The Many Benefits of Using a Pond Pump

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There are many benefits of using a pond pump, which is why it’s usually one of the first elements you plan for a new pond.

You might expect a company like Closer Pets to promote pond pumps, because they manufacture them. But they are an essential part of the health and wellbeing of any pond. Ask any pond expert or read any authority source on ponds and they will all say the same thing. A healthy pond needs a pond pump!

What does a pond pump do?

A pond is a pool of water with no current and no means of movement. This can lead to discolouration and a lack of oxygen, which can be harmful to your fish and pond life.

A pump will change that. It will circulate the water around the pond and can also filter and add oxygen to the water. Pumps on their own tend to circulate water. Pumps with filters help clean the water and pumps that feed fountains or water features can help oxygenate the water.

All combine to keep algae at bay, add essential oxygen for fish and circulate that oxygen and clean water around the pond.

What type of pond pump do I need?

There are several types of pond pump and the one you need depends on the size of your pond and what you’ll be doing with it. Most recommend the two main types though, pond filter pumps and fountain pumps. You can also get combined pumps that can do both too.

Pond filter pump

A pond filter pump is designed to pump dirty water through a filter and back out into the pond. It’s a relatively simple, but reliable type of pump that can help keep your pond clean.

This type of pump won’t help with oxygenation.

Fountain pump

A fountain pump, as its name suggests, is designed to power a water feature. That water feature works to provide oxygen to the water as well as an attractive feature to look at.

A fountain pump will not power a filter.

Combination filter and fountain pump

You can get combination pumps that can both power the filter process and a water feature. This will both clean and oxygenate the water, providing a double benefit.

The downside is that they are usually only suitable for smaller ponds.

What size pond pump do you need?

The next big question is what size of pond pump to buy. You want one that’s powerful enough for your size of pond but not so powerful that you’re wasting money.

There’s a lot that goes into sizing a pond pump, but basically, you multiply the length by the width and then the depth of your pond to calculate water volume.

Then you add lift, the height at which the water needs to be pushed either to the surface of the water or up to the fountain.

Where should I install the pond pump?

Where you install your pump depends on what type you get, submersible or otherwise.

Submersible pumps can be placed within the pond and can run happily 24/7 if required. There are also pumps you can install on the side of the pond with hoses going into the water, but these aren’t as common.

Most recommend placing the pump at the deepest part of your pond and running hose to the filter and burying the cable to an outside socket. Attach a string and float to the pump so you can easily retrieve it, make sure there isn’t too much debris in the area and that should be all you need to do.

Positioning changes if you’re powering a fountain or water feature. You’ll want your pond to be close to the fountain, with a short, straight hose linking the two.

Not all fountain pumps are designed to be submerged, but instead fit inside the water feature or on the side of your pond. Make sure to read the product description so you know what you’re buying!