Basic Guide on How to Choose the Correct Size for Your Pond Water Pump

June 12, 2020

The presence of an effective pump in your pond can make a huge difference to your water feature. It helps in circulating your water and consequently moving it through vital components like filtration unit, fountains, or spitters. Through this pump, you can expect your water feature to obtain filtered and clean water.

Another great thing about the water pump is that it can preserve the life of your pond. It can preserve the lives of your fishes, plants, and other significant living things since this specific device helps in distributing oxygen and nutrients to the water. Subsequently, any signs of stagnation, algae build-up, and infestation of mosquitoes are also prevented whenever a fully functional pump is installed.

One element that must be considered in choosing and purchasing your pond water pump is its size. The sizing of pond water pumps is based on gallons per hour (gph) at one foot of lift. Alternatively, pumps that have large capacity are rated by horsepower (hp). Some helpful tips and guidelines in choosing the correct size for your pond water pump are as follows:

Determine the Water Volume of the Pond

A pump must circulate all the water through the filter at least once per hour. So, in choosing the correct size for your pump, you must accurately calculate the volume of water in your pond. In calculating your pond’s water volume in gallons, you must multiply the length, width, and average depth of your pond. Then, multiply your answer by 7.5. Knowing your pond’s water volume is crucial since your pump must efficiently cover all the water in your pond in a specific given time.

Match the Pond Water Pump’s Capacity

As mentioned, your pump must be able to circulate the pond water at least once per hour. So, if you have a 1,000-gallon pond, then you must install a pump that can runs 1,000 gph at the height of its operations. This principle also applies to ponds with a skimmer or waterfall. However, the addition of a pressurized filter in your 1,000-gallon pond decreases the capacity needed for your pump to 500 gph since you must now turn the water approximately once every two hours.

Calculate Maximum Head and Lift Height

Two measurements that you must know about sizing your pump are the maximum head height rating and maximum lift. The maximum head is the top height the pump can raise or lift water above the pond surface. The maximum lift, on the other hand, pertains to the maximum height that the pump will lift the water. To calculate this lift, you must measure the travel distance of the water from the pump to the top of the fountain where it will come out. Once you got the figures, you must select a pump that will lift higher than your calculated distance.

These tips and guidelines can certainly help you select and choose a pond water pump with correct sizing. If you need help in choosing the best pond water pump for your water feature, then feel free to contact us at Parker Pumps.

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