FAQ

Yes, if you plan to skate on your pond, the compressor should be turned off. If the compressor is located in an unheated area, disconnect it from the tubing and store it in a warm place for winter.  

If your pond contains fish, you can choose to leave the system running to help oxygenate the water. However, always make sure to post “DANGER- THIN ICE” signs around the pond. 

For added safety, especially in neighbourhoods with children, we strongly recommend turning the system off during skating season.  

For most ponds, running your aeration system 24/7 is the best choice. Continuous aeration helps maintain consistent oxygen levels, supports aquatic life and keeps water healthier.  

However, in certain situations, such as shallow ponds or ponds exposed to full sun light, it may be better to run your system during the cooler parts of the day, such as the evening. This can help prevent overheating while still providing the oxygen your pond needs.  

To choose the right aeration system, it’s important to have accurate information about your pond. You’ll need to know:  

• Depth – Measure the depth in several places, since most ponds are uneven. 

• Length & Width – Get the full dimensions to determine surface area and volume. 

• Age of the pond (if possible) – Older ponds tend to have more accumulated sludge and organic matter at the bottom.  

It’s best not to rely on guesses, most people underestimate or overestimate pond size and depth, which can lead to mistreating your pond and ultimately costing you more in the long run.  

Need help sizing your system? Contact us today and we’ll guide you step by step.  

Yes, they can. We can arrange for heated transport if necessary. However, it’s always best to place your order before the winter months to avoid extra shipping costs and ensure your bacteria arrive in peak condition.  

One of the best things you can do is let nature work for you. Avoid mowing your lawn right up to the pond’s edge, instead, allow grasses and native plants to grow naturally. This vegetative buffer acts like a filter, capturing nutrient-rich runoff before it enters the water.  

Also, keep an eye on surface runoff from driveways, gardens, or fertilized areas, since these areas are often high in phosphorous. Reducing runoff will go a long way in preventing excess nutrients, which are the main fuel for algae growth.  

Algae growth can still occur if your pond regularly receives high levels of nutrients. Here’s a checklist to help you troubleshoot:  

• Confirm pond size, depth and dosage. Incorrect measurements and underdosing can reduce effectiveness (Need help? Give us a call. +1 450 243-0976) 
•  Do a spring shock treatment. Start each season with a strong application, then follow up with regular treatments, adding more bacteria if needed. 
• Ensure proper aeration. The bacteria we sell thrive in oxygen-rich environments. Bottom diffused aeration is best; fountains and waterfalls aren’t enough. 
• Check your aeration system. Make sure that it’s working properly.  
• Manage sun exposure. If your pond gets full sun exposure, avoid running fountains or waterfalls continuously in the heat of summer. Using a timer can help to run them during cooler hours. 
• Test your ponds pH (acidity). Our bacteria require a certain pH (5-9) to properly do their job.  
• Check product quality. If bacteria have been open for a while, frozen, or stored for several years, their effectiveness may be reduced.  

It all depends on the product you’re using.  

• Bacterius® EQUINOX: Can be applied in cold water, as soon as temperatures reach 5°C (41°F) in spring, and again in the fall as water cools. 

• All other beneficial bacteria: Best applied once the water is consistently 10°C (50°F) or warmer and continued throughout the warm season.  

Yes! Our beneficial bacteria are completely safe for people, pets, fish, and wildlife. You can swim in your pond and let your animals enjoy it without any concerns. These products are natural, non-toxic, and designed specifically for healthy water management.  

Your bacteria should not be allowed to freeze, as this can reduce their effectiveness. We recommend storing any leftover bacteria in a cool, dry place above 0°C over the winter. Liquid bacteria should never be frozen, and once opened, they should be used with 2-3 months for the best results.  

Yes, if it’s a dry bacteria product, it should still be effective. However, if it’s liquid bacteria from a jug that was opened last year, its effectiveness is likely to be greatly reduced.  

We take great care in managing our beneficial bacteria stock. All products are stored in our heated warehouse and rotated regularly to ensure freshness. We also make efforts to ship during periods when there is no risk of freezing, so your bacteria arrive in top condition.  

A de-icing system’s main purpose is to protect your structures from damage caused by shifting or expanding ice. Whether it’s a dock, boat, or pilings, a Thawline system or a Kasco Marine propellor de-icer prevents ice-jacking and ice movement from causing costly repairs.  

De-icers can also be used to keep an opening in the ice for activities like fishing or cold plunging, and they help provide oxygen to fish during winter, improving pond or lake health even during the winter months.  

A de-icer system helps prevent damage from ice jacking (when ice expands upward and lifts structures like docks or pilings) and ice shifting (when moving ice pushes against structures).

Note: A de-icer cannot prevent rare events such as ice tsunamis caused by strong winds.

In winter, the water near the bottom is a few degrees warmer than the water at the surface. A de-icing system circulates this warmer bottom water upward, where it mixes with the colder surface water. The combination of gentle warming and constant water movement wears away ice and prevents it from forming, creating a reliable opening.  

Yes. A de-icing system creates open water and weakens surrounding ice, which can be dangerous for people, snowmobiles, and animals crossing the surface. Always comply with local regulations and install clear warning signs (e.g., “Danger: Thin Ice”) to alert others to the risk. 

De-icing systems are typically used in winter, once water drops below 1°C and ice begins to form. However, many of our de-icing products can also be used year-round for other applications, such as water aeration and improving circulation.  

We offer two main categories of de-icing systems:  

• Thawline Air Diffuser System 

• Kasco Marine Impeller De-icers 

Each option has unique advantages and limitations. Choosing the right system depends on factors such as the size of your structure, the shape of the opening you want to maintain, your budget, and other site-specific considerations.  

For detailed guidance, check out this page describing each option, or contact us, we’ll be happy to help you select the perfect solution for your pond, dock or lake.  

Yes! While designed for winter ice control, Thawline de-icers can also be used in warmer months to oxygenate water and help prevent algae growth. Both Thawline and Kasco Marine-de-icers keep water moving, reducing stagnation and promoting a healthier pond or lake any time of year.  

Yes. In shallow water or during extremely cold conditions, your de-icer may create a slushy layer known as frazil. This completely normal and does not pose any risk to your docks, pilings, or other structures.  

For optimal performance, Thawline systems work best in water depths of 4-20 feet. Placing the Bubble Tubing® in less than 2 feet of water may reduce its de-icing effectiveness and increase the risk of damaging the tubing.  

Place your compressor in a dry, protected area, such as a shed, cabinet or boathouse. Keep in mind that the compressor’s location affects the length of air supply hose (Torpedo) needed to reach your Thawline system.  

In winter, compressed air can cool as it travels through exposed tubing, producing condensation that may freeze and block the line, putting strain on your compressor. To prevent this, insulate the airline tubing by: 

• Burying it under at least 12 inches of soil 

• Running a heated wire alongside the tubing 

• Wrapping it with insulating foam 

Proper insulation ensures reliable performance throughout the colder months.  

For best results, your compressor should ideally run 24 hours a day. Continuous operation will maximize effectiveness and help prevent blockages in the airline Torpedo tubing.  

If a line becomes blocked, turn off the compressor first. Then pour about 500 ml of 70% isopropyl alcohol into the tubing and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, restart the compressor to clear the blockage.  

During the warmer months, you can: 

• Leave your system in place but turned off 

• Keep it running to provide aeration and improve water quality 

Be sure to perform yearly maintenance on your system to ensure optimal performance.  

Click here to learn more about the benefits of summer aeration.

Kasco de-icers can be mounted in three ways: 

• Hanging from the included ropes (standard method) 

• Dock Mount (optional) for a more permanent setup 

• Horizontal Float (optional)- note that snow and ice accumulation can make this option less stable 

• Horizontal float: Can be used in water 2 feet or deeper. 

• Dock mount or hanging from ropes: Requires a minimum of 4 feet of water to prevent damage to the unit.  

It’s not recommended to use an extension cord with your Kasco de-icer. Accurately measuring the distance from the unit to the electrical outlet, including any depth the cord will reach underwater, ensures safe and reliable operation.  

To maximize the area kept ice-free, place your de-icer in the deepest part of the water. Common locations include: 

• At the end of the dock, facing the bank 

• Under the dock structure you want to keep ice-free 

For optimal results, it’s best to run your unit continuously. However, you can also use a timer or thermostat to control use based on your water’s conditions. 

During the warmer months, you can either remove your unit or keep it mounted to help push away floating debris like leaves, algae, and silt.  

Don’t forget to perform yearly maintenance to ensure your de-icer stays in top condition.  

Yes! Our team is proudly bilingual and is happy to provide service to you in English. Don’t hesitate to call or ask questions in English, or in French if you prefer!  

Fun Fact: Our region, Lac Brome, has a rich history and a roughly 50/50 English and French-speaking community.  

When the product is in stock, we usually ship the next day, although in the high season (summer) allow 2 days from order date. Some items are special order, some in transit and some are back ordered. If your item is not in stock, someone will notify you.

When your order leaves our warehouse you will receive the invoice for your purchase via email. On this invoice in the Description box will be the tracking number and the name of the carrier. Simply go online, search for tracking a package, and begin your search the next day so that the transaction can enter the system of the carrier. Please visit our Delivery Service section for more details. If you have any problems tracking your package, please let us know so we can help!

Simply call us (+1 450 243-0976) and ask to speak to a salesperson. We’ll gather the necessary details and provide you with a return number to include on your package.   

• Under Warranty: We cover the shipping one way. 

• Out of Warranty: The customer covers shipping both ways.  

Tip: Pack your unit securely to prevent damage during shipping.  

For industrial projects, we travel far and wide, please contact us for details.  

For local pond consultations focused on water quality, we’re happy to visit. Please note: We do not provide consultations for pond construction, dam repairs, or similar projects.  

Sometimes online checkout can be affected by factors like internet speed, computer’s operating system, browser settings, or security software. Pages may take longer to load, and clicking to quickly before a page finishes loading can interrupt the process.  

If you continue to experience issues, please contact us. We’re happy to help you complete your order or even take it over the phone. Our team is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

Occasionally, some browsers may not immediately display items in your cart. If this happens, simply refresh the page or click the “Update Cart” button to see your selected items. 

Shipping rates vary depending on your locations and the items ordered. Please visit our Delivery Service page for more details.  

Canada is a large country, and some locations can be remote. To ensure the fastest and most reliable delivery, we select the best carrier for your order based on your location. Once your items are ready to ship, you’ll receive an email with your invoice, including the tracking number and carrier information. For more details, please visit or Delivery Service page.  

If an item is in stock, we typically ship the next day. During our high season (summer), please allow up to 2 days from the order date. 

Some products may be special order, in transit, or backordered. If your item isn’t immediately available, we’ll notify you right away with the details.  

Once your order leaves our warehouse, you’ll receive an invoice by email. In the invoice, the Description Box contains your tracking number and the carrier. 

To track your package: 

1. Visit the carrier’s website or search online for “track a package”.

1. Enter your tracking number.

1. Start tracking the day after shipment to allow the carrier system to update.

For more details check our Delivery Service for more details. If you encounter any issues, contact us, we’re happy to help! 

On CanadianPond.ca, we accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards. All payment information is fully encrypted for your security. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy for more details. 

In Canada, pesticide use, including algaecides, is regulated at federal, provincial, and municipal levels. The federal Pest Control Products Act, managed by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), ensures pesticides are safe for human health and the environment. It also sets rules for registration, labeling, and marketing. 

Provinces and territories, including Quebec, regulate the storage, sale, use, transport, and disposal of federally registered pesticides. They also oversee training and certification for pesticide vendors and users. In Quebec, the Pesticides Act focuses on protecting health and the environment while reducing pesticide use. Under the Pesticides Management Code and related regulations govern permits and certificates for selling and using pesticides. 

CanadianPond.ca holds the following licenses: 

• Category B (B1) – Retail sale of pesticides 

• CD (C2) – Application of pesticides in aquatic environments  

Municipalities may also have additional rules based on local needs. For full details, see the Regulation respecting permits and Certificates for the sale and use of pesticides.  

In Quebec, the regulation respecting permits and certificates for the sale and use of pesticides sets the rules for who can sell, purchase, and apply algaecides. 

Class 3 algaecides can only be purchased by or applied by someone who meets one of the following criteria:  

• Holds a Category C or D license: 

• C2 – Work for remuneration (paid work) involving algaecides 

• D2 – Work without remuneration (personal use) involving algaecides 

• Is exempt from such a permit if the person holds, or has in their service someone who holds, a certificate for the application of pesticides in categories E (E1-E1.1 and E2) or F. 

If you do not hold one of these permits or certificates, you cannot purchase or apply algaecide yourself. If you need an algaecide treatment, we offer a professional application service, contact us to book a treatment.  

No. Even if the algaecide is licensed by the PMRA (a federal agency), each province and country has their own rules regarding the sale, purchase, and use of pesticides.  

Always ensure your algaecide use complies with local laws. Our professional application service is only available to clients located in Quebec.  

The Think Purity Algaecide is a Commercial Federal and Provincial Class 3 pesticides (Section 5.1 of the Regulations).

• The product contains ionized copper (present as copper sulphate pentahydrate) at 5%.
• The Pest Control Products Registration Number is 27754
• The manufacturer is Axsys Direct Manufacturing

Yes! We resumed sales and application services in the 2024 summer season.

If you’re interested in purchasing algaecide or using our algaecide application service, please contact us.