Scott Aerator Company Technical FAQ
How long is the submersible power cable that comes with my Scott Aerator product?
The products manufactured by Scott Aerator are supplied with submersible power cable as follows: Display Aerators and fountains utilizing a ½-hp motor come with 70 feet of power cable. Display Aerators and fountains utilizing a 1½-hp motor come with 100 feet of power cable. The Aquasweep dock mount model is manufactured with 50 feet of power cable, the floating model with 35 feet. De-icer units are manufactured with 25 feet of power cord on dock mount and slinger models, 35 feet on the floating model. The Oscillator 360 comes with 50 feet of power cord. The light kits we manufacture, both two-light and four-light, come with 100 feet of power cord. Scott can manufacture all of their products with longer cords - just ask.
What safety procedures are required for my Scott Aerator Company product?
Always use a GFCI outlet for installation, and be sure to disconnect the power source whenever swimmers are present.
How do I decide if I need a fountain or an aerator?
While both styles can be aesthetically pleasing, aerators are primarily used for controlling algae, adding oxygen, and inhibiting insect breeding. If attractive sight and sound are your priorities, a fountain may be more suitable.
Can I operate my fountain day and night?
The fountain and aerator products are engineered to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (with the exception of our solar line of products, which are daytime focused).
How much of an increase on my electric bill should I expect to see?
When operating a unit manufactured with a ½-hp motor, you can expect a cost of between .08 and .10 per hour on average. The 1½-hp units with 230-volt motors average about .12 per hour to operate.
What type of warranty does my unit from Scott Aerator carry?
All standard Scott Aerator products are warranted for five years against motor defects in materials or workmanship under normal operating conditions. All other product components are warranted for one year from date of purchase. Warranties remain in effect only for original owners and are not transferable.
Do I need any special permit from my state or local authorities to operate an Aquasweep, DA Aerator or fountain?
More than likely, no. If in doubt, check with your state's Department of Natural Resources or a local agency in your area.
Does Scott Aerator have lighting available for fountains and aerators?
Yes, we do have light kits available. We manufacture two-light and four-light Halogen sets or LED sets that can be easily added to your fountain at the time of purchase or later.
Is installation difficult?
Absolutely not! Under your fountain or aerator's flotation device, you'll find two eye bolts. Simply tie a nylon rope (not provided) to each of the two eye bolts and attach a concrete block or boat anchor to the ends of the rope. The weighted ends of rope should be placed a minimum of 20 feet apart at the bottom of your pond. Or you can eliminate the weights and tie the ropes off on shore.
What type of upkeep is required for my Scott Aerator product?
Very little maintenance is required for any product manufactured by Scott Aerator. All motors and pumps we use are oil-free, self-contained units which require little more than a good spray with the garden hose or pressure washer when you remove them from the water. If you use your unit all year, just take it out of the water once every 3 years and spray it out well with clean water.
How will my Scott Aerator products hold up in salt water?
All products manufactured by the Scott Aerator Company are engineered for both fresh and salt water applications.
What type of winterizing is required for my Scott fountain or water aerator?
The Scott Aerator Company has engineered all of its water features to eliminate the need for time-consuming, costly winterization procedures. Simply leave your aerator or fountain in the water, turn off the power supply, and forget about it for the winter. Once the water thaws in the spring, re-establish power to the unit and you’re good to go. The only exception to this rule is if you have installed one of our optional light sets to your fountain or aerator, you should remove these prior to the ice forming. All other components will withstand sub-zero conditions without damage. And while winterizing your product isn't necessary, we do recommend removing your unit every 3 years to spray it clean with good clean water from a garden hose or pressure washer.
What is the minimum water depth required for my Scott aerator or fountain?
All ½-hp aerators should be placed in no less than 28” of water. All 1½-hp aerators should be placed in no less than 38” of water. All ½-hp fountains should be placed in no less than 28” of water. All 1½-hp fountains should be placed in no less than 42” of water.
What size pond is suitable for a Scott aerator or fountain?
All aerators and fountains manufactured by Scott Aerator Company are suitable for ponds of 1/8th acre and larger.
How many gallons per minute of water will my Scott aerator product move?
Generally, the Boilermaker and DA-20 aerators move up to 600 gallons per minute (gpm) in the 1½-hp versions, and up to 400 gpm in ½-hp models. Our fountains generally move up to 80 gpm in the 1½-hp versions and up to 60 gpm in the ½-hp models.
Can I get my power cord manufactured in a longer length?
Yes. Longer power cord lengths are available for all of the products we manufacture. Our standard power cord is 12 gauge submersible, however we also us 10 and 8 gauge when needed for extra long power runs.
What is the amp draw on my Scott Aerator product?
All products we manufacture that utilize ½-hp, 115-volt motors draw 10 amps when running. These same units in the 230-volt models draw 5 amps. The 1½-hp, 230-volt models draw 10.6 amps when running.
What is the advantage of using 230-volt over 115-volt power?
When utilizing a 230-volt motor, the amp draw is half that of the comparable 115-volt fountain or aerator, making the 230-volt motor more economical to operate. Also, power cords can be manufactured in greater lengths for 230-volt motors. Spray patterns and flow rates do not change when using a 230-volt motor compared to 115-volt motors.