Case Study: Aeration and Fountain Upgrade for a Retirement Village Lake

Case Study

Aeration and Fountain Upgrade for a Retirement Village Lake

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Challenge

Poor Water Quality and Resident Complaints

A retirement village in Melbourne, VIC, approached us to help fix ongoing problems with their lake. The water had become turbid, weedy, and algae-prone, and previous fountains had failed over time.

The lake was brackish and high in salinity, connected to nearby canal systems close to the coast. This environment made it especially challenging for conventional equipment—corrosion, weed growth, and odours were persistent issues.

Residents had begun complaining about the lake’s appearance, so management wanted a solution that would improve water quality, aesthetics, and reliability. The unusual shape of the lake—with an island in the centre—also created dead zones where water movement was minimal, requiring a carefully planned aeration layout.

Solution

Aerating Fountains, Sub-Surface Aeration, and Biostim Treatment

We designed a combined surface and sub-surface aeration system to address both circulation and oxygenation needs.

Our installation included:

Two 2hp Air-O-Lator Aerating Fountains—to improve oxygen levels and provide an attractive water display for residents.

One Hako 200LPM Sub-Surface Aeration System with 5 single-disc air stations—to circulate water in areas the fountains couldn’t reach, eliminating dead zones.

Custom Control Box—enabling both fountains to run from a single power location, keeping installation and operating costs low.

And, Biostim Pellets—applied as a biological water treatment to reduce organic muck and nutrient levels, supporting long-term water health.

Because of the lake’s saline environment, we used 316-grade stainless steel motors to withstand corrosion.

To add flexibility, the village also chose to switch between fountain displays seasonally—using aerating propeller heads in summer to maximise oxygen transfer, and centrifugal display heads in winter for a more decorative look. This easy changeover feature is unique to Air-O-Lator fountains and provides the perfect balance between beauty and performance.

Result

Cleaner, Healthier Water and Happier Residents

Within months, water clarity improved noticeably and algae and weed growth declined. The combination of surface and sub-surface aeration, and Biostim restored balance to the lake’s ecosystem.

Residents now enjoy cleaner water, improved aesthetics, and peaceful fountain displays throughout the year. The system continues to operate reliably, with our team providing annual servicing and maintenance to clean the fountains, manage weeds, and apply biological treatments.

This project demonstrates how a multi-layered aeration approach—combining Air-O-Lator fountains, subsurface systems, and Biostim—can deliver lasting results, even in challenging saltwater environments.

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