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.

AquascapePRO® Pond Pumps

Pond Pump Calculations

Figuring out the correct pump size depends upon the how big your pond is. Other factors include whether or not the pump is being used for filtration, re-circulation or water features. Another factor is the number of fish and plants your pond contains. Larger fish populations have greater air requirements.

A good rule of thumb is that pumps should be able to pump out about half the pond volume every hour. For example, a pump that moves 500 gallons per hour would be appropriate for a 1,000 gallon pond.

You don’t have to refer to a fountain pump size chart to figure out the best water pumps for your garden. With a few measurements and calculations, you can determine the size pump you’ll need.

Flow rate for filtration

  • Filtration flow rate in gallons per hour (gph) = 0.5 x pond volume (gallons)

Flow rate for fountains

  • For every inch of stream width at the top of the fountain, you need 100 gph at the height you’re pumping

Flow rate for waterfalls

  • Light flow = 50 gph x waterfall width (in.)
  • Average flow = 100 gph x waterfall width (in.)
  • Strong flow = 200 gph x waterfalls width (in.)

Pond volume

  • Pond volume (gallons) = 7.5 x average width (ft.) x average length (ft.) x average depth (ft.)

Pond Pump Features

In-line, utility, solids and axial pumps are just a few of the many varieties of water garden pumps that are available.

  • In-line Pumps: These pumps draw water through an inlet that connects to a hose so you can pull water from a remote location. All external pumps are in-line pumps.
  • Utility Pumps: Utility pumps draw water through openings that screen out debris. When placing one into a pond, use a pump sock or other enclosure to reduce the amount of cleaning needed. If you use a pump sock, be aware that sock-like screening can cause a dry pump situation.
  • Solids Pumps: These pumps draw water through a large opening and pump small debris through without clogging. For this reason, they can be placed into a pond without prefilters. This pump type is not safe for ponds with fish, frogs or other aquatic animals, however.
  • Axial Pumps: These special utility pumps are designed for high-flow, low-pressure pond environments. Because they are big, they require piping that is large in diameter.
  • Solar Pumps: Solar-powered pumps perform well in climates with lots of sunshine. They can cost less to operate since they don’t require an outdoor electrical outlet. Solar pumps also work well if your fountain is located far from the power supply. However, flow rate is minimal compared to typical voltage.
  • Heavy-Duty Pumps: Heavy-duty pumps are typically made of stainless steel and are more costly. However, they offer greater energy efficiency and last longer.

You’ll need to consider several factors when deciding between the best water pumps for your garden pond. A pump should be able to handle the size of your pond and support your water features. It also needs to be compatible with any fish or plants you may have.

Balancing Water Garden Ecosystems

Product Comparison: Pond Liners vs. Concrete

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Battle of the Pond Foundations:

LINERS vs. CONCRETE

How to choose the right base for your backyard pond.

Creating a serene pond in your backyard is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space. As pond owners, you’ll face crucial decisions to ensure the long-term durability of your water feature. One of the primary choices is whether to opt for pond liners or concrete as the foundation for your aquatic haven. In this blog post, we’ll compare the pros and cons of both options, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs and the unique characteristics of the Cincinnati climate.

Pond Liners:

Pond liners have become a popular choice for many pond owners due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. Here are the key pros and cons:

Concrete:

Concrete is a traditional and durable choice for pond construction. Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages:

PROS

Pond Liner Pros:

  • Flexibility:

    Pond liners are versatile and can adapt to irregular shapes and contours, providing you with creative freedom in designing your pond.

  • Cost-Effective:

    Generally, pond liners are more budget-friendly than concrete, making them an attractive option for those looking to save on initial costs.

  • Easy Installation:

    Installing a pond liner is a relatively straightforward process, allowing for quicker setup than concrete.

Concrete Pros:

  • Longevity:

    Well-constructed concrete ponds have the potential for an extended lifespan, often outlasting pond liners.

  • Sturdy and Permanent:

    Once in place, a concrete pond is solid and resistant to punctures, providing a secure foundation for aquatic life.

  • Customization:

    Concrete allows for intricate designs and features, and it can be colored or textured to suit your aesthetic preferences.

CONS

Pond Liners Cons

  • Vulnerability to Punctures:

    Pond liners can be punctured by sharp objects, such as rocks or roots, which may compromise their integrity.

  • Limited Lifespan:

    While pond liners can last for many years, they may need replacement over time, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Concrete Cons:

  • Higher Initial Costs:

    Concrete ponds typically require a higher upfront investment due to materials, labor, and construction expertise.

  • Less Flexible:

    Unlike liners, concrete is less forgiving when it comes to changes in shape or size, making adjustments more challenging.

Ultimately, choosing between pond liners and concrete for your Cincinnati pond comes down to your preferences, budget, and long-term goals. If you prioritize flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and easy installation, pond liners may be the way to go. On the other hand, if longevity, sturdiness, and customization are crucial factors, investing in a well-constructed concrete pond may be the ideal choice. Whichever option you choose, ensuring proper maintenance and care will contribute significantly to the enduring beauty of your aquatic retreat.

Check out our store for all your water gardening needs! Aquascape products are Aquascape Inc. Certified.

Thanks for reading at Meyer Aquascapes! We hope you’ve enjoyed our post on garden pond design. Please leave a comment below if you liked it or have any questions. We’d love to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by!

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