How to Sort Through the Best Pond Pumps for and Ideal Fit
Ponds that don’t have any running water can turn into a big mess of duckweed and stale water, but this problem can be corrected with a pond pump. Using a pump doesn’t take much hassle or trouble, and it can really improve your pond dramatically. But, to get the best results, you’ll need the best pond pumps to do the job on your property.
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Why Do You Need a Pond Pump?
Pond pumps are actually some of the most useful gadgets you can get if you want a healthy pond. A good pump will keep the water well aerated, while also giving the benefits of moving water around. When water is moving, it’s more difficult for things to grow on top or to collect on the water. This may help to reduce duckweed, while also keeping the water full of air all year around. Both of these benefits are great for the health of the wildlife and plant life in your pond.
More…
Preview Product Rating 
Laguna Max-Flo 2900 Electronic Waterfall & Filter Pump 36 Reviews Amazon Now 
Alpine Corporation Alpine PAL3100 Cyclone Pond Pump-3100 Fountains, Waterfalls, and… 119 Reviews Amazon Now 
TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump 127 Reviews Amazon Now
Last update on 2020-03-19 at 13:35 PST – Details
Beyond those functional benefits, you will have the added beauty of moving water and the sound of running water from the pump. You will also have the choice to add a waterfall into your pond, or a fountain, to make it even more aesthetically pleasing.
How to Choose the Best Pond Pumps
What goes into making your choice of the best pond pump? Here are some considerations you should make while reading reviews for different brands:
Pond Size & Flow Rate
The flow rate of the pump is measured in gallons per hour, and it will affect how much water can pass through the pump. You never want to have a pump that’s rated at more than 1000 GPH less than the number of gallons in the pool. For example, if your pond is 2000 gallons, you will want a minimum of 1000 GPH for your pump. That is the minimum, and it may not be a great fit if you want a waterfall or fountain.
Choose a flow rate that’s closer to the number of gallons in your pond if you want the pump to work more effectively. You can learn how to calculate the rough size of your pond here.
Where to Install
Some pumps are installed inside the pond and others outside. Submersible pumps are installed underwater, so they take less plumbing and don’t affect the appearance of your pond area. However, they usually don’t last as long as external pumps. Pumps installed externally do need a little more plumbing, but they are easy to maintain and usually last long. You will need to find a way to disguise them around your pond if you want the most beautiful area.
Cost of Use
Pumps can be expensive to use if you’re not mindful of how much energy they are using. It might be more cost effective for the money you use to buy a more expensive pump that has a longer life and a lower energy use, instead of a cheaper pump that used more energy. Budget should be considered in terms of initial costs and cost of usage. You can calculate the energy usage and therefore the cost of pump operation with this pond cost calculator. It’s compatible with US and UK energy measurements.
Width for Waterfalls
If you’re installing a waterfall, you will need to have a certain size of pump. Larger pumps can produce wider waterfalls and water fixtures, whereas smaller pumps will produce skinnier waterfalls and fixtures. Those that want to make a combo of any sort of fixtures will need a few more gallons per hour than those that want something simpler.
Fish in Your Pond
Different fish may need more moving water than others to remain healthy. The best pond pumps for koi may not be the same as for trout or beta fish. Consider the fish in your pond when you’re deciding on your pond pump type.
Preview Product Rating Laguna Max-Flo 2900 Electronic Waterfall & Filter Pump 36 Reviews Amazon Now Alpine Corporation Alpine PAL3100 Cyclone Pond Pump-3100 Fountains, Waterfalls, and… 119 Reviews Amazon Now TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump 127 Reviews Amazon Now
Last update on 2020-03-19 at 13:35 PST – Details
Top 3 Pond Pump Reviews
#1. Laguna Max-Flo 2900 Electronic Waterfall & Filter Pump
Via Amazon.com
This is a fairly large pond pump that is capable of pumping and filtering a maximum 2900 GPH. It’s a good choice for water fixtures and courses, because of the higher flow rate. You can use this pump with a large pond and have a lot of success. 130 kWh of power are used with this pump.
The Max-Flo pump is a submersible pump that’s flat in shape to help it stay upright and stable underwater. It can be installed in a key-lock shaped cage to keep it properly placed and operating at maximum efficiency. You should install this on the very bottom of your pond for best effectiveness.
What we like:
- Relatively easy maintenance that is infrequent
- Low power consumption for a high-power pump
- Great for water fixtures in your pond
- Good warranty in case the pump fails
What we don’t like:
- Some parts (specifically the impeller) are more susceptible to breaking
#2. Alpine PAL3100, 3100 GPH Cyclone Pump – 33’
Via Amazon.com
This is a submersible pump that’s available in sizes from 2100 GPH to 8000 GPH, which means it’s a great choice for most larger sized ponds. It has a strengthened ceramic impeller for longer life and more effective pumping. The pump also filters water while pumping.
Vortex style is used for the impeller, which is easy to disassemble for cleaning, maintenance, and further use. It also has a large pre-filter area to keep the unit cleaner. You can easily install this inside your pond without worrying about it staying upright.
What we like:
- Great for large water features
- Runs quietly while in operation
- Strong and durable, even the impeller and other traditionally sensitive pieces
- Long warranty in case of product malfunctioning
What we don’t like:
- At 150 kWh, it is not particularly energy efficient for continuous operation
#3. TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump
Via Amazon.com
TotalPond’s submersible pump is available from 1200 to 5100 GPH to compensate for any pond size and water feature needs. It’s good for small features, rather than larger features, including waterfalls and fountains. This pump has a maximum pumping height of 16.5ft, so you need to plan accordingly to keep it work well on your property if you have a deep pond or a tall feature.
A mesh barrier helps to protect the pump from outside particles and debris. It does not come with its own filter system or other accessories for installation and includes the pump only. You can expect this pump to run at around 106 kWh for the smallest pump size.
What we like:
- Motor will not burn up, even if you leave too much gunk on the mesh screen that blocks the flow
- Good value for the money and comparative price difference
- Rated well for waterfalls
- Great for continuous pumping without failure
What we don’t like:
- Package labeled incorrectly, and pump speed is given at 5ft of lift rather than true speed
- Pump can clog fairly easily in a pond
Conclusion
Of the 3 pond pump reviews I have above, it’s my opinion that the Alpine PAL3100, 3100 GPH Cyclone Pump – 33’ is the best pond pump. It’s a quality pump that’s easy to install, has a good energy efficiency rating for its size, works well for water features, and is a good tool for helping your fish get the air they need. If you want more bang for your buck, I would recommend trying out this pump and seeing how well it works for your pond.