Build-Your-Own-Pond Pumps

Pond pumps are available in two basic formats: submersible and external (out of pond).

Man-made water ponds surrounded by plants and filled with fish make an excellent and elegant addition to any garden, as long as it is kept clean and maintained property. This is where a pond pump comes in handy. Most pre-made pond kits include a pump, but if you’re making your own pond from individual components, there are some elements to consider when choosing an appropriate pump.

Pond pumps are available in two basic formats: submersible and external (out of pond). Smaller ponds without fish can use a submersible pump. Larger ponds, or a pond where you plan to have fish usually require an external pond pump, and possibly a filtration system.

Most pond pumps are rated and sold by their gallons per hour (GPH) flow. This is often referred to as the maximum output. It is important to find a pump of a suitable GPH rating for your pond size. The general rule of thumb is that the pump should move half to all of the water in the pond each hour.

Another pump rating is the maximum head. This is the distance from the surface of the water that the pump can lift water to where it is released.

For external pond pumps, you have to consider how the length of the hoses between the pump and the pond will affect the pump’s capability. Long hoses will require higher GPH rated pumps for the same pond size.

When calculating your GPH capacity you also have to consider waterfalls or other fountain devices. These will increase the GPH requirements for your pond pump. If your pond pump is to power a waterfall, add approx 150 GPH for every inch of width of spillway from the waterfall.

If you can't find a pump to your exact size requirements, it is always safer to use a pond pump with a slightly larger capacity.

The electrical power for your pond pump should be on a ground fault interrupt circuit (GFIC) for safety. The electrical plug receptacle should be at least six feet from the water, and electrical cables should be buried in a plastic conduit to prevent hitting them accidentally when digging.

Many submersible pond pumps are now available in a low-voltage format, operating on 24 or 36 volts.

Home and yard improvements:
Home equipment
Outdoor furniture choices
Swimming pools and equipment
Ponds and more
Backyard home improvements

New Pond Pumps

Our Pond Pump Guide

Where to buy pond pumps

Disclaimers