If you have a Koi Pond with a tumbling waterfall, a fountain that is adorned by elegant statues, or an aquarium that is stocked with your favorite colorful fish, a pond pump will keep the water feature’s aquatic life healthy and vibrant. However, not just any kind of pond pump will do, it must also deliver a reliable and energy-efficient performance so that you can save money on your water and electric bills.
The 6 Best Pond Pumps
- Alpine PAL3100 Cyclone Pond Pump
- TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump
- Atlantic Water Gardens FP200 Adjustable Flow Fountain and Water Feature Pump
- Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump
- Aqua Pulse 550 Submersible Pump for Ponds
- KEDSUM 880 GPH Submersible Pump (Our Top Pick)
Our Top Pick for the Best Pond Pump
Our top pick for the best pond pump is the KEDSUM 880 GPH Submersible Pump.
You can use this little beauty for a wide range of indoor and outdoor water features. So whether you have a medium-sized fresh-water or salt-water aquarium, a small fish-pond, a small water fountain, or an indoor hydroponics system, it is a reliable pump that delivers a superior working performance.
The KEDSUM will provide just the right amount of aeration and water flow to keep your fish happy in your aquarium. It will also create a lovely waterfall in your pond.
Check the price on AmazonWhy Your Water Feature Needs a Pump
There are three main reasons why your pond needs a pump:
1. Stops Any Pests From Breeding in the Water
A water pump will prove to be an invaluable asset for any type of water feature. The reason that the pump is such an indispensable tool is that without the pump there is no aeration taking place as it pumps the water in and out of the pond to maintain good water circulation. No water circulation means you will end up with green stagnant water in your pond or fountain.
It will become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, which will turn your once beautiful watery paradise into a hellish hole that is filled with dead fish and decaying plants.
2. Provides Proper Filtration of the Water
A pond pump in conjunction with a high-quality pond filter will improve the quality of the water. These two items working together will make sure that good bacteria stays in the water. It will also eliminate any build-up of bad bacteria and also keep the water free of debris. A pump plus a filter equals clean water and a thriving aquatic environment that will attract all types of wildlife.
3. Maintains the Correct Water Flow
A water pump also maintains the correct water flow in your pond, which is especially important if you have an extra water feature like a waterfall or a fountain. If the pump has the incorrect water flow and produces too much water – gallons per hour (GPH) – your waterfall will end up churning out too much water which will upset your fish and look more like a churning wave on the beach.
If the pump is not strong enough, your waterfall or fountain will be weak and ineffectual. It will also look more like a dripping tap that has not been turned off properly.
The right sort of pump will provide you with just the right amount of water flow so that your waterfall or fountain display will create the effect that you desire, either a gentle trickle or an impressive Niagara Falls style water display that will cascade down beautifully over a rock formation or spray out in an impressive arch into the catchment area.
How to Choose the Right Pump
A pond pump is a very versatile tool. It can be used for a pond, outdoor fountain, aquarium, desktop fountain, and a hydroponic gardening system. Before you consider the right type of pump that will suit your aquatic needs, here is a quick lesson on how pumps work.
How Does a Pond Pump Work?
A pond pump uses a very simple modus operandi. An electric motor is used to turn an impeller, which draws the water into one side of the pump, and then expels the water out the other end. The amount of flow is determined by the size and power of the impeller, which requires a certain power output (wattage) from the electric motor.
Cost Effectiveness
As most pumps are designed to operate 24/7, they may have an overload switch that can stop them from overheating. However, if you want to leave the pump constantly running, the cost-effectiveness of the pump is important.
To meet the increasing demand for high-quality pumps that are affordable over the long term and will not cause too much strain on your bank account, manufacturers are looking to improve their machinery to make their pumps cost-effective. Some manufacturers use magnetic drive motors in their pumps which means that their pumps are energy-efficient.
Or they may be designed to use a lower wattage, while other pumps may have just one moving part, a ceramic shaft, and impeller, which means they require less maintenance. All of these innovative technological improvements will save you money on your power and water bills.
Size of Your Water Feature
To be able to choose the right pump for your water feature, the gallons per hour (GPH) that the pump can provide need to be compatible with the size of your water feature. Ponds, aquariums, or fountains come in all sizes. Small, medium, and large, which relates to how much water they can hold. Small ponds range from 200 to 1,000-gallons of water. Medium-sized ponds up to 5,000 and large ponds have 10,000-gallons of water or even more.
Some pond pumps such as the Atlantic Water Gardens Fountain Submersible Pump has a flow rate of 200 GPH. It is recommended for a small pool that ranges from 200 to 400-gallons. A pond pump that can generate 3,100 GPH is a good match for a medium-sized pool. If you have a large 10,000-gallon pond, it is best to choose a pump that can generate 10,000 GPH so that it will meet the demands of the water and will continue to function correctly.
Try this handy calculator that can help you choose the right pond pump for your water feature or aquarium.
Submersible and External Pumps
Like pond filters, pond pumps can be designed to be submerged under the water or they can be placed anywhere around the edge of your water feature.
– Submersible Pond Pumps
Submersible pond pumps are a great choice for almost any type of pond or water feature. However, they work best in smaller ponds up to 1,000 GPH. They are usually less powerful, so they may not be the best choice if you have a large fountain or want to have a substantial waterfall. They are very easy to set-up, less noisy, and they do their work out of sight underneath the water.
The downside of using a submersible pond pump is that it can clog up easier and you have to maintain it regularly. If you have a pond that has a lot of fish and vegetation, which can create a lot of debris, choose a submersible pump that has a pump shield mesh barrier bag that can prevent any debris from clogging up the pump.
If you have a medium-sized pond and you want to choose a submersible pond pump, look for a model that has a sturdy pre-filter that helps to shift tough debris before it gets to the separate filter attachment. Submersible pond pumps are also very compact, which makes them the perfect choice for indoor aquariums.
– External Pond Pumps
External pond pumps are placed outside the pond. So you do not have to worry about getting wet when you need to do some maintenance. However, this type of pump may require more complex installation and could be more expensive upfront.
External pond pumps can be used to pump and aerate water in small fish ponds, while other more powerful models work very efficiently in larger ponds. Some manufacturers design their pumps so that you can use them as an external and a submersible pump.
In comparison with submersible pumps, external pumps may be bulkier and if you are worried about the overall aesthetic appeal of your water feature, you can disguise the pump by hiding it behind rocks or foliage. However, it will need to be easily accessible for maintenance.
Handy Tips
Here are three Handy Tips for Using a Pond Pump:
1. Oil-free motor or Impeller. If you have Koi fish in your pond, look for a pump that has an oil-free impeller or motor, so that your fish will be happy and thrive in a stress-free environment.
2. Invest in a Pond Filter. Even though some pumps come with a sturdy pre-filter to stop any debris from creating any blockages, invest in a high-quality pond filter.
3. Creating a Stunning Waterfall. If your vision for your water feature includes a waterfall, here are some tips and inspiration for creating a breathtaking waterfall.
6 Best Pond Pumps – Reviews
1. Alpine PAL3100 Cyclone Pond Pump
In addition to being cost-effective and energy-efficient, this powerful Cyclone Pond Pump from Alpine Corporation is a great choice for medium-sized ponds. Whether you want to add a beautiful waterfall to your Koi pond or need to upgrade your existing fountain pump, this submersible pump can pump up to 3,100-gallons of water per hour and can create strong waterfalls and provide good aeration.
The Alpine Corporation pump features a well-made design as the external cover is made from tough plastic. The ceramic Vortex impeller is oil-free and driven by a magnetic drive motor that is fully encased in a separate housing, which increases its waterproof ability and prevents any leaks.
There is also an easy to remove pre-filter and the Vortex motor can be dismantled without tools for easy cleaning and maintenance.
A very versatile pump, the Alpine Cyclone can be submerged under the water or placed anywhere around the pond. It can also be placed vertically or horizontally. And it is covered by a three-year warranty. Alpine Corporation also offers five different pumps that you can choose from that provide a range of GPH per hour: 2,100, 3,100, 4,000, 5,200, and 6,550.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Performs very well
- Can create a strong waterfall
- Well-made design: submersible and external
- Cost-efficient
- Energy-efficient
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Pump’s housing can come loose
- Need to secure the pump
- Bulky
2. TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump
Featuring New Revolution pump technology and an enhanced design, the TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump can pump 1,200 GPH and can create a 5-ft. waterfall. So it is a very good choice for medium-sized ponds.
The magnetic-drive motor is built to run continuously and it has just one moving part, a ceramic shaft, and impeller, which make it a very low-maintenance pump that can save you money on costly bills. And as it is quiet, you can enjoy your water garden or feature without any annoying background mechanical noise.
The TotalPond pump features an innovative internal design that allows large debris particles to flow out of the discharge area. Smaller particles to flow out of the rear of the pump, which ensures that the shafts and bearings are being continuously cleaned. The Pumpshield mesh barrier bag prevents any debris from clogging up the pump, and the back spitting feature helps to cool the pump down to prevent any overheating.
Although the pump is specifically designed for waterfalls, it can also be used for piped statuary, fountains, and general water garden ponds, and as the motor is oil-free, it can be used in a Koi pond.
The pump is compatible with 1½ and 2-inch tubing. It comes with a 16-ft power cord and the pump is covered by a one-year warranty.
For best results, TotalPond recommends that you use the larger tubing size to reduce friction and maximum water flow. The pump should be used in water temperatures between 41°F and 86°F. Make sure that the power cord is connected securely as the pump can stop working.
TotalPond also supplies 2,000 and 5,100 GPH pond pumps.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Powerful pump
- Creates a beautiful waterfall
- Features a new and improved design
- Energy-efficient
- Oil-free motor
- Anti-clogging mesh barrier bag
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Not ideal for a small or large pond
- Need to make sure that the power cord is connected properly
3. Atlantic Water Gardens FP200 Adjustable Flow Fountain and Water Feature Pump
For great performance, easy installation, and an excellent price, the Atlantic Water Gardens FP200 Adjustable Flow Fountain and Water Feature Pump gives you everything you need to create a stunning fountain or waterfall in your pond. Although it is designed to function in smaller ponds, it can deliver a superb water flow and can give you a nice waterfall up to 5-ft. Or create a beautiful water spout for your fountain, while also being very energy-efficient.
The Atlantic Water Gardens submersible pump gives you everything you need to keep your pond clean and healthy, a large, sturdy pre-filters, integrated flow controls, versatile base plates, replaceable impeller, and small diameter power plugs. It is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance, plus it is covered by a one-year warranty.
One of the best aspects of this reliable pump is that it is very user-friendly as there is an integrated flow adjustment so you can adjust the water pressure to get the perfect flow for your water feature. The Atlantic pump is whisper-quiet. So you can sit back and relax while you watch your beautiful waterfall or fountain cascade down with the gentle trickling sounds of the water in the background.
Pros
- Very affordable
- High-quality design
- Reliable performance
- Creates a beautiful waterfall up to 5-ft.
- Great pressure for a small pond or fountain
- Easy installation
- Energy-efficient
- Adjustable fountain pressure
- Whisper quiet
Cons
- Not recommended for medium or large ponds and fountains
4. Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump
If you have a medium-sized pond that has a lot of vegetation and you are always finding it full of debris, the Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump has large ¼-inch holes in the pre-filter cage, which allows the pump to filter large debris without any blockages.
The heavy-duty pump will have no trouble providing just the right water flow and aeration for a 3,000-gallon pond. As it has a low wattage motor and a unidirectional impeller, it is very energy-efficient. Together with the durable and anti-corrosive ceramic shaft, the motor is protected from water by special epoxy encapsulation, which guarantees you a long-lasting performance.
To get the best circulation and filtering results out of the pump, TetraPond provides a few operating tips. Choose a pump that will circulate 100% of the pond volume in one or two hours. The more circulation the pump can provide the better the pond conditions will be, which is especially important for waterfalls and streams.
The pump is compatible with tubing that measures 1½ or 1¼-inches and it has a 15-ft. power cord. For extra peace of mind, the pump is UL Listed and is covered by a three-year limited warranty.
If you have a slightly larger pond, TetraPond also manufactures a 4,000 GPH pump.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Strong pump
- Provides good circulation
- Anti-clogging pre-filter cage can filter large debris
- Energy-efficient
- Creates a powerful, but natural looking waterfall
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Not ideal for a large pond
5. Aqua Pulse 550 Submersible Pump for Ponds
The Aqua Pulse 550 Submersible Pump for Ponds is specifically designed for pumping water and aerating small water gardens and fish ponds. Its superior performance is due to its innovative hybrid drive technology, which combines the power of a direct-drive pump with the energy efficiency and safety of a magnetic drive pump.
If you have a Koi pond, the oil-free motor makes this pump a great choice as it is plant and fish-friendly. As well as its ability to move a lot of water and shift large pieces of debris up to ¼-inch, the pump allows you to adjust the flow and pressure of the water with a variable speed controller. The end result is a vibrant pond and a spectacular waterfall at a lower operating cost.
Extra features also include an overload switch to protect the pump from overheating, an extra-long 30-ft. power cord, which gives you more flexibility to place the pump where it will work the best, and there is a removable inlet filter screen. The pump can also be mounted vertically or horizontally, and it is compatible with 1-inch tubing and the pump is covered by a two-year warranty.
HALF OFF PONDS also makes a range of pond pumps that cater to small, medium, and large-sized ponds up to 10,000 GPH. Please be aware that the speed controller does NOT work with the 10,000 GPH pond pump.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Perfect pump for small fish ponds
- Innovative hybrid drive technology
- Strong pumping action
- Variable speed controller
- Can be mounted vertically or horizontally
- Overload switch
- Quiet operation
- 30-ft. power cord
Cons
- Not to be used for medium or large-sized ponds
- Need an extra filter bag to stop fish from being sucked into the pump
6. KEDSUM 880 GPH Submersible Pump
The KEDSUM 880 GPH Submersible Pump is very versatile as you can use it in a small pond, water garden, medium-sized aquarium, hydroponic gardening system, and even in a desktop water fountain.
This very durable and cost-effective pump has a strong ABS shell and generates 100-watts. Its compact size means you can easily disguise the pump amongst a rocky waterfall or foliage and it will not detract from the overall look of your aquarium.
The KEDSUM is very user-friendly, just put the pump into the water, turn the power on, and use the water inlet switch to adjust the flow of the water to fit your water feature. It is also easy to clean and maintain. If there is a lot of debris in the pond, the percolator protects the rotors from being blocked by rubbish and ensures smooth working performance.
Whether you use this pump outdoors or indoors, it is ultra-quiet and it will fit securely wherever you place it as it has strong suction cup-mounted feet and non-slip gaskets. If you want to use it in your outdoor Koi Pond, you will need to place it close to a power outlet as the length of the power cord is quite short at 1.5 meters/4.9-ft.
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Exceptional value for money
- Easy to control flow
- Powerful pump
- Super quiet
- Compact size
- Can be used in fresh and salt-water
Cons
- Not ideal for small aquariums or large ponds
Our Top Pick For The Best Pond Pump
Our top pick for the best pond pump is the KEDSUM 880 GPH Submersible Pump.
You can use this little beauty for a wide range of indoor and outdoor water features. So whether you have a medium-sized fresh-water or salt-water aquarium, a small fish-pond, a small water fountain, or an indoor hydroponics system, it is a reliable pump that delivers a superior working performance.
The KEDSUM will provide just the right amount of aeration and water flow to keep your fish happy in your aquarium. It will also create a lovely waterfall in your pond.
Check the price on Amazon
