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As winter sets in, waterfront property owners face the challenge of protecting their docks and lifts from the damaging effects of ice.
This classic dilemma of all dock owners in the frozen North:
Should I remove my dock every year and continue to pay thousands of dollars in storage and installation / removal fees?
–OR–
Buy a dock deicer (or dock deicing system) for a single upfront cost.
Personally, having removed the dock in the above picture several times for my in-laws, I chose to get them a dock-mounted deicer to simplify their lives.
It turns out it isn't as simple as lashing it to the dock and forgetting about it, but in the long run, these systems are great and a good investment for your lakeshore.
Lets assume you are choosing as I did and want to purchase a deicer for your dock / pier. Here’s how you can go about protecting your dock from ice.
Here is some background knowledge and info on the choices that you have on the market and some tips from an installer (me) about what works best in certain situations.
SPECIAL NOTE: Deicing operations in each state, county, and even individual lakes have their own set of rules and regulations. You may need to post some signs and/or put up a barrier to warm other residents of the location of open water. Beware of Karen! She is nosy and WILL notice that you are smarter than her, do your diligence on the rules so her complaining will fall on deaf ears.
Ice formation can exert pressure on the dock structure, leading to significant damage or even total loss. Effective dock deicing is crucial not only for the longevity of your dock but also for ensuring the safety and accessibility of your waterfront throughout the colder months. Here are some essential tips for keeping your dock free from ice damage this winter.
NOTICE: The below pictures are minor ice shoves/jacking done so far THIS WINTER. I sent this customer 2 x deicers to help mitigate the damage on his very expensive dock. If left alone, ice WILL ruin your dock!
Before implementing any deicing system, it's important to understand how they work. Dock deicers operate by moving warmer water from deeper below the surface to the top, preventing ice from forming around your dock. They can be powered by electricity, or wind (sometimes) and typically consist of an agitator or propeller that keeps water moving, or an aeration system that uses the vertical lift of rising air bubbles to keep open a hole around your vulnerable dock pilings.
Selecting the right deicer depends on several factors, including the size of your dock, the typical ice conditions in your area, the depth of the water around your dock, and your local climate. For smaller docks in areas with lighter ice conditions, a submersible propeller unit might be sufficient. Larger docks or those in areas with severe freezing conditions may require more robust systems, like an aerator that can cover a wider area.
Docks in deep water need less horsepower / fewer diffusers to keep large areas open. The deeper water is warmer and allows for more current creation around your structure. Some very long docks may need hybrid systems or multiple deicers to keep all parts of the structure safe from ice.
Vertical install using ropes: Kasco Deicers, Ice Eater, Scott Aerator Deicers
This creates a circular hole encompassing your entire dock within its circumference. This usually works, but it can create very large holes which your neighbors may not like….
This creates an elongated oval hole in the ice. Allowing you to further curate your deicing system to your needs.
This option is useful for protecting seawalls and areas where there isn't a dock to hook your unit to.
This shallow water stand is great for duck hunters and wildlife ponds where open water attracts animals of all shapes and sizes year round.
Diffused aeration kits are the most versatile way to manifest open ice in ponds, whether you need to keep an open hole so your fish survive the winter, or you want a nice tight opening around your dock posts. These units can be used in multiple ways and are infinitely customizable. Give us a call to help you size your system appropriately: 833-779-2837.
3. Proper Placement is Key
To maximize the effectiveness of your deicer, proper placement is critical. The deicer should be positioned near the main body of the dock (assuming water depth is equal), usually halfway between the waterline and the bottom of the lake or river. Ensure that the unit is angled to circulate water throughout the entire area you want to keep ice-free.
I usually find the deepest water possible and install it at that point, this will utilize the largest reservoir of “warm” water – giving you the best chance of only needing one unit to de-ice your whole dock.
If you need help, please reach out. I will gladly offer you my advice.
Regular maintenance of your deicing system is essential for optimal performance. Before the onset of winter, check the unit for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn-out parts and ensure that the electrical components are functioning properly. Additionally, periodically check the system throughout the winter to adjust the positioning as needed and to clear any debris that may impede its operation.
I recommend using a temperature comptroller or a time AND temperature controller to help keep the hole you create the exact size you want it to be. Very large, open holes in the ice are a recipe for whiny neighbors to unleash their spleen upon you.
These controllers will save you money on electricity AND save you from the headaches of mouthy neighbors who don’t like that you're trying to save money and time….
“WHAAAAAAA! You did something different this year, WHAAAAA, open water in winter, what are you nuts? WHAAAAAA! I can't believe you have the gall to change your life for the better and make us nosy neighbors all butt-hurt about it WHAAAAAA!” Karen from next door can go kick rocks – these ice prevention systems ROCK!
BEWARE OF WIND!
If the hole you create is subject to sustained winds – especially on sunny days – it can act as a deicing agent all on its own. The wind can pull warmer water from below the ice and expand your open water. This is exasperated by sunny weather and it gets worse as the hole expands. The expanding open water allows MORE waves to form pulling even MORE warm water from below the ice….. And so on, and so on….
Very rarely are these devices a fire-and-forget option. They do need to be monitored periodically and adjusted for best results.
Keep an eye on the ice thickness around your dock throughout the winter. This will help you determine if your deicer is set at the correct depth and operating efficiently. If ice starts to form closer to your dock than expected, it might be necessary to adjust the deicer's depth, positioning, or timing. Adjusting your controller properly will keep the hole just the right size. Very few safe dock deicing methods require zero adjustment throughout the winter.
When choosing and operating your deicing system, consider its environmental impact. Some systems can disturb the lake bed or harm aquatic life if not used correctly. To minimize impact, opt for energy-efficient models and avoid overuse of the system. Additionally, check local regulations to ensure compliance with environmental guidelines.
Finally, safety should always be a priority when installing and operating any deicing system. Make sure all electrical connections are secure and use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical accidents. Never attempt to install or adjust the deicer while standing on ice.
By following these essential tips, you can effectively manage ice formation around your dock and protect your valuable waterfront property throughout the winter. Not only will this help extend the life of your dock, but it will also make winter months safer and more enjoyable for everyone who uses your waterfront area.
As always, please reach out with any questions. I will gladly help you select the best options for your exact situation.
