Complete Dock Bubbler Systems
All-inclusive pond deicer package suitable for protecting docks, boathouses, seawalls, boat lifts and houseboats.

Dock Bubblers use a weighted bubbler hose or de-icer diffuser tubing to create surface agitation and keep structures from being locked in the ice. A dock bubbler typically keeps a smaller area open in the ice than a submersible motorized propeller type of deicer and this is attractive to dock owners living on shared bodies of water when neighbours might not want thin ice near their property. In most situation the weighted bubbler hose is placed at the far end of the structure you are trying to protect, ie: the deepest part. Bubblers will work in todal waters as well or in lakes that lower the water levels during winter.

Choose the bubbler that contains the length of weighted deicer hose that will allow you to easily "trace" the perimiter of the structure you are protecting. Usually the sections closest to the shore, where the water is shallow, do not need to have the bubbler; if you can get the weighted diffuser tubing in the deeper areas where the dock is set the agitation created by the bubbler will protect the entire structure. If you have a depth greater than 7' you may want to consider a deicer instead of a bubbler. Bubblers typically use less electricity than deicers!

The optional thermostat timer system allows you to adjust the operation of your bubbler according to the ambient air temperatures. By combining the thermostat with the timer you can operate your bubbler for the appropriate length of time during apporopriate low temperatures. By using the thermostat timer system you can reduce electrical costs by up to 60%.

Small Dock Bubbler Package - $895
PR-DBUBKS50
50' weighted bubbler hose
1/3 HP piston compressor (one outlet)
25' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

Medium Dock Bubbler Package - $1295
PR-DBUBKM100
100' weighted bubbler hose
1/3 HP piston compressor (one outlet)
25' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

Large Dock Bubbler Package - $1795
PR-DBUBKL150
150' weighted bubbler hose (to be cut into two lengths of 75' each or according to needs)
1/3 HP dual-piston compressor (two outlets)
50' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

Extra-Large Dock Bubbler Package - $2095
PR-DBUBKXL200
200' weighted bubbler hose (to be cut into two lengths of 100' each or according to needs)
1/2 HP dual-piston compressor (two outlets)
50' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

When installing the large or extra-large bubbler system, both of which have compressors with two air outlets, you may choose to run a single line of bubbler hose and feed air into the tubing from both ends instead of running two separate bubbler lines.

Contact us by email if you are unsure on the bubbler system you need. Submitting a drawing of your dock or boathouse, showing depths, will help us ensure you buy the correct system.

Step 1 : Install the compressor in your boathouse or shed. Build a simple wooden box if you don't have a nearby shelter handy. The compressor can be screwed to a piece of 3/4" plywood to hold it steady. Some folks put the compressor under a RubberMaid style of plastic container with some holes for ventilation. Just make sure the compressor is dry and out of snow and sleet and rain.

Step 2 : Connect the weighted airline to the valve outlet that is supplied with the compressor. Tighten clamps firmly but do not overtighten.

Step 3 : Connect the weighted self-sinking airline to the bubbler tubing. Do not bend the bubbler hose sharply as it can kink; instead of trying to make a 90 degree bend around a certain piling or footing use gentle angles with the tubing so the airline doesn't kink or split. The lead keel of the bubbler tube can be cut with metal shears. Make sure the end of the bubbler tubing has the plug inserted in the end! If you do want to make your bubbler wrap tightly around corners cut the tubing and use a 90 degree 1/2" barbed plastic insert to connect two pieces at the corner.

Step 4 : Once you have positioned your tubing start the compressor and do a visual check to ensure there are no areas where you see huge bubbles. Having airflow running through the
line during submersion helps ensure your placement is correct as you can follow the bubbles at the surface and ensure the water movement is uniform. You want to see bubbles all along the entire length of the bubbler hose, if there is an issue with the installation you will quickly see the evidence: kinks in the bubbler hose will cause the airflow to stop before it reaches the end of the bubbler hose.

Step 5 : Install the diffuser bubbler dock de-icer tubing in a line around the area you want to keep free from ice. Usually the tubing, which is weighted, is placed on the outside edge of the
structure you are trying to protect. If it is possible the tubing should be kept on a fairly consistant depth or you will lose bubbles in deeper zones. The tubing can also be attached to the pilings of the dock or fixed to suspended stakes which are attached to the dock to ensure the tubing is at a fairly consistant depth. To compensate for differences in depth you can also connect your air feeder line to the bubbler hose at the deepest part and have the plugged end of the bubble tubing in the shallowest area; this often requires more feeder line if your compressor is located on shore but it can help. When in doubt, remember it is better to install your bubbler in July and not October...even with waders on you won't find many volunteers to install your dock bubbler in November!

A depth difference of a few feet won't matter but avoid putting one end of your dock bubbler hose in very shallow water and the other end in very deep water. A small depth differential won't matter too much but keep it in mind when sizing out your system. It sometimes can be better, especially if you have deeper waters, to use shorter lengths of bubbler tube. Strapping the tubing to your pilings or footings is an easy way to make sure the depth is relatively constant.


The optional Thermostat/Timer control panel. 
Additional weighted tubing is also available.

Here are some examples of how to choose the bubbler that will fit your application:

Small Dock Bubbler Package
PR-DBUBKS50
50' weighted bubbler hose
1/3 HP piston compressor (one outlet)
25' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

Compressor housing not included.





Medium Dock Bubbler Package
PR-DBUBKM100
100' weighted bubbler hose
1/3 HP piston compressor (one outlet)
25' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

Compressor housing not included.




Large Dock Bubbler Package
PR-DBUBKL150
150' weighted bubbler hose (to be cut into two lengths of 75' each or according to needs)
1/3 HP dual-piston compressor (two outlets)
50' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

Compressor housing not included.


When installing the large bubbler system, which has a compressor with two air outlets, you may choose to run a single 150' line of bubbler hose and feed air into the tubing from both ends instead of running two separate 75' bubbler lines.

Extra-Large Dock Bubbler Package
PR-DBUBKXL200
200' weighted bubbler hose (to be cut into two lengths of 100' each or according to needs)
1/2 HP dual-piston compressor (two outlets)
50' weighted feeder line
Clamps and connectors included

Compressor housing not included.
Optional thermostat timer controller.
Extra weighted feeder line available.

When installing the extra-large bubbler system, which has a compressor with two air outlets, you may choose to run a single 200' line of bubbler hose and feed air into the tubing from both ends instead of running two separate 100' bubbler lines.






The optional Thermostat/Timer control panel. 
Additional weighted tubing is also available.