Airmax Ice Eater P500 – 1/2 HP, 115V Pond & Dock De-Icer
Help protect your dock, pier, boat lift and moored boat from winter ice with the Airmax Ice Eater P500. This submersible dock de-icer circulates warmer water from below the surface to help prevent ice formation and clear areas that have already frozen. The redesigned P500 features an installed motor mount cage with adjustable mooring positions, allowing you to direct circulation where it is needed.
The P500 combines a 1/2 HP, 115V motor with a 6-inch, two-blade propeller. Choose an available factory power cord length that reaches your electrical supply directly and accommodates your waterfront installation.
Features of the Redesigned Ice Eater P500
- Winter ice management: Moves warmer subsurface water toward the surface to help prevent freezing around waterfront structures.
- 1/2 HP motor: Operates on a 115V, 60Hz electrical supply.
- Adjustable flow direction: Position the unit upright for a more circular opening or angle it toward shore for a more elongated opening along a dock.
- Installed motor mount cage: The power unit arrives with its motor mount fitted for rope suspension from a dock, pier or boat.
- 6-inch, two-blade propeller: Model-specific propeller for the P500.
- Sealed motor lubrication: The motor can contains non-toxic dielectric lubricating fluid and does not require additional lubrication.
- Optional thermostat control: Add a compatible 115V thermostat to control operation as temperatures change.
- 3-year limited warranty: Manufacturer coverage is subject to Airmax’s registration requirements, terms and exclusions.
How the P500 Ice Eater Works
The P500 moves warmer subsurface water toward the surface, creating circulation that helps prevent freezing and melt existing ice. Its de-icing action comes from water movement rather than an electric heating element.
Actual ice-clearing coverage depends on water depth, temperature, exposure and installation position. Consider these conditions and the area you want to keep open when planning your installation.
P500 Specifications
| Model |
P500 |
| Manufacturer |
Airmax |
| Motor Power |
1/2 HP |
| Voltage / Frequency |
115V / 60Hz |
| Propeller |
6-inch diameter, 2 blade |
| Standard Power Cord |
25 feet |
| Listed Power Cord Lengths |
25, 50, 100 or 150 feet; select from available configurations |
| Mounting Method |
Rope suspension with shackles and adjustable motor mount attachment positions |
| Recommended Operating Depth When Angled |
2–3 feet below the surface; upright installations may require greater depth |
| Minimum Bottom Clearance |
At least 1 foot above the pond or lake bottom |
| Warranty |
3-year manufacturer limited warranty |
Adjustable Positioning for Your Dock or Boat Slip
The redesigned motor mount allows you to change the P500’s angle by repositioning the mooring shackles. This provides flexibility when directing circulation beneath a boat or along a dock.
- Upright installation: Suspend the P500 beneath a boat to create a more circular opening that expands outward from the center.
- Angled installation: Position the unit near the end of a dock with flow directed toward shore to create a more elongated opening.
- Adjustable attachment positions: Use holes A and B for upright positioning. Move the second shackle to hole C, D, E or F to progressively increase the angle, following the owner’s manual.
For angled operation, Airmax recommends a depth of approximately 2–3 feet below the water surface. Upright installations may require greater depth to reduce excessive surface disturbance. Maintain at least 1 foot of clearance above the bottom, allowing for changing water levels.
Keep the suspension ropes spaced far enough apart to prevent twisting. Never lift, drag or suspend the Ice Eater by its power cord.
What’s Included
- Airmax Ice Eater P500 power unit with installed motor mount
- Mooring ropes with shackles
- Power cord in the selected configuration; standard length is 25 feet
Thermostat sold separately.
Optional Ice Eater Thermostat
Add a 115V Ice Eater Thermostat – #131018 to control operation as temperatures fluctuate and help reduce unnecessary runtime. The thermostat must match the P500’s 115V electrical configuration.
Replacement Parts for the Redesigned P500
The following service parts are listed for the redesigned Ice Eater. Confirm compatibility with your exact unit before ordering, particularly when servicing an older P500.
- Motor Mount Assembly with Hardware: #132955
- Stainless Steel Shackles, Set of 2: #130989
- 3/8-inch x 25-foot Mooring Ropes, Set of 2: #130986
- 3/8-inch x 50-foot Mooring Ropes, Set of 2: #130988
- 1/2-inch Diameter Aluminum Shaft Anode: #131010
- P500 1/2 HP Propeller, 6-inch, 2 Blade: #132900
Electrical & Operating Requirements
- Connect the P500 to a properly grounded, 115V GFCI-protected circuit.
- Choose a factory power cord long enough to reach the power source directly. Airmax states that using an extension cord may void the warranty.
- Have a qualified electrician install the electrical supply.
- Never operate the unit out of the water.
- Never allow anyone to enter the water while the unit is plugged in or operating.
- Keep hands, feet, cords and mooring lines clear of the propeller.
- Unplug the Ice Eater before inspection, cleaning or maintenance.
Read and follow the complete owner’s manual before installing or operating the unit.
Maintenance & Seasonal Storage
Periodically clean accumulated debris from the motor mount cage and inspect the propeller for damage. Replace a chipped or damaged propeller to help prevent premature seal or bearing failure. Inspect the aluminum shaft anode periodically and replace it annually.
Airmax recommends cleaning the motor can annually with Airmax D-Scale and rinsing it with clean water. The sealed motor contains lubricating fluid and does not require additional lubrication.
When the P500 is removed for seasonal storage, clean it and store it indoors with the propeller side down to keep the seals lubricated. Authorized repairs must be completed by Airmax or an Airmax Certified Repair Center.
3-Year Manufacturer Limited Warranty
The P500 carries an Airmax limited warranty covering qualifying defects in materials or workmanship for the original purchaser, subject to the manufacturer’s terms and exclusions.
Submit warranty registration directly to Airmax within 30 days of purchase. Without registration, the owner’s manual states that warranty coverage begins on the dealer’s original purchase date.
Contact your dealer before returning a unit for warranty evaluation. A Return Material Authorization is required, and the owner is responsible for removal, packaging, inbound freight and reinstallation expenses. Refer to the owner’s manual for complete warranty details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the P500 heat the water?
The P500 circulates warmer subsurface water toward the surface. It helps prevent ice formation through water movement rather than an electric heating element.
What electrical supply does the P500 require?
The redesigned P500 listed in Airmax’s owner’s manual operates on 115V at 60Hz. Connect it to a properly grounded, GFCI-protected circuit.
Can I adjust the direction of water flow?
Yes. Reposition the mooring shackles on the motor mount to aim the unit upright or at an angle. Upright placement produces a more circular opening, while angled placement can direct circulation along a dock toward shore.
How deep should I install the P500?
Airmax recommends approximately 2–3 feet below the surface for angled operation. Upright installations may require greater depth. Always maintain at least 1 foot of bottom clearance and account for changing water levels.
Can I use an extension cord?
Airmax directs users to connect the Ice Eater’s power cord directly to the power source and states that using an extension cord may void the warranty. Select an appropriate factory cord length when ordering.
Does the P500 include a thermostat?
No. The thermostat is optional. Use the compatible 115V Ice Eater thermostat, part #131018.
How should I store the unit when it is not in use?
Clean the unit and store it indoors with the propeller side down. This orientation helps keep the seals lubricated.
Need Help Selecting Your P500 Configuration?
Contact BoatLiftandDock.com at 866-942-6349 or info@boatliftanddock.com for assistance choosing the power cord length for your Airmax Ice Eater P500.
Additional Information
- Please select your desired power cord length before ordering.
- California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
