A long time ago, you needed complex plumbing just to move water to a fountain or waterfall. These days, all you need is a water pump to add streams, sprays, jets, gurgling streams and splashing waterfalls to your outdoor pond.
Pumps are split into two types; external and internal. Internal pumps are usually strong enough for most home ponds. The more powerful external pumps are designed for large ponds and water features.
Each pump differs in power, electrical consumption, installation and maintenance. Some installations may require the help of a professional, although most pumps for home use can be set up in just minutes.
Measuring Pump Power
The most important factor of your pump is its power. Pump power is measured in gph, meaning gallons-per-hour. The strength of the water flow decreases as the further away your pump’s exit point is.
Moving water vertically needs ten times more power than moving it horizontally. Make sure to do proper calculations so that your pump is strong enough to move water to your water feature. Pay especially close attention to the gph requirements of garden waterfalls.
Ideally, your pump should be able to circulate the entire water volume of your pond in one hour. Remember that while a pump’s power cannot be increased, it can easily be reduced. Most pumps have built-in valves to control water flow. So if you are not sure of your pump requirements, it’s better to exceed your estimate and just adjust the flow down as needed.
Other Considerations
Make sure that the pump you choose is designed for outdoor use, otherwise it will not be able to cope with round-the-clock use.
Also check that the cord is long enough to reach the socket distance dictated by building codes. Avoid using extension cords, and make sure the pump is properly grounded.
Filters are an additional concern. They can be bought separately, although some pumps have built-in filters. Fish pond pumps require a biological filter to prevent your fish from getting sucked into the mechanism.
Following are some other articles related to outdoor ponds that you may find interesting:
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