How to Choose the Right Pump for Your Pond or Fountain System

Know What the Pump Is For

First, ask yourself:

• Is this for a small fountain or a big pond?
• Is it only for looks, or do you need to clean the water too?
• Do you have fish or plants in the pond?

Your answers will help you know what kind of pump to get.

Types of Pumps

1. Submersible Pumps

These go inside the water.

Good for: small to medium ponds.
Pros: easy to use, quiet.
Cons: not as strong, harder to clean.

2. External Pumps

These stay outside the water.

Good for: large ponds or strong flow needs.
Pros: powerful, long-lasting.
Cons: can be noisy, harder to set up.

3. Solar Pumps

These use sunlight to run.

Good for: small fountains, eco-friendly homes.
Pros: saves energy.
Cons: only works well when sunny.

Size Matters

You need to know how much water your pond holds. A good rule:
Your pump should move all the water in the pond once every hour.

If your pond holds 1,000 gallons, get a pump that moves at least 1,000 gallons per hour (GPH).

Don’t Forget Head Height

Head height means how high the water must travel from the pump.
If the water must go up a waterfall or pipe, the pump needs more power.

Tip: Always check the pump’s chart to see how much water it can move at different heights.

Think About Pond or Fountain Size

Here’s a quick idea:

• Small fountain (under 200 gallons): 100–250 GPH
• Medium pond (200–1,000 gallons): 500–1,200 GPH
• Large pond (1,000+ gallons): 1,200+ GPH

More features (like waterfalls) mean you need a stronger pump.

Save Energy

Some pumps use more power than others. Look for pumps that use less energy but still work well.

Tip: You can use a timer to run your pump only when needed.

Easy to Clean and Strong

Choose a pump that is easy to open and clean. Pumps with filters help stop dirt from getting in.
Also, look for pumps made with strong parts. Metal parts last longer than plastic ones.

Extra Features

Some pumps come with:

• UV lights to kill algae
• Flow control knobs
• Safe covers to protect animals or kids
  Pick what matters most to you.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t get a pump that is too small.
• Don’t forget the head height.
• Don’t buy the wrong type for your setup.
• Don’t skip cleaning and checking your pump.

Final Tips

A good pump keeps your pond or fountain clean, quiet, and flowing.
Always know your pond size, head height, and what features you want.
Spend time choosing the right pump now to avoid problems later.

Need help finding the right pump? Make a list of your pond’s size, height, and features. Then match it with a pump that fits those needs.

Let your water feature shine with the right pump!