A natural, environmentally safe and cost-efficient way to ensure that your pond maintains a healthy, aerobic state is through the use of aeration systems. They work to increase oxygen levels and circulate water, which breaks up thermal stratification, extends the life cycle of the pond and keeps water clear, odor-free and nutrient levels low. In addition, surface spray aerating fountains also break up stagnant water and discourage insect breeding. If your clients are in the market for an aeration system, there are several factors to consider before making the final purchase. What the total package includes, payment options, warranty, locality of service centers, and safety labeling should all be of particular concern, as well as available product accessories. This includes the number of spray patterns available (where applicable,) decorative float covers, and light fixtures availability. What complete packages include: Custom Panel Option: If there is a possibility that you will be installing multiple units for your clients, you may wish to have a panel specially designed for the site. Having one panel for several aerators instead of many will provide a more orderly and overall organized site. A custom panel can either come as part of the package or it may be an additional add-on. Most aerator companies provide this service but it is recommended to check upon ordering. If you intend to have more than one unit at a site and do not have a custom panel created, you may run into some electrical problems during installation. Cable Length: The most common cable length options are increments of 50, 100 and 150 feet. The amount of cable needed is dependent on site location and proximity of power source. In determining how much and which gauge cable your site will require, first be sure to know where your true power source is and what else is running from it. One of the most common problems in regard to this is running too much amperage from a single power source, in which case either your unit will not work, or will work with very low pressure. The National Electrical Code guidelines allow for no more than a 5% drop in voltage from the service entrance (from where the power is pulled) to the load (which in this case would be the aerator motor.) Following this rule, cable should be sized according to how long the run is. For more cable guidelines, there are many books and other types of literature that cover this topic in depth. Warranty: Someone once said that a warranty is only as good as the product. Meaning, if there?EUR??,,????'???s an exceptional warranty it must be an exceptional product and just as true for the opposite. In the aerator industry the average warranty is 3 years. With that being said, look for a company that stands behind its product and will guarantee it for a reasonable amount of time. Number of Spray Patterns / Interchangeable: If aesthetic benefits are especially important to your client, than the number of spray patterns available in an aerating fountain line will be a main concern. Most companies offer anywhere from 3 to 9 patterns. In many cases, changing a pattern is only a matter of a simple alteration and can take less than 20 minutes. Safety Labeling: The ETL and UL are independent companies in the United States that perform rigorous testing to ensure that a unit meets predetermined safety standards, is safe to install, and will perform as the company states. The best guarantee that a unit has been tested and approved for operation is if it is ETL, ETL-C in Canada, or UL approved as a complete package. For the most part, all aerators on the market today are at least approved as separate components, but only few have a complete package listing. Before buying a unit, it is wise to double check which standards it complies with as this will guarantee for a safe system. (In corporate and commercial settings it is very important to note that an ETL, ETL-C, or UL approved aerating package reduces liabilities risk to the location.) Other ratings to look for: Besides the very important safety labeling ratings as discussed above, an aerator should have independently tested performance ratings from a second party who will give unbiased results. Since there are no official performance guidelines established in the industry to date, inquire about the testing facility and assure that it is accredited and unbiased. Data to be especially aware of includes: Oxygen Transfer Rates (OTR): OTRs state how much oxygen is added to the water and are usually measured per hour. You?EUR??,,????'???ll notice that OTRs vary from company to company. A good rule to stick with: the higher the OTR, the more water circulation is occurring, thus, the healthier your pond. Again, make sure the OTR testing is from an accredited facility. Gallons Per Minute (GPM): GPM explains how many gallons of water are pumped through the unit each minute. As with OTR, the higher the GPM, the more effective the aerator and the better off the client?EUR??,,????'???s pond. What accessories should accompany the product: Decorative Float or Float Cover: In order to create a more realistic appearance, many aerator owners choose to buy float covers. Made to look like natural stones, float covers can be another aesthetic addition to your pond. Lights: For a dramatic and regal nighttime appearance, adding lights to aerators is a pleasing option. Pond lighting is inviting and makes a grand welcome in entranceways into developments and country clubs. Not only does adding lighting increase property value but it also adds security. Allied Products: Products that work with an aerator to keep water healthy and clean are termed ?EUR??,,????'??allied products.?EUR??,,????'?? These include but are not limited to: lake dye and bioaugmentation/biological water treatments. Lake Dyes act as a mask and can block ultraviolet rays from penetrating to the pond?EUR??,,????'???s bottom thus deterring algae growth and also temporarily create the look of bluer water. Bioaugmentation/ biological water treatments products are a blend of bacterias that work to increase water clarity and eliminate sludge and are most effective when used in conjunction with an aerating system. What should the company offer? Service Centers/Local Distributors: One of the first questions to ask a distributor is if they will install the unit. Although most companies offer this service, there are still those who do not and leave all the work (and questions!) up to you. Other services that distributors should offer are maintenance programs and winter storage, if needed. Many distributors/service centers will come to your site and perform routine maintenance tasks on your aerator and as an added option some will store your unit over the winter/cold months. Check to see the location of service centers or distributors and inquire about their availability to come directly to your site. Also be aware that if by chance there is a fault in your unit or a problem arises and if there is a service center nearby, many will come directly to your site to fix the problem. Leasing: Leasing rather than buying a fountain can be very beneficial, especially to those who?EUR??,,????'???d rather pay low monthly payments instead of one lump sum or for those haven?EUR??,,????'???t budgeted for the expense. The distributor rather than the manufacturer usually decides payment so some background research on how to get the best leasing option from different distributors will come in handy if you choose this alternative. Because of the many different options available, always keep in mind that while one aerator may be less expensive than another, the complete package and product features may in turn be thinner. So, before purchasing, make a checklist of points that matter to your client. Do they need to have the option of leasing? Is length of warranty a priority to your client? How many spray patterns does your client feel are optimal? Which company/distributor will serve your client?EUR??,,????'???s needs better? The more exact description you can give your dealer about what you want, the better chance that your client will get what they want! Otterbine Barebo, Inc., has been setting industry standards for over 50 years, combining both function and beauty with their extensive line of surface aerators, subsurface aerators and giant fountains. Additional water quality management tools offered by Otterbine are lake dye, biological water treatment and de-watering pumps.