Deicer Installation Guidelines
Introduction to Deicers
Dock and marine deicers are equipped with a submersible motor that drives a propeller. The thrust from the propeller draws warmer water from the bottom and circulates it upward to the freezing surface area, melting or preventing ice in the immediate area. Deicers are most commonly used to protect docks and boats from ice damage, but they can also be used to maintain open water for livestock or wildlife. In addition to melting ice, these units can be used to set up artificial currents to improve water circulation or impede sedimentation.
These self-contained deicers are easy to use and can be installed in several different ways.
Types of Installation:
- Standard Suspension Line Mounting – (all units) suspending your deicer from tether ropes allows for vertical or angled operation. This is the most common mounting method and tether ropes are included with most deicers.
- Universal Dock Mounting – (Kasco Marine only) mounting pole secures to the dock or piling and allows for adjustable depth and angles of operation.
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Flotation Mount – (Kasco Marine Only) suspends deicer horizontally under a flotation unit and allows for adjustable angle of operation.
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Shallow Water Mounting Stand – (Powerhouse Ice Eater Only) metal stand allows you to mount and direct the deicer flow in a shallow pond. This method can be ideal for duck hunters and ranchers looking to maintain some open water in shallow ponds.
Standard Installation with Included Suspension Lines:
Dock and marine deicers typically come fully-assembled, and include mooring lines or suspension ropes. They can be easily mounted to a dock or boat. Just follow these simple steps:
- Determine the mounting structure – dock, boat, etc.
- Spread the suspension lines 8 to 10 feet apart – if the lines are too close together, the high starting torque could cause them to get tangled.
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Tie each rope with a secure knot to a dock piling, cleat, or boat.
Adjusting the angle of deicer suspension is done by simply adjusting the length of one of suspensions ropes.
Where to Locate Your Deicer:
Look at the area you want to protect and plan to leave a margin of at least 5-10 feet around your structure. Regardless of the installation option you choose, you will have some control over the angle of your de-icer. When hung vertically, the deicer will open a circular pattern with the deicer in the center. When angled, it will produce an elongated pattern, generally longer and thinner the closer you approach a horizontal position. The closer the deicer it set to horizontal, the closer the unit will be to the end of the area affected. In some circumstances multiple deicers may be necessary to get optimal coverage.
Important Depth Recommendations:
Locate your deicer in an area where it can be submerged approximately 4ft. deep at all times and at least 1ft. from the bottom. Take special care if your body of water is affected by tides or variable water levels. It is essential to ensure that your deicer does not operate above the water, as the motor requires the cool water to keep it from overheating. Conversely, your de-icer should never operate on the bottom surface. Rocks and other debris can result in damage to the unit or the propeller.
Operation:
Depending on your installation, you can have your deicer up and running in minutes. Both the Kasco Marine De-icers and the PowerHouse Ice Eaters are designed for continuous use with minimal intervention. It is important to regularly observe the operation of your deicer. Note that the unit should always be unplugged prior to removing it from the water for servicing, and no one should enter the water while a unit is under power.
