Overall, a well-designed and constructed fountain pond in your yard will add an appealing feature to the natural outdoor setting. Water bodies are soothing to your soul; above all, the fountain is an added beauty. One of the most important components in any fountain pond is the pump. The right pump choice can be the difference between having a beautiful water feature and an ugly one fighting to work. The following guide will explain all you need to know to help you purchase the most suitable fountain pond pump for your case.
Step 1: Specify Your Pond Size And Water Volume
The first factor to consider in determining the correct selection of a pond pump is the size of the pond and its water volume. The pump head rated in Gallons Per Hour (GPH) is usually much higher than is required to replace the whole pond’s water volume once an hour, especially the centers of a large pond.
The volumetric water content of the pond can be determined using the following formula:
Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.48 = Total Gallons
In this regard, a pond with a length of 10 feet, a width of 5 feet, and an average depth of around 3 feet can store approximately 1,122 gallons of water. However, a pump capable of giving a flow rate of at least 1,000 to 1,200 GPH is required. Weighing the pond’s volume is important; this way, you will know the exact pump needed to keep the water circulating and oxygen levels optimal for the pond’s condition.
Step 2: Choose the Fountain Height
The height you desire to have, the water fountain or the waterfall, is important. The pump’s GPH capacity should correspond with the elevation of the water structure. As a rule, the more vertical distance is needed to move water from the basin, the more the pressure and or hydraulic capabilities must be engendered in the pump.
It is common practice for manufacturers to indicate a pump’s ‘head height,’ meaning the maximum vertical height of water that the pump can push. Make sure that such pump head height is sufficient to reach the desired fountain height in your plans. For example, if you need a water fountain that shoots water 6 feet into the air, then at least the suction lift must be 6 feet high.
Step 3: Choose Between Submersible and External Pumps
Pond pumps can generally be divided into two categories: submersible and external. Each category has its own advantages, depending on the arrangement of the pond and your preferences.
Submersible pumps: These are meant to be fixed within the water, on the base of the pond, or in a skimmer box. They are quieter, easier to set up, and ideal for smaller ponds and water features. The downside, however, is that they get dirty since they are always underwater and should, therefore, be cleaned regularly.
Externals: These are set up outside of the pond and are cheaper than aquatic pumps. However, they are more effective, which makes them more suitable for larger ponds and intricate water features than aquatic pumps. They are more effective, quieter than before, less costly to run, and have a longer service life. On the other hand, they are not easy to fix, especially when installing them, and they may occupy some of the beauty around the pond.
Deciding on one of these two options will depend on the size of your pond, the size of the water feature, and the amount of effort you are willing to put into constant pump maintenance.
Step 4: Evaluate Energy Efficiency
Leaving any fountain pond pump running all the time can use quite a lot of electricity over time, which is why energy efficiency is quoted as one of the important factors to look into. Get pumps that ensure energy consumption is minimal or ones that aim to minimize energy burn without compromising on the work done.
Many of today’s pumps also come with energy-saving features, such as varying the pump’s power depending on the time of day or water requirements. These pumps may be expensive to buy, but they will ultimately be economical in regard to electricity bills.
Step 5: Examine the Filtration and Debris Management
Debris, such as leaves, dirt, and algae, are common in ponds and will eventually lead to clogging of your pump, thus reducing its effectiveness. To eliminate this, pond pumps are designed with inbuilt filtration systems or debris-handling structures. Such features would help lessen the frequency of pump cleaning and allow for continuous pump perching.
If your pond is placed near trees or where debris is likely to collect, you may have to buy a pump with a debris-handling capacity or a pump with an extra external filter to save yourself the time-consuming mess.
Conclusion
There are several factors to consider when choosing a fountain pond pump. There is an interrelation of the pond dimensions, the selected water feature, the pump type, its power performance and cost, and the filter system. Following these steps, you will be able to select a pump that will ensure good performance, low wear and tear, and beautiful fountain water lighting. The most appropriate pump will assist in the effective operation of the fountain pond, especially in recirculating the water, making the water feature a cool, relaxing focal point in the garden.
