Part of keeping a pond healthy and clear is using a pump and filter system. Pond pumps help improve the nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio in the water, keeping it balanced for people, fish and other wildlife to enjoy.
However, choosing the right pump for your pond type and size can be challenging. Every pond system is different, and some pumps are more costly to run than others. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right high-quality pump for your pond.
What Kind of Pond Do You Want?
The best pump for your pond depends on your goals and the system you want to create. Here are a few questions to consider when you're planning your pond:
- Are there waterfalls? If so, how high are they?
- How large is your pond?
- What kind of plant and animal life is there?
Pond health depends on correctly balancing the oxygen and nitrogen levels in the water. In most ponds, fish and other wildlife create nitrogen. Plants, algae and water circulation work together to bring oxygen into the system and balance the amount of nitrogen.
In the summer, plant life takes over this job as it grows. During the winter, algae will often expand to help with nitrogen balance. Adding a pump to your pond can help keep the water healthy and clear throughout the year.
The primary purpose of a pond pump is to circulate the water, usually through a filter system. Part of this loop can include sending it through waterfalls, which requires more energy and power since the pump moves the water higher.
What Pond Pump Should I Choose?
Once you've mapped out your pond goals and design, you'll be ready to consider the strengths and weaknesses of popular pond pump brands. Various types of pond pumps are available, and each is designed to perform different tasks well.
The right pump for your pond will depend on several factors, including:
- Amount of flow you need per hour
- Amount of energy consumed
- Amount of height required
The optimal flow rate for your pond depends on factors like its size, plant life, algae, fish and more. If you choose a pump that's too powerful for your pond, the energy costs will be higher than necessary. However, a pump that's not powerful enough won't keep your pond healthy. Finding the right balance is key to keeping your pond healthy at an affordable cost.
Ponds with waterfalls require a more powerful pump to move the water to a certain height. Many pumps come with a graph that shows how moving water to specific heights impacts their efficiency. You can compare these charts to make the best decision for your pond.
Types of Pond Pumps
When researching pond pumps, you'll encounter several types of pump options. Most pond pumps are submersible, meaning they're designed to work under the water, making them easy to hide them from view.
The kind of pump you want depends on your pond goals. Here are just a few examples of what you can find in this market:
- Pumps that keep the bottom of your pond clean
- Pumps that support fountains or waterfalls
- Pumps that circulate water at high efficiency
While some pond owners use pumps designed specifically for ponds, others opt for sump or irrigation pumps that can filter larger solids or keep large expanses of water clean.
Every pump has its own pros and cons — typically, the tradeoff for more power is a higher energy cost to run the pump. Energy-efficient pumps tend to have less power, making them affordable but not ideal for supporting features at heights, like a waterfall.
Best Pond Pump Brands
When installing a pump, investing in a reputable brand is worthwhile so you won't need to replace it for a long time. Some pond pump brands are well-known for their high-quality parts and longevity.
Tsurumi
If you enjoy waterfalls and are looking for a pump that supports healthy water for fish, Tsurumi is an excellent choice. These pumps come in various sizes to support water features like streams, fountains and waterfalls. You can also find high-flow models that can move water quickly.
Tsurumi pumps are fully submersible and come in stainless steel or cast iron. If you have fish in the pond, you should choose stainless steel — fish don't respond well to cast iron. Choose the pump with the right horsepower to support your pond size and ideal flow rate.
For example, the Tsurumi VANCS 50PU2.15S (2PU) Pond Pump is designed to support pond circulation and waterfalls. It's a semi-vortex pump that can handle solids with a diameter of up to 1.38 inches, and it can cycle up to 3,300 gallons of water per hour, depending on waterfall height.
Another model, the Tsurumi VANCS 80PU21.5 Pond Pump, is a more powerful pump that can handle solids with a diameter of up to 1.81 inches. It's a multipurpose pump that's equipped to keep water moving efficiently while lifting it to a height for waterfall features.
ShinMaywa
ShinMaywa pumps are also respected for their high-quality parts and longevity. They're fully submersible, so you can easily hide them from view while keeping your pond clear and healthy for fish. You can find different ShinMaywa models to suit different pond sizes and flow rates.
The SHINMAYWA 50CR2.15S 1/5 H.P. Pond Pump is made of stainless steel and reinforced resin. It's designed to have minimal vibration and can handle up to 3,300 gallons of water per hour. For its class, this pump is highly efficient, which makes it more affordable to use.
For larger ponds, the SHINMAYWA 50CR2.75S 1 H.P. Pond Pump is an excellent option. This pump can handle 110 gallons of water per minute, which means it can cycle roughly 6,600 gallons of water through a filter system each hour. For its size and capabilities, it's also remarkably energy efficient.
Order Your Pond Pump Online From ePumps
At ePumps, we offer several pond pumps that are easily installed and maintained. If needed, we'll walk you through the installation process over the phone, ensuring you get the best purchase value and experience.
We offer high-quality pump brands like Tsurumi and ShinMaywa, so you get the best deal for your investment. All our products come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers 12-36 months after purchase. You can rely on ePumps for the highest quality product, impressive results and the best customer service.
Order online today and take your pond to new heights!
