A reliable pond pump is the heart of any outdoor fish pond. These water circulation pumps are commonly used to power fountains, waterfalls, and other water features.
Choosing the best pump for specific application is a very important decision. Making the wrong choice can result in poor water circulation and high energy bills. In addition to circulating water through your pond filter, a pump also helps to keep your pond well oxygenated. Many pond owners rely on their waterfall and fountains to provide all the oxygenation for their ponds and do not purchase a separate aerator pump.
It is important to keep several factors in mind when choosing a pond pump. First and foremost, you need to determine your required flow rate. For small ponds up to 2,000 gallons, your minimum flow rate should allow you to circulate the entire pond water volume once per hour. For larger ponds up to 5,000 gallons, the goal should be to circulate all of your pond water once every two hours. Following these guidelines will help to ensure optimal water quality.
An understanding of total dynamic head is also important as this can help you to ensure the pump you purchase can provide the desired flow rate after you factor in resistance caused by your filter, water fall, and pond plumbing layout. Several calculators are available online which can help you easily calculate the total dynamic head of your pond or water garden.
Equally important, you will need to ensure your pump can achieve the recommended flow rates for your pond filter and ultraviolet sterilizer. These recommendations are commonly provided with these units and should be reviewed before buying any pond pump to help avoid any potential issues later on.
There are basically two different categories of pumps available: submersible pumps and external pumps. Which type is best for you? This answer depends on your specific needs. Submersible pumps are ideal for small to medium ponds where a minimal flow rate is required. These types of pumps connect easily to pressurized pond filters, which are specially designed for use in outdoor water gardens. Flow rates for submersible pumps range from a 200 GPH statuary pumps to upwards of 6,000 GPH waterfall pumps.
Submersible pond pumps are designed to installed beneath the water line and connect easily to flexible tubing. These pumps are generally offered at lower price points than external units. One drawback to submersible pumps is they tend to cost more to operate and do not last as long as comparable externals. The motors of many submersible pond pumps are encased in a resin to ensure safe use underwater. For this reason, most submersible pumps cannot be repaired due to safety reasons. This means when the pump stops working, it basically needs to be replaced.
The average useful life of a submersible pump depends on several variables. Cleanliness of your pond water, ongoing maintenance and how often the pump is cleaned, and how often the pump is used all play role. Solar pumps, which run completely off the grid, are also becoming popular for use in outdoor fish ponds due to rising energy costs. These pumps require significant amounts of sunlight to function properly and do not run at night.
For larger ponds and bodies of water, external pond pumps are generally a better choice. For larger flow rates, external pumps offer superior energy efficiency and perform better in medium / high head applications. These types of pumps often utilize a priming pot and leaf basket, which helps to prevent debris from entering the pump body while also helping to create necessary suction for above-pond installations.
The average life span for an external pump is generally longer than those of comparable submersible pumps. Whereas the very best submersible pond pumps in the world may be expected to last up to four years, many quality external pumps can easily be expected to run continuously for 6, 7, or 8 years before requiring a rebuild or servicing. The longest warranty periods offered for pond pumps, including both external and submersible units, is typically three years. Lower quality pumps are typically offered with a one year warranty and typically utilize motors which cost significantly more to operate.
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Pond Dealer, a division of EBD Shops, is an online merchant specializing in pond and water garden supplies. Offering the largest selection of specialty pond supplies on the Web, Pond Dealer offers fast, free shipping on most orders within the contiguous USA and free pond design assistance to customers across the globe.
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