Ice Eater P500 1/2 HP Pond & Dock De-Icer – 115V, 25' Cord
Ice Eater P500 1/2 HP Pond & Dock De-Icer
The Ice Eater P500 is a high-volume 1/2 HP de-icer designed to protect docks, boats, piers and other waterfront structures from damaging winter ice. Moving approximately 1,075 gallons of water per minute, the P500 circulates warmer subsurface water toward the surface to help prevent ice formation where protection is needed.
With standard 115V operation, relatively shallow-water capability and an average open-water diameter of approximately 40 feet under normal winter conditions, the P500 is a versatile choice for residential docks, boat slips and other targeted de-icing applications.
Need a Longer Cord or 230V?
This P500 is priced with a 25' power cord and 115V configuration.
Longer cord lengths and 230V configurations are available.
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Is the Ice Eater P500 Right for Your Application?
The P500 combines a 1/2 HP motor with high-volume directional water movement. Rather than simply relying on horsepower, the Ice Eater's axial-flow propeller and shrouded design are engineered to move a large volume of water toward the area you're trying to protect.
Consider the P500 for:
- Residential docks and piers
- Boats left in the water during freezing weather
- Boat slips and dock pilings
- Targeted ice protection around waterfront structures
- Shallower-water installations
- Freshwater or saltwater applications
High-volume water movement:
The P500 moves approximately 1,075 gallons of water per minute from a 1/2 HP motor. Effective de-icing depends not only on horsepower, but on moving and directing enough warmer subsurface water toward the area that needs protection.
How the Ice Eater P500 Works
The P500 doesn't use a heating element to melt ice. Its axial-flow propeller draws relatively warmer water from below and directs that water toward the surface. Continuous circulation helps prevent ice formation and reduces pressure from expanding and shifting ice around docks, pilings and boats.
The Ice Eater uses a heavy-duty PVC Venturi-style shroud around the propeller. In addition to protecting the propeller, the shroud directs the high-volume water flow toward the area requiring protection.
The P500's motor operates at approximately 1,650 RPM and is fluid cooled and rated for continuous-duty operation.
How Much Open Water Will the P500 Maintain?
Airmax publishes an average open-water diameter of approximately 40 feet for the 1/2 HP P500 under normal winter conditions.
That number should be considered a sizing guideline rather than a guarantee. Actual performance depends on air temperature, water depth, mounting depth and angle, currents, surrounding structures and other site conditions.
The objective is usually not to create the largest possible opening in the ice. Proper positioning should direct moving water toward the dock, pilings, boat or other structure you're trying to protect.
P500 Specifications
| Model | P500 |
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
| Voltage | 115V |
| Running Amps | 6 amps |
| Water Flow | Approx. 1,075 GPM |
| Thrust | 24 lbs. |
| Motor Speed | Approx. 1,650 RPM |
| Minimum Water Depth | Approx. 24" |
| Typical Open-Water Diameter | Approx. 40 ft. under normal winter conditions |
| Baseline Configuration | 115V with 25' cord |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 3 years |
Two Ways to Mount the P500
Suspension Ropes
The P500 includes two 25-foot suspension ropes and can be suspended directly from a dock, pier or other secure structure. This is the simplest and most economical installation method.
Adjustable Dock Mount
Unlike the smaller P250, the P500 is compatible with the Power House Small Dock Mount. The dock mount allows you to adjust the depth, direction and angle of the Ice Eater rather than suspending it from ropes.
The mount provides full 360-degree positioning and allows the de-icer angle to be adjusted in 20-degree increments from horizontal to vertical. This can be especially useful when you need to direct water along a dock, through a boat slip or toward specific pilings.
What's Included?
- Ice Eater P500 1/2 HP de-icer
- 115V underwater-rated power cord
- Two 25-foot suspension ropes
- Sacrificial aluminum anode
The Ice Eater arrives assembled and ready for installation. The adjustable dock mount, thermostat and other accessories are available separately.
Freshwater & Saltwater Use
The P500 can be used in both freshwater and saltwater applications. A sacrificial aluminum anode is included for corrosion protection. In saltwater applications, the anode should be inspected regularly and replaced as it deteriorates.
Additional corrosion-protection components are available for installations where electrolysis or severe saltwater exposure is a concern.
Should You Add a Thermostat?
The optional Power House thermostat automatically turns the Ice Eater on and off as air temperatures fall and rise. The current 115V thermostat is adjustable from 0°F to 80°F and connects inline between a properly protected electrical outlet and the de-icer.
For many seasonal installations, thermostatic operation can reduce unnecessary run time while keeping the Ice Eater ready when freezing conditions return.
Installation & Safety
The P500 is capable of operating in relatively shallow water, but proper placement is important. Position the unit so that its moving water reaches the dock, pilings, boat or other structure you're trying to protect.
Always connect the de-icer to a properly installed GFCI-protected circuit and follow the manufacturer's electrical and installation instructions.
De-icers intentionally create open water and areas of thin ice. Clearly mark or restrict access to the de-iced area where people, pets, snowmobiles or other traffic could encounter unsafe ice.
Need Help Choosing an Ice Eater?
Not sure whether the P500 or a larger Ice Eater is the right choice? Tell us what you're trying to protect, the approximate dimensions, water depth, your location and how you plan to mount the de-icer. We'll help you determine the appropriate size and installation.
Call American Aeration at 800-852-3206 for help choosing the right pond, dock or lake de-icer.