How Long Does a Pond Pump Need to Be on Each Day?
A pond pump and a filter are necessary to maintain pond health. A well-maintained pond adds value to a home, and even though a large pond with fish requires more maintenance than a small pond, it is worth the extra effort, providing movement, color and a dramatic landscape element. A pond’s pump should run 24 hours each day to ensure the pond’s water circulates through the filter to keep the water clear.
Pump Function
A pond pump may be submerged in the pond’s water or sit outside the pond, depending on the pump type, but both types work in the same way. The pump uses spinning blades, known as impellers, to pull pond water through a screenlike intake and expel the water through an outlet pipe. Generally, a large pond has an external pump and a smaller pond or water garden has a submersible pump. Any kind of pump requires regular maintenance of its intake filter and screen to prevent clogging.
Pump Size
Before buying a pond pump, calculate your pond’s water capacity to determine the size of pump required to circulate all of the pond’s water through the pump every one to two hours. Formulas can help you determine your pond’s water capacity in gallons from pond measurements taken in feet. The formula for a rectangular pond is length x width x depth x 7.48 = gallons. For a circular pond, the formula is radius x radius x 3.14 x average depth x 7.48 = gallons. The formula for an irregularly shaped pond requires dividing the pond into easier-to-calculate shapes, figuring the water capacity in gallons for each of those shapes and then multiplying the total sum of those gallons by 231 instead of 7.48.
Operating Cost
A pond that has a pump or other electric equipment requires electricity, and so it will increase your monthly electric cost. Some pumps cost less to operate than other pumps. Reduce the cost of pump operation by using a pump that moves the necessary amount of pond water while using the least amount watts; a watt is a measurement of electrical usage. Calculate the cost of operating a pump by using this formula: Divide the watts by 1,000, and then multiply that figure by 24 hours, the number of days per operation and electricity cost. An example is: 300 watts/1000 x 24 hours x 30 days x 0.08 for electricity cost = $17.28 as the cost to run the pump for 30 days.
Other Considerations
Mosquitoes can be a problem when a pond is in the landscape, but mosquitoes lay eggs in only stagnant water. A pump can keep the pond water moving, deterring mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water. Even a small amount of moving water can prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. So if a pump is not feasible, add a fountain bubbler to keep water moving.
How Many Watts Would a 2.5 HP Pump Use?
A pump helps circulate and filter the water in a pool. A pump’s horsepower determines how quickly the pump can process all the water. The goal is for the pump to sufficiently filter all the water in an 8 to 10 hour period, according to Aquascapes. Depending on the size and volume of your pool, you will need more or less horsepower to filter the water in that ideal time frame. Horsepower can be converted to watts, giving you a guesstimate of what your energy costs might be to run your pump.
Math Conversions
One horsepower is equal to 745.7 watts. When you multiply 745.7 watts by 2.5 hp, you get 1,864.25 watts. Energy costs are calculated in kilowatt-hours, and to get kilowatt-hours, you multiply watts by hours and divide by 1,000. So, if you run your pool pump for 8 hours in one day, 1,864.25 multiplied by 8 and divided by 1,000 equals 14.9 kilowatt-hours. If you run your pump every day for an average of 30 days per month — 30 multiplied by 14.9 — your pump uses 447 kilowatt-hours in a month.
Backyard additions that add value to your home
Backyard additions that add value to your home.
One of the best ways to add value to your home is by making additions and improvements to your backyard. A well-designed and well-maintained backyard can be a huge selling point for potential buyers, and it can also be a great place to relax and entertain guests. Here are some of the best backyard additions that bring value to your home:
– A pond or water feature: A pond can add a lot of visual interest to your backyard. It can also be a great place to relax and unwind. If you have the space, consider adding a pond with a waterfall or other water features.
– Landscaping: Thoughtful landscaping can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your backyard. Add some color with flowers and shrubs, and consider adding a few trees for shade and privacy.
– Outdoor lighting: LED landscape lighting can add a lot of ambiance to your backyard. It can also be a great safety feature. Path lights, solar lights, string lights, and spotlights can all help to make your backyard more inviting and functional.
– Outdoor furniture: investing in some quality outdoor furniture can make your backyard much more enjoyable. Look for weather-resistant pieces that will be comfortable and durable.
– A fire pit: A fire pit is a great way to enjoy your backyard in the evening. It can also be a great focal point for your outdoor living space.
Making some thoughtful additions to your backyard can go a long way in terms of increasing the value of your home. Ponds and water features are a great way to add value. They can also be a great source of relaxation and enjoyment. With some careful planning and execution, you can transform your backyard into a space that you and your family will love for years to come.
How a Pond Can Improve Your Health
Can having a pond really improve your Health?
If you love spending time outdoors, then you’ll know that being in nature can be a great stress reliever. There are many health benefits to spending time in the great outdoors, including improving your physical and mental well-being. Here are just a few of the many ways that being near or in water – such as a pond – can make your life better.
Water is Calming
There’s something about being near water that just has a calming effect on the mind and body. Maybe it’s the sound of the water flowing or the way the light dances on the surface. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that being near water can help to lower your stress levels and put you in a more positive frame of mind.
Water is Relaxing
Studies have shown that spending time near water can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and boost mood. The tranquil, peaceful atmosphere of the natural world can help you feel happier and more relaxed, allowing you to let go of any thoughts or worries that might be weighing you down.
Water Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Research has shown that being in nature can help to improve the health of your cardiovascular system, including reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. All of this means that spending time near or in water can be great for your overall health.