Council lakes come in all different shapes and sizes. Many have islands and coves and large amounts of ducks and wildlife. So choosing the right aerator can seem like a challenge.
To make it easy, we’ve made a list of our top 5 aerators for council lakes. After more than two decades of testing and selling aerators, these are the models we recommend and choose to stock. We’ve installed these models in council lakes all over Australia. All our recommended aerators are:
- Effective at aerating large water bodies—¼ acre to 20+ acres
- Exceptional quality—USA and Taiwan made
- Good value—cost to quality + effectiveness
The first step is to determine if you want a surface aerator (fountain look) or a sub-surface aerator (subtle/natural look).
Surface vs. Sub-Surface Aerators: What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of aerators: Surface aerators and sub-surface aerators. To put it simply, one type sits on top of the water and the other is placed at the bottom of a waterbody and releases air from one or more air stations.
Surface Aerators
Surface aerators sit on the water’s surface and agitate and circulate the water. They do this by drawing water up and propelling it out. Some are designed as fountains, which are popular because they create a decorative spray that also works as aeration. Others produce a more subtle bubbling effect without the dramatic fountain look and spray drift.
- Best For: Councils wanting aesthetic appeal (fountain effect) or a visible sign of water circulation.
- Examples: Air-O-Lator Carnival (fountain look) and Air-O-Lator Professional (surface bubbling). Both of these aerators are USA made.
Sub-Surface Aerators
Sub-surface aerators use a compressor on shore to pump air through weighted hoses to diffusers placed at the bottom of the water body. The bubbles rise from below, lifting water to the surface and mixing the entire water column, all without changing the natural look of the lake.
- Best For: Councils preferring a natural appearance with no surface disruption, or when deep-water circulation is needed. Council waterbodies that are odd shapes, have islands or lots of coves.
- Examples: Hakko (ideal for small ponds), Matala (budget-friendly for larger lakes), Vertex (heavy-duty for big waterbodies). These aerators are made in the USA (Vertex) and Taiwan (Matala, Hakko).
Top 5 Aerators for Council Lakes
Let’s dive into the top 5 aerators for council lakes:
1. Air-O-Lator Carnival Aerating Fountain
The Air-O-Lator Carnival combines a striking fountain display with reliable aeration, making it ideal for council lakes that are both functional and visually impressive. With over 60 years of US-made craftsmanship, it sprays up to 2 m high and 6 m wide (5 hp model) while pumping thousands of litres per minute to keep the water oxygenated and well-mixed.
Key Benefits:
- Eye-catching design: Adds a stunning visual feature to lakes, especially in parks or public spaces
- Strong aeration performance: A single unit can aerate up to 2.5 acres, improving oxygen levels and reducing water quality issues like algae
- Flexible options: Available in motor sizes from ½hp to 5hp, with both mains power and solar models
- Durable build: Includes stainless steel components, an unsinkable float, and a protective control box built to Australian standards
- Low maintenance: Features a foul-resistant propeller and oil-free, water-cooled motor for reliable operation
Best for:
- Shallow lakes, e.g. less than 5m
- Medium–large council lakes where you want both water quality improvement and a visual feature
- Public parks, walkways, or entry lakes where a fountain adds appeal
Not ideal for:
- Very small ponds or lakes (the spray may look oversized)
- Sites where a completely natural look (no fountain spray) is preferred
- Too close to pathways where walkers might catch spray drift on a windy day
- Deep lakes, e.g. more than 5m deep
2. Air-O-Lator Professional
The Air-O-Lator Professional is a smaller, surface-level aerator that’s designed for councils that need efficient water circulation without any kind of dramatic fountain display. It’s perfect if you want strong aeration with minimal spray drift. Passersby won’t get wet while it’s at work.
Despite its compact size, it can handle up to 1 surface acre with a 2hp motor, and multiple units can be combined for larger waterbodies.
Key Features:
- Aeration Capacity: Covers up to 1 surface acre (combine units for larger areas)
- Water Flow: Pumps up to 3,600 L per minute
- Low Spray Drift: Limited airborne water, keeping surroundings dry
- Durable Build: Stainless steel components, submersible motor, unsinkable float
- Flexible Power Options: AC mains or DC solar
Best For:
- Shallow lakes, e.g. less than 5m
- Small to medium council lakes or ponds
- Locations where minimal splash is desired
- Areas where compact, easy-to-maintain aerators are preferred
Not Ideal For:
- Sites needing a decorative fountain effect
- Very large waterbodies without combining multiple units
- Deep lakes, e.g. more than 5m deep
3. The Hakko Aerator
The Hakko Aerator is a high-quality sub-surface system ideal for small dams and ponds. It quietly aerates the water without putting power in the water, making it safe for swimming areas. Its efficient design uses less energy than surface aerators while still keeping water healthy and oxygenated.
Hakko is suitable for ponds up to 1 acre and comes in kits that include the air pump, weighted hoses, and diffusers to ensure uniform bubble distribution. Optional weatherproof cases protect the system if installed outdoors.
Key Features
- Sub-surface Aerator: Safe for swimming areas
- Aeration Capacity: Covers up to 1 acre (depending on kit)
- Low Power Consumption: Uses less energy than surface aerators
- Quiet Operation: Minimal noise for peaceful surroundings
- Even Oxygen Distribution: Weighted air hoses and high-quality diffusers
- Weatherproof Options: Optional case to protect outdoor pumps
Best For
- Shallow lakes, e.g. less than 2m
- Small dams, ponds, or swimming areas
- Users looking for energy-efficient, low-maintenance aeration
- Situations where quiet operation is important
Not Ideal For
- Large lakes or areas needing surface water movement
- Those who want a decorative fountain display
4. Matala Aerator
The Matala Aerator aerator is a high-quality sub-surface system that keeps your pond or dam healthy without taking up the spotlight. It is quiet and energy-efficient, as well as safe for swimming, making it perfect for practical waterbodies where function matters more than fancy displays. With options for solar power and remote setups, it’s a flexible choice for a range of small to medium-sized waterbodies.
Key Features
- Sub-surface Aerator: Safe for swimming areas
- Aeration Capacity: Covers up to 4 acres with a 1hp system
- Low Power Consumption: Efficient operation reduces energy use
- Solar Options: Available for off-grid setups (or remote setups)
- Even Oxygen Distribution: Weighted air hoses and omni-directional diffusers
- Optional Accessories: Weatherproof cabinet and remote setup
Best For
- Small to medium dams or ponds
- Users looking for a cost-effective aeration solution
- Swimming areas or recreational waterbodies
- Situations where a quiet, energy-efficient system is preferred
- Waterbodies that are odd shaped, have islands, or lots of coves
- Deep water bodies
Not Ideal For
- Shallow lakes, e.g. less than 3m
- Areas that need decorative fountain effects
- Extremely large lakes requiring surface mixing
5. Vertex Aerator
The Vertex Aerator delivers powerful, reliable sub-surface aeration for waterbodies of any size. Built in the USA with over 40 years of experience, Vertex systems combine robust engineering, low power consumption, and flexible set ups to aerate lakes from ½ acre to 20+ acres in size.
With heavy-duty compressors, weighted air hoses, and advanced air stations, Vertex ensures efficient oxygenation and water circulation in even the trickiest water bodies.
Key Features
- Aeration Capacity: Covers any size dam, from 2 acres up to 20+ acres
- Low Power Consumption: More efficient than traditional surface aerators
- Swimming Dam Safe: No electrical current in the water
- Heavy-Duty Compressors: Rocking piston, oil-free, non-lube, built for continuous duty
- Even Oxygen Distribution: Weighted air hoses and advanced diffusers with self-cleaning membranes
- Power Options: Solar or AC mains, remote setups also available
- Optional Accessories: Sound reduction kit for quiet operation near buildings
Best For
- Large and mega dams (5–20+ acres)
- Swimming areas or community lakes
- Long-term, low-maintenance aeration
- Waterbodies that are odd shaped, have islands, or lots of coves
- Deep water bodies
Not Ideal For
- Shallow water lakes, e.g. less than 3m
- Small garden ponds (overkill in size and cost)
- Situations needing decorative fountains or surface water displays
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right aerator depends on your lake or pond size, intended use, and priorities. Surface aerators like the Air-O-Lator Carnival offer stunning visual displays for showpiece lakes, while the Air-O-Lator Professional focuses on functional aeration.
Sub-surface aerators like Hakko, Matala, and Vertex provide energy-efficient oxygenation, ideal for swimming dams or large waterbodies. For mega dams or custom setups, Vertex offers high-capacity, tailor-made solutions.
Consider your waterbody’s size, aesthetics, and power options to select the aerator that best balances performance, cost, and visual impact.
FREE advice
Want a recommendation on the right aerator for you? We provide FREE advice and water treatment plans. We can take a look at your water body on Google Maps and provide a custom recommendation. No obligation.