How to Choose the Right Submersible Pond Pump

The water pump is the heart of any water garden feature, and without a good one, your garden pond will be starved of critical, life-giving oxygen. If you plan to populate your garden pond with fish and other aquatic life, you need a good water pump. But be aware that all water pumps are not created equal. Here are some points to consider: Unless you plan to have a pure water garden with only aquatic plants, youll need a quality water pump. And even then, its often a good idea to have a reliable pump gently circulating water through your system.

• If you plan on having Koi and other fish in your garden pond, youll definitely need to have a water pump. Just as indoor aquariums use pumps to add life-sustaining oxygen to their water, your garden pond will need a pump system as well.
• Youll want to choose a water pump thats reliable and sturdy enough to handle the job. Many good quality pumps are of the small, submersible type (they live under the surface of the water). This type of water pump will need to be elevated somewhere above the bottom of the pond to keep debris from clogging the pump. 
• Choose a water pump thats efficient and doesnt consume a lot of electricity. The pump will be running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so power consumption is definitely a concern.
• Choose a good quality water pump that will last for years. As stated above, your pump will be running all the time, and since its the heart of your garden pond, you dont want a pump that will fail and put your fish and other aquatic life at risk. And a cheap pump will more than likely need to be replaced in a short time, making it no real bargain in the long run.

You need to know 2 things to select the ideal pond pump ...

1. The vertical height of the waterfall inlet above the water surface of the pond

 Refer to this picture. It shows the 2 points between which you must measure to get the height "H".

Do NOT measure from the bottom of the pond ... measure this in feet to use the table below.

This is called the "pond pump head".

IMPORTANT: Increase the number by 20%. For example if your head is 3 feet then multiply this by 1.2.

This means you will work on a head of (3 x 1.2) = 3.6 feet in the table below.

Whenever in doubt ALWAYS go to next higher level ... for example in this case you might want to choose say 4 feet rather than 3.6 feet. The reason for doing this is to overcome what are called pipe friction losses which you can learn more about in the advanced sections of this website.

2. The width of the water overflow point for the waterfall ...

If the stream section before the waterfall splits into a series of smaller overflows (see the picture ... this waterfall has 2 separate overflow points) but all overflows are at the same level then add all the mini overflows together to get the true width in inches. In the case of the picture shown you would add the width of the first point to the width of the second point. This width is needed to work out the water flow you will need to specify the pump. Now you can use the table below.

If you have no waterfall then pond pump choice is easier ... see below for simple pond pump choice and for a simple water fountain pump check here

Waterfall & Pond Pump Selection Table ...

Check where waterfall height meets waterfall width in the table. This is the flow you require to specify your pond and waterfall pump. 

If your pond does not have a waterfall and you only want to circulate water through the pond filter then the specification is much easier. Refer to this table Pump selection table ... NO WATERFALL ... you only need to know your pond volume or make estimate of the volume. It does not matter if you are not perfectly correct

In general these days avoid buying any pump with a sponge in the suction casing. Such pumps become badly restricted by algae growth in warm weather and make for lots of hassles.

On the matter of cost do take note of the pond pump's operating cost .... normally the pump operating cost is far more important than the original pump cost and if you should take this electricity cost into account. This is discussed in other pump sections of the site.

Many retailers do not understand submersible pond pumps well enough to give money saving advice consistent with correct pond pump specifications. Selecting fountain pumps is easier than selecting a waterfall pump or pond pumps.

For 90% + of all garden ponds the above pump selection tables will work well.

Know what you are buying so you can make the right choice

Pond pump reviews ... focus is on UK models and suppliers. However you'll find this a great site if you want to learn about pumps and only pumps.

Pond water pumps come in a bewildering array of shapes and sizes. But there are a few critical points you need to consider when purchasing a pump for the first time. Always read the information printed on the outside of the box before purchasing a pump, and don't be afraid to ask the retailer questions before you buy.

But keep in mind much of this information can be confusing-even for experienced pondkeepers-and can make comparisons between different pumps difficult. And be suspicious of any water pump that has little or no information provided by the manufacturer.

Some more points to consider:

• Pump Volume. This relates to the volume of water that the pump can circulate throughout the system in a given time. More specifically, the amount of water that can be pumped against a specific head (pressure or height) which is normally measured in feet or meters.
• Guarantee. Never buy a water pump that doesnt come with at least a 2 or 3 year guarantee. A 1 year guarantee usually indicates a pump that was not designed for the rigors of outdoor pond use.
• Pond pump or fountain pump? There is a real difference, and you need to consider this carefully before making your selection. Pump size is usually a good indication. Small pumps are intended for indoor use, or small patio ponds. Another tipoff is that this type of pump will usually come with a short cord-less than 5 feet long-and the pump will fit into the palm of your hand. Water pumps designed for outdoor pond use will typically be larger, and have longer (30 feet or more), 3-wire grounded cords.
• Safety. Remember, a pump is an electrical device, and those designed for indoor use can be dangerous to use outdoors. Make sure that it is stated plainly on the box that the water pump is intended for use in outdoor fish or garden ponds.

Many Retailers Do NOT Understand Pond Pumps

A good quality pond pump is an important investment in your garden pond project, so make sure your retailer is knowledgeable and takes the time to explain the product.

If youll be buying your pump in an offline brick-and-mortar store, take the time to shop around and inspect the unit before making your purchase. As stated earlier, if youre looking for an outdoor pond pump, youll want a unit that is submersible and has a long, grounded cord. And dont be afraid to ask that the pump be plugged in and checked out in your presence to make sure it is working correctly.

And dont forget the guarantee. A good retailer will stand behind their products, and replace the pump or loan you a new one if theres a problem. Remember the life of your garden pond is at stake here, and your investment in fish and other aquatic life is at risk if your pump fails and you have to wait weeks for a replacement. 

When selecting a water pump for your fountain, koi or fish pond, or water garden, you need to carefully consider the following criteria:

• Circulation volume. You need to know the volume of water that will be circulating in your pond system in order to choose the right pump.
• Calculate pond pump head. This only comes into play if youll be using your water pump in a waterfall application. If the pump will be used in a pond only, without a waterfall, then you can go by the circulation volume and contents of the pond system to calculate your pump requirements.
• Calculate the required pump flow rate. This will vary as to your application, especially if you plan on running a waterfall with your pond.
• Calculate the cost, in electrical consumption, to run the pump over 3 years.

Armed with this information, you can now begin to shop around for the best water pump for your situation. Visit your retailer and explain exactly what youre looking for, and then compare prices among the various models. The best bargain will take into account the above factors, plus the manufactuers guarantee, cable length, and the level of service you can expect from your retailer.

Some pitfalls to avoid

Not all pumps are created equal, and sometimes your local retailer may not even know the difference between water pumps designed for pond use and units that are better suited to swimming pools and other applications. Sump pumps are also sometimes sold for use in ponds and waterfalls, but lack the reliability needed for your valuable pond project.

For more information regarding pond pumps and their use in backyard and outdoor environments, please follow the links on this page. These links will lead you to various diagrams, tables, and photos that will allow you to make a better buying decision when choosing a pump. As stated earlier, look for a submersible water pump that carries at least a 2 year warranty from the manufacturer.

Consider a reliable online supplier when buying a new water pump

Another good option is to shop for a pump at one of the online suppliers. You can easily compare prices, features, and shipping costs. Also look for suppliers offering sales and seasonal discounts on their products. Take a look at the right hand border of this website for more information about suppliers offering garden pond equipment.

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