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Originally Posted by jimbob1603
I've been led to believe that ice damage occurs in the spring (during ice out) when the ice has a tendacy to drag the dock, and when pressure ridges develop. So, it is only necessary to activate your circulators sometime in March.
I am considering leaving my dock & boatlift in the water next winter and letting nature take its course until early spring, when I'll turn on the circulator. I don't want to leave the circulator on all winter, it'll cost a fortune to run.
Any thoughts? Pros/Cons ....
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I'm not sure I agree that the *only* time damage occurs is during the spring. I'd think pressure ridges and ice movement can happen during freeze up (and other times) as well. That aside, waiting until March is too late. I'm not sure how quickly the circulator would melt the ice around your dock if you let it freeze up good. Ours goes in late fall and then gets turned on later in the winter, only when the temps have dropped enough to start freezing. It runs on a timer so it's not always on (saves $$), just enough to prevent ice formation. I'll see if I can find out what the electric bill is.