When it comes to choosing the right submersible pond pump for your pond, there are several factors to consider. Read on to learn about Water flow rate, Float time, Noise, and Maintenance. You can also check out the Submersible Pond Pump Guide to make your decision easier! Here is some useful information to get you started. We’ve outlined the most important factors to consider. And if you’re still unsure, check out our video.
Water flow rate
A submersible pond pump’s water flow rate depends on the pond’s head height and volume. The head is the height at which water is lifted into the air. The higher the head, the greater the resistance the water will experience. Stronger pumps can provide higher flow rates at lower head heights. The head height of a submersible pump is measured in gallons per minute.
Total dynamic head (TDH) refers to the pressure a pump must overcome when it pumps water. It’s the measurement of the pressure exerted on the pump due to the volume of water that it is supposed to move. Flow rate is inversely proportional to the dynamic head. For example, a 500 GPH pump will reach 0 feet of head and then start to decrease its flow rate. When it reaches 12 feet of head, it will shut off.
Float time
When choosing a pond pump, you need to consider the maximum flow rate as well as the head height. Normally, the manufacturer will list the maximum flow and head on the pump. Flow rate is the volume of water the pump can move without the hose, while head is the height of water at zero flow. In addition to flow rate, you need to consider the height of your waterfall or spillover.
To maintain the pond’s quality, you should regularly check the float time of a submersible koi pond pump. You should also check for debris on the pond’s surface before installing a pump. Some pond owners use a protective element over the pump to catch debris and protect it from damage. The float time of a submersible pond pump is usually about three days.
Noise
If you’ve got a submersible pond pump, you might be wondering if it’s worth the noise it produces. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid pump noise. You can easily fix many common problems yourself, or call a landscape contractor. The most common cause of pump noise is debris that’s lodged around the impeller. This is easily fixed by clearing the debris from the pond.
When selecting a submersible pond pump, you’ll want to think about the size of your pond and its water level. A 300-gallons-per-minute pump will work well for a 600-gallon pond. However, you should keep in mind that larger ponds may need a larger pump to meet the water flow requirements. Also, consider the type of recirculation and filtration system you want, as well as how many fish you plan to keep. You’ll also want to consider the plants you plan to place in your pond, as these will affect the amount of oxygen they require.
Maintenance
Submersible pond pumps may run a bit hot, so they require regular maintenance. To prevent the pump from overheating, submerge it in cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes. After cooling down, reinstall it in the water. Check to make sure that the impeller is clear and there are no debris or obstructions in its way. Debris could cause damage to the o-rings, which seal the pump. You can find replacement o-rings on the spare parts page.
Inspecting the pump is a great way to identify potential problems before they cause problems for your fish. While pump troubleshooting is complex, it is not impossible to solve 80 percent of problems. If you have any doubts about whether your pump is broken, follow the steps below. Then, contact the manufacturer of your pump and have them check it for damage. Most problems are easily fixable and can be resolved with a few simple steps.
GFCI protection
You should always use GFCI protection on your submersible pond pump because the combination of water and electrical power could cause a ground fault. If your pump is plugged into an outside outlet, make sure you have a dedicated outlet for it. Otherwise, you’re at risk of getting a shock from the power surge. You can also install GFCI protection on your external pump, but you have to be careful to check whether the outlet has an GFCI.
While there are some exceptions to this rule, it is not necessary for direct connected pond pumps. If the pond pump is installed directly into the water, no GFCI protection is necessary. If the pump is placed in a receptacle, the receptacle should be GFCI-protected. If it is not, make sure that the receptacle is 120 volt and 15 or 20 amp.
Cost
Cost of submersible pond pumps varies considerably. Most pumps are cheaper upfront than external ones. However, some submersible pumps use oil for cooling. The oil can leach into the pond and harm the aquatic life. In such cases, external pumps may be a better option. External pumps do not require as much maintenance as submersible pumps and usually last longer. Some submersible pumps even use self-priming technology.
A good submersible pump that can move at least 3,000 GPH can cost between $5-$15 per month. It requires approximately 3 feet of head height, and will cost around $5.76 per month to operate. A popular brand of submersible pond pumps is TotalPond. Waterfall pumps from TotalPond are affordable and simple to use. For more information, visit their website. If you are not sure which one to buy, check the features of each pump to make sure they will be worth it.