Best Pond Pump Information 2021
Pumps keep the water in your pond healthy. They help evenly spread nutrients in the water to fish, plants and other aquatic life. Running water prevents stagnation and cuts down on algae and mosquitoes. Keeping the water moving ensures that oxygen levels are distributed throughout the pond. Pumps also provide power for a pond’s water features, like waterfalls and fountains.
This guide will help you learn about the best pond pumps for your garden.
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The best water pumps for your pond and its fountain or waterfall come in variety of types and styles. They include submersible, external, magnetic drive and direct drive. Each of these water garden pumps offers its own advantages.
Submersible Pumps: These pumps are designed to work while wholly submerged in water. Typically, they are installed in the deepest part of the pond. Submersible pumps can be placed either directly into your pond or in a skimmer box or pond vault.
- Easy to install.
- Work well in environments that capitalize on a natural setting.
- No need to camouflage the pump.
- Run very quietly so there’s no distracting noise in your garden.
- Submersible pumps can be used to drain your pond, if needed.
- Range in pumping size from 50 to 5,000 gallons per hour.
- Can generate higher energy costs than other pump types.
- For smaller ponds, submersible pumps are generally more economical.
Tip: Some submersible pumps use oil to operate. If the pump seal breaks and leaks harmful oil coolant into the water, fish can be hurt or killed. If you have fish or other aquatic life in your pond, you’ll want to look for a submersible model that does not use oil.
External Pumps: External pumps can move a high volume of water, yet usually have lower energy costs than submersible pumps. They are not as quiet as submersible pumps. They should be placed in a dry location near your pond. External pumps are a lot more complicated to install. However, they are generally more reliable.
- Available as self-priming pumps able to draw their own water.
- Can be loud, disturbing the quiet of your garden.
- Work well for larger ponds that are 1,000 gallons or more.
- Offer long-lasting performance and easy repair.
- Require less routine maintenance than submersible pumps.
Tip: Pumps that are not self-priming can burn out a motor if the power shuts off momentarily and then comes back on. Protect against this by installing a check valve.
Magnetic Drive: In a magnetic-drive pump, an electrical charge creates a magnetic field that causes the magnet on the impeller to rotate and pump water. Since they have no seals to wear out, they require little maintenance. Occasionally, you will need to clean the impeller and its chamber for the most efficient operation.
- Completely sealed. Magnetic-drive pumps do not require lubrication.
- Because they don’t contain oil, magnetic-drive pumps are safer for ponds with fish, since oil leaks don’t occur.
- Don’t generate high head heights. Magnetic-drive pumps are unable to lift pond water vertically, which you might need to supply water to a fountain. They are not the best water pumps for fountains.
- Work best in cleaner environments with little or no debris.
- Highly efficient and cost-effective.
Direct Drive: Direct-drive pumps have an enclosed motor that is powered by electricity, which turns the impeller shaft.
- Achieve significant head height, so they are able to move water vertically. They are among the best water pumps for fountains and waterfalls.
- Typically more expensive to operate.
- Push water rather than pulling it.
- Not easily repaired.
Tip: Some models seal the motor in an oil-filled shell with seals around the cord and impeller shaft. These are risky to use if you have a pond stocked with fish. There is an ever-present danger of water contamination if a leak occurs. Many newer pumps, however, feature alternative lubrication that is safe for fish. Look for oil-free models if you have fish or other aquatic life in your pond.
Pond Pump Calculations
Pond Pump Features
Outdoor Water Garden Ponds
Outdoor Water Garden Ponds
Meyer Aquascapes installs outdoor water garden ponds, water features, water fountains and ponds. When we install a new water garden, we take into a wide variety of factors. Our water feature experts share with us some of their water garden ideas, designs, and the impact these decisions have once the pond has been installed. Many of our customers prefer to go the route of installing their own DIY outdoor water garden pond.
If you need help installing your outdoor water garden pond, give us a ring. Here at Meyer Aquascapes we love installing custom water gardens!
Outdoor Water Feature Ideas
Bringing family together is usually one of the first things people think of when they think of an outdoor water garden pond. Family is a good thing to think about, because everyone will want to see the paradise in your backyard! Water gardens are great conversation starters and breaking the ice with visitors.
Water Feature Design Factors
Children love playing in outdoor water garden ponds, and this keeps them out of the mud! When we design water garden ponds, we think of who is going to be seeing the pond. Are children going to be around? How deep should it be? What kinds of rocks would work best?
Aquascapes Outdoor Pond Ideas
Why go to the park when your backyard is just as good? A water garden adds serenity to a backyard, or front yard for that matter! We tried to capture the beauty in this picture, but we just couldn’t. Pictures and words just can’t describe this beautiful outdoor water feature design.
Outdoor Water Garden Pond Fish
Outdoor water garden pond design also includes what kinds of fish we determine to be best for the water garden’s ecosystem. We account for the water garden temperature, climate, tree shade, and proximity to other features. Some outdoor pond fish can be kept together, and some pond fish can be natural predators to other specific water garden fish.
Pond Water Lilys
Water lilys for outdoor water garden ponds come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The perfect water lily depends on the water feature, design, and surrounding pond fish. When we design an outdoor water feature pond, we take into account several factors to arrive at a decision on which water lily will thrive in the water garden.
Outdoor Water Garden Pond Vegetation
Vegetation is important when it comes to outdoor water garden design. When plants are added to a water garden, they assist in balancing the outdoor water garden’s natural ecosystem. Adding in beneficial bacteria helps keep the water clear of gunk and debris.
Water Feature Placement
Kicking back and enjoying your water feature is one of the most important things we can help do! When we design an outdoor water garden pond, we think about the placement. We want you to be able to enjoy your Aquascapes water garden pond as much as possible. Typically our customers enjoy their water garden pond next to their deck, patio, or porch.
Outdoor Water Garden Pond Front or Back Yard?
Choosing between the back yard and front yard is one of the most difficult decisions for any outdoor water garden pond installation. When we install a water garden, we help you consider whether you would prefer the front, or back yard. If your water garden is in the front of your home, your visitors will see it right away, but backyard water features are typically easier to enjoy due to the proximity of nearby seating areas.