At what temperature should the de-icer turn on?
Our Thermo-Pond units are thermostatically controlled to keep the average water temperature just above freezing. They feature internal thermostats and will turn on and off as necessary to keep the pond from freezing over.
How do I determine which wattage model I need?
To determine the proper wattage for your pond size and climate, please consult our Zone Chart.
What happens if I use a higher wattage deicer than needed in my pond?
The deicers are thermostatically controlled. This means, as long as you purchased the minimum wattage required for your zone and pond size, they will work fine.
Keep in mind that higher wattage models will use more electricity than the lower wattage models. For example, the 750 watt deicer will use three times the amount of electricity when running versus the 250 watt deicer.
There is a piece of Styrofoam in the ring. Do I leave it in?
To use this product as a floating de-icer, leave the float ring attached. To use it as a submersed de-icer, simply unscrew and remove the float ring.
Will my fish be safe with this deicer in the pond?
Your fish are quite safe, even when they do come in contact with the heating element of the deicer. The heating element will never get hot to the touch as long as it is submerged in water. You can actually reach down into the water and put your finger on the heating element and it will not burn you.
Please rest assured that your fish are quite safe when the Thermo-Pond Perfect Climate deicer is in the water. In the middle of winter when it gets really cold you’ll find your fish huddling around the deicer to keep warm, but the deicer will never harm them.
When my pond de-icer runs, foam forms on top of the water. Is this normal?
Yes, the foam buildup is harmless and completely normal for this product. The difference in temperature between the water inside the ring and the water outside the ring creates foam, which is why there is no foam buildup when the deicer is off.
How can I test my pond de-icer outside of a pond?
You can test the Thermo-Pond by placing it in the freezer for about an hour. Then remove the Thermo-Pond and plug it directly into an outlet. Hold onto the inside of the ring of the bottom half of the Thermo-Pond. It will begin to warm within about 5 minutes and will shut off automatically shortly after.
Does the cord actually sit in the water?
Yes, the cord does come out of the bottom of the deicer and will be in the water. If the cord were placed outside of the water, it would tip the unit sideways, causing the heating element to be exposed to the air, which is not desirable. The heating element must always be completely submerged under water to keep it cool.
My pond has leaves on the bottom from the fall. Should I clean them all out?
Yes, you need to clean all the dead leaves out of the bottom of the pond. The leaves will decay and lower the amount of oxygen available in the pond, reducing the chance of the fish in the pond surviving through the winter. Also, the decaying leaves will begin to produce an unpleasant bacteria, which you will be able to smell when you clean them out.
Does this model have an indicator light or anything visible to tell that it is on?
While our pond de-icers do not have indicator lights, they are thermostatically controlled to turn on and off as needed.
How long is the cord?
The cord is 12 feet long.
Can I use an extension cord with this product?
MET requires that all manufacturers put the extension cord statement “Do not use with extension cord” on every item that is MET listed by UL 499 standards. This is because they cannot test every extension cord on the market in conjunction with our products for safety. Also, MET suggests that an extension cord is not recommended as a permanent fixture and should only be a temporary solution when using any electrical product.
For more information on MET safety testing, please visit their website at www.metlabs.com.
How long can a heated product be plugged in?
MET Safety Laboratories suggests unplugging the product if you leave your home on an extended vacation, as they do with any electrical appliance. Otherwise, it is designed for 24/7 operation and you can leave it plugged in all day. This item has been certified by MET labs to adhere to strict electrical safety standards. For more information, please visit www.metlabs.com.
Is there an off/on switch?
There is not an off/on switch. It is always on when plugged in.
