Choosing the Right Pond Pump
- By Eli Weinstock
- Nov 20, 2013
No two water gardens are the same, so choosing the right pond pump for your garden should be done according the type of garden that you have. The correct pond pump will provide an ideal level of water while requiring little maintenance from the user. Pond pumps are responsible for maintaining a healthy pond by working with a biological filter and ultraviolet sterilizer and boosts oxygen levels throughout the pond. There are a few factors that must be considered when choosing a pump and here are some helpful hints in making that selection:
Volume: The pond pump that you select should have a GPH (gallons per hour) rating of at least half of your pond size. Experts recommend circulation once every 2 hours. The pump should be effective working with a maximum quantity of water at varying parameters of pressure and height. To calculate the number of gallons in a garden pond:
Average Length x Average Width x Average Depth x 7.5 x .75
A 1500 gallon pond should move at least 1500 gallons per hour according to this formula.
Size of the Pump: The size of the pump should correlate with the size, dimension and volume of the pond. The general rule is to double the pump’s capacity if fish (such as koi) or additional accessories such as fountains, waterfalls, and streams are being added to the pond.
Waterfall Height: The waterfall height is measured by taking the vertical height from the top of the pump to the waterfall or stream. An additional foot is added for every 10 feet of hosing for the pump. Every inch of width in the channel calls for an extra 100 GPH. The height, often referred to as the rise is determined by measuring the surface of the water at the peak of the falls. A larger rise typically requires a stronger pump.
Prices also differ between pumps. The most popular ones are submersible pond pumps and are usually less expensive than the rest.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a pond pump is to find one that will be effective with your pond. The investment that you make with your pond is a serious one and the same approach should be used for choosing the correct pump to maintain that investment.
Photo Credit: How Stuff Works
Volume: The pond pump that you select should have a GPH (gallons per hour) rating of at least half of your pond size. Experts recommend circulation once every 2 hours. The pump should be effective working with a maximum quantity of water at varying parameters of pressure and height. To calculate the number of gallons in a garden pond:
Average Length x Average Width x Average Depth x 7.5 x .75
A 1500 gallon pond should move at least 1500 gallons per hour according to this formula.
Size of the Pump: The size of the pump should correlate with the size, dimension and volume of the pond. The general rule is to double the pump’s capacity if fish (such as koi) or additional accessories such as fountains, waterfalls, and streams are being added to the pond.
Waterfall Height: The waterfall height is measured by taking the vertical height from the top of the pump to the waterfall or stream. An additional foot is added for every 10 feet of hosing for the pump. Every inch of width in the channel calls for an extra 100 GPH. The height, often referred to as the rise is determined by measuring the surface of the water at the peak of the falls. A larger rise typically requires a stronger pump.
Prices also differ between pumps. The most popular ones are submersible pond pumps and are usually less expensive than the rest.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a pond pump is to find one that will be effective with your pond. The investment that you make with your pond is a serious one and the same approach should be used for choosing the correct pump to maintain that investment.
Photo Credit: How Stuff Works
