How To Choose The Correct Pond Pump
Choosing a pump for your pond or fountain is a crucial step to ensure you maintain proper water movement. Failure to keep the water adequately circulated can result in stagnation, algae buildup, and mosquitoes. In addition, if you have fish, plants, or other aquatic life in your pond, you must keep the water healthy by evenly distributing the oxygen levels and other nutrients.
Types of Pond Water Pumps
There are two main types of pond water pumps: submersible and external (out-of-pond), also known as centrifugal pumps. Depending on the application, each pump offers specific advantages.
Submersible Pond Pumps
Submersible pumps are designed to be fully submerged underwater at the deepest part of the pond. They are placed directly into your pond or in a skimmer box or pond vault. Submersible pumps range in size from 50 to 5,000 gallons per hour. They are easy to install and are sometimes a more economical solution for smaller ponds (up to 1000 gallons of water). They are also quiet and can also be used to drain your pond. If you have fish or other aquatic life in your pond, you may want to consider a model that does not use oil because there is a danger of the pump seal breaking and oil coolant leaking into the water.
Centrifugal Pond Pumps
External or centrifugal pond pumps are a reliable, energy-efficient option. They are installed in a dry location near your pond. External pond water pumps are suitable for larger ponds (over 1000 gallons). Compared to a submersible pump, they are typically louder and more complicated to install; however, they are easier to maintain.
When selecting a pond pump, it’s essential to keep in mind that pumps have different cord lengths. Ensure the cord is long enough to go through the pond and plugin far away from the water. Some electrical codes specify that the outlet for water features must be at least 6 feet away from the water. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using an extension cord. However, if you must use one, make sure it’s suitable for outdoor use and plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) so that it will immediately shut off if there is an overload.
How to Size a Fountain or Pond Pump
Pond pumps are sized by gallons per hour (GPH) at one foot of lift or height. Larger capacity pumps are rated by horsepower (HP). To determine the size pond pump, first, you need to calculate the volume of water in the pond. To calculate the volume of water in gallons, multiply the length x width x average depth x 7.5.
Water Circulation Factors
It is recommended that pond water is circulated at least once per hour. For example, if you have a 500-gallon pond, you need a pump that runs 500 gallons per hour at the discharge height. If your pond has a pressurized filter, you ideally want to turn the water approximately once every two hours. For example, if you have a 1000 gallon pond, you need a pond pump rated at a minimum of 500 GPH. If your pond has a skimmer or waterfall, the water should be turned approximately once every hour. Therefore, if you have an 1800 gallon pond, you will need an 1800 GPH rated pump.
Calculating Head and Lift Height
Two of the most critical measurements in sizing a pond or fountain pump are the maximum head height rating and maximum lift. Head height means the vertical height the pump raises water above the surface of the pond. The pond fountain pump’s top height can lift the water to is called “Maximum Head” or “Max Head.” The “Head” is measured straight up from the water level of the pond. Its length then measures any horizontal/diagonal flow, and 1’ of “Head” added per 10’ of horizontal/diagonal distance. To calculate the lift, you need to measure how far the water in your fountain has to travel from the pump’s location in your rush to the top of the fountain where the water comes out. Then you need to select a pump that lifts higher than that measurement. For example, if that distance is 24”, than you will need a fountain pump that lifts at least 36” tall. The “maximum lift” is the maximum height that the pump will raise the water.
Selecting the Proper Pond Water Pump Tubing
It is also essential to use the correct tubing size because it directly affects the pond pump’s maximum lift capability. If you use smaller tubing than specified, you will limit the pump’s maximum lift and the amount of water circulated.
Choosing the right pond water pump for your pond or fountain requires careful consideration and a little upfront research. However, doing so will go a long way toward keeping your water clean and healthy and your pump operating efficiently.
Aquascape Pond and Landscape Lighting
Aquascape Pond and Landscape Lighting
Aquascape offers a wide variety of LED lights that can be used to accent your pond or landscape. These energy-efficient lights will last for years and add beauty and elegance to your outdoor space. Choose from warm-white pond and fountain accent lighting, path and area lights, or our newest line of color-changing lights that can be controlled from anywhere at anytime using our Smart Control Hub and smartphone app. Aquascape is your one-stop shop for all things water gardening!
Aquascape LED accent lights are designed to be used in or out of water and are constructed of durable, corrosion-resistant materials that will last for years. We offer a wide variety of lighting kits that can easily be expanded as your needs change.
Add beauty and elegance to your water feature or landscape by bringing it to life at night!
Benefits of Aquascape LED Lights:
-Warm white and color changing LEDs
-Complete line of pond and landscape lights
-Durable, corrosion-resistant construction
-Energy efficient
-Easy to install and expandable
Aquascape is your number one source for all things water gardening! From ponds & fountains, to aquariums & fish care, we have everything you need to create and maintain a healthy aquatic environment.
Aquascape LED lighting fixtures are extremely energy efficient, minimizing energy costs and providing a 90% savings over comparable halogen lighting. The fixture features a powerful LED diode equivalent to a 10-watt halogen light. The die-cast metal housing with a protective coating provides a durable finish that holds up in all weather conditions. Lights are permanently sealed and water tight, and they can be installed fully submerged in water or in traditional landscape settings.
Wait, what is an LED Light?
An LED is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it. The light is not particularly bright, but in most LEDs it is monochromatic, occurring at a single wavelength. The output from an LED can be varied by changing the forward current through the device.
Unlike a incandescent lamp, an LED has a very long operational life. Many LEDs have a rated operational life of up to 100,000 hours compared with 1,000 hours for an incandescent lamp. In addition, an LED converts much more electricity into light than an incandescent lamp. This higher efficiency means that an LED uses less electricity than an incandescent lamp to produce the same level of visible light.
LEDs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common type in use today is the 5 mm or 3 mm spherical LED, which is often used as an indicator light on electronic devices. Other types of LEDs include surface-mount devices, high-output power LEDs, and infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) LEDs.
Should I use LED lights in my Aquascape Pond?
Yes! LED lights are a great way to add beauty and interest to your pond. They are also very energy efficient and will last for years. Aquascape offers a wide variety of LED lights that can be used in or out of water. Choose from warm white pond and fountain accent lighting, path and area lights, or our newest line of color-changing lights that can be controlled from anywhere at anytime using our Smart Control Hub and smartphone app.
What are the benefits of using LED lights?
LED lights are very energy efficient and will last for years. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles to match your unique taste. Additionally, LED lights are easy to install and expandable. You can find all the Aquascape LED lights you need to create a beautiful and healthy pond or landscape in our online store! Or, you can give us a call and place an order if you need help!
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!
How can we help?
Choose Meyer Aquascapes Water Garden Installation!
Choose Meyer Aquascapes Water Garden Installation!
If you want to turn your backyard into a beautiful and relaxing oasis, consider hiring an Aquascape pond builder. Meyer Aquascapes is one of the leading companies in pond construction and design, and our team of experts can create a stunning pond that will transform your outdoor space!
When you work with Meyer Aquascapes, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of pond styles and designs, so you can find the perfect one for your home. They also offer a wide range of products and materials to use in your pond, so you can create a truly unique space.
Meyer Aquascapes is committed to providing high-quality products and services, so you can rest assured that your new pond will be built to last. We consider your design needs and features when creating your pond, so you can be sure it will compliment your home and landscape.
When we sit down with you and discuss design options, we take into consideration your budget and the size of your yard so that we can create a pond that’s right for you. We also work with you to ensure that the final product is something you’re happy with and will enjoy for years to come!
If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a tranquil oasis, contact Meyer Aquascapes today and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on your dream pond project!
You can rest assured that when you work with Meyer Aquascapes, you’re working with a team of experts who are dedicated to providing high-quality products and services. We’re committed to your satisfaction, so we’ll work closely with you throughout the entire process to ensure you love your new pond.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our company and the services we offer, we encourage you to browse our website or give us a call today. We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you create the backyard oasis of your dreams!
When calling us, consider a few things:
- Budget
- Backyard size
- Ideal pond size
- To add waterfalls, or perhaps have a pondless waterfall feature!
We will help you through every viable option for your backyard and learn more about what you want out of your new pond. Getting an idea for budget is always the best place to start, that way we can recommend the most cost-effective route for building your dream pond. For instance, the entry price for our small pond installations begins in the several thousand dollar ranges.
We look forward to hearing from you and starting on your project soon!
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!
