Understanding Garden Water Pumps
The main reason you would buy a garden water pump is to move water around in your pond. Certainly if you want a waterfall, fountain or stream in your water garden, you will need a pump. In all three cases the water needs to be moved, and you power that movement with a garden water pump.
In addition, fountain pumps or bubblers are used to circulate the water in your water feature. This produces oxygen in the pond, which prevents the growth of algae.
A garden water pump is rated by gallons per hour (gph) or litres per minute (lpm). Choose a pump that is sufficient for the height (in the case of fountains) and flow you need.
As an example, a pump rated at 80 gph is minimum for a small trickle or fountain. One rated at 1200 gph (with a one-inch discharge) would work for larger flows at greater heights. Flow rate varies as height and number of connection splits. And keep in mind that a ground fault interrupter (GFI) power source must be within six to 12 inches of pumps.
To achieve the right amount of water movement, you need to know how many gallons your pond will hold. According to most experts, turning the water over once every hour is the bare minimum. My recommendation is if in doubt, err on the side of the larger pump.
Garden Water Pump for Fountain or Waterfall
When buying a garden water pump for a fountain or waterfall, the height that you want the water to rise or fall (which determines the dramatic effect and “amount of splash”) will be a determining factor.
Waterfall and fountain pumps range in size anywhere from 90 gallons an hour to 500 gallons a minute (30,000 gallons an hour). The more volume you want to move, the bigger and more expensive the pump.
At the risk of stating the obvious, remember that the bigger the pump, the bigger the electricity bill. Also, the more water you have moving through the air and splashing up, the more evaporation you will have (adding to your water bill, not to mention the environmental considerations).
In-line pumps vs. submersible pumps
A major factor in your electricity costs is the brand and type of pump. Waterfall and fountain pumps fall into two basic categories:
- in-line pumps
- submersible pumps
Most experts agree that in-line pumps use less electricity and are easier to access than submersible pumps. The downside of in-line pumps is that they are generally not as easy to hide. Submersible pumps are either placed in the pond or in a skimmer. These types of pumps are very quiet and are already hidden.
What to buy at a minimum
If you are planning to put in an outdoor waterfall or sizeable fountain with a pond, get a waterfall or fountain pump that is at least 1,800 gallon an hour. And if you already have a fountain pump and don’t know if it will be big enough, make sure that the PVC hose that you use will also accommodate a larger pump. That way if you need more water down the road, all you have to do is exchange the pump and you will not have to tear up your hose and your waterfall or fountain.