Your new pond needs the right pump to keep the water moving through the filtration system that keeps your pond clean and the living organisms safe. Maybe it's time to replace your old pump from a longstanding pond on your property. From choosing the right size to finding the correct type of pump, how can you know what your pond needs?
The elements that make up your pond help determine the right pump for your needs. When your pond pump works well, the vegetation stays healthy, the water stays clear, and your fish and other pond wildlife remain happy and healthy.
Keep reading to learn about different types of pond pumps and how to choose the best one for your pond!
Submersible Pumps
For small ponds that hold less than 1,000 gallons of water, a submersible pump could be the best option for you.
These pumps submerge entirely underwater at the deepest part of the pond. Some people choose to place their submersible pump inside an underwater vault or skimmer box. No matter the location of your submerged pump, installation is easier than some external pumps.
Your submerged pump can circulate up to 5,000 gallons per hour to help keep your pond clear and aerated. Plus, the noise from a submerged pump is dampened by being underwater, making it quieter than an external pump. If keeping this quiet and peaceful around your small pond is important to you, a submersible pump is the way to go.
While the quiet might be nice, submersible pumps can be difficult to maintain or repair while underwater. Make sure you can still reach the pump for routine maintenance.
External Pumps
Larger ponds require a bigger pump! External pumps can generate more power to keep water circulating throughout the pond. A pump that's too small can make it difficult for water to circulate out the outer edges of your pond.
Centrifugal (external) pumps sit on dry land near your pond. Depending on the size of the pump, external pumps generate more noise than a submerged pump. However, you'll appreciate that these larger pumps provide easier access for repairs and maintenance.
Make Sure It's Compatible
No matter the pump that works best for the size of your pond, make sure it's compatible with the other parts of your pond's filtration system. Replacing a pump can be costly, and you don't want to replace additional parts if you don't need to do that to make your pump fit.
If you're creating a new filtration system from scratch for a new pond, make sure all of your filtration components work together. Circulating water throughout the pond isn't effective if the water doesn't complete its trip through the pond aerator. If you have water features in your pond, the pump must be able to keep water moving through those features.
- Aeration
To keep fish and other organisms alive in your pond, they need oxygen! Your pond's aerator adds oxygen to the water as your pump circulates water through it. If your pond doesn't connect a source of fresh water, it's critical to keep your pond aerator working throughout the day and night.
Choose a pump that works well with your aerator. Dead fish, vegetation, and other living things can become an expensive problem if the aerator isn't compatible with your pump.
- Filtration
Your pump needs enough power to push the pond water through the filtration system. Work with a pond supply expert to talk through each part to your pond and determine how much pump power you need to keep water flowing through the aerator and the filtration system.
- Waterfalls and Other Features
Your pond pump must also be strong enough to push water over waterfalls and through any other features that are part of your pond. Don't risk choosing a pump that's too small and doesn't have the power to handle the strain of pumping water through everything that's involved with your pond system.
What's Your Power Source?
Electricity and water can get dangerous if you're not careful. When choosing a submersible pump, the electrical cord must be water safe and plug into a GFCI plug away from the pond's edge. This type of outdoor electrical plug helps protect you and anything in the pond water from electrical shock.
For external pumps, make sure the electrical connections and plug face away from the water in the pond. Place the pump and the outlet a safe distance from the water, as well.
For a more cost-effective way to power your pump, choose a solar pond pump. Solar power can also be a safer way to power your pump and avoid the dangerous combination of electricity and water.
Watch Your Costs
The price of your water pump isn't the only cost to consider when shopping for your pond pump. Research the ongoing costs of operating the pump every day.
Factor in the cost to power the pump and any regular maintenance or repair costs. Consider longevity, too. How long do you need your pond pump to last? Check warranties and research average lifetime use before choosing the best pump for your pond.
Chances are, you don't want to replace the pump again any time soon. A pond pump can be a significant investment! The lifeforms living in your pond depend on you choosing the right pump to keep oxygen and water continually flowing throughout the pond.
Pick the Best Pump Experts
Make sure your pump comes with the best experts! These professionals can help you choose the best pump for your needs, and that works with an existing system. They'll also provide ongoing support to help you with maintenance or repairs through the life of your pond pump.
We Can Handle Any Pond Pump Needs!
When you're ready to choose your next pond pump, let Aquatic Ponds help! Choose from our selection of submersible or external pumps that can fit almost any size or shape pond. We also provide ongoing customer service to make sure you have the information you need to enjoy your pond!