How to Determine Which Type of Pond Pump to Purchase

Adding a water feature to a property may require putting in a pump to keep the water clean. A pump can also be added to an existing pond or lake to aerate the water and make it more habitable for fish and wildlife. Investing in the water can greatly improve property value while making the water source more enjoyable for everyone.

Pond Pumps

A pond pump provides circulation and increases the oxygen level in the water, whether it’s a pond, a lake or a man-made water feature. In order for a pump to be efficient, it’s important to select the right one for the job at hand. There are submersible pond pumps, external pond pumps, and high volume centrifugal pond pumps, so understanding the differences can help when making a purchase.

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pond pumps are very basic in concept. An electric motor is used to draw water through an impeller and push it out the other side. The size of the motor and impeller will determine how much water can be pulled through during a given amount of time. This type of pump has a tightly sealed motor to prevent it from short-circuiting during operation. Submersible pumps push water upwards instead of pulling it inward as jet pumps do. This is the most popular style since it can be hidden from sight and works well in most water features.

External Pond Pumps

An external pond pump is most often used in areas where size and clearance are an issue. An external pump must be placed on a dry location and cannot be submerged. The main disadvantage of using an external pond pump is that it can be seen more readily unless care is taken to physically hide it from view.

Centrifugal Pond Pumps

This type of pump is used for large water areas that require a pump. A centrifugal pump is a heavy-duty system that is highly durable and reliable. It most often used for commercial applications.

When choosing the correct size pump to purchase, it should be able to completely move all of the water within one hour. In order to measure the volume of water that the pump will need to handle, simply multiply the length x width x average depth of the pond to determine the approximate volume. Then select the right size pump using this number.