Choose the Correct Waterfall Pump

How To Choose the Correct Circulating Waterfall Pump For A Garden Pond

You only need 2 pieces of information To Be Able To Make An Excellent Pump Choice Where You Have A Waterfall. These are …

• The vertical height of the waterfall inlet above the water surface of the pond (NOT the bottom of the pond) … measure this in feet
• Width of water overflow point for waterfall … if overflow is a series of smaller overflows add them all together to get width in inches

If you have no waterfall the choice is easier … see below

Waterfall Pump Selection Table …

Check where height (left-hand side) meets width in the table (across the top). This is the flow your waterfall pump model must deliver to create a satisfactory waterfall effect in your garden or backyard. For a wide range of guaranteed great range of a waterfall pump for small to medium-sized ponds and waterfalls Check Here

		For example… you have a waterfall 3 feet above the pond surface and the overflow is 9 inches wide. You need a waterfall pump that will deliver 1200 gph at a height of 3 feet. An example of such a circulating submersible pump is Danner Supreme Mag Drive 1200 gph. If you have a waterfall 24 inches wide and 3 feet high you would need 2 model 1200gph pumps. TIP: always go for one size larger if in any doubt … Great range HERE of pumps for small to medium-sized ponds and waterfalls
Width Water Overflow (inches)		1 ft	2 ft	3 ft	4 ft	5 ft	6 ft
	3″	350 gph	500 gph	500 gph	500 gph	700 gph	700 gph
	6″	700 gph	700 gph	700 gph	700 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph
	9″	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph
	12″	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph
	Example … you have a waterfall 3 feet above the pond surface and the overflow is 9 inches wide. You need a pump that will deliver 1200 gph at a height of 3 feet. An example of such a circulating submersible pump is Danner Supreme Mag Drive 1200 gph. If you have a waterfall 24 inches wide and 3 feet high you would need 2 model 1200gph pumps. TIP: always go for one size larger if in any doubt … Great range of pumps HERE for small to medium sized ponds and waterfalls

NO waterfall pump selection table … you only need to know your pond volume or make an estimate of the volume. It does not matter if you are not perfectly correct

The volume of the pond … (gallons) …
300 galls	500 galls	1000 galls	1500 galls	2000 galls	2500 galls
350 gph	350 gph	500 gph	700 gph	1200 gph	1200 gph

For example… you have a pond whose volume is about 1250 gallons your chosen pump must be able to pump about 700 gph maximum flow.

An example is the Danner Supreme Mag Drive 700 gph as colored pink above. You could if you really wanted to save some money get away with the 500 but if in any doubt always go one size bigger. For a much wider range and choice click here For a wide range of Great range of pumps for small to medium-sized ponds and waterfalls.

On the matter of cost do take note of the operating cost …. normally far more important than the original cost and if you ever compare pumps ALWAYS take this electricity cost into account.

Why do you need a Pump to move water around your pond and filter … Your pond fish need to breathe. Submersible pond water pumps are essential to provide oxygen for garden fish ponds & biofilters. Why does my garden fish pond need a water pump anyway? The water pumped around the garden fish pond circuit supplies fish and the pond filters bacteria with life-giving oxygen.

If the water pump stops for any length of time (certainly more than 4 hours) the bacteria within your fish pond’s biofilter which are there to purify the pond water die. The result is the pond filter stops working and undesirable levels of ammonia and nitrites build up in the pond water. These impurities become highly toxic to pond fish and especially koi at even low concentrations.

If all you want is a simple waterfall pump or water fountain pump then choose a pump that comes complete with the water fountain included

A water fountain pump is useful in any garden or backyard pond.

The action of sprinkling water into fine droplets allows a lot of oxygen to be captured from the air. The fountain pump is designed to generate lots of fountain droplets to aid this process.

Types of fountain pump nozzles

Different water fountain pump manufacturers use different names for the fountains produced … names like foam jets, tulip jets, umbrella jets, and so on. Choose the water fountain jet appearance you like when you buy the fountain pump. To create high fountains you need more powerful fountain pumps and this is why it is always best to buy a fountain pump that comes with a range of fountains included in the price. You’ll then know that these fountain pumps will produce the desired fountain effect.

Water fountain height and fountain diameters

A common fountain is a 3 tier simple water fountain pump jet. There are also 2 layer and single-layer water fountain jets. These are the cheapest kind of water fountain nozzles normally. If you choose a water fountain pump with high jets make sure that your pond width is enough to prevent all the water from being blown away on a windy day.

As example, the Nautilus water fountain pump series from Oase can produce 3 tier water fountains up to 4 feet high (115 cm) and with a fountain diameter of almost 2 feet (55cm)

The Aquarius pond and fountain pump series also made by Oase produce water fountains up to 4 feet high (120cm) and 3 feet in diameter (100cm)
If you find that your fountain pump is a bit too strong divert some water back into the pond by adjusting the valve that comes attached to most good fountain pumps.

How to select a waterfall pump for use with a waterfall

Selecting the right pond waterfall pump for use with a waterfall is a crucial decision when creating or maintaining a beautiful and functional water feature in your garden. The waterfall pump performance directly impacts the aesthetics and health of your pond, as well as the efficiency of your waterfall. Here are some key factors to consider when making your selection:

1. Flow Rate: The flow rate of the waterfall pump is measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or gallons per minute (GPM). To choose the right pump, calculate the desired flow rate based on the size and design of your waterfall. Generally, a waterfall pump with a flow rate that can turn over the pond’s volume at least once per hour is recommended for a healthy pond ecosystem.
2. Head Height: The head height is the vertical distance the water needs to be pumped from the pond’s surface to the waterfall’s highest point. Ensure the waterfall pump you select can handle this head height without losing too much flow rate. Consider the elevation changes and any obstacles in the water’s path.
3. Energy Efficiency: Look for an energy-efficient waterfall pump to minimize operating costs and reduce environmental impact. Pumps with variable speed options allow you to adjust flow rates to suit different waterfall styles and save energy when needed.
4. Pump Type: Submersible pumps are commonly used for pond waterfalls because they can be placed underwater, which makes them discreet and reduces noise. External pumps are an alternative but may require more installation effort.
5. Maintenance: Choose a waterfall pump with easy access to the impeller and pre-filter for cleaning and maintenance. Regular cleaning helps prolong the pump’s lifespan and ensures optimal performance.
6. Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the waterfall pump. Quiet operation is essential to maintain the serenity of your garden. Look for models designed to reduce vibration and noise.
7. Durability: Invest in a high-quality waterfall pump with durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions and constant exposure to water.
8. Warranty and Customer Support: Check the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support options. A reliable warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability.
9. Budget: While it’s important to find a pump that suits your budget, remember that cheaper options may not always provide the best long-term performance or efficiency. It’s often worth investing a bit more upfront for a reliable and efficient pump.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a pond pump that not only ensures the beauty of your waterfall but also promotes a healthy and balanced ecosystem within your pond. Proper maintenance and sizing will help your water feature thrive for years to come.

Importance of PIPE DIAMETER and PIPE LENGTH for a pond … You might find it difficult to believe but using small diameter pipes (especially long lengths) can reduce your pump flow to a trickle. Pipe diameter has a bigger impact than pipe length in most cases. Always use the biggest diameter pipe you can and always have the shortest length. Pumps and pumping systems are the source of life-giving oxygen to your fish and plants as well as your biofilter’s bacteria.