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
Most Efficient Pond Aerating Fountains
Most Efficient Pond Aerating Fountains
An efficient pond aerating fountain keeps your pond clean and clear by putting oxygen back into the water, which keeps algae growth to a minimum. It also inhibits the breeding of mosquitoes, while promoting a healthy aquatic environment for fish and visiting wildlife. Another bonus is that it also prevents odors normally associated with stagnant water.
Definition
Aerating fountains, pond and pool aerators, water circulators and even pond de-icers are names often incorrectly used interchangeably for a device used to add oxygen back into pond, lake or pool water. Water circulators and de-icers move stagnant water, primarily to prevent ice damage, but are not designed for aeration. Pond aeration is the addition of oxygen to standing water due to depletion as a result of aquatic, algae and plant life consumption.
What to Look For
A one-quarter horsepower or hp aerating fountain will efficiently aerate up to a one-fifth acre pond. A one-quarter to one acre pond should have a one-half hp aerator. Aerators are also available in three-quarter, one and two hp. When purchasing an aerator, the package will list the appropriate hp for the size of pond you have. To determine the size of aerator you need, use a pond sizing calculator, don’t guess. If you choose an aerator too small for the pond, the efficiency is greatly reduced, so always err on the side of greater hp.
How to Determine Efficiency
Efficiency is determined by the oxygen transfer rate, which is based on the volume of water in your pond and the amount of horsepower of the aerator. An efficient aerator transfers 3 pounds of oxygen per horsepower per hour. The aerator should remain efficient even when the water level drops, though it is not wise to operate the unit in less than 12 to 15 inches of water. The constant circulation of shallow water ultimately stirs up sediment from the bottom of the pond, which eventually clogs the filter, drastically reducing the aerator’s efficiency.
Recommended Maintenance
To improve the efficiency of your aeration system, it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and procedures. Because the unit is sitting in water 100 percent of the time, proper installation and maintenance not only keeps your warranty intact, it also prolongs the life of the system. Never enter a pond with an operating aerator, because of the potential for shock if the cord has degraded in any way.
Can You Use an Air Compressor to Aerate Ponds?
Can You Use an Air Compressor to Aerate Ponds?
If your pond needs aeration, you can turn to an air compressor to get the job done. Air compressors intended for use in water, however, differ from those manufactured for use on land, and many kinds of compressors exist. Before choosing one, figure out your specific goals for pond aeration, which will make choosing easier.
Land vs. Water Use
Although the term “air compressor” sounds like the machine should be able to deliver high volumes of pressurized air to any medium, that isn’t the case. Many air compressors are intended specifically for use in dry conditions — for instance, to power tools — and won’t function in water. Also, air compressors not intended for aquatic use can contribute toxins to water. Even when the word “pump” is part of an air compressor model’s name or label, the compressor still may not be suitable for pond use. That is because although “pump” usually indicates an item can be used with liquid systems such as ponds, some air compressor pumps are meant for use on only land.
Aquatic Air Compressors
All air compressors used in ponds should be “oil-less” because, compared to their counterparts, they deliver higher quality, cleaner air, which is safer for the animals and plants, or aquaculture, in the pond water. Aquatic air compressors are more high-tech because they can move oxygen through water without breaking stratification, which means they won’t mix the warm upper and cold lower pond water layers. Air compressors usually are intended for use in large ponds deeper than 8 feet. So if your pond is shallower, you could consider other aeration methods.
Other Aerators
Blowers, diffusers, pumps and fountains can achieve satisfactory pond aeration. Blowers work well for shallow ponds and often are used in conjunction with air diffusers, which mix pond water, breaking stratification. Surface aerators force water from about 6 feet down upward to snag oxygen from the air. Fountains achieve the same effect, often with decorative flair, making them an option for aerating small, shallow garden ponds.
Aeration Benefits
Pond aeration provides many benefits to aquatic ecosystems. Adding oxygen to a pond through aeration is often necessary when algae blooms deplete it or when it is treated chemically for plant overpopulation; the addition of oxygen helps pond fish and other aquatic species stay alive during those times. Aeration also circulates pond water, preventing problems such as stagnation, mosquito breeding and the debris buildup that often accompanies low oxygen levels.
Benefits of Having a Garden Pond
Having a garden pond is a dream for many homeowners. While creating a garden pond ecosystem can be a lot of work, there are many long-term benefits of building one. A garden pond provides aesthetic beauty to your house or commercial premises and can help you impress your neighbors and visitors. Below are some of the benefits of building a garden pond.
Natural Calmness and Beauty
A garden pond ecosystem provides a natural scenic beauty and natural calmness to your garden. It acts as a relaxing retreat from all the busy work life worries. Having a garden pond provides a very positive effect on the mind and body. Spending some time amidst your garden pond ecosystem can rejuvenate your mind and increase focus, creativity, and sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety. Having a positive effect on the mind will also improve physical health.
Less pollution
Garden equipment machinery emits high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides. When a pond occupies space in your garden, it automatically reduces the space available for plants and grass. This leads to less use of lawnmowers and garden equipment machines, leading to lesser production of gas and other air pollutants. It also helps in reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Reduced usage of fertilizers helps to reduce the levels of toxicity in the garden. It also leads to cost savings on garden machinery and fertilizers.
Safe sanctuary for local wildlife
While ponds can be filled with beautiful fish, such as Koi and goldfish, they also attract and provide a sanctuary for local wildlife. Aquatic plants can be grown in ponds, which can attract different types of birds and frogs. The growth of algae also attracts tadpoles and other small aquatic animals. A garden pond can lead to an entire ecosystem of flora and fauna of local plants, birds, and small animals.
Financial benefits
We already discussed building a garden pond to save costs on garden machinery and fertilizers, and pesticides. But the most significant financial benefit of having a garden pond is it can help increase the overall value of your property. A garden pond makes your property far more attractive to prospective buyers. Having an already present garden pond means your potential buyer will have to spend money to build a new one, plus it gives your property that premium feels and helps command a larger price.
Our experts with years of experience can quickly help you plan and build a garden pond according to your needs.
