Pond pumps are the heart of the pond and should be chosen with care. When choosing a pump for a pond there are a few considerations to think about: Will the pump have to lift water above the pond’s surface, and if so how high? Will it power a waterfall, a fountain or statuary? Will it be used with any filters? All of these variables reduce the amount of flow, which could affect water quality and clarity.

Pond pumps are rated (typically in gallons per hour – GPH) at the maximum output, with no restrictions, and without lifting water above the pond’s surface. Most pumps have a head rating, which is basically how high a pump can push water, and is measured (in feet) as the vertical distance from the water surface to the point that water is released. Pumps have wattage ratings on their packaging so that pond owners can easily compare costs. Remember, an increase in the wattage means an increase in the cost to operate.

It is recommended that the water in a pond be turned at least 1½ to 2 times per hour. For example, a 500-gallon pond should have a 1,000 GPH pump (with no less than a 750 GPH pump).

Waterfall pumps are designed to pump a lot of gallons per hour, but the output is rapidly reduced when “head” increases. Filtration pumps, on the other hand, usually have less rated output than a similar size waterfall pump, but the output doesn’t drop off so quickly as head increases. This makes them more suitable for use in operating filters and fountains.

Be sure to only plug your pump into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet for safety. Always purchase a pump that will handle more than your current needs.