It can be a daunting and confusing task choosing water feature pond pumps due to the variety of manufacturers, styles and sizes available. This article discusses the types of pond pumps available to buy and how one might use them.

Fountain pumps are the most common pumps available. The design of these pumps means you get a fountain in the centre of your pond or water feature. They come complete with a variety of fountain jets and fountain jet extensions.

Fountain Pump Hint: Avoid using a fountain pond pump to power a filtration system; this will lead to issues with water clarity.

Filter pond pumps can pump free floating debris from the pool and then pass it to a filter system (solids handling). This keeps the pond clear and free of debris. Most of these pumps can pump particles such as plant matter, leaves, pebbles, blanket weed, fish waste up to 8mm in diameter.

The maintenance of these pumps can be reduced to a minimum due to this solids handling capability as they won’t block up often.

Filter Pump Hint: If you want a fountain and filter system in your pond then add a fountain pump and a filter pump. The filter pump will remove the free floating debris to a filter , therefore the fountain pump shouldn’t block up.  

Garden water features come in a vast range of designs, shapes and sizes; from a converted watering can to a custom made stainless steel sculpture. Feature pumps are best for powering water features because they are usually designed small yet have a high pumping pressure. These robust pumps can be sited in shallow water or sometimes positioned dry.  

Water Feature Pump Tip: A deciding factor on which size pump you use for your water feature is the size of the pipe that the water runs through to the top. The wider the pipe the less restriction on the pumps flow rates. Narrow tubing will require a larger pump which will cost more.