April 16, 2025

Homeowner (lakefront owners) Circulators  

We're excited to share that circulators and aerators are now approved for installation by homeowners on their lakefront  properties. These devices provide important benefits for water quality, shoreline protection, and aquatic life. As we move  forward, clear guidelines and responsible use will help ensure these benefits are realized while maintaining safety,  environmental stewardship, and community harmony. 

Prior to installation, please review this regulation, submit the corresponding application to the board, and wait for  approval. 

Pros of Allowing Circulators/Aerators 

1. Improved Water Quality – Aerators help reduce algae growth, improve oxygen levels, and prevent fish kills.

2. Enhanced Aquatic Life – Increased oxygen supports fish and beneficial aquatic organisms. 

3. Minimized Stagnation & Odors – Aeration reduces stagnation, which helps prevent foul odors and improves  water clarity. 

4. Prevention of Weeds & Muck Buildup – Circulation disrupts the conditions that promote excessive weed  growth and sediment buildup. 

5. Property Protection & Value – Protecting shorelines and water quality can help maintain or even increase  property values. 

Rules and Regulations 

To address potential concerns while maximizing benefits, we propose the following guidelines: 

1. Safety Markings – All circulators must be clearly visible above the waterline. If a circulator is fully submerged or  not easily seen, a brightly colored buoy must be placed to indicate its location. The buoy should be highly  visible, weather-resistant, and positioned directly above or near the circulator to ensure awareness and safety  for boaters, swimmers, and other lake users. 

2. Noise Limitations – With the designated horsepower and placement restrictions, circulators should operate  without generating noticeable noise. However, if a circulator is mounted on a dock, vibrations may create sound.  In such cases, rubber mounts or similar dampening materials must be used to minimize noise and prevent  disturbances to the surrounding community. All circulator-related noise must comply with the Township's sound  ordinance, which permits a maximum of 65 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (approximately the  volume of a household vacuum cleaner), and a maximum of 50 decibels between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.  (comparable to a normal conversation). However, given the placement restrictions and setback requirements  proposed, actual sound levels experienced at neighboring properties are expected to fall well below these limits. 

3. Placement Restrictions – Circulators must be placed no further than 18 feet from the homeowner's lakefront  and within the property lines. The circulator must be positioned with a minimum water depth of 1 foot at its  highest point to ensure proper operation and avoid disturbing the water's surface. Circulators should be directed  toward the center of the lake to prevent impact on adjacent lakefronts. In the event of a fish spawn, circulators  must not interfere with the spawning areas, though seasonal guidelines should ensure this remains unaTected.  If the circulator is freestanding (not attached to a dock), it must be lightweight and portable, allowing for  removal by hand without the need for special equipment. 

4. Seasonal Use Guidelines – Circulators are permitted to operate only between June 1 and October 31. All  circulators must be completely removed from the lake by October 31 each year to prevent disruption during the  oT-season and to protect the lake's ecosystem.

5. Environmental Compliance – Circulators must be operated in a manner that does not harm native species and  does not disrupt the natural sediment flow of the lake. All devices must comply with environmental guidelines to  ensure the protection and preservation of the lake’s ecosystem. Ie: Fish spawn’s  

6. HP restrictions- The maximum allowable horsepower for electric circulators is 1 horsepower. It is  recommended to use the Aquathruster or similar devices that fall within these specifications. If an oscillator is  used, it must comply with all applicable rules and regulations regarding horsepower and placement. Use of a 2- horsepower circulator would require prior approval from the board. 

7. Responsibility – Unit owners are fully responsible for all costs associated with the electricity and  maintenance of the circulator, including any repairs or replacements required during the operational period.  Additionally, homeowners will be held liable for any damage caused to lake property, including docks,  shoreline, or other community assets, due to the operation or installation of their circulators. The homeowner  will be required to repair or replace any damaged property at their own expense. 

8. Notification – Lakefront owners must fill out the circulator form and receive consent from the board prior to the  installation of any circulators.  

9. Fountains are not permitted due to their potential for sound and visual disruptions. These devices can  interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the lake and create excessive noise, which may disturb the  surrounding community. 

10. Each homeowner is allowed 1 circulator per property. The installation of additional circulators on a single  property will require board approval. 

Enforcement Policy: 

Homeowners who install a circulator must adhere to the established guidelines. If a circulator is installed without  compliance, the board will issue a formal written notice requiring corrective action. If the issue is not resolved within 30  days, the board will remove the circulator without further notice or the homeowner's consent. The homeowner may also  be held responsible for any costs associated with the removal. 

Electrical Safety Guidelines: 

All electrical connections for circulators must be professionally installed and comply with local electrical codes to  ensure safety and prevent any hazards. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that the power supply to their  circulators is properly grounded, waterproof, and protected from accidental damage. The following guidelines must  be followed: 

1. GFCI Outlets: All electrical connections must use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to prevent  electrical shock in case of water exposure. 

2. Proper Cabling: Cables should be rated for outdoor use, weather-resistant, and must not be placed directly in  contact with water. 

3. Regular Inspections: Homeowners are required to inspect electrical connections and cords at least once per  season to ensure there is no damage, wear, or risk of electrical hazard. 

4. Circuit Protection: Ensure that all circuits used to power circulators are fitted with proper circuit breakers to  prevent overloads and short circuits.

Aquathruster Blower Motor Options 

Which HP should you choose? That simply depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. How large of an area  do you want to keep clear of muck and bottom debris. And how much of an area on the surface do you want  to clear away floating weeds and dead vegetation. 

• SIZE/HP OPTIONS: 1/2hp • 3/4hp • 1hp • 2hp 

• LENGTH OPTIONS: 50′ – 100′ – 150′ – 200′ – 250′ 

• VOLTAGE OPTIONS: 120v or 220v 

The image below is designed to give you a general idea of the differences in “thrust power” between motor  sizes.