Power House® Ice Eater – Professional De-Icer for Docks, Boats & Marinas
Keep critical waterfront assets safe all winter with the Power House Ice Eater by Airmax. Engineered to rapidly circulate warmer subsurface water to the surface, Ice Eater helps prevent ice formation and break up existing ice around docks, lifts, piers, and vessels—reducing costly freeze damage and heave. Models and cord lengths are available for residential, commercial, and marina-scale applications, with straightforward installation and proven cold-weather durability.
Why Choose Ice Eater
- Serious ice protection: Maintains an ice-free opening up to 80 ft in diameter under suitable conditions.
- Ready to deploy: Ships largely assembled for quick installation right out of the box.
- Built for winter: Bronze end-bell and rugged components for reliability in extreme temperatures.
- Directed flow control: Angled shroud focuses the water column for targeted de-icing coverage.
- Efficient performance: Energy-efficient motor supports continuous operation to prevent freeze-ups.
Models & Options
Choose from four horsepower options and multiple voltage/cord configurations to match your site and power availability.
Model |
HP |
Voltage |
Cord Lengths |
Typical Use |
P250 |
1/4 HP |
115V or 230V |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
Small docks, lifts, boat wells |
P500 |
1/2 HP |
115V or 230V |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
Moderate current areas, slips, hoists |
P750 |
3/4 HP |
115V or 230V |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
Marina fingers, cove edges, larger openings |
P1000 |
1 HP |
115V or 230V |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
Harsh conditions, flowing water, wide coverage |
Model, voltage, and cord length availability per Airmax product page.
How Ice Eater Works
The unit draws relatively warmer water from depth and drives it upward through a directional shroud. This continual circulation disrupts ice formation and melts existing ice, creating a protective opening around structures and hulls. Angle the shroud to target specific threat zones (dock corners, pilings, lifts) for maximum effect.
Recommended Accessories
- Power House Thermostat: Automates on/off cycles by temperature to save energy.
- Mooring Lines & Floats: Position and suspend your Ice Eater at the ideal depth and angle.
- Replacement Cords & Float Cage: Maintain safe operation season after season.
Site Planning Tips
- Account for prevailing winds, currents, and fetch; larger openings may require higher HP or multiple units.
- Use thermostats/timers for efficiency while maintaining your target opening size.
- Follow local winter navigation and de-icing ordinances; mark open water to warn pedestrians and snowmobiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large of an opening can Ice Eater maintain?
Under suitable conditions, Ice Eater can maintain an opening up to ~80 feet in diameter. Results vary with temperature, wind, current, and installation angle.
Which model should I choose?
Start with your objectives (opening size and conditions). Calm, protected water may be well-served by a 1/4–1/2 HP unit, while exposed or flowing water often benefits from 3/4–1 HP or multiple units. Confirm voltage availability and select a cord length that reaches a GFCI-protected outlet safely.
Is installation complicated?
Ice Eater arrives largely assembled for quick setup. Use mooring lines/floats to suspend and aim the unit, then fine-tune the shroud angle to protect vulnerable areas.
Specifications (Overview)
- Models: P250 (1/4 HP), P500 (1/2 HP), P750 (3/4 HP), P1000 (1 HP)
- Voltages: 115V or 230V (model dependent)
- Power Cord Options: 25', 50', 100', 150'
- Construction: Bronze end-bell, directional/angled shroud
Specification |
Power House Ice Eater P250
Model P250 |
Power House Ice Eater P500
Model P500 |
Power House Ice Eater P750
Model P750 |
Power House Ice Eater P1000
Model P1000 |
Application |
Small Boats & Light Ice |
Individual Slips |
Mid-Size Boats |
Large Boats, Docks, Marinas, Piers |
Single Phase Motor |
1/4 HP |
1/2 HP |
3/4 HP |
1 HP |
Dimensions (L × W × H) |
13" × 13" × 14" |
13" × 13" × 14" |
15" × 15" × 17" |
15" × 15" × 17" |
Recommended Operating Depth |
2–3 Feet |
2–3 Feet |
2–3 Feet |
2–3 Feet |
Open Diameter (Normal Winter Conditions) |
20–25 Feet |
40 Feet |
60 Feet |
80 Feet |
Gallons per Minute (GPM) |
900 GPM |
1075 GPM |
1275 GPM |
1400 GPM |
Revolutions per Minute (RPM) |
1650 RPM |
1650 RPM |
1650 RPM |
1650 RPM |
Pounds of Thrust |
28 lbs |
32 lbs |
34 lbs |
36 lbs |
Power Cord Options |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
25', 50', 100', 150' |
Voltage |
115V or 230V |
115V or 230V |
115V or 230V |
115V or 230V |
Amps |
2.5 or 1.25 |
6 or 3.0 |
6 or 3.0 |
7 or 3.5 |
Wattage |
288 W |
690 W |
690 W |
805 W |
Daily Operating Cost (24 hrs/day)* |
$0.69 |
$1.66 |
$1.66 |
$1.93 |
Construction |
Heavy-Duty PVC Venturi Housing |
Heavy-Duty PVC Venturi Housing |
Heavy-Duty PVC Venturi Housing |
Heavy-Duty PVC Venturi Housing |
Warranty |
3-Year |
3-Year |
3-Year |
3-Year |
Optional Screen Kits |
N/A |
Small Screen Kit |
Large Screen Kit |
Large Screen Kit |
Optional Dock Mount |
N/A |
Dock Mount |
Dock Mount |
Dock Mount |
Optional Shallow Water Mount |
N/A |
N/A |
Shallow Water Stand |
Shallow Water Stand |
*Cost per day is calculated at $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. Actual cost may vary by region and energy rate. |