Solar Pond Aeration

The Easy Way to Aerate Remote Ponds.
Built for Fish, Fun, and Freedom.

Why Should You Aerate?

Aeration keeps water moving and oxygenated, which prevents algae blooms, stops mosquitoes from breeding, supports healthy fish, and helps break down organic muck at the bottom.

It also reduces foul odors and improves overall water clarity. Whether your pond is in a backyard, pasture, or remote location, aeration is one of the best things you can do to keep it clean, balanced, and enjoyable.

Size An Aerator for Your Pond »

How Solar Aeration Works

• Sunlight hits the photovoltaic (PV) panels.

• Photons excite electrons in the silicon layers, creating direct current (DC) electricity.

• RPS systems use an MPPT controller to optimize power output, ensuring the pump receives the right voltage even if sunlight fluctuates.

Key point: The solar panel is the source of energy—without sunlight, no aeration unless batteries are included.

Compressed air exits the piston chamber into a manifold equipped with:

• Safety valves to prevent overpressure.
• Pressure gauges to monitor airflow.
• Multiple outlets (2–4 depending on model), each with a control valve for directing air to specific hoses.

Engineering note: Multiple outlets allow scalability for different pond sizes.

• The controller adjusts output voltage to match the pump model (e.g., AIR200–AIR800).

• It also powers an auxiliary axial cooling fan when solar input is active, protecting the compressor from heat buildup.

• Proper cooling ensures the pump runs efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.

Tip: The fan runs anytime the pump is powered, preventing overheating from air compression.

• Air travels through weighted hoses that sink to the pond floor.

• Our weighted diffusers, (AIR200 & AIR400 have built-in weights while AIR800 & AIR1200 need to be filled with a substrate like gravel or sand) prevent hoses from floating.

• The hoses ensure the compressed air reaches the diffuser efficiently, even in deeper ponds.

Why it matters: Bottom placement maximizes oxygen transfer and water mixing.

• DC electricity powers the motor, which is centrally located in the compressor.

• The motor’s shaft drives a rocking piston, creating rotational motion with counterweights to limit vibration.

• Short piston strokes compress air efficiently and require less mechanical force than long-stroke designs.

Key detail: Direction of rotation doesn’t matter—the motion rocks the piston back and forth to compress air.

• The diffuser is a weighted base with a flexible diaphragm containing micro-perforations.

• When pressurized air enters, the diaphragm inflates slightly, opening folds to release bubbles.

• Tiny bubbles rise slowly, increasing surface contact with water and maximizing oxygen transfer.

Extra insight: Microperforations are critical—small holes = better oxygen dissolution.

• The rocking piston forms a void (low-pressure chamber) like a mini engine cylinder.

• Air enters through reed valves—thin, flexible metal flaps that allow air to flow in but prevent backflow.

• Compression occurs as the piston pushes air out through the same valves in the opposite direction.

Why it works: Reed valves are simple, reliable, and eliminate the need for complex mechanical intake/exhaust valves.

• Rising bubbles deliver oxygen to water, preventing stagnation and promoting healthy aquatic life.

• The bubbles also create vertical water circulation, mixing warmer surface water with cooler bottom water to reduce stratification.

Result: clearer water, reduced algae, healthier fish, and fewer mosquito problems.

• Sunlight hits the photovoltaic (PV) panels.

• Photons excite electrons in the silicon layers, creating direct current (DC) electricity.

• RPS systems use an MPPT controller to optimize power output, ensuring the pump receives the right voltage even if sunlight fluctuates.

Key point: The solar panel is the source of energy—without sunlight, no aeration unless batteries are included.

• The controller adjusts output voltage to match the pump model (e.g., AIR200–AIR800).

• It also powers an auxiliary axial cooling fan when solar input is active, protecting the compressor from heat buildup.

• Proper cooling ensures the pump runs efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.

Tip: The fan runs anytime the pump is powered, preventing overheating from air compression.

• DC electricity powers the motor, which is centrally located in the compressor.

• The motor’s shaft drives a rocking piston, creating rotational motion with counterweights to limit vibration.

• Short piston strokes compress air efficiently and require less mechanical force than long-stroke designs.

Key detail: Direction of rotation doesn’t matter—the motion rocks the piston back and forth to compress air.

• The rocking piston forms a void (low-pressure chamber) like a mini engine cylinder.

• Air enters through reed valves—thin, flexible metal flaps that allow air to flow in but prevent backflow.

• Compression occurs as the piston pushes air out through the same valves in the opposite direction.

Why it works: Reed valves are simple, reliable, and eliminate the need for complex mechanical intake/exhaust valves.

Compressed air exits the piston chamber into a manifold equipped with:

• Safety valves to prevent overpressure.
• Pressure gauges to monitor airflow.
• Multiple outlets (2–4 depending on model), each with a control valve for directing air to specific hoses.

Engineering note: Multiple outlets allow scalability for different pond sizes.

• Air travels through weighted hoses that sink to the pond floor.

• Our weighted diffusers, (AIR200 & AIR400 have built-in weights while AIR800 & AIR1200 need to be filled with a substrate like gravel or sand) prevent hoses from floating.

• The hoses ensure the compressed air reaches the diffuser efficiently, even in deeper ponds.

Why it matters: Bottom placement maximizes oxygen transfer and water mixing.

• The diffuser is a weighted base with a flexible diaphragm containing micro-perforations.

• When pressurized air enters, the diaphragm inflates slightly, opening folds to release bubbles.

• Tiny bubbles rise slowly, increasing surface contact with water and maximizing oxygen transfer.

Extra insight: Microperforations are critical—small holes = better oxygen dissolution.

• Rising bubbles deliver oxygen to water, preventing stagnation and promoting healthy aquatic life.

• The bubbles also create vertical water circulation, mixing warmer surface water with cooler bottom water to reduce stratification.

Result: clearer water, reduced algae, healthier fish, and fewer mosquito problems.

Protect your investment with Aeration

Aerators promote fish health, keep algae at bay and make your pond investment last for generations.

Download Your Regional Pond Guide »

RPS Regional Pond Guides – Tailored information from pond pros!

Click the map to download your regional pond guide.

Top 30 cities for solar aerators

RPS’s trusted aeration systems are being used in ponds like yours in over 48 US States 🛈

City

Ocala, FL

Garden City, NY

Bellevue, TX

Boulder, CO

Bountiful, UT

Broken Arrow, OK

Centerville, TX

Charleston, SC

Belleview, WA

Choctaw OK

City

Cincinatti, OH

Dallas, TX

Franklin, TN

Fredericksburg, TX

Geneva, NY

Hartford, SD

Hillsboro, MO

Houston, TX

Independence, MO

Indianola, IA

City

Kansas City, MO

Laredo, TX

Lincoln, CA

Llano, TX

Madisonville, TN

Montgomery, TX

El Sobrante, CA

San Jose, CA

Naperville, IL

Wichita, KS

Helpful Links

Download Western Pond Guides » Download Midwest Pond Guides » Download Southwestern Pond Guides » Download Northeast Pond Guides » Download Southeast Pond Guides »
Download Algae and Mosquito Control Guide »
Download Winterization Guide »

Customer Testimonials

RPS AIR200
Solar Aerator

★★★★★

Edwina – FL

“Plug and play… it’s true! Easy set up, clear directions and efficient. 1 week and I already see a difference in clarity. Took an old neglected pond and helping bring it back to life.”

Shop Air 200 »

RPS AIR400
Solar Aerator

★★★★★

Rob, MT

“It went great! Both aerators are pumping air really well. They run a good 10 hours a day right now so couldn’t be happier. I might be interested in a solar well pump pretty quick.”

Shop Air 400 »

RPS AIR800
Solar Aerator

★★★★★

Scott, IA

“Installation was straightforward and simple, and it performs flawlessly as long as there is some sunlight. We are very happy we purchased from you and will recommend.”

Shop Air 800 »

Introducing The NEW AIR1200

New for 2025!

RPS engineers worked countless hours to develop a solar powered air compressor kit that is now the most unique technology we’ve found anywhere on the internet to aerate your pond!

Shop Air 1200 »

RPS AIR200
Solar Aerator

★★★★★

Edwina – FL

“Plug and play… it’s true! Easy set up, clear directions and efficient. 1 week and I already see a difference in clarity. Took an old neglected pond and helping bring it back to life.”

Shop Air 200 »

RPS AIR400
Solar Aerator

★★★★★

Rob, MT

“It went great! Both aerators are pumping air really well. They run a good 10 hours a day right now so couldn’t be happier. I might be interested in a solar well pump pretty quick.”

Shop Air 400 »

RPS AIR800
Solar Aerator

★★★★★

Scott, IA

“Installation was straightforward and simple, and it performs flawlessly as long as there is some sunlight. We are very happy we purchased from you and will recommend.”

Shop Air 800 »

Introducing The NEW AIR1200

New for 2025!

RPS engineers worked countless hours to develop a solar powered air compressor kit that is now the most unique technology we’ve found anywhere on the internet to aerate your pond!

Shop Air 1200 »

The Industry Leader in Solar Pond Aeration

Our team helps thousands of pond owners every year find the right size solar pump system, and then how to prepare for your install. We love talking unique properties and water!

Get Sizing and Pricing »

Why choose solar aeration over a grid-tied system?

When it comes to keeping your pond clean, healthy, and beautiful, more and more folks are making the switch to solar-powered aeration—and for good reason. Traditional AC-powered systems can be a hassle, especially in rural or off-grid areas where power isn’t nearby (or where running electrical lines costs a fortune). Many of our customers came to us frustrated after years of extension cords, high power bills, or systems that kept failing during power outages.

With a solar aerator from RPS, you’re getting a cleaner, simpler solution. No trenching. No electrical permits. No risk of your aerator shutting off during storms or outages when your pond needs oxygen the most. Whether you’re managing algae, improving water clarity, or protecting fish during hot weather, solar just works—without the monthly electric bill.

Our customers love the freedom and peace of mind solar brings. From hobby pond owners to ranchers with remote stock tanks, they’ve told us how easy it was to install, how much money they’re saving, and how proud they are to have a sustainable, low-maintenance solution that just works. If you’re tired of wires, outages, and ongoing costs, it might be time to go solar.

Why choose solar aeration over a grid-tied system?

When it comes to keeping your pond clean, healthy, and beautiful, more and more folks are making the switch to solar-powered aeration—and for good reason. Traditional AC-powered systems can be a hassle, especially in rural or off-grid areas where power isn’t nearby (or where running electrical lines costs a fortune). Many of our customers came to us frustrated after years of extension cords, high power bills, or systems that kept failing during power outages.

With a solar aerator from RPS, you’re getting a cleaner, simpler solution. No trenching. No electrical permits. No risk of your aerator shutting off during storms or outages when your pond needs oxygen the most. Whether you’re managing algae, improving water clarity, or protecting fish during hot weather, solar just works—without the monthly electric bill.

Our customers love the freedom and peace of mind solar brings. From hobby pond owners to ranchers with remote stock tanks, they’ve told us how easy it was to install, how much money they’re saving, and how proud they are to have a sustainable, low-maintenance solution that just works. If you’re tired of wires, outages, and ongoing costs, it might be time to go solar.

No Wire Trenching

No Electrical Permits

No Outages

Trenching wire over 1000 ft to a pond costs an average of $10,300 – Solar Aeration from RPS eliminates this cost

Aeration or Fountain?

Aeration is a great tool for preventative maintenance when it comes to organic material (weeds, muck, algae, etc).

An aeration based management strategy will:
• Get Rid of Pond Muck
• Erase Thermoclines
• Boost Water Quality
• Increase Oxygen Levels
• Reduce Fishkill

Fountains

Our Solar Fountain Series Pumps are high volume pumps – floating submersible or self priming suction. Add healthy oxygen and circulate your pond’s water! There is no other solar fountain pump kit like this on the market! Healthy water means algae-free. Easy to install!

• Our range of fountains produce between 5-40 lbs of oxygen per day.

• Improve your pond’s health and add aesthetic flair at the same time!

Shop Fountains »
Aerators

Our RPS engineers spent all year developing a solar powered air compressor kit that is now the most unique technology we’ve found anywhere on the internet to aerate your pond! Easily assembled and installed by one person in a single weekend, lifting no more than 18 lbs at a time.
The solar powered air compressor pushes oxygen through a weighted hose down to a bubbling air stone, aerating multiple pond thermoclines with fresh O2.
Supported for pond bottoms up to 15 feet deep.

Shop Aerators »

Set It. Forget It.

Solar Aeration That Just Works

One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t need an electrician. That means no permits, no scheduling delays, and no extra costs for professional installation. You can set everything up yourself quickly and start enjoying the benefits right away.

Get Your Pond Sizing Recommendation »

The Power of DIY Installation

Installing a solar pond aerator doesn’t have to be complicated—or costly. At RPS, we believe in empowering pond owners with systems that are thoughtfully designed for easy, DIY installation. That means no need to hire contractors or run power lines across your property. Our solar aerators come as complete kits with clear instructions, color-coded wiring, and customer-friendly support so you can install your system confidently—often in just a few hours.

We’ve also got your back every step of the way. Our U.S.-based team is just a call away to help troubleshoot or answer questions before, during, and after installation. With RPS solar aerators, you’re not just buying a product—you’re gaining the power and confidence to do it yourself.

Benefit

DIY Installation

Hiring an Installer

Cost

✔ Save hundreds to thousands in labor

✘ High installation fees

Timing

✔ Install on your own schedule

✘ Wait for contractor availability

Ease of Setup

✔ Simple instructions, no special skills needed

✔ Done for you, but may require follow-up

Remote Property Friendly

✔ Ideal for off-grid/rural locations

✘ Travel fees or service limitations

Personal Empowerment

✔ Understand your system and gain hands-on confidence

✘ Less familiarity with system setup

Call for Deals + Expert Help

Call our friendly USA team for additional savings + expert help with sizing.

This Month Only: Free Shipping

Enjoy fast, free continential US delivery when you spend $800 or more.

Long-Term Protection

2 Year Full System Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support

Financing Plans Available

Break your purchase into easy monthly payments. No stress, no hassle.

Why choose an
RPS Solar Aerator?

RPS VS Home Built:

While you may be able to piecemeal an aeration system together from multiple sites and stores, it can be a real hassle and time-waster. At RPS, our solar aerators are engineered, tested, and ready to perform right out of the box — no guesswork, no jerry-rigging, and no trips back and forth to the hardware store. With RPS, you get a complete, field-tested system built for your pond, backed by real support and a warranty you can trust.

RPS VS Competitors:

At RPS, our solar aeration systems are built to last—with high-efficiency, brushless motors, industrial-grade air compressors, and sealed weatherproof enclosures designed for remote ranchland, farms, and backyards alike. While other companies use repurposed parts or flimsy components, we engineer every system specifically for long-term pond health and reliability. Backed by real, US-based support, lifetime-warranty rotors, and our Water Assurance Guarantee, you’ll get pro-level performance without the big markup.

What Comes In The Kit?

  • Air Compressor + Controller
    Controller comes pre-wired for your solar panels, just plug-and-play your MC4 Connectors and your diffuser hoses and go!
  • Air Hoses + Diffuser Discs
    Weighted discs and hose make placing your diffusers easy.
  • Weather Proof Enclosure
    Houses the Air Pump and Controller Box (has a small vent fan that runs on solar power as well.)
  • Solar Panels
    Solar panels included, but be sure to add on a Top-of-Pole Mount Kit if you’d like a mounting system!
  • Bonus
    Clear Instructions + Lifetime Support!
Shop Our Solar Aerators »

Aerator Sizing By Pond Size and Depth

Customers sometimes find that one aeration system is adequate for their goals or they have an especially sunny spot with long solar days. You can easily start with one and add later as needed.

Not Sure? Complete The Aeration Sizing Quiz Now!
Under 2 ft
2-5 ft
5-10 ft
10+ ft

50×50

AIR200

AIR200

AIR400

AIR400

1/4 acre

AIR200

AIR400

2x AIR400 or AIR800

2x AIR400 or AIR800

1/2 acre

AIR400

AIR400

2x AIR400 or AIR800

2x AIR400 or AIR800

1 acre

2x AIR400 or AIR800

AIR1200

AIR1200

AIR1200

2+ acre

AIR1200

AIR1200

AIR1200

AIR1200
# of 50′ Air Hose Lengths Possible
# of 100′ Air Hose Lengths Possible

AIR200

1×50′
2×50′

N/A

AIR400

1×50′
2×50′

1×100′
2×100′

AIR800

2×50′
3×50′

1×100′
2×100′
3×100′

AIR1200

2×50′
3×50′
4×50′

1×100′
2×100′
3×100′
4×100′

Available Configurations

Choose from configurations that offer 50ft or 100ft air hose options. You can always start with one or two air hoses+diffusers, and add more as your pond aeration needs grow. If you’d like to mix and match 50ft and 100ft hoses, contact our sales department at 888-637-4493, we’ll make it happen 🙂
# of 50′ Air Hose Lengths Possible
# of 100′ Air Hose Lengths Possible

AIR200

1×50′
2×50′

N/A

AIR400

1×50′
2×50′

1×100′
2×100′

AIR800

2×50′
3×50′

1×100′
2×100′
3×100′

AIR1200

2×50′
3×50′
4×50′

1×100′
2×100′
3×100′
4×100′

RPS Solar AIR-ation Kit Comparison

Air 200/400

• Up to 2 Hose Lines
• 100W Motor
• 50ft or 100ft Hoses
• Aeration Per Day: 2.5lbs
(Air 200), 4.5lbs (Air 400)

Shop Air 200/400 »

Air 800

• Up to 3 Hose Lines
• 750W Motor
• 50ft or 100ft Hoses
• 6.5lbs Aeration Per Day

Shop Air 800 »

Air 1200

• Up to 4 Hose Lines
• 1100W Motor
• 50ft or 100ft Hoses
• 8.8 CFM Per Day

Shop Air 1200 »
RPS Maintains Affordability

With RPS there are no middlemen or distributers so more money stays in your pockets. Systems are self-installed keeping costs down. We honor our veterans and non-profits with additional % discounts and bulk discounts for larger ranches.

RPS Never Stops Improving

Our engineering culture runs deep with both our owners. Each winter our engineering team comes together to improve our systems even more. Combining customer feedback and R&D from the year, we improve the model offered for the next year without increasing prices.

One Simple Solution for Algae and Mosquitoes

Healthy ponds start with clean, solar-powered circulation.

Download the Mosquito & Algae Prevention Guide »

Algae Control | Mosquito Control

Algae thrives in stagnant, nutrient-rich water, especially during the warmer months. A pond aerator adds vital oxygen and keeps the water circulating, disrupting the still conditions algae needs to grow. With proper aeration, your pond stays clearer, healthier, and more balanced—making it harder for algae to take over.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still, shallow water. When you use a pond aerator, the constant surface movement breaks up their breeding environment and helps keep populations in check.

Download the Algae & Mosquito Control Guide »

Winterization

Aerating your pond in the winter can be beneficial for the health of your pond, especially in colder climates where ponds freeze over. Ice and snow that cover a pond will block sunlight, preventing aquatic plants and algae from producing oxygen, which can lead to a winter fish kill.

Aeration can also help your pond break down organic material that falls into the pond during Autumn, leading to a healthy, nutrient-rich pond year round.

Download the Winterization Guide »

RPS USA-Based Support and Service

Our Famously Friendly Support Team is here for you!

At RPS Solar Pumps, we’re here to help whenever you need us—whether that’s by phone, text, or email. Our friendly and knowledgeable American engineers and pump specialists work hard to resolve any issue you have during install or beyond. We’re here to support you and your pump for generations!

Give us a call and you’ll be connected to a real person right here at our rural headquarters where we assemble and ship every system.

• Generational Support – 2 Year Warranty and 20 Year Solar Output Guarantee

• Email, Phone and Text Support Available

Expert advice without the pressure

A reminder that no one on our team is on commission so expect no sales pressure – our policy is to not ‘sell’, just to help listen and see if our solar pumping systems are a good fit, then size you for one if they are. We realize this might mean less sales in the long run, but it means happier customers, ponds, plants and humans – and is part of our “be a company our grandfathers would have trusted” pledge to everyone we do business with.

Real Support. Real Kits. Real Results. That’s the RPS Difference

From ponds to pastures, we deliver solar aeration systems that last.

Call to size with a specialist »
888-637-4493

Customer Installations

America’s #1 Most Popular Solar Aerators

From backyard ponds to large ranch reservoirs, RPS solar aerators are the preferred choice for those who value clean water and dependable power.

FAQ

We make every attempt to ship the same day the order is received. Sometimes, this is not possible due to popularity, and the items will ship the following day or days. Many of our systems include bulky solar panels. Shipping times and delivery dates are estimates only as these services don’t offer guarantees, but often between 2 and 5 days transit for boxed systems depending on your area in the US.

In a hurry? Most systems can be expedited 2nd Day Air, we just need to know in advance and we just ask you cover the difference in cost between Ground shipping and 2nd Day Air. Freight deliveries like the AIR1200 with Large Panels we use pallets and FedEx Freight. Shipping times are a little harder to estimate here. Packing and palletizing may take 1-2 days based on the season. You will be sent a tracking number once your order is scanned and in transit! ** RPS Ship-Insured™ guarantees you get what you ordered in working condition and combines with the 100% Water Assurance Guarantee to add additional peace of mind that your investment will result in water pumping!

We back our pumps with solid warranties and our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee—because we believe in taking care of our neighbors. If something’s not right, we’ll work with you to make it right. You can read the full details anytime on our Warranty & Guarantee page.

Yes, we sure can! Our team helps folks plan out solar aeration systems so they’re set up right from the start. Whether you’ve got a small pond for fishing or a larger setup in mind, we’ll walk you through placement, sizing, and choosing the best equipment for your property.

We can also help tie in any other solar pumps you might need—like a home water system, garden irrigation, or livestock waterers. Every property’s different, and we’re glad to help figure out the best fit. Just give us a call at 888-637-4493 and we’ll get you started.

The easiest way to get started is to fill out our quick Sizing Form or give us a call at 888-637-4493 to talk with one of our specialists. From there, we’ll help design a system that fits your pond and property needs.

Once your site plan is mapped out, we’ll get your aerator shipped right to you. All our systems come with solid warranties, guarantees, and world-class customer service to support you during self-installation and beyond.

OUR PLEDGES TO YOU

1. Be a company our Grandfathers would have trusted. The trend of ‘outsourcing’ customer support after the sale is a trend we wholeheartedly oppose. We are an American, family run company and our USA engineers support you before and after the sale.

2. No sales pressure. Ever. Nobody in the company is paid on commission. We think this is important. Their role is to make sure they find the right pump for you and your well. If we don’t have a livestock solar pump that will suit your needs, we will help you find a solution elsewhere. Our job is to help get you water.

3. Reliable Water. All manufactured products have occasional issues and we can’t claim to be perfect. However, we are proud of a near perfect track record in getting our customers water. This starts with selling a pump sized for your usage with our Water Assurance Plan and promptly addressing warranty issues to get you up and pumping again quickly.

4. Give you the power! When you control your ability to pump water out of the ground, whether that is in the field or at home, it makes you more resilient and independent. We are here to help educate you about solar water pumping for livestock and our systems over the phone, with our manual, and our great videos online, so you can install yourself. Take control of your water supply today.

5. Fight for the American farmer & rancher. RPS is a David & Goliath story of a small American company fighting against a big European pump corporation that cares more about profits than the longevity of their pumps and the sky-high price for ranchers. Thanks to all our customers for the support of small business vs. foreign corporations trying to profit off some of the hardest working people in our great nation.

RPS Aeration Assurance Plan

Ensure you have the right aerator or fountain, parts, and tools for a fast and successful install.

Requirements

✔ Do you have a pond?

✔ Do you have good southern sun exposure?

Continue if YES to both

Rough Sizing

✔ Pond depth? Acreage?

✔ Do you have fish?

Average 2 Minutes to Complete

Personalized Aerator Sizing and Pricing »
Final Sizing Call

• Phone call to verify aerator sizing and site planning 

• Questions, tools and equipment checklist

• Call 888-637-4493

Get Pumped!

• Order your new RPS aerator or fountain kit

• 30 Day Money-back Guarantee

A message from our
Co-Owner, Mike…

Hello,
My name is Mike Ragsdale, co-owner of RPS Solar Pumps. Our company has grown to the point now that I can no longer chat and shake hands with every customer as I used to, so I felt it important to write a note introducing myself and thanking you for the opportunity to earn your business. Read the full letter…

We think the first step to getting to know your needs better is to call us at 888-637-4493

Not quite ready? Fill out our Easy Sizing Form below

SIZE YOUR POND »