Kasco Horizontal Float De-Icer
- MPN:
- horizontal float
Description
Direct Your Kasco De-Icer Flow Horizontally Across the Waterfront
The Kasco Horizontal Float positions a compatible Kasco De-Icer just below the water's surface so water can be moved horizontally instead of primarily upward.
Horizontal positioning creates a longer, directional pattern of moving water, making this style of installation useful when you want to move warmer water toward a dock, pier, boat slip, shoreline, or other targeted area.
Historically, Kasco designed its Horizontal Float as an alternative mounting option for De-Icers in shallow-water applications and locations where an elongated open-water pattern was preferred.
The float allows the De-Icer to be positioned away from the dock itself. Secure the floating assembly using appropriate mooring ropes tied to a dock, pier, shoreline anchor, or other structurally suitable anchor points.
Why Use a Horizontal Float?
Long Docks
Aim the De-Icer flow along a dock or toward an area where a long, directional opening is more useful than a circular opening.
Boat Slips
Position moving water toward a boat slip or other protected waterfront zone when the installation and surrounding structures permit.
Shallow Water
Horizontal orientation can reduce splashing and make better use of warmer water when depth is limited.
Targeted Water Movement
Use the float position and De-Icer angle to send warmer water toward the structure or area that needs protection.
Compatibility
Check Your Kasco Unit Before Ordering
Kasco's Horizontal Float design has been used with circulating units in the 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP range. However, Kasco's current product literature now documents the Horizontal Float primarily with AquatiClear circulators rather than as a standard current De-Icer mount.
| Unit / Application | Guidance |
|---|---|
| 1/2 HP Kasco Unit | Current Horizontal Float hardware is documented for compatible 1/2 HP Kasco circulating units. Confirm De-Icer model compatibility before ordering. |
| 3/4 HP Kasco Unit | Current Horizontal Float hardware is documented for compatible 3/4 HP Kasco circulating units. Confirm De-Icer model compatibility before ordering. |
| 1 HP Kasco Unit | Current Horizontal Float hardware is documented for compatible 1 HP Kasco circulating units. Confirm De-Icer model compatibility before ordering. |
| 2 HP De-Icer | Do not assume compatibility. Contact Weeders Digest before ordering. |
| Current AquatiClear | The current Kasco Horizontal Float is officially documented for compatible AquatiClear installations. |
How It Works
How a Horizontal De-Icer Installation Changes Water Flow
A Kasco De-Icer does not heat the water. It moves naturally warmer water and circulates it toward the surface to help reduce or prevent ice formation.
With a traditional vertical suspension, much of that water is directed upward. With horizontal or angled positioning, the moving water can be directed farther outward toward a specific area.
- The De-Icer is mounted beneath the float.
The flotation block supports the mounting assembly at the water surface. - The unit is positioned horizontally or at an angle.
The orientation determines where the water flow is directed. - The float is moored in position.
Appropriate ropes or anchor lines prevent the floating assembly from drifting. - The De-Icer moves water through the target area.
Horizontal positioning creates an elongated pattern rather than concentrating all movement directly above the motor. - Warmer water reaches the surface.
The moving water helps maintain an opening in the ice where conditions allow.
Best Uses
Where a Horizontal Float Can Be Useful
Shallow Waterfront Areas
Horizontal positioning can help when vertical operation would create excessive splashing or when usable depth is limited.
Long Dock Edges
An elongated flow pattern can be useful when water needs to move parallel to or along a longer waterfront structure.
Areas Away From a Dock
A floating mount can position the De-Icer farther from the structure when deeper or more favorable water is located offshore.
Directional De-Icing
Aim the flow from deeper water toward shallower water or toward the structure that needs protection.
Changing Water Levels
A floating installation may be useful where the desired mounting point is not directly attached to a fixed dock structure.
Open-Water Buffer Zones
Use directional circulation when the goal is to create an open-water buffer between expanding ice and a dock, piling, or shoreline structure.
Water Depth
How Deep Should a Kasco De-Icer Be?
Water depth has a major effect on De-Icer performance because the unit depends on access to warmer water below the surface.
Practical Minimum
Kasco's current guidance considers approximately 2.5 to 3 feet of water the practical minimum range for standard De-Icer operation.
Preferred Depth
Approximately 3.5 to 4 feet or deeper is generally preferred for stronger De-Icer performance.
Stay Off the Bottom
Keep the De-Icer itself at least approximately 1 foot above the lake or pond bottom to reduce the chance of pulling in debris.
Measure Winter Depth
Size and position the system using expected winter water levels rather than summer water depth.
Installation
Horizontal Float Setup & Installation
Hardware can vary by Horizontal Float generation. Always use the assembly instructions supplied with your specific float kit.
- Confirm De-Icer compatibility.
Verify that your exact Kasco unit and Horizontal Float hardware are designed to work together before assembly. - Assemble the float hardware.
Install the mounting brackets, straps and attachment hardware according to the instructions supplied with the float. - Attach the De-Icer below the float.
Secure the motor assembly so it cannot rotate or shift independently from the float. - Select the desired operating angle.
Position the unit horizontally or at the appropriate angle to direct water toward the target area. - Position the float in the water.
Choose a location with adequate depth and an unobstructed path for the moving water. - Secure the mooring lines.
Anchor the float to suitable shoreline, dock, pier, piling, or other secure points so the system cannot drift. - Protect the power cord.
Route the cord so it is not carrying the mechanical load of the float and cannot rub against sharp edges. - Check depth and bottom clearance.
Make sure the De-Icer remains clear of bottom sediment, rocks, weeds, ropes, and other obstructions. - Connect power safely.
Use the properly grounded and GFCI-protected electrical circuit required for your Kasco De-Icer. - Observe the flow pattern.
Confirm that water is moving in the desired direction and reposition the float or unit angle if needed.
Mount Comparison
Horizontal Float vs. Rope Suspension vs. Dock Mount
| Feature | Horizontal Float | Rope Suspension | Universal Dock Mount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Style | Floating mount positioned in the water | De-Icer suspended from two secure points | Rigid mount attached to dock or piling |
| Directional Flow | Designed for horizontal or angled flow | Vertical or slight angle | Adjustable depth, angle and direction |
| Dock Required | No direct motor attachment to dock required, but secure mooring points are needed | Secure suspension points required | Yes, or another compatible fixed structure |
| Shallow-Water Use | Historically well suited to shallow-water De-Icer installations | Possible, but performance depends strongly on available depth | Allows controlled positioning and angle |
| Current Kasco De-Icer Documentation | Verify compatibility before ordering | Current standard installation method | Current optional mounting method |
Specifications
Kasco Horizontal Float Specifications
| Product Type | Floating horizontal mounting system for compatible Kasco circulating units |
|---|---|
| Primary Use on This Page | Horizontal / angled positioning of compatible Kasco De-Icer units |
| Mounting Orientation | Horizontal or angled below the flotation block |
| Water Movement Pattern | Directional, elongated circulation pattern |
| Common Applications | Docks, piers, boat slips, shorelines, shallow-water installations and areas requiring directional water movement |
| Documented Current Unit Range | Current Kasco Horizontal Float hardware is documented for compatible 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP units |
| De-Icer Compatibility | Confirm exact De-Icer model and float generation before ordering |
| Motor Included | No |
| De-Icer Included | No |
| Electrical Requirement | Determined by the Kasco De-Icer or circulator installed on the float |
Safety
Kasco De-Icer Safety With a Horizontal Float
Use GFCI Protection
Operate the De-Icer only from the properly grounded and GFCI-protected circuit required for the unit.
No Extension Cords
Kasco's current De-Icer manual states not to use extension cords with the De-Icer.
Never Enter the Water
No one should enter the water while the electrical equipment is connected or operating.
Never Pull by the Power Cord
Use the float, ropes or mounting system to retrieve and reposition equipment rather than pulling on the electrical cord.
Mark Open Water
Clearly identify de-iced areas so people approaching the shoreline understand that open water or thin ice may be present.
Inspect Regularly
Check mooring lines, float hardware, power cord, De-Icer cage and water-flow performance throughout the winter.
FAQs
Kasco Horizontal Float De-Icer FAQs
What is the Kasco Horizontal Float?
The Kasco Horizontal Float is a mounting system that suspends a compatible Kasco circulating unit beneath a flotation block so water can be directed horizontally or at an angle.
What does a Horizontal Float do for a De-Icer?
It changes the De-Icer from primarily vertical circulation to a more directional or elongated flow pattern. This can help move warmer water toward a dock, pier, shoreline, boat slip, or other targeted area.
Is the De-Icer included with the Horizontal Float?
No. This page is for the Horizontal Float mounting accessory. The Kasco De-Icer motor is purchased separately.
Does the Horizontal Float fit every Kasco De-Icer?
Do not assume universal compatibility. Kasco's current Horizontal Float hardware is documented for compatible 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP units, but current Kasco De-Icer literature no longer lists the Horizontal Float as a standard De-Icer mount. Confirm your exact model before ordering.
Can I use the Horizontal Float with a 1/2 HP Kasco De-Icer?
The current Horizontal Float design supports compatible 1/2 HP Kasco units, but confirm the specific De-Icer model and hardware generation before ordering.
Can I use it with a 3/4 HP De-Icer?
The current float design supports compatible 3/4 HP Kasco units. Verify your exact De-Icer model with Weeders Digest before purchase.
Can I use it with a 1 HP De-Icer?
Current Kasco Horizontal Float hardware is documented for compatible 1 HP units, but De-Icer compatibility should be confirmed before ordering.
Can I use it with a 2 HP De-Icer?
Do not assume compatibility with a 2 HP De-Icer. Contact Weeders Digest Product Support before purchasing.
Is the Horizontal Float good for shallow water?
Historically, Kasco recommended the Horizontal Float for shallow-water De-Icer applications. Kasco's current guidance says horizontal De-Icer positioning can help reduce splashing and make better use of warmer water when depth is limited.
How shallow is too shallow for a Kasco De-Icer?
Kasco's current guidance considers approximately 2.5 to 3 feet of water the practical minimum for standard operation. Approximately 3.5 to 4 feet or deeper is preferred for better performance.
Should I measure water depth in summer or winter?
Use the expected winter water level. Seasonal drawdown can make an installation significantly shallower than it appears during summer.
How far should the De-Icer be from the bottom?
Kasco recommends keeping the De-Icer at least approximately 1 foot off the bottom to help prevent debris from entering or clogging the unit.
Does a Kasco De-Icer heat the water?
No. A Kasco De-Icer moves naturally warmer water toward the surface rather than using an electric heating element.
Why use horizontal flow instead of vertical flow?
Horizontal or angled flow can move warmer water farther in a specific direction and create an elongated open-water pattern. Vertical positioning generally creates a more concentrated opening around the unit.
Can I point the De-Icer toward shallow water?
Yes. Kasco recommends using deeper water when possible and directing warmer water toward shallow areas that need protection.
Can I position the float away from my dock?
Yes. One advantage of a floating installation is the ability to place the unit in a suitable offshore location and secure it with mooring lines.
How is the float held in place?
The float is secured using suitable mooring ropes or anchor lines connected to secure shoreline, dock, pier, piling, or other appropriate anchor points.
Can I tie the float to cinder blocks?
The previous Weeders Digest instructions mentioned weighted anchors such as cinder blocks. Whatever anchor method is used must be stable, appropriate for the site, and capable of keeping the float from drifting or twisting.
Can I use the power cord to hold the float in place?
No. Never use the electrical cord as a mooring line or retrieval rope. The float and motor should be mechanically secured independently from the power cord.
Can the Horizontal Float be used in changing water levels?
A floating installation can be useful in locations where the desired motor position is not attached directly to a fixed dock. Always maintain adequate depth and safe mooring throughout changing conditions.
Is the Horizontal Float better than the Universal Dock Mount?
They solve different installation problems. The Horizontal Float provides floating directional positioning, while the Universal Dock Mount provides rigid adjustable positioning from a dock, piling, or compatible fixed structure.
Can I use a thermostat or timer with a floated De-Icer?
A compatible De-Icer controller may be used based on the voltage and De-Icer model. Choose the controller according to the electrical requirements of the De-Icer, not the float.
Does the Horizontal Float determine my De-Icer coverage?
No. The open-water area depends on the De-Icer horsepower, air temperature, water depth, unit angle, water movement, obstructions and other site conditions. The float changes how the unit is positioned and how flow is directed.
Can I enter the water to adjust the float while the De-Icer is running?
No. Disconnect electrical power before entering the water or handling, repositioning, inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit.
Do I need GFCI protection?
Yes. Kasco requires the De-Icer to be connected to a properly grounded and GFCI-protected electrical circuit.
Can I use an extension cord?
No. Kasco's current De-Icer manual specifically states not to use extension cords.
Where can I get help confirming compatibility?
Contact Weeders Digest Product Support with your Kasco model number, horsepower, voltage and approximate age of the De-Icer. Call 877-224-4899 before ordering if you are unsure which mount fits.
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