Airmax Shallow Water Series | SW20 | A600803
The Airmax SW20 Shallow Water Aeration System helps circulate and oxygenate ponds up to 1/4 acre and 6 feet deep. This package includes two ProAir 2 weighted diffusers, an outdoor composite cabinet with SilentAir LR25 compressor, and 200 feet of 3/8-inch EasySet weighted airline in two 100-foot rolls. It is a coordinated system designed specifically for shallow-water applications.
In shallow ponds, rising air bubbles have less depth in which to circulate water. The SW20 uses two strategically positioned diffusers to distribute aeration through smaller, shallow-water environments.
The LR25 linear diaphragm compressor uses rubber mounts to reduce vibration. Its ventilated outdoor cabinet protects the equipment while keeping the system conveniently accessible for maintenance.
Choose the SW20 for a shallow pond with a maximum surface area of 1/4 acre and diffuser locations no deeper than 6 feet. Pond shape, obstructions, and diffuser placement affect actual circulation.
Important: Airmax warns that operating a Shallow Water Series system deeper than 6 feet can cause premature equipment failure and void the warranty.
For larger shallow ponds, consider our Airmax SW40 Shallow Water Aeration System .
Need additional length? View our 3/8" Self-Weighted Aeration Tubing . Compatible connectors for added sections are sold separately.
This A600803 package contains 200 feet total, supplied as two 100-foot rolls—not one continuous 200-foot run. Plan the route from the compressor manifold to each diffuser before ordering. If either route requires more than 100 feet, additional airline and appropriate connector fittings will be necessary.
Electrical service, site preparation, installation tools, and any additional airline or optional mounting accessories are not part of the listed package.
Manufacturer operating-cost reference: approximately $3.60 per month at $0.10/kWh when operated continuously. Actual electricity costs depend on local utility rates and usage.
Both models are designed for water no deeper than 6 feet. The SW40 uses a larger compressor and four diffusers to serve a larger shallow-water area.
| Specification | SW20 — This Model | SW40 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum pond coverage | 1/4 acre | 1/2 acre |
| Maximum depth | 6 ft. | 6 ft. |
| ProAir 2 diffusers | 2 | 4 |
| Compressor | LR25 | LR50 |
| Maximum airflow | 2.5 CFM | 4.9 CFM |
| Running amperage | 0.43A | 0.87A |
| Voltage | 115V | 115V |
| Cabinet size | 23" × 17" × 15" | 23" × 17" × 15" |
| Blue Thumb package airline | 200 ft. | 400 ft. |
| Power cord | 6 ft. | 6 ft. |
The SW20 requires a suitable cabinet location, a properly grounded GFCI-protected electrical supply, airline routing, and correct diffuser placement. Follow the Airmax owner's manual for the full installation procedure.
Position the cabinet on a stable, level surface above the pond's high-water mark. Keep it away from irrigation spray and maintain open ventilation around its air intake and exhaust.
Determine the distance to each diffuser. Run separate airlines from the cabinet manifold to the two diffuser locations. Additional airline lengths require the proper connector kits. Follow the manufacturer's trenching and protection instructions.
Install the ProAir 2 assemblies in suitable locations, generally spaced to promote circulation throughout the pond. Lower them carefully so the weighted sleds remain upright. Always follow appropriate water-safety procedures.
Connect both airlines securely, power the system using a GFCI-protected outlet, and adjust the manifold valves for appropriate airflow to each diffuser.
When starting a new system, or restarting after an extended shutdown, follow the Airmax seven-day startup schedule. Immediately running continuous aeration in a pond with poor bottom-water quality can create hazardous conditions for fish.
Use a properly grounded, GFCI-protected outlet. Never operate the system with an extension cord. Follow the complete manufacturer's safety and startup instructions before powering the system.
Manufacturer's initial startup schedule: Day 1: 30 minutes; Day 2: 1 hour; Day 3: 2 hours; Day 4: 4 hours; Day 5: 8 hours; Day 6: 16 hours; Day 7: continuous operation.
The system may be operated seasonally or year-round when conditions permit. Aeration can create dangerous open-water areas and thin ice during freezing weather. Follow Airmax winter safety guidance and post appropriate warnings.
If shutting down, follow the manufacturer's winterization instructions for disconnecting, capping, and storing components.
Airmax provides separate limited warranty periods for major system components:
Coverage is subject to Airmax warranty terms, exclusions, proper installation, and authorized operating conditions. Wear parts are excluded under the manufacturer's published warranty terms. Review the official owner's manual for complete conditions.
These manufacturer videos cover general Airmax aeration installation and maintenance of the LR25 compressor used in the SW20. Follow the SW20 owner's manual for exact-model instructions.
Official Airmax installation overview for the aeration system family. Some configurations shown may differ from this SW20 kit.
Video source: Airmax
Official Airmax demonstration of the LR25 diaphragm maintenance kit installation. Replacement maintenance parts are not included with this aeration system purchase.
Video source: Airmax
Not sure whether the SW20 provides the right coverage, or whether the included airline is long enough? Our Sales/Tech Team can help review your pond size, depth, diffuser placement, and installation plan.
The A600803 package includes 200 feet total: two separate 100-foot rolls of 3/8-inch EasySet weighted airline. Each diffuser receives its own airline run.
No. Airmax limits this Shallow Water Series system to a maximum diffuser depth of 6 feet. Operating it deeper than this can cause premature equipment failure and void the manufacturer warranty.
Not necessarily. The compressor cabinet can be positioned away from the water when suitable airline routing is provided. A correctly installed, grounded, GFCI-protected electrical supply is required at the cabinet. Additional tubing, connectors, or a remote manifold may be needed for longer installations.
The system is designed for continuous operation, but a gradual startup is important when first installing it or restarting after an extended shutdown. Follow Airmax's seven-day procedure to reduce the risk of bringing poor-quality bottom water rapidly to the surface.
Bottom-diffused aeration supports water circulation and oxygen availability, which can help beneficial biological processes and overall pond management. It is not a guaranteed standalone solution for algae, excessive nutrients, or accumulated muck. Additional pond-management measures may be necessary.
Periodically clean the air filters, inspect cabinet ventilation, maintain the LR25 compressor, and inspect diffuser membranes. The Airmax manual provides the recommended service intervals and replacement procedures.
Winter operation is possible, but moving water can create dangerously thin ice and open-water areas. Follow the manufacturer's winter safety recommendations. If you shut down the system, follow the specified winterization procedure before storage.