The Best Pond Pumps of 2021 - Recommendations from Bob Vila

2021-12-23 07:53:14 By : Mr. huawang zhou

By Glenda Taylor | Updated Oct 1, 2021 11:08 AM

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Moving water is enchanting. Any backyard pond helps create a calming atmosphere and adds visual value to the landscape, but when water bubbles, trickles, or emits a spray that captures a rainbow prism of hues, the effect can be nothing short of magical. While attractive, nonmoving water is likely to stagnate, adding a pump to recirculate the water in a backyard pond or create a fountain helps keep the water fresh and free of mosquitoes.

The best pond pump varies by the type of water feature and the desired effect. Ahead, learn about the different types of pumps and find out why the following are at the top of their class for creating water-moving effects in the landscape.

Pond pumps come in a range of sizes and styles for a variety of uses. The best model for a concrete fountain might not be a good choice for a pond or other water feature. Whether the plan is to build a pond or install a cascading waterfall, consider the following factors to help find a pump that enhances the water feature rather than overwhelming it or not moving the water sufficiently.

Pond pumps come in two main types—submersible and external—and each has its own best uses and considerations. Rather than waiting until the water feature is complete, the best time to start thinking about the type of pump that will work best is during the pond’s planning stage.

Pond pumps also vary in how they operate. Operation affects both power and efficiency.

Landscaping needs vary, and so do the styles of water pumps necessary to make different water features run smoothly.

The amount of water a pump can handle varies from a couple of gallons up to thousands or more. To find the right-size pump, consider both the amount of water in the pond and the desired amount of water circulation. Flow rate indicates how much water a pump can move within 1 hour.

In general, the larger and more powerful the pump, the more energy necessary for operation. The most energy-efficient of all, solar pumps don’t use electricity. Other types of pumps vary in energy efficiency, and a simple formula can help determine just how much energy they use.

Some of today’s outdoor water pumps come with the ability to aerate the water, which helps keep aquatic life healthy. In contrast, others emit shooting streams and showers of water above the surface of the pond. Yet others come with in-water light displays that serve as a decorative element.

Submersible pumps are among the simplest to install. Typically, the user selects the least-visible spot for the pump and runs the cord between rocks or other pond-scaping materials to camouflage it. Depending on the model, the pump may have an on-off switch on the cord or turn on automatically when plugged into an outlet.

In most cases, these pumps require no additional wiring or plumbing. Some submersible pumps may require plugging into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet (consult the owner’s manual), which should turn power off immediately if the outlet senses a surge in electricity.

External pumps are less DIY-friendly because they often require additional plumbing or constructing a pump house to hide the pump. It varies, though, depending on the size and complexity of the plumbing layout. A user might need the services of a professional plumber or an electrician (for direct wiring) for some water features or pond designs.

To qualify as a top pick, a pump should be durable and sufficient for handling the necessary amount of water. The best pond pump varies based on the type of water feature, and any of the following choices are suitable for a backyard pond, waterfall, or other water feature. Like most residential-type water pumps, all of the following picks except the last are submersible pumps. The “Best High-Flow Rate” pump is both submersible and external.

The 220-watt VIVOSUN is powerful enough to circulate the water in a 9,000-gallon pond, yet it’s ultraquiet, producing only a soft hum. It comes with a 20.3-foot-long power cord and operates on 220 watts of energy-efficient power.

Position the pump vertically or horizontally beneath the water to suit the water feature; it comes with suction cups to hold it securely. Designed for submersible or inline use, the VIVOSUN pump runs continuously. It comes with a built-in heat-overload sensor that shuts down the pump if it overheats.

This VIVOSUN also pumps water to a height over 18 feet to operate a fountain or waterfall. The cover on the intake filter detaches for easy cleaning, and the unit weighs about 9 pounds.

Enjoy the benefit of circulating water without spending a fortune with the Knifel pond pump, which is suitable for water filtration in small ponds holding up to about 1,600 gallons. The Knifel pump can lift water to 10.2 feet, and it produces only a gentle hum when operating.

This compact pump is small enough to position in the bottom reservoir of a tiered fountain, and it comes with a 6.1-foot power cord. The pump features a sponge prefilter that keeps debris out of the pump, and it has an auto-off safety switch if the water level drops or the unit overheats.

This Tetra Pond pump comes with a special protective filter that shields aquatic life from the pump’s impeller, while tiny bits of debris pass right through without clogging the pump. The submersible pump moves 4,235 gallons of water per hour, and it comes with a maximum water lift of 13.1 feet. It can both filter pond water and pump a stream for a fountain or waterfall.

Water that passes out of the pump is directed through a separate external filter for easy cleaning. A unidirectional impeller and motor add to the continuous-operation pump’s energy efficiency. The submersible sealed unit is low maintenance and comes with a 15-foot power cord.

Enjoy clear trickling water with this Aquagarden pump that does more than just pump water—it cleans it as well. The Aquagarden pump comes with a built-in UV clarifier light that destroys algae, and it has a polymer wood cartridge that polishes the water and removes cloudiness.

The Aquagarden comes with an LED spotlight that illuminates a spray of water. This pump suits relatively small ponds of about 200 gallons, and it’s safe for use with goldfish and koi.

The pump comes with three fountain nozzles that change the water spray configuration from a single vertical jet to a multijet spray or a sleek water bell. The pump comes with a 16-foot power cord.

With a maximum lift of 17 feet, the TotalPond water pump helps create a flowing waterfall. Featuring a 2,000-GPH motor, the pump can filter water in a pond holding up to 4,000 gallons.

The submersible pump comes with a mesh pump shield that prevents debris from clogging the motor. It also has a back-spitting feature that can cool the pump during operation to prevent overheating. The 2,000-GPH pump comes with a 16-foot power cord.

This VIVOHOME unit can move some serious water—up to 9,000 gallons per hour. It comes with a maximum lift capability of 26.9 feet, suitable for tall waterfalls.

In addition to pumping water over a distance, the submersible pump can withstand short-term external use (out of the water). However, the manufacturer recommends in-water use for anything longer than a few hours, just enough time to pump out a pond or even a flooded basement in a pinch. The VIVOHOME pump comes with a 20.3-foot power cord.

Our top pick, the VIVOSUN 4500GPH Submersible Water Pump, can work as a submersible or inline pump in ponds holding up to 9,000 gallons of water. And it does so quietly, which is a nice bonus. For an affordable pump for small ponds, consider either the compact Knifel Submersible Pump or the Aquagarden Water Pump for Ponds.

Buying a pump for a pond or waterfall requires some careful study of pump type and operation. We looked at a range of types and variations of pumps to select the top picks for this list. We also considered pump size and flow rate and how each relates to the intended use (filtration, fountains, or waterfalls). The best pumps are energy efficient and easy to install, which is why this list contains mostly submersible choices. Finally, we noted additional features such as lights or spray choices.

With so many different types and sizes of pond pumps to choose from, it’s natural to have a few remaining questions about selecting the right one and what to expect.

In general, select a pump with a gallons-per-hour (GPH) pumping capacity that equals half the pond’s gallon capacity. For example, for a 4,000-gallon pond, choose a 2,000-GPH pump.

It depends on the pump. Some can operate continuously, while others may overheat and should run for only a few hours at a time. Check the owner’s manual for specifics.

The larger the pump, the more electricity it will use. Many pumps list the amount of wattage they use per hour. Multiply that by the number of hours per day the pump will likely run, and then multiply that number by 30 for a per-month wattage estimate. To estimate how much the pump will add to the electricity bill, multiply the final number by the cost of electricity (per watt) from your utility bill.

The pump’s quality is a factor, but, in general, expect a submersible pond pump to last 3 to 5 years.

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