The Heart of the Ecosystem
Garden Pond Pumps
The Pump: The Circulation System of the Pond
Water pumps are obvious and necessary components of backyard ponds or water features. They circulate the water, preventing those notorious ‘dead zones’ where no life can exist. They help to keep the water clear and clean and they help to oxygenate the water. Pumps are also used in many types of water features from waterfalls, to cascades to fountains, all of which help to further aerate the water.
Now it’s not necessary to have a pump in your pond. You can keep the water clear and oxygenated if you have the right ratio of fish and number of submerged plants to add oxygen to the water. Often this requires diligence to get a good handle on and gets more difficult the larger the pond. So it’s perhaps best to start with a pump, especially if you are new to backyard ponds.
Choose the Right Pump
A pump must be able to handle the amount of water in the pond or for the water feature planned. There are different sizes and types to choose from. You will need to calculate the rise that the pump must lift the water up, if it’s gentle you can use a smaller pump or much sharper for say a fountain you’ll need a stronger, larger pump. You should also have a good idea of the volume of water in the pond. If you only need to aerate the water in the pond look for a pump that can circulate all the water in the pond in about one or two hours.
Two Basic Types of Garden Pond Pumps
There are two basic types of water pumps, external and submersible. External pumps are aboveground pumps similar to the type made for swimming pools. These pumps almost always need their own 220 volt line from a circuit breaker. You’ll know them from the protective black boxes that they are housed in. Since there is combination of electrical work needed and water, it’s recommended that you hire a professional to put in this type of pump. Submersible pumps are comparatively easier to install. They come in many ranges and sizes and are placed in the water. They should come with a built in filter to help keep out debris. They are also kept cool by the pond water.
Keep the Pump Clean
If you have a submersible pump you should clean out the pump intake and filter weekly of clogged debris. In the late fall you may need to remove the pump, clean it and store it in a dry place until spring when you will reconnect it. This is only if you are planning on letting the pond freeze over for the winter.
Placement and Hiding the Pump
You can hide the unsightly pump behind or near a cluster of pond grasses or other aquatic plants if it bothers you. Just remember to place it far enough away that the roots and leaves don’t get pulled into the filter. You may also need to check it more often for debris. If this isn’t a good option, think about making use of a few well placed boulders and rocks to partially hide the pump from the view of visitors.