Every pond or water feature needs a pump in order to promote sanitation and energy efficiency. Pond pumps keep water sanitary while also removing debris and preventing the growth of harmful algae. Knowing which pump to buy can be a stressful task since there are thousands of pumps to choose from. However, with a basic understanding of the purpose of pumps as well as a guide on how to choose one, the task can seem less daunting.

Purpose of the Pump

Pumps serve multiple purposes depending on what is needed. Pumps recirculate water and sustain the flow of water features. Recirculation helps to keep the pond nutritiously balanced for the fish and other aquatic life. This ensures that all the life within the pond has equal access to nutrients. As one can imagine, this is essential for the well-being of the aquatic life within the pond.

Another purpose of the pond pump is to power the flow of water features. Waterfalls and cascades need pumps to provide the energy to make the water actually fall at a certain rate and force. Pumps serve a vital role in the functionality of ponds both from decorative and life-sustaining perspectives.

How to Choose a Pump

When choosing a pond pump, individual needs will likely be the most influential factor. However, there are other considerations that may help narrow the choices including energy efficiency, flow rate, type, cost, warranties, and ratings.

Energy and efficiency are two words that will always come up when researching pond pumps because it is the top priority. The leading edge technology has made pond pumps much more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly. Inefficient pumps can be noisier, break easier, and have an overall diminished effectiveness rate. Additionally, inefficient pumps can dramatically increase utility bills. As such, energy efficiency is of utmost importance when looking at pond pumps. The idea is to choose a pond pump that will work continuously without any problems. Ultimately, an energy efficient pond pump will save significantly more money and time compared to one that is not efficient.

Another important factor is flow rate, which should be determined prior to choosing a pump. An inaccurate flow rate can result in many problems and breakdowns in the pump over time. There are plenty of calculators and companies that are willing to help calculate the desired flow rate.

Discerning whether to get a submersible or external pond pump is another consideration. While submersible pumps can be cheaper to install, they may not be as efficient and durable as external pumps. On the other hand, submersible pumps will not cause the pond to leak, which is often a favourable advantage and will not consume outside space like an external pump does.

The cost of pond pumps for fish & gardens tends to influence heavily the buyer’s decision. Pond pumps drastically vary in price, and while it may be tempting to make price a priority, it may not be the wisest choice. Purchasing an inexpensive pump solely because it is cheaper can be a costly decision that results in more money later. Pumps that have a cheaper price tag may be less energy efficient, which over time would end up being more expensive. Therefore, weighing the other factors is essential when deciding which pump to purchase.

Another major factor is the warranties and guarantees that the pond pump company is offering. Most pond pumps come with a warranty of at least two years. Seeing that a warranty is provided is one thing but looking at the extent of coverage is another. Taking an in-depth look at how extensive the warranty is can again save money in the long run. Reading the fine print is important when looking at warranties. Many pond pump buyers mistakenly think a repair is covered when it may not be, which is disappointing and inconvenient. Knowing the coverage will help prevent surprises later down the line.

Whilst it may be more time consuming, investigating the various brands and manufacturers of pond pumps is a helpful strategy. Different brands and manufacturers utilise different technology and innovative designs. Taking the time to research which brands and manufacturers are leading edge in the pump industry may prove to be beneficial over time. As technology improves, energy efficiency does as well.

Buyers often forget to review the performance and ratings of pond pumps although they provide valuable data. Performance reviews and customer ratings may give the most detailed and accurate information about pond pumps. Customers often describe the functionality of the pump as well as specific problems they have had with it. Performance reviews, particularly from independent reviewers, convey the level of efficiency of the pump. In order to maximise the money that you spend, reviews are a way to avoid making the same mistakes others have made.

After you have considered the energy efficiency, flow rate, type, cost, warranties, and reviews, it should be easier to narrow your choices down to a more manageable list. However, you may still benefit from speaking with an expert.

Ask a Specialist

As a new buyer, pond pumps are not that straight forward, and the initial learning curve is high. As such, the best way to make the decision about which one to buy is to ask an expert. Enquiring with a leading company who specialises in pond pumps and other water features is the wisest and least time-consuming thing to do. A specialist can point you in the right direction and help you avoid making the wrong choice.

When choosing a specialist, it is essential to look for a reputable company that has experience in the pond pump industry. Check whether the company values customer service and if they even have agents to assist you. Highly regarded companies will thoroughly assist you in the decision-making process and clear up any misunderstandings. A specialist can help you get the pond pump you need without the stress of trying to do it alone.