The secret hidden cost behind those budget-friendly pond aeration systems.
Average retail price: $129.99
estimated Operating Cost
550 Watts – 24/7 – 1 month = $ 64.29
550 Watts – 24/7 – 1 year = $ 771.41
550 Watts – 24/7 – 2 years = $ 1542.82
550 Watts – 24/7 – 5 years = $ 3,855.50
Average Retail price: $299.00
Estimated Operating Cost
100 Watts – 24/7 – 1 month = $ 11.69
100 Watts – 24/7 – 1 year = $ 140.28
100 Watts – 24/7 – 2 years = $ 280.56
100 Watts – 24/7 – 5 years = $ 701.40
If you do the math
These budget aerators may not be as economical as they seem. The surprisingly high operating costs can quickly turn this supposedly affordable “Aerator” pump into one of the priciest options for pond aeration. In reality, the savings on electricity could have allowed you to invest in a professional-grade linear pump, which would have recouped its cost in just 5 to 6 months through lower energy expenses.
Other major negatives
Not only are the operating costs sky-high, but these pumps are also super noisy and not approved for outdoor use. So you can only use them indoors or you’ll need a special outdoor setup. Plus, most of these “aerator” pumps come from overseas sellers who offer minimal warranties, no tech support, and good luck tracking down replacement parts. Some sellers even recommend not running them for more than two hours at a stretch, hinting that they might not be really meant for pond aeration.
