The process of lake stratification, provoked by low levels of oxygen, separates the water in the lake (colder at the bottom, and warmer at the top), forming divided layers that differ in their temperature and saltiness. This is unhealthy environment for the living world inside the lake, and can even cause the fish to die, or other problems like foul odors, excessive weed and algae growth, cloudy water, etc.

The level of oxygen inside the lake can be increased with aeration, which can be effected with either lake fountains, or aeration systems. The improved aeration in the lake will quickly stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the water, that way maintaining the healthy ecosystem.

While the lower colder levels of lake water are not beneficial for the living organisms in the lake, they are great for some bacteria types that release noxious gases, causing the lake to smell bad. Since the cooler and the warmer water levels do not naturally mix, we need the help of the lake fountains to provide the necessary aeration.

There are two main types of lake fountains, those that float on the top of the water, and those designed as diffused systems, that pump water from the bottom of the lake to its surface. The choice of the type will depend on the depth of the lake. Since the floating models take the water from the top couple of feet, they are best for the more shallow lakes. The deeper lakes need the diffuser type that forces the water down and creates bubbles which then float to the lake surface. Both of the systems take the water from the lake into the air, where it is mixed with oxygen, and then brought back to the lake.

Using lake fountains for aeration is the best solution for opposing lake stratification and ensuring healthy and balanced lake ecosystem.