What’s there not to love about ponds? The sound of the flowing water creates a serene and calming atmosphere that will surely bring life to any garden. If you are planning to build a backyard pond, one of the major considerations you must look into is the pond pump to be used. Bear in mind that the success of your water garden will greatly depend on the efficiency and power of the pump. Pumps are needed in order to transfer water to the pond. However, the selection process can be quite confusing due to the different varieties of pumps available. Pumps greatly vary in power supply, water flow, size, maintenance and cost. It is vital to choose the right pump in order to keep your pond clean, and to help maintain healthy fishes and other aquatic life. Here are some tips to help you pick the best pump for your particular needs

First, it is vital that you know the difference between an external and submersible pond pump. You can find plenty of information at water garden suppliers to help you select which type of pump is applicable for you needs. Doing so will help you to make a wise choice. If you have a small pond, submersible pumps would be a better choice.

For those who are planning to buy wired pumps, it is important that you first check if there are outdoor outlets available nearby the pond. Remember to use an outlet with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). Place it at a minimum of six feet from the water source. This tool will turn the power off immediately when water contacts the wiring. Also, protect your cable within a plastic tube used for electrical wires, called a conduit. Meanwhile, extension cords that contain integrated GFCIs are ideal for shorter distances. Hide the wires by placing them underneath mulch or stones.

Remember to always give priority to safety. For example, always use a (plastic) tie wrap in order to secure a pump cord to its lifting handle. The reason is that the force will go onto the pump’s handle rather than its cord.

You should also consider the pros and cons of a submersible pump. This is particularly applicable to fish pond pumps but as well as to other types of pumps. In general, the good thing about these pumps is that they can drain your pond when it is already needed without creating any disturbing noise. However, the major drawback is that the seal of this type of pump can break, releasing oil coolant into the pond’s water, which is very bad!

Just like any other items, size also matters when selecting a pump. Whether you need an electrical or solar pond pump, it is important to select one based on its size. Manufacturers size pumps via their output in terms of gallons her hour (GPH), at a single foot of height or lift. On the other hand, they rate pumps with larger capacities via horsepower (hp). Sometimes manufacturers produce pumps to make the sizing of the pumps easier.  

You should also determine how much pump power you require.  In a standard pond, the pump should turn the water between half to one time each hour. Other issues you should consider are:

• How many gallons of water will your pond contain?
• Would you like to add a fountain, statuary or waterfall?
• Will water filters be a factor?

These issues are important as they could each cause the amount of flow to be lower. This could in turn impact the clarity of water in the pond.  

It would always be a better idea to take a systematic approach when selecting a pump. This is true whether you are selecting a fish pond pump or another type of pump. First, estimate the vertical distance from the top of the pump, to the top of the pond’s stream or waterfall. Then add another foot to that height, for each 10 feet of hosing needed. A basic rule to follow when choosing a pump (such as a  koi pond pump) is that it is always better to choose the one that’s more powerful than you need than select the one that lacks the power you require!  

When selecting a pond pump, you have many issues to consider. Use these tips to help you find the best pump for your needs!