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At the heart of every pond in a garden are the pond and fountain pump. The pump is responsible for circulating water throughout the pond and other water features and ultimately keeping it clean. It also aerates the water and provides the soothing sound of running water.
Choosing the right pond and fountain pump for your garden is a crucial step to maintaining proper water circulation. Failure to uphold proper water movement can lead to stagnation, algae accumulation, and mosquitoes.
If you have fish, plants, and other aquatic life in the pond, it is vital to keep the water clean and healthy. You can achieve clean water by ensuring even distribution of oxygen and other nutrients. With a good pump, you can do that quite effortlessly.
Considerations When Choosing the Right Pump
There are several things to consider when choosing the right pump, including the following:
1. Flow Rate
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The flow rate is one of the most critical considerations in selecting a pond and fountain pump. It refers to the volume the pump can process in a given time. We usually measure a pump’s flow rate in litres per hour (LPH).
Please choose a pump that can process the entire volume of your pond within at least two hours. That means you’ll need a pump with at least a 1000LPH flow rate for a 2000-litre pond.
2. Function
Another important consideration is the purpose your pump will serve. You can determine this by deciding the kind of water features you want to run.
If you’re looking to build a large waterfall and stream that require lots of water flow, you need a pond pump that packs more force. Conversely, if you plan to run smaller applications such as mini-waterfalls, spitters, and fountains, you can go for a less forceful pump.
External drive pumps and direct drive pumps are the most powerful. They are ideal for streams and large waterfalls.
Statuary pumps and magnetic drive pumps are less forceful yet more efficient. They are ideal for spitters, mini-waterfalls, fountains, and other stand-alone water features.
3. Operating Costs
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When shopping for pond and fountain pumps, your first instinct may be to choose a unit with the lowest sticker price. That can make you pick the wrong pump.
It is also necessary to consider the total cost of running the pump over a given period. Use the following formula to calculate the running cost of any pump:
Amps x Volts divided by 1000 x KWH cost x 24 hours x 30.4 days per month = cost per month.
If your pump is rated in watts, use the following formula instead:
Watts divided by 1000 x KWH x 24 hours x 30.4 days per month.
You can obtain kWh (kilowatt-hour costs) from your electricity bill or by contacting your local electricity company.
4. Manufacturer’s Guarantee
Most pond and fountain pumps available on the market today come with at least a one-year guarantee. However, it is not a good idea to settle for only one year of protection.
Find a brand that stands behind its products for at least two years. You can be sure that such pumps will stand the test of time. Go for a unit designed for outdoor use.
Conclusion
Ponds, fountains, and other water features are a beautiful addition to virtually every garden. However, you must choose the right pump to get the best out of these features.
Choosing the right pump for your pond and fountain can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to water pumps. In reality, it is elementary, especially if you keep the above factors in mind.
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