Updated on Jun 30, 2024 10:57 AM EDT
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A backyard pond or water garden can help 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 best pond pumps and filters and find out why the following are at the top of their class for creating water-moving effects in the landscape.
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 maximum 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 special features such as lights or spray choices.
To qualify as a top pick, a water pump for ponds 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 Flow Rate” pump is both submersible and external.
The 310-watt VivoSun water pump is powerful enough to circulate the water in an 840-gallon pond, yet it’s ultraquiet, producing only a soft hum. It comes with a 20.3-foot-long power cord and operates on 310 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 as a water pump submersible or for in-line use, the VivoSun pump runs continuously. It has a built-in overload sensor that shuts down the pump if it overheats.
This VivoSun also pumps water to a height over 20 feet to operate a fountain, waterfall, or other water system. The cover on the intake filter detaches for easy cleaning, and the unit weighs 14.5 pounds.
Get the VivoSun Water pond pump at Amazon or VivoSun.
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 feet, and it only produces a gentle hum of up to 40 decibels when operating.
This compact pump is small enough to position in the bottom reservoir of a tiered fountain and can be used as a shallow well pump, 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.
Get the Knifel pond pump at Amazon.
This Tetra pond pump comes with a special protective filter that shields aquatic life from the pump’s impeller, while tiny bits of debris of up to 0.25 inch 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 13.4 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.
Get the Tetra pond pump at Amazon or Lowe’s.
With a maximum lift of 19 feet, the TotalPond water pump helps create a flowing waterfall. Featuring a 3,600 GPH motor, the pump can filter water in a pond holding up to 7,200 gallons.
The submersible pump comes with a mesh pump shield that prevents debris from clogging the motor; the shafts and bearings ensure smooth long-term use. It also has a back-spitting feature that can cool the pump during operation to prevent overheating. The pump comes with a 16-foot power cord.
Get the TotalPond pond pump at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Total Pond.
Enjoy clear trickling water with this Pennington AquaGarden pump that does more than just pump water—it keeps the water clean as well. The pump comes with a built-in UV green water clarifier light that destroys algae, and it has a polymer wood cartridge that improves water quality and removes cloudiness.
The AquaGarden pump and filter comes with an LED spotlight that illuminates a spray of water. This pump suits relatively small ponds of about 400 gallons, and it’s safe for use with goldfish or in a koi pond.
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.
Get the Pennington pond pump at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
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 and operates at up to 40 decibels.
Get the VivoHome pond pump at Amazon, Walmart, or VivoHome.
With a maximum flow rate of 800 GPH, this model from VivoSun is versatile enough to be used for a pond as well as a fountain, waterfall, irrigation system, or hydroponic system.
The VivoSun also has a maximum lift height of over 10 feet and an adjustable knob for flow rate. The power cord is over 5 feet long for excellent reach and ease of installation. The brand also includes three different flow rate nozzles ranging from 0.51, 0.62, or 0.74 inches to accommodate a variety of water systems or needs.
Plus, this submersible pump comes with four suction cups on its base to help it stay in place horizontally or vertically. Its small size of 4.1 inches long by 2.6 inches wide by 3.5 inches high means it’s easy to conceal in both small and large ponds. Finally, this pond pump works in temperatures of 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get the VivoSun pond pump with high lift at Amazon or VivoSun.
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.
Like the best pool pumps, 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-powered water 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 when building a pond. 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.
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 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.
Submersible water pumps will technically still operate when not fully submerged, but this may cause the pump’s lifespan to be reduced or overheat. Users will want to keep a submersible pump completely submerged to ensure proper operation and filtration.
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.
A pond that has aquatic life will typically last a few days to a few weeks without the use of a pump before the sludge and fish waste in the water become too toxic for fish to survive. The general rule of thumb is to keep a pond pump and filter running continuously to reduce the risk of creating a toxic environment.
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.
Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.
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