The right pump satisfies two needs: turning over the pond and feeding any waterfall. This gives the flow to shop for at your head height.
How it works
Turnover flow = pond gallons × turnovers per hour. Waterfall flow = spillway inches × gallons per hour per inch. The bigger of the two is the flow you need delivered at your head height.
Before you order
- Read the pump's flow chart at your actual head, since a pump loses flow as it lifts.
- Fittings and long pipe runs add friction, so size pipe generously.
- Pick a slightly larger pump and throttle it back rather than running one flat out.
Common questions
How much flow does a waterfall need?
About 100 gallons per hour per inch of spillway for light flow, 150 for medium and 200 for a heavy sheet.
What is head height?
The vertical distance from the pond surface to where the water comes out, plus an allowance for pipe friction.