Dock-Mounted Water Pump Systems
Convenient, portable lake water systems for floating docks and seasonal structures. Easy installation, simple winterization, and flexible water access for Muskoka cottages.
Get Free EstimateThe Perfect Seasonal Water Solution
Dock-mounted pump systems offer a brilliant solution for cottages with floating docks or removable dock structures. Instead of permanent intake lines buried into the lake, the pump and intake attach directly to your dock - removed easily in fall and reinstalled in spring.
This approach is ideal for properties with floating dock systems, shallow water areas, or cottagers who prefer a completely removable seasonal setup. No buried lines to worry about, simpler winterization, and easy maintenance access.
Benefits of Dock-Mounted Systems
Why cottagers choose dock-mounted water pumps
Easy Seasonal Setup
Install when you put your dock in, remove when you take it out. No complicated spring start-up or fall winterization of buried lines.
Lower Installation Cost
No excavation required, no buried intake lines, no trenching from shore to cottage. Significantly less expensive than permanent systems.
Easy Maintenance
Pump is right at your dock for easy access. Clean intake screens, service pump, or make repairs without diving or specialized equipment.
Perfect for Floating Docks
Ideal solution for floating dock systems where permanent intake lines aren't practical. The pump moves with your dock.
Simple Winterization
Pull the pump, drain the lines, done. No need for compressed air blow-outs or complex winterization procedures.
Flexible & Portable
If you move your dock location or upgrade your dock system, the pump system moves with it. Not locked into a permanent location.
System Components
Submersible Pump
A submersible pump suspended in the water beside your dock. The pump sits deep enough to avoid surface debris but is easily accessible for service. Connected to shore with flexible hose.
Typical specs:
- • 1/2 HP to 1 HP pump
- • 230V electrical connection
- • Stainless steel construction
- • Built-in screen or separate intake screen
Power Supply
Electrical supply from cottage to dock. This can be overhead, buried in conduit, or underwater cable depending on your dock setup and distance to shore.
Options:
- • Permanent dock wiring (fixed docks)
- • Quick-disconnect cable (floating docks)
- • GFCI protected circuit required
- • Weatherproof connections essential
Water Line to Cottage
Flexible water line runs from the dock pump to your cottage. For floating docks, this typically uses food-grade flexible hose with quick-disconnect fittings for seasonal removal.
Line specifications:
- • Food-grade flexible hose or poly pipe
- • 1" to 1.25" typical diameter
- • Quick-disconnect fittings at both ends
- • Supported to prevent sag and kinking
Pressure Tank & Controls
Located at the cottage, the pressure tank provides consistent water pressure and reduces pump cycling. Control system with pressure switch manages pump operation automatically.
Components:
- • Pressure tank (20-60 gallon typical)
- • Pressure switch with adjustable settings
- • Check valve to prevent backflow
- • Optional: Dry-run protection
Mounting Hardware
Secure mounting system attaches pump to your dock structure. Design depends on whether you have a fixed or floating dock system.
Mounting options:
- • Bracket system for fixed docks
- • Cradle or cage for pump protection
- • Adjustable depth system
- • Quick-release for seasonal removal
Installation Types
Floating Dock System
Perfect for removable floating docks
- ✓ Pump cradle attached to dock frame
- ✓ Quick-disconnect water line
- ✓ Removable power cable
- ✓ Entire system comes out with dock
- ✓ Store pump dry for winter
Best for: Floating dock sections, removable docks, seasonal cottage use, simple winterization
Fixed Dock System
For permanent dock structures
- ✓ More permanent pump mounting
- ✓ Buried or protected water line
- ✓ Permanent electrical connection
- ✓ Pump stays year-round (deep mount)
- ✓ Option for heated components
Best for: Year-round docks, permanent structures, four-season use, convenience priority
Seasonal Installation & Removal
🌸 Spring Installation
- 1. Mount pump to dock structure
- 2. Connect electrical supply
- 3. Attach water line to cottage
- 4. Fill system and prime
- 5. Test operation
- 6. Adjust pressure settings
Typically completed in 2-4 hours
❄️ Fall Removal
- 1. Disconnect power at cottage
- 2. Drain cottage-side water line
- 3. Disconnect water line at dock
- 4. Lift pump from water
- 5. Disconnect power cable
- 6. Store pump dry for winter
Typically completed in 1-2 hours
Important Considerations
Water Depth Requirements
Your dock area needs sufficient water depth (minimum 6-8 feet) to keep the pump intake below the surface and away from sediment. Shallow water areas may not be suitable.
Distance to Cottage
Longer distances from dock to cottage require larger pumps and pipe sizes. We calculate total head (vertical + horizontal + friction loss) to size the pump correctly.
Electrical Service to Dock
You'll need 230V electrical service at your dock. If not already present, this is an additional installation cost. GFCI protection is mandatory for safety.
Water Quality
Areas near docks can have more debris, algae, and boat traffic disturbance. Good intake screens and filtration are even more important with dock-mounted systems.
Winter Storage
Pumps and components must be stored in a dry, protected location over winter. Freezing temperatures can damage pumps left with any water inside.
Dock-Mounted vs Permanent Intake
| Feature | Dock-Mounted | Permanent Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | 💰 Lower (no excavation) | 💰💰 Higher (trenching required) |
| Seasonal Setup | ✅ Easy (2-4 hours) | ❌ Complex start-up needed |
| Winterization | ✅ Simple removal | ❌ Requires blow-out service |
| Maintenance Access | ✅ Excellent (right at dock) | ⚠️ Requires diving or pulling |
| Year-Round Use | ❌ Not suitable | ✅ Can be heated for winter |
| Reliability | ⚠️ Good for seasonal | ✅ Excellent for full-time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services
Request Dock-Mounted System Quote
Perfect Seasonal Water Solution
Get a dock-mounted water system that's easy to install, maintain, and winterize. Ideal for floating docks and seasonal cottages.