out.
- Periodically check your de-icer for performance and safety. Conditions change during the winter.
Solutions:
Time-temperature management systems are available from companies that sell de-icers. At this writing, LSPA knows that they are locally available from Clarke’s Hardware and Watermark. You can even build your own device using properly rated timers and thermostats.
Why Try to Reduce De-Icer Impact?
Thin ice that surrounds an area opened by a de-icer may not be perceptible to humans, dogs or wildlife on the ice. For safety, limit your de-icer’s impact to just what is needed to protect your dock, thereby reducing the risks associated with thin ice.
Limit constantly moving water that can move sediment and undermine the structure of your dock.
Save money on your electric bill.
Reduce noise impact on your neighbors.
And...protect the lake’s ecosystem
The lake needs to rest in the winter.
We know that use of de-icers can:
- Stir up sediment,
- Reduce water clarity,
- Allow more light in winter months, potentially promoting growth of weeds and algae.
Help Keep our Lakes and Ponds Blue.
Date published on web site:
11-07-2008
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