Expert Author Lynette Holroyd

A pond pump is fairly literally the heart of one's pond. It provides much needed circulation to help keep the water fresh, thoroughly oxygenated and healthy. A pond of any size will benefit from a pump and, in addition, they also develop a more attractive water feature. Be it a gentle rippling effect, waterfall or fountain, bringing life and movement to your pond will add to its beauty and also its health. Pumps can be found in various sizes and also have a variety of functions - some include filters to reduce biological contaminants among others include UV filters to further improve the water quality; much like so many things, you will be spoilt for choice. Water pumps are crucial for those keeping stocks of fish in a pond, especially in warmer weather once the pond pump will help to maintain high oxygenation of the water.

Forms of Pumps, Location and Fitting

? Basic pond pumps are available to power small water features, fountains or ornaments. These are not usually suitable for use in large ponds, especially those containing fish. General purpose pumps for mid-sized ponds are the next thing up. A good range of these available on the market are designed for waterfalls or fountains. They will normally have a filter to eliminate plant material and stop damage to the pump. Waterfall pumps, as the name suggests, were created for waterfall features plus they don't work with fountains. Waterfall pond pumps are often designed to operate constantly, which makes them ideal for keeping the levels of oxygen high in ponds stocked with fish.

? Choosing the pump from the many available will depend on the kind of pond you have. For simple water features basic pumps are fine; however, for those required to keep the pond healthy for fish, it's sensible to possess a pump that can be operated 24 hours a day and one that may pump the full volume of water in the pond everyone to two hours. If you would like the pond to feature a fountain, many experts recommend buying two separate pumps; this allows you to turn off the fountain without stopping the filtering and aeration of the water in the pond.

? Almost all pond owners work with a submersible pump, that will have to go in the pond, but does it matter where? Generally a pond pump should be fitted to create the best circulation of water so ought to be placed as deep as you possibly can in summer to keep the water moving and cool. However, you may want to access the pond pump for maintenance, so position it where it could be reached easily. Many gardeners will remove the pump over winter, but fish keepers may choose to keep carefully the pump running. In cases like this re-position closer to the surface to keep water moving on the surface - and prevent freezing. Always be mindful when removing or relocating the pump never to damage your pond liner.

? While there are pond pumps in the marketplace that use solar power, the majority require fitting to electrical supply. For anyone who is in any doubt about this consult an electrician. Pumps ought to be fitted having an RCD at the consumer unit - often known as a 'trip switch', which will cut of the pump in case a fault develops. Cables ought to be buried and covered to protect their presence from danger.


Helping to maintain oxygen levels in your pond, a pond pump may also create a stylish feature. Choosing the best pump will depend on the size of pond and the needs of the inhabitants in the pond.
A pond pump is fairly literally the heart of your pond. It provides essential circulation to keep the water fresh, thoroughly oxygenated and healthy. A pond of any size will reap the benefits of a pump and, in addition, they also develop a more attractive water fountain.