Virtually every water feature needs a pond pump; choosing the right one can feel hard, but it is important. The pump acts as your pond’s heart, circulating water to filters, fountains, and waterfalls while keeping the ecosystem balanced.
Pond owners favour Evolution Aqua Pond pumps for being reliable and efficient. Should you want advice that fits your needs, That Pond Guy will walk you through all the available pumps.
Understanding Different Types of Pond Pumps
There are many types of pumps because their uses vary. Debris-filled water can be moved by solids-handling pumps to philtres, making such pumps very suited for use in fish ponds.
Meanwhile, fountain pumps produce great water displays since they value pressure more than volume, but their power is not strong enough for effective filtration.
Compact feature pumps fit neatly into small, self-contained water features but are not suitable for larger ponds with fish and plants.
The main thing is to choose a pump that best fits what you require. Looking for a way to both filter your water and enjoy a fountain? You will likely need two separate pumps unless you have a small pond where an all-in-one unit might suffice.
Calculating Your Pond’s Pump Requirements
Three factors determine your ideal pump size:
- Pond Volume – Calculate length × width × average depth × 1000 for litres.
- Flow Rate – Lightly stocked ponds need half the volume pumped hourly; koi ponds require full turnover.
- Head Height – The vertical distance water must travel to your filter, or waterfall reduces the effective flow rate.
If your koi pond will feature a waterfall of 1.2 metres and contain 3,000 litres, you should buy a pump that is rated for 3,000 LPH at that height. Always check the pump’s performance curve – what looks powerful at low heights may become inadequate when pumping uphill.
Avoiding Common Pump Mistakes
Choosing the wrong pump leads to problems. An undersized pump won’t properly filter the water or reach your waterfall, while an oversized one might overwhelm your UV clarifier or spray water out of the feature.
For waterfalls, a good rule is 1.5 litres per minute for each centimetre of waterfall width. So, a 30cm-wide cascade needs about 2,700 LPH after accounting for head height.
Maintenance for Longevity
Even quality pumps like Evolution Aqua Pond pumps need occasional care:
- Clean intake cages weekly to prevent clogging from debris
- Inspect and clean the impeller monthly
- Check seals and connections for wear
- Always use RCD-protected outdoor circuits
Final Tips for Pump Success
- For filtration: Prioritize solids-handling pumps with robust flow rates.
- For water features: Choose pressure-rated fountain pumps with fine pre-filters.
- For small ponds: All-in-one units save space and simplify maintenance.
Remember, your pump is an investment in your pond’s health. Taking time to select the right model pays off in clearer water, healthier fish, and more reliable operation. For help finding your perfect match, That Pond Guy’s expertise can steer you toward the best solution for your specific setup.