Hello Lynne, I bought the smallest size sump pump at lowes so you really could get larger to move more water if you wanted. The pump is in the bottom of bucket with a piece of PVC pipe coming off of it about 4 foot then that Ts and each side is maybe 12 inches. This allows the warmer water from the pond bottom to be brought to the surface and with the T it spreads it out. A larger pump would even pump it further. Our dock probably is 15-20 foot out in the pin and I drop the bucket by the furthest post and tie it off. The electrical cord isn't submerged because it just hooks here to the sump pumps plug. I believe it may be 8-10 deep water at this place in pond. It really worked well for us and we had a very cold winter last year. You are further north of course so you would do well to get started early.

Good luck,

Katrina
« Hide