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
Things to consider before buying a garden water feature
Before you invest in a garden water feature to fill up that empty outdoor space and add a wow factor to your property, there are many logistics to consider. It includes right from the supply of water to the general maintenance. Here are some things you should consider first.
Making water supply available
It is not necessary to always have a water supply. Of-the-shelf water features are self-contained with a need to top them up with water occasionally. If your garden water feature has moving water, you will need to invest in a water pump and an electric supply to drive the pump. Alternatively, you can build a water feature with a solar-powered pump as well. Pretty much all water features with moving water will require a water pump with an electric or solar-powered energy supply to help the pump drive the water.
Think about future maintenance and cleaning. Water will get contaminated with dust, algae, leaves, dirt. So you’ll need to know how to drain it, dismantle it and clear out. Thinking about this in advance will help better plan your placement of garden water features. For instance, if it is installed under a tree, leaves are likely to fall and accumulate in the water, which will mean even more maintenance.
Selecting the type and style of water feature
Consider the background settings to determine the overall style and design aspect of the water features. Classic water features like a fountain or a waterfall may look good if it’s placed amongst plants. If the settings are modern, then water feature style will also have to be modern, like glass, but an older style like cherubs will look out of place in a modern setting. Another option is worth having a look at is lighting the water. In such a case, it’s better to opt for water features with an in-build lighting option else; you may have to spend extra on setting up different lights. Lighting can make the water features look good in all seasons throughout the day.
Decorative Garden Water Features
Water features provide homeowners with a unique and creative way to decorate their outdoor living space. Many homeowners desire the soothing sounds of running water, but are just not ready for a pond or simply can’t afford one. Aquascape’s AquaBasin® system, paired with our handcrafted line of pond decorations and accessories, provides the perfect solution for capitalizing on these small, entry-level water features. Here are some of the decorative garden water features from aquascapes
Aquascape spillway bowls
Aquascape spillway bowls and basins can be used in a variety of ways to spice up your front or back yard. Notice the spillway waterfall that provides a relaxing atmosphere to any person nearby! These spillway bowls are not only relaxing and peaceful, but also beautiful to the eyes. Notice the water fountain in the center of this spillway bowl. These beautiful pieces of art have been traced back in history to Rome, and the main reason they have been around so long is because of how they affect those around it. Entrancing yourself with these water basins will become a daily occurrence as you grow accustomed to the nature being brought into your yard!
Spillway bowls typically come with lighting, but be sure they are on a timer so they come on at just the right time! Whether you have a large basin, small basin, or several basins, just one light per spillway bowl will be sufficient.
Aquascape water fountains
Sometimes adding in a fountain can add a focal point to the water garden and provide a relaxing moving-water atmosphere. Watergardens are unique in the aspect that they can be designed in a way that compliments the landscape provided.
Many water garden features don’t have water at all. We call these Fire Fountains. Some fire fountains include water, and some don’t. A few of our water features have the capability of both! When considering which fountain to place inside your water garden, try to think of where your guests will walk around. Are they on the patio? Is the fountain close enough to the water garden and your guests? When we install a new water garden, we consider all aspects of the design to create a feature that will be both pleasant to your guests and your family.
Aquascape water garden lightning elements
Watergarden lighting doesn’t have to be just for waterfalls or for you to see your fish! Many aquascape urns already have lighting inside the feature so that you can enjoy it even at night. Imagine a backyard water feature with the focal point being a stunning display of water, fire, and light. Paradise is just around the corner with our beautiful water features.
Water Garden Urns
Water garden urns come in a vast array of sizes, colors, shapes, and water flow. These urns are a highlighted product by aquascapes for one reason; they’re beautiful. What better reason for impressing your guests is there?
Why should you have water features in your garden
Any water features can easily mix and blend with your backyard. You can add a water pond, artificial river, or fountain in your garden, and it will immediately become a focal point of your garden or backyard. Water features can be suited to large as well as small gardens. They can change the complete ambiance of your backyard.
Water introduces calmness in your garden.
A water feature such as a fountain or a waterfall creates a tranquil and serene sound that helps calm down your mind. A garden with water features is the best place to unwind yourself after a hectic workday. A garden with water features provides a small piece of heaven right into your backyard. You can add other water garden features like decorative stones, water plants, and flowers for more therapeutic effects.
Adding water features makes your garden look bigger.
The reflective properties of water tend to make the spaces look bigger. For more enhanced effects, you can use dark colours for water features like waterfall stones or fountains. Another way to enhance this effect is by using the underwater lights at night time. You can save on energy bills on these lights by using solar-powered lights that charge during the day to glow at night.
Having water in the garden helps to attract wildlife.
Birds and other small wildlife animals like frogs frequent your garden when it has sources of water. The garden pond or fountain acts as a source of fresh drinking water for birds. A garden pond can also attract small aquatic animals. You can also add fishes in garden ponds to create a natural aquatic habitat.
Maintenance of water features is easy.
Water features such as ponds may require regular cleaning up. However, the cleaning task is a lot easier. Also, the water machinery installed like water pumps or water filters needs to be maintained regularly for the proper function of the water features and to prevent any malfunctioning and blockages. These tasks can be easily carried out at home without incurring any additional costs. It also provides a very indulgent activity helping to take away your mind from work-related stress.
