Scott Aerator North Star Aerating Pond Fountain
Upgrade Your Pond’s Health and Appearance with the Scott Aerators North Star Pond Fountain
Aerating fountains are widely favored because they solve two problems at once, and the Scott Aerator North Star is one of the best examples of that approach. Its trumpet-shaped spray pulls water from below the surface and launches it outward in a smooth, wide arc that looks clean from every angle while putting serious work into oxygenating your pond. Flow rates range from 300 GPM on the 1/3 HP all the way up to 800 GPM on the 3 HP, generating enough surface agitation to discourage algae, cycle out stagnant water, and keep dissolved oxygen levels where they need to be. The North Star fits comfortably on residential ponds, but it is just as capable on HOA entrances, golf course water features, municipal parks, and commercial properties where both performance and appearance matter.
Scott Aerator designed the North Star around an oil-free stainless steel motor that runs around the clock without needing oil changes, a control box, or any scheduled service. It handles fresh water and salt water equally well, and when winter arrives, there is nothing to drain, remove, or winterize. You turn the power off, let the pond freeze around the unit, and flip it back on after the spring thaw with no risk of damage to the motor or housing. That kind of hands-off reliability is especially valuable for property managers, HOA boards, and homeowners who do not want pond equipment turning into a recurring chore. Every unit ships with a submersible power cord already attached, and 115V models come with a standard plug so you can connect without hiring an electrician.
Seven horsepower options and eleven total configurations across 115V and 230V give you room to size the North Star for anything from a compact backyard pond to a multi-acre lake. The smaller 1/3 HP works well for ponds up to 3/4 acre where you want gentle aeration without a large spray footprint. On the other end, the 3 HP throws a 12-foot spray and circulates 800 GPM for properties that need maximum coverage and a display visible from a distance. Add optional LED light kits to keep the fountain visible after dark, or plug in a timer to control when the motor runs. Use the configuration comparison and cable length charts below to zero in on the right model for your site.
Aerating fountains are popular because they handle water quality and curb appeal in a single unit. The Scott Aerator North Star does exactly that, using a trumpet-shaped spray to pull water from below the surface and push it outward in a wide, graceful arc that oxygenates your pond while looking great from shore. Flow rates range from 300 to 800 GPM across seven motor sizes, providing enough agitation to fight algae, cycle stagnant water, and boost dissolved oxygen levels.
The North Star runs on an oil-free stainless steel motor that operates 24/7 with zero maintenance, no oil changes, and no control box. It handles salt water and fresh water equally well, and there is nothing to winterize. When the temperature drops, turn it off and let the pond freeze around it. When spring arrives, restore power and it picks up right where it left off.
Seven HP ratings from 1/3 HP to 3 HP and eleven total configurations across 115V and 230V let you size the unit for ponds ranging from a compact backyard setup to a multi-acre lake. Add optional LED lights to keep the display going after sunset, or use a timer to manage when the motor runs. The charts below help you compare models and confirm the right cable length for your installation.
Looking for other aerating fountain models? Browse our full Pond Aerator collection.
Benefits of the Scott Aerator North Star Fountain Aerator
Scott North Star Motor Configuration Comparison
| 1/3 HP 115V |
1/3 HP 230V |
1/2 HP 115V |
1/2 HP 230V |
3/4 HP 115V |
3/4 HP 230V |
1 HP 115V |
1 HP 230V |
1-1/2 HP 230V |
2 HP 230V |
3 HP 230V |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Pond Size | Up to 3/4 Acre | 1/4 - 1/2 Acre | 1/2 - 3/4 Acre | 3/4 - 1 Acre | 1 - 1.5 Acre | 1 - 2 Acre | 1 - 3+ Acre | ||||
| Minimum Water Depth | 32" | 32" | 34" | 36" | 38" | 42" | 42" | ||||
| Gallons Per Minute | 300 | 300 | 400 | 400 | 450 | 450 | 500 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 |
| Spray Height x Width | 6' H x 9' W | 8' H x 11' W | 9' H x 12' W | 9' H x 15' W | 10' H x 18' W | 11' H x 18' W | 12' H x 18' W | ||||
| KW | .25 | .25 | .37 | .37 | .55 | .55 | .75 | .75 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 2.2 |
| Amps | 8 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 10.7 | 6.8 | 11.5 | 8.2 | 10.6 | 10 | 13.3 |
| Hz / RPM | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 | 60 / 3450 |
| Est. Operating Cost | $0.04/hr | $0.06/hr | $0.08/hr | $0.11/hr | $0.17/hr | $0.23/hr | $0.33/hr | ||||
| Min Anchor Weight (each) | 20 lbs | 20 lbs | 25 lbs | 25 lbs | 25 lbs | 25 lbs | 35 lbs | 35 lbs | 45 lbs | 45 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Standard Cord Option (Longer Lengths Available) | 70' / 10 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 10 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 10 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 100' / 12 GA | 100' / 10 GA | 100' / 10 GA |
Key Features of the North Star by Scott Aerator
- Oil-Free Stainless Steel Motor: Every North Star runs on an environmentally friendly, oil-free submersible motor sealed in a marine-grade stainless steel housing. There is no oil to monitor, no control box to wire, and no routine service to schedule. All motors are proudly built in Holland, Michigan.
- Wide Motor Selection: Seven HP options cover everything from a compact 1/3 HP that circulates 300 GPM on a small residential pond to a full-size 3 HP that pushes 800 GPM with a 12-foot spray height for multi-acre properties. The four smallest ratings offer both 115V and 230V, and the three largest run on 230V.
- Distinctive Trumpet Nozzle: Unlike tiered or V-shaped fountain patterns, the North Star's trumpet design throws water outward in a smooth, wide arc. This shape maximizes the amount of water exposed to air on the way down, which improves oxygen transfer while keeping the display elegant and easy to see from a distance.
- Factory-Attached Power Cord: Each unit ships ready to connect with a submersible cord in 10 GA or 12 GA, measuring 70 or 100 feet depending on the motor. Models rated for 115V include a standard plug for residential outlets. If your breaker panel is farther than the included cord allows, longer replacement cords can be ordered separately.
- No Winterizing, No Removal: All Scott Aerator products are engineered to handle subzero temperatures without any damage to the motor, housing, or float. When the season ends, cut the power and walk away. There is no draining, no storage, and no reinstallation in the spring.
See the North Star Fountain Aerator in Action
Maximum Cable Length - Motor to Main Breaker
| Cable Size | 1/3 HP 115V |
1/3 HP 230V |
1/2 HP 115V |
1/2 HP 230V |
3/4 HP 115V |
3/4 HP 230V |
1 HP 115V |
1 HP 230V |
1-1/2 HP 230V |
2 HP 230V |
3 HP 230V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AWG | 175' | 700' | 160' | 650' | 125' | 480' | 75' | 400' | 310' | 250' | 190' |
| 10 AWG | 275' | 1120' | 250' | 1020' | 150' | 760' | 100' | 630' | 480' | 390' | 300' |
| 8 AWG | 430' | 1720' | 390' | 1610' | 200' | 1200' | 150' | 990' | 770' | 620' | 470' |
| 6 AWG | 680' | 2680' | 620' | 2510' | 350' | 1870' | 300' | 1540' | 1200' | 970' | 750' |
| 4 AWG | 1050' | 4180' | 960' | 3880' | 700' | 2890' | 650' | 2380' | 1870' | 1530' | 1190' |
| 2 AWG | 1600' | 6320' | 1460' | 5880' | 1100' | 4370' | 1050' | 3610' | 2850' | 2360' | 1850' |
| Standard Cord Option (Longer Lengths Available) | 70' / 10 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 10 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 70' / 10 GA | 70' / 12 GA | 100' / 12 GA | 100' / 10 GA | 100' / 10 GA |
Requirements & What to Know Before You Buy
- Dedicated GFCI Circuit: A GFCI-protected circuit is mandatory for all North Star installations. Have a licensed electrician handle the wiring if you are not sure your current setup meets this requirement.
- Swimmer Safety: Power must be disconnected any time someone enters the water. This applies to all electric pond equipment, not just the North Star.
- Depth Requirements by Motor: The pond must be at least 32" deep for the 1/3 and 1/2 HP, 34" for the 3/4 HP, 36" for the 1 HP, 38" for the 1-1/2 HP, and 42" for the 2 HP and 3 HP. Measure at the planned placement point, not at the shoreline.
- Two-Point Anchoring: The North Star requires two anchor weights (or concrete blocks) and two nylon mooring ropes to hold position. Minimum weight per anchor ranges from 20 lbs on the 1/3 HP to 55 lbs on the 3 HP. Anchors and rope are sold separately.
- No Extension Cords Allowed: Running the motor through an extension cord is not permitted. If the included power cord does not reach your breaker panel, use the cable length chart above to select the correct wire gauge for the total run distance, and order a longer cord or have a qualified electrician install a dedicated line.
- Choosing 115V or 230V: The four smaller motors (1/3 through 1 HP) come in both voltages. A 115V unit plugs into any standard outlet. A 230V unit needs to be hardwired into a panel. If you are considering the 1 HP, Scott Aerator strongly recommends the 230V version to avoid voltage drop over longer cord runs.
- Winter Storage Not Needed: Leave the North Star in the pond through the off-season. Cut power, let ice form, and restore power once things thaw. Every part of the unit handles subzero conditions without sustaining damage.
- Salt Water Compatible: The stainless steel motor housing is rated for salt water and brackish ponds out of the box. No coatings, sleeves, or add-on kits are required.
- Continuous Duty Motor: The North Star is rated to run nonstop, day and night, with no breaks and no maintenance intervals. If you want to cycle the motor on and off, an optional timer is available.
- ARL Compliance: Every North Star configuration is ARL tested and approved to meet the applicable requirements of UL and the National Electric Code as a complete package.
What's Included & Optional Add-Ons
- In the Box: Pump assembly, float platform, stainless steel wire basket, self-tapping assembly screws, submersible power cord (length and gauge depend on motor selection), and owner's manual. Everything needed to get the North Star in the water ships together.
- Available Separately - LED Lights: Choose from Night Glo warm white or color-changing LED sets. Both screw directly onto the float and run off 115V household power. Go with a 2-light set for motors up to 1 HP, or a 4-light set for 1-1/2 HP and above. Every light set includes a built-in timer. The color-changing version also ships with a wireless remote rated for up to 300 feet.
- Available Separately - Motor Timers: Set the fountain to run on a custom schedule using a mechanical-dial timer with multiple on/off positions. Pick 115V (plug-in) or 230V (hardwired), both in a weather-resistant housing. Timers control the motor only; the light kits handle their own scheduling independently.
- Available Separately - Anchors & Mooring Line: Two anchor weights (or concrete blocks) and two nylon ropes are required to hold the North Star in position. These are not included in the package and must be sourced before installation.
- Available Separately - Extended Power Cords: If your breaker panel sits farther from the pond than the factory cord can reach, longer submersible replacement cords are available in the same gauge as the original.
Scott Aerator North Star Fountain Aerator Specifications
| Manufacturer | Scott Aerator |
| Product Type | Aerating Pond Fountain |
| Motor Options | 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, 1 HP, 1-1/2 HP, 2 HP, 3 HP |
| Voltage Options | 115V on select smaller models (1/3, 1/2, 3/4, 1 HP) and 230V across all seven ratings |
| Total Configurations | 11 |
| Motor Construction | Stainless steel, oil-free, submersible motor across all configurations |
| KW Range | .25 to 2.2 |
| Amp Draw Range | 4A to 13.3A depending on configuration |
| Best for Pond Size | Up to 3/4 acre through 3+ acres depending on motor |
| Minimum Water Depth | 32" to 42" depending on motor |
| Flow Rate Range | 300 GPM to 800 GPM |
| Max Spray Height | 6' to 12' depending on motor |
| Max Spray Width | 9' to 18' depending on motor |
| Spray Pattern | Trumpet-shaped aerating display |
| Saltwater Approved | Yes, no added equipment required |
| Continuous Operation | 24-hour rated, no maintenance required, no control box needed |
| Year-Round Installation | Yes. Winter-safe, no winterizing needed. Freezing water does no damage. |
| Anchoring | Proper anchoring required with two weights or concrete blocks and two nylon ropes. Minimum 20 lbs to 55 lbs per anchor depending on motor. Anchors and mooring line not included. |
| Power Cord | Submersible, 10 GA or 12 GA, 70' or 100' depending on motor. 115V models include a plug. |
| Electrical Requirement | Dedicated GFCI-protected circuit, no extension cords. 115V plugs into standard outlet; 230V is hardwired. |
| Motor Speed / Frequency | 60 Hz, single-phase, 3,450 RPM. Also available in 3-phase and/or 50 Hz versions. |
| Optional Accessories | Night Glo warm white LED light kits, color-changing LED light kits (with remote), fountain timers (115V and 230V), and longer power cords |
| ARL Tested | ARL tested and approved to be in compliance with the applicable requirements of UL and the National Electric Code as complete packages. |
| Warranty | 5 years unconditional against motor defects in materials or workmanship under normal operating conditions, and 1 year against factory defects on all other product components. Warranty replacement requires return of the defective unit to the factory with shipping prepaid by the customer for inspection before replacement parts are issued. |
| Made in the USA | Yes (Holland, Michigan) |
Manual/Video
Click to view the North Star Fountain Aerator Manual
Click to view the Color-Changing LED Lights Manual
Click to view the White LED Lights Manual