It’s difficult to imagine that there are people who disapprove of water ponds or who think they do not add something special to a garden. One’s mind immediately conjures up a picture of a pleasant sunny day, a verdant lawn, a deck chair and a tranquil pond, its surface still as it mirrors a blue sky. Who wouldn’t want one?

Ponds need maintenance to ensure that they remain a healthy place should they be home to aquatic plants or fish or to the types of amphibians which occupy gardens or farms and also to avoid the water becoming stagnant and malodorous. This can be achieved through the installation of a water pump which creates movement through the water.

As is always the case these days, there are myriad choices when it comes to buying a pond pump. We’re here to make that choice easier under a range of categories and criteria. Here goes…

BEST CHOICE Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump

Best Pond Pump in Our Rating Robust impeller for waste treatment

Large basket minimizes clogging

Ceramic anti-corrosion motor shaft for longer service life

for ponds up to 4000 gallons Read Verified Customer Reviews

Selecting the Best Pond Pumps in July, 2020

1. Direct Drive Waterfall Pump by Little Giant: Best Pump for Waterfalls

This item is perfect for waterfalls and streams with its powerful direct-drive pump bringing the considerable benefit of a dual-discharge design. Exclusive to this model, dual-discharge allows the operand to pump water into separate features (a pond and waterfall, for example or two waterfalls) simultaneously…and to do so at high volume.

The model a cord measuring 16 feet and a maximum pumping height of 10 meters or 30 feet. It can handle large ponds due to its 4,280 GPH capacity and is one of the quieter options available; hence it will not disturb the calm idyll of the garden pond.

An ideal choice for many reasons: the dual-discharge design matches power with versatility. It is sleek and conveniently-sized with the added attraction of a rust-proof body which provides longevity. With duality of function and longevity, it scores high in terms of value-for-money.

Specifications Max Head: 30' Outlet: 1¼" FPT Discharge,1¼" MPT Discharge Cap Watts: 700 Amps: 6.3 Includes: 1¼" Barb Cord Length: 16' Dimensions: 7″ × 9″ × 14¼"

GPH per foot of Head O': 4300 5': 4000 10': 3500 15': 2850 20': 2200

Pros Simple installation

Simple installation Great value for money

Great value for money Ideally suited to waterfalls

Ideally suited to waterfalls Long-lasting

Long-lasting 3 year guarantee

3 year guarantee Surprisingly quiet given the power generated

Surprisingly quiet given the power generated Rust-proof and submersible

Rust-proof and submersible Versatile (operates both vertically and horizontally)

Versatile (operates both vertically and horizontally) Works well in all weathers Cons Prone to clogging in ponds with an abundance of flora and fauna

Prone to clogging in ponds with an abundance of flora and fauna Not the easiest to clean

2. Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump: Best Pump for Dirt-free Maintenance

This one provides clog-free performance for filters and waterfalls and is highly efficient when dealing with the debris generated in a pool. Sturdily constructed, it has an excellent filter system which prevents leaves, sticks and other large items of debris from gaining access to the pump. Furthermore, it will allow smaller items of debris up to 0.25 inch in diameter to pass through the pump without clogging it.

This model is perfect for large ponds through which it will circulate water with no need for maintenance and lasts longer than most other models – users have reported up to 12 years without encountering any problems. The pump can also ensure a steady supply to waterfalls up to a height of 13 feet.

Well-suited for pond-owners with an abundance of aquatic plants, it will ensure that water circulates freely, and the pump remains clog-free.

If you’re the type of person who likes to avoid a mess when performing any maintenance work, this is a boon for you. Indeed, the amount of maintenance required is minimized. The pump is also oil-free; good news for fish and/or other pond inhabitants.

Model GPH Max Head Height Inlet Outlet Watts 3600 3690 11'5" 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" 199 4200 4235 13'1" 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" 233

Pros Powerful

Powerful Avoids clogging

Avoids clogging Robust design and operation ensures longevity

Robust design and operation ensures longevity Kind to fish and other pond inhabitants

Kind to fish and other pond inhabitants Low maintenance

Low maintenance 2 year guarantee

2 year guarantee 15-foot cord and 3,690 GPH capacity Cons Not cheap although longevity will usually repay initial outlay

3. Premium Dual Discharge Pump by Little Giant: Best Powerful Pump

Dual discharge systems are increasingly popular and this model from Little Giant is one of the better ones. It can feed two water features simultaneously and with a capacity of 1,900 GPH, it does not lack power. This item commands the capability of pumping waterfalls up to 20 feet.

It ticks so many boxes: it is economical, multifaceted, resistant to corrosion, powerful and offers hassle-free installation. Above all else, it is the ideal choice for somebody with a smaller pool or water feature.

Specifications Little Giant Part Number 566409 Maximum Flow Rate 1,900 GPH Flow Rate @ 5 Ft. of Head 1,250 GPH Flow Rate @ 10 Ft. of Head 785 GPH Flow Rate @ 15 Ft. of Head 325 GPH Maximum Head 20 ft. Power Consumption 230 W / 2.0 A Discharge (2) 1-1/4″ FPT (female threaded) Fittings Included (1) 1-1/4″ MPT × 1″ barbed elbow adapter

(1) 1-1/4″ MPT x 1-1/4″ barbed elbow adapter

(1) 1-1/4″ MPT discharge cap Power Cord Length 16 ft. Voltage 115 V, 60 Hz. Dimensions 7″ L x 9″ W x 12″ H

DOCUMENTATION

Pros Easy installation

Easy installation 1,900 GPH

1,900 GPH Powerful

Powerful Functions vertically or horizontally

Functions vertically or horizontally Capable of powering more than one water feature

Capable of powering more than one water feature Economical

Economical 3 year guarantee

3 year guarantee Rust-proof, submersible Cons Some users have experienced problems with the motor

Some users have experienced problems with the motor Not always easy to remove debris caused by clogging

4. Patriot Koi Pond KP550 Pump: Best Environmentally Friendly Pump

This model is a quietly efficient (as in quiet and efficient!) model with a maximum pumping height of 14 feet and is perfect for cascading waterfalls of up to 5 feet. It is designed to allow larger items of debris to flow out through the discharge and finer pieces of detritus to flow through the back of the pump. A mesh barrier shield makes it free from clogging and extends the life of the pump.

Despite the product name, the maximum flow rate is actually 1,450 GPH at ground level.

The have a range of other sized pumps such as the 2000 GPH, 3600 GPH and 5100 GPH which service waterfalls of greater height – up to 18 feet – all of them competitively priced.

Specifications Compatible with 1-1/2 and 2 in. ID tubing Dimensions: 10 x 4.8 x 6 in. UL listed pump - Safe for fish and plants 2 year warranty

DOCUMENTATION

Pros Safe for both plants and fish

Safe for both plants and fish Inexpensive

Inexpensive Clean and efficient

Clean and efficient Adept at handling debris of any dimension

Adept at handling debris of any dimension Easy to assemble and operate Cons Should not be used in chlorinated water

Should not be used in chlorinated water Shorter guarantee than rival models (one year)

5. Tetra Pond Water Garden Pump: Best Introductory Pump

For anybody new to domestic pools, this item will provide an ideal introduction. It is competitively priced and requires no real expertise when installing and is sufficiently versatile to power waterfalls, filters and fountain heads.

Tetra Pond’s range of pumps include the WPG325, WPG550, WPG1000 and WPG1900 which will power ponds with a capacity ranging from 50-250 gallons to 1000-1500 gallons. The basic design makes them the perfect entry level water garden pump.

Specifications

Product Pond Size Tubing Adapters Included



Power Cord Watts 325 GPH 50-250 gallons 1/2"-3/4" ID 12 feet 17 550 GPH 50-500 gallons 3/4"-1" ID 12 feet 40 1000 GPH 500-1000 gallons 1" ID 16 feet 70 1900 GPH 1000-1500 gallons 1 1/4" ID 16 feet 226

Product Details All Pumps are Submersible and UL Listed NOTE: Tubing is required! ALL power cords are 12' long. These energy efficient Pond pumps include additional adapter sizes. 3 Year Warranty

DOCUMENTATION

Pros Simple installation

Simple installation Powerful but free from noise

Powerful but free from noise Ideal “starter” pump

Ideal “starter” pump Submersible

Submersible Economical

Economical 3 year guarantee

3 year guarantee Range of models available Cons Filter not included

Filter not included Some users report that it is prone to breakdown

6. Patriot Koi Pond KP550 Pump: Best Environmentally Friendly Pump

For the environmentally aware, this pump utilizes hybrid drive technology (harnessing direct and magnetic drive technology) to produce an energy-efficient pump. Direct drive supplies the power while the magnetic drive provides the energy efficiency and safety. An overload switch prevents the pump from any possibility of overheating, further enhancing its environmentally-friendly credentials.

Among the roster of Patriot products are the KP800, KP1600 and KP10000 with capacities ranging from 800GPH to 10,000GPH.

This is a versatile pump which provides high water flow at a reduced cost enabled by the ground-breaking drive technology and when submersed, it will not disturb the calm of its surroundings.

KP550 – KP1600 Flow Chart

KP SERIES PUMPS

KP550 KP800 KP1200 KP1600 KP2000 KP3000 KP4000 Max Pump Flow 550 GPH 800 GPH 1,200 GPH 1,600 GPH 2,000 GPH 3,000 GPH 4,000 GPH Max Head Height 11' 13' 17' 18' 20' 21' 22' Discharge Outlet 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" Intake Outlet 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" 1.5" Pipe Diameter 1" 1" 1.25" 1.25" 1.5" 1.5" 2" Volts/Watts 120/54 120/82 120/144 120/156 120/190 120/290 120/320 Dimensions 8"x6"x6" 8"x6"x6" 8"x6"x6" 8"x6"x6" 8"x6"x6" 8"x6"x6" 9"x7"x7" Weight 7 lbs 7 lbs 9 lbs 9 lbs 10 lbs 12 lbs 18 lbs Cord Length 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30'

Pros Compact

Compact Powerful and smooth-running

Powerful and smooth-running Environmentally-friendly

Environmentally-friendly Rust-proof and fully submersible

Rust-proof and fully submersible Safe for all poll inhabitants

Safe for all poll inhabitants Competitively priced

Competitively priced Two year guarantee

Two year guarantee Speed can be controlled Cons Speed control must be purchased separately

Speed control must be purchased separately Users have reported problems with the impeller

7. Hydrofarm Active Aqua Submersible Water Pump 1110 GPH: Best Hydroponics Friendly Pump

It incorporates a sturdy construction with subtlety in its treatment of any fellow pond inhabitants be they plant or creature. Powered by a magnetically-driven chemical process which eliminates any requirement for mechanical seals or fitting of cooling lines, it thereby reduces the initial cost of the pump and related operational costs.

The pump is adaptable – suitable for various types of pond, aquarium, etc. – and since it does not contain BPA (bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used to produce certain plastics), it will not cause any harm to hydroponics.

It is inexpensive given its capabilities. The 1110 GPH model is suitable for water features in excess of 1,500 gallons. Designed to share space with hydroponics, it will delight owners who take pride in that aspect of pond life.

Specifications Brand: Active Aqua Wattage: 92 Watt Voltage: 120 Cord Length: 10 ft. Gallons per Hour: 1000 Fits: 1 in. Tubing /1/2 in. Tubing/3/4 in. Tubing Length: 9.5 in. Height: 4.5 in. Width: 5.3 in. Weight: 5 lbs. Case Quantity: 8

Pros Suitable for saltwater features (smaller sized models are not)

Suitable for saltwater features (smaller sized models are not) Designed with hydroponics in mind

Designed with hydroponics in mind Rust-proof and submersible

Rust-proof and submersible Can be used indoors and outdoors

Can be used indoors and outdoors Economical to run Cons Less powerful than other brands

Less powerful than other brands Can be prone to clogging

Can be prone to clogging Only has a one-year guarantee

8. PonicsPumps PP40006 Submersible Pump: Best Versatile Pump

It is one of the options in the vast range of products from this company. The current count is 19 types with 8 available sizes. We have chosen this particular model for its versatility. It has a waterproofed cord measuring six feet and comes with an adjustable input flow rate screen and three outlet adaptors facilitating varying tube sizes.

The longevity of the pump is down to the aluminum oxide ceramic shaft making it rust-proof and the design incorporates other features which enhance its durability.

Energy efficiency comes from its use of powerful magnetic material and it contains inherent vibration-dampening components which also avoid pollution.

The PP40006 model is suitable for both fresh and salt water and adapts to extremes of temperature. A wet rotor design removes any possibility of motor damage and can be cleaned without the need for disassembly. Its environmental credentials are enhanced by compatibility with solar powered units.

Specifications Manufacturer: FasterHarvest® Brand: PonicsPumps Color: Black Model: PP40006 : X0009TVG47 Publisher: FasterHarvest® Binding: Lawn & Patio Package Weight: 2.1 pounds Package Size: 6 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches

Pros Lack of vibration ensures quiet performance

Lack of vibration ensures quiet performance Versatile: flow rate easily adjusted and multiple adaptor outlets

Versatile: flow rate easily adjusted and multiple adaptor outlets Inexpensive

Inexpensive One of a range of models from PonicsPumps

One of a range of models from PonicsPumps Safe for other pond inhabitants

Safe for other pond inhabitants Rust-proof , submersible

Rust-proof , submersible Non-polluting

Non-polluting Longevity

Longevity Environmentally friendly Cons Short power cord (other models in the range have longer cords)

Short power cord (other models in the range have longer cords) Prone to clogging

Prone to clogging 1-year guarantee

9. Eco 396 Fixed Flow Inline Pump by EcoPlus: Best Small Fountains Pump

Designed with smaller water features in mind, this item can be used for fountains, ponds, hydroponic systems or aquariums. Even though the pump capacity is at the lower end of the scale (396 GPH), it can still pump water up to a height of 6 feet. The model has a wide range of fittings to ensure compatibility with diverse water features.

It is submersible and will particularly appeal to owners of smaller fountains. As indicated by the name, it is fully submersible and its paucity of moving parts acts as an aid to performance – there are less components at risk of malfunction – making it easier to maintain. This model is good to the environment being oil-free and is economical to run.

Submersible Pump GPH Watts Max Height Eco 66 75 5.75 2.5 Eco 100 100 10 3 Eco 132 132 28 4 Eco 185 158 26.5 4 Eco 264 290 28 6.5 Eco 396 396 36 6.5 Eco 633 594 54 7.5 Eco 1056 1083 89 9 Eco 1267 1347 192 13.5 Eco 1584 1638 245 12.5 Eco 2245 2166 246 16.5 Eco 3170 3170 192 13.1 Eco 4950 4750 250 20 Eco 7400 7400 550 23

Pros Suited for small fountains

Suited for small fountains Inexpensive

Inexpensive Adaptable – suitable for fresh or salt water

Adaptable – suitable for fresh or salt water Rust-proof, submersible

Rust-proof, submersible Compact

Compact Easily maintained

Easily maintained Manufacturer has a range of other models Cons Only has 1-year guarantee

10. KEDSUM 770 GPH Submersible Water Pump: Best for Desktop Fountains

The item should be considered by owners of a small pond or an aquarium or even in the unlikely event of needing a pump for a desktop fountain. It requires total immersion in water to become functional and, small of stature, it can be easily shielded from view.

With its capacity, it is no slouch when it comes to power and runs smoothly enough to be virtually noiseless. The model comes with three differently sized nozzles which facilitates choice of outlet flow.

This item is perfect for a pool packed with plants and, oil-free, it is a non-pollutant. Designed with stability in mind, suction cup feet enable it to remain stationary. It performs best in smaller confines and can adapt to extremes of temperature. It is suitable for fresh or salt water.

Specification Max Flow Rate: 770 GPH (3500L/H) H-Max (Lift height): 6.5FT Power: 65W Voltage: 110 - 120 V @ 60Hz Length of power cord: 1.8M Small Outlet: 0.71-Inch(OD)*0.6-Inch(ID)*1.02-Inch(H) [18mm(OD)*15mm(ID)*26mm(H)] Big Outlet: 0.79-Inch(OD)*0.62-Inch(ID)*1.02-Inch(H) [20mm(OD)*16mm(ID)*26mm(H)] Manufacturer: KEDSUM Brand: KEDSUM Binding: Tools & Home Improvement Package Weight: 2.4 pounds Package Size: 5.2 x 5 x 5 inches

Package Include: 1*KEDSUM Water Pump 5*Gaskets 2*Outlet Adaptors

Pros Compact

Compact Easy installation

Easy installation Comparatively inexpensive

Comparatively inexpensive Virtually noiseless

Virtually noiseless Suitability for indoor use brings a fun element

Suitability for indoor use brings a fun element Resistant to corrosion and submersible

Resistant to corrosion and submersible Ideal for smaller water features

Ideal for smaller water features Non-polluting

Non-polluting Versatile – horizontal or vertical usage

Versatile – horizontal or vertical usage Sturdy Cons Only has one-year guarantee

Only has one-year guarantee Not suitable for bigger water features

Not suitable for bigger water features Some users report it prone to a shorter life

A Guide to Water Pumps

Without movement, stagnation will set in with its attendant problems – insects of the unwanted variety (mosquitoes, midges, etc.) and weeds which are both unattractive and invasive. Over time, the water will become home to algae and a scum replaces that once pristine blue sky-reflecting surface.

Movement within the water ensures oxygenation and aeration which is essential for any fish which inhabit the pond: devoid of such circulation, fish will perish due to toxins forming. Aerated water will also attract the sort of insects who are welcome from an ecological perspective.

Now that we’ve established that a water pump is necessary, let’s look at what should be considered before purchasing one.

Types of Pumps

There are two universally recognized types of pumps: submersible (inserted directly into the water) or external (also known as out-of-pool or surface pumps).

Submersible pumps have the aesthetic advantage of being invisible and usually less expensive to install and maintain. They do not require any protective covering outside the pond and tend to be quieter than external pumps. Due to their positioning, however, they’re more prone to clogging.

External pumps are located out of the pond and are, of course, visible. If there is a desire to keep the external pump out-of-view, it can be hidden in shrubbery or placed under cover. The latter option will help protect the mechanism.

Pump Size

When making a choice, one needs to factor in poll size (and its occupants) since pumps are measured by the amount of water circulated using GPH (gallons per hour) as the standard measurement.

Submersible pumps are viewed as the best option for smaller ponds (less than 1,000 gallons) whereas external pumps are favored for ponds in excess of that capacity. In a natural pond (devoid of fish), the accepted criterion is that all the water should be circulated every two hours e.g. a pond holding 1,000 gallons needs a pump with 500 GPH capacity.

The equation changes if the pond is populated. If it’s a goldfish poll, the water should be circulated every 1.5 hours. Since goldfish are small creatures, such ponds also tend to be smaller. If the pond is home to Koi, there will typically be a larger population and the water must be circulated every hour to combat the build-up of toxins and debris. This means a more powerful pump is required since filtration uses half of the pump’s power.

Below is a guide to poll/pump size ratio:

Pond size (gallons (GPH) Recommended Pump Size 30-100 50 100–200 100 200–400 200 400–700 350 700–900 450 900–1100 550 1100–1500 750 1500–2000 1000

It should also be noted that the depth of the poll should be twice the height of the pump to prevent a water vortex forming. Such an occurrence sucks air into the pump and adversely affects its performance.

The Economics of Pump Selection

Pond pumps have running costs which should be factored into the choice of product. With ever-increasing energy costs, a pump running all day every day will rack up utility charges so energy-saving models should be considered. There may be an increased initial outlay but that can eventually be recouped through reduced electricity and water bills. Solar-powered models are now on the market and have become increasingly popular in these environmentally aware times.

Matching Features to Available Choices

A pond may incorporate special features such as a stream, waterfall, fountain, resident fish or other forms of aquiculture which must be considered. Equally, pumps have varying abilities and features. Some work better with waterfalls, others are more adept at oxygenating the water. A thorough appraisal of these capabilities will allow the consumer to make the optimum choice. Time spent on this selection procedure will be rewarded.