A fountain pond is a perfect addition to your outdoor space, combining the soothing sounds of water with a visually striking feature. It can be a small garden pond or a large decorative water feature, but the right pump is essential for keeping it functional, beautiful, and healthy.
If you plan to buy pumps for fountains, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Why Do You Need a Pump for Your Fountain Pond?
A pump is the heart of any fountain pond. It powers the movement of water, ensuring proper circulation and oxygenation. Without a pump, water in the pond becomes stagnant, which encourages algae growth and unpleasant odors. Also, a pump will make your pond look much better by producing displays of water like cascades, waterfalls, or soft ripples.
Here's why a good pump is crucial for your fountain pond:
- Prevents Stagnation: Water in motion is cleaner and fresher for a longer period.
- Boosts Aesthetics: Pumps bring a fountain to life by creating streams and sprays.
- Supports Aquatic Life: If you have fish or plants in your pond, a pump ensures that they get sufficient oxygen.
Factors to Consider When Buying Pumps for Fountains
Before buying a pump, it is very important to know the specific needs of your fountain pond. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Pond Size
Your pond's size will help in determining which size pump is perfect for it. A very small pump is certainly not big enough for a huge pond, but using an overly big pump will waste electricity. Measure your dimensions and compute water capacity (gallons) before purchasing that pump. To help, you can visit our pond size calculator. This calculator will estimate total gallons, pond surface acreage, as well as acre feet.
2. Garden Fountains, Concrete and Resin
We wish we could offer a definite estimation of the best pump for your concrete or resin fountain, but things get tricky. Many customers try to guess by measuring gallons in the fountain’s basin. But really what is needed to know is how much flow a customer wants at the very top of the fountain, regardless of basin size. Many very tall fountains work best with very small flows at the top, thus resulting in less splash and evaporation. But other fountains with wide spillways require a large pump to offer a “roar.” Whenever possible, determine the manufacturer’s recommendation. If that is impossible, it is essential to examine maximum flow rate, head height, and pump curve, as explained below.
3. Maximum Flow Rate
Flow rate is measured in gallons per hour (GPH) and shows how much water the pump can move in one hour. For a pond, to determine the ideal flow rate, multiply the total water volume of your pond by 1.5. For example, if your pond holds 500 gallons, aim for a pump with at least 750 GPH. For a fountain, the flow rate you need to know also must take into consideration head height and pump curve.
4. Head Height and Pump Curve
The head height, or lift, is the maximum height at which the pump can push water. This is especially important if your fountain pond features waterfalls or high-water jets. Ensure the pump's head height matches your fountain's design. If your fountain is 6 feet tall, then your pump must pump to a lift of at least 6 feet to reach the top. It is best to underestimate the lift your pump can do.
But even more important is the pump curve. The pump curve is the measurement of flow at different heights. Pumps produce less flow the higher the water is lifted. A pump will have a flow of x number of gallons at two feet of head, and a lower y volume at four feet of head. Before you order a pump, you need to know the vertical distance from the surface of the water in the fountain’s basin to the fountain outlet at the top. You will need to estimate how much water should flow from the TOP. Then check a pump’s specified pump curve to make an educated guess which will work best.
4. Energy Efficiency
Since pumps run continuously, energy efficiency plays a significant role in keeping operating costs low. Look for models designed to provide a steady flow while consuming minimal electricity.
5. Quiet Operation
If your fountain pond is located in a peaceful garden or near a seating area, a quiet pump is essential. Pumps with noise-reducing features are perfect for maintaining a serene environment. For small fountains, especially in interior spaces, it is often beneficial to put cushiony material beneath the pump to lessen vibration.
Submersible vs. External Pumps
When buying pumps for fountains, you’ll come across two main types: submersible and external pumps. Each has its advantages and is suited for different situations.
- Submersible Pumps: The submersible pumps are actually immersed in water and are well-suited to small ponds and fountains. These pumps can be mounted easily; they are also silent and nonintrusive since they stay underwater.
- External Pumps: The external pumps go outside of the pond, but these are used with larger applications. They often provide more flow and are easier to service, though sometimes noisier and installation more troublesome. Either a priming pot or installation of the pump below the fountain’s basin is needed to ensure constant flow.
Tips for Maintaining Your Fountain Pond Pump
The right pump selection is not complete without proper care. Here are a few simple tips:
- Maintenance: Regular clean-up of the pump of all debris like fallen leaves and algae. A cleaned pump will consume less energy to function and last longer. Check for tears, cracks or worn-out parts inside the pump on a regular basis. A common problem is a stuck impeller. Impellers are held behind an impeller cover.
- Seasonal Care: If you reside in a location where winters get below freezing, you will need to remove the pump and keep it indoors for protection from ice. An exception is Scott pumps for Scott fountains, which do not have to be removed during icy winters.
Improving Your Fountain Pond Experience
A quality pump is just one piece of the puzzle. To take your fountain pond to the next level, look into these added components:
- Aeration: Water-circulating pumps also increase oxygen content, which is vital for fish and aquatic plants.
- Lighting: With LED lights, a pond fountain at night will become a real beauty.
- Water Features: Test nozzles for variety in spray patterns, from the softest mist to full flowing cascades.
Conclusion
A fountain pond can indeed be beautiful, functional, and an outstanding enhancement to the overall outdoor living environment. Making a selection of pumps when buying can involve factors like the size and the flow rate so that it leaves your pond as clean and alive as it's meant to be. A well-planned and carefully taken care-of fountain pond becomes the perfect serene refuge that lifts your garden to beauty beyond the four walls of time.
Media Contact
Company Name: Fountain Tech
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1-(800)-319-3854
Address:2351 Thompson Way, C2
City: Santa Maria
State: CA 93455
Country: United States
Website: https://www.fountaintechpumps.com/
