Arrangement of an artificial pond is often one of the main processes in decorating a personal garden, therefore it is worth approaching the selection of equipment to achieve your goals with all responsibility. The main tool for supplying water to an artificial pond is a pump. Read about which product to choose and how best to install it in a decorative pond - read on.
Varieties of pumps and their principle of operation
If you do not go into all the additional functions of the models on the market, then the pumps can be divided into three main groups: submersible (they are underwater), surface and battery. Each of the options can be equipped with a backlight, which in any case will only increase the decorative functions of the reservoir. To determine which product is right for you, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics of all types.
Important! The disadvantage of the submersible filter is the possibility of frequent clogging. To maximize the safety of the device, it is worth installing it in an elevated place, covering one end of the pipe with any protection.
Submersible
Submersible pumps are a good solution for small streams and ponds, as they are extremely easy to use and maintain. Usually they are equipped in the deepest part of the garden, always on a concrete base.
- The main advantages of using submersible pumps are:
- the presence of a sealed enclosure to protect the device;
- relatively quiet operation: below 35 dB;
- a more aesthetic view of the pond due to the complete immersion of the device under water;
- lightness and small dimensions of the structure.
The principle of operation of such a pump is based on the absorption of water from the pond and its further splashing to the surface. These actions are performed by the device using separate components. The movement of water from the pump to the reservoir can go through pipes in one direction or to several objects on the territory at once. To power the device requires a voltage of 12-24 V.
Surface
This version of pumps is successfully used for equipping fountains, large lakes and multi-level waterfalls. Usually they are installed on the shore and used to pump water and direct its flow into the filters.
The disadvantage of surface pumps is that one product does not always do equally well with all the functions assigned to it, so with a large body of water, a fountain or artificial pond in any separate area, you will have to choose a pump with maximum power or install several pumps, each of which will cope with its task.
Rechargeable
A separate category of sediment are battery models. Their use is especially important when it is necessary to change the water in the pond in the absence of electricity. They operate at a constant current of 12 V and can be "fed" even from the car’s battery. This type of filter is found as a kind of surface and submersible models with a self-priming function.
- The main advantages of battery pumps:
- ease of use;
- environmental friendliness;
- silent work;
- reliability;
- mobility.
Pump specifications
Products that are capable of pumping dirty water, in particular with an admixture of soil or debris, are best suited for installation on decorative ponds. The latter should not get into the system, otherwise there is every chance of damaging it. If the device has a pump for clean water, a filter must be installed in front of the nozzle at the fluid inlet.
Important! In order to calculate the pump capacity, for every 10 cm of flow width there must be 1000 l / h. That is, with a fountain height of 1 m and a stream width of 40 cm, a pump with a capacity of 4000 l / h will be optimal.
The most suitable pump models for installation should be characterized by the following features:
- the possibility of continuous operation of the device for 1-2 days;
- high performance;
- minimum electricity consumption;
- high power for lifting water, especially when it comes to decorative fountains.
Do not forget that the performance of the pump is greatly influenced by the size of the cross section of the hoses and piping. At low rates, it will not be possible to achieve a good pressure head, therefore it is recommended to install pipes with values of 1.5 cm for a low-power system, and parts with a cross section of 2.6 cm for high-capacity pumping equipment.
Which is better to choose for a decorative pond
It is rather difficult to unambiguously answer the question, since much depends on the characteristics and characteristics of the created reservoir. The main criterion for selecting a water pump should be its power, taking into account the specific installation location, the diameter and length of the hoses, the presence and size of nozzles. Also an important role in the choice is played by the volume and depth of immersion of the device.
Based on the type of equipped pond, it is worth paying attention to the following pump indicators:
- To organize a high-quality waterfall, the purchased device must provide a large volume of water supply at a relatively low pressure. On average, a circulation pump with a capacity of 400 l / h will be sufficient.
- For fountains, pumps are usually chosen that are designed for a large volume and the same high water pressure, so you should not consider options for pumps with performance indicators less than 600 l / h (some reservoirs will require the installation of a pump with values of 2000 l / h).
- If it is planned to organize a stream and a cascade, the productivity of the equipment within 60 l / h will be sufficient. At least, such values will be suitable for a half-meter cascade. If you plan to equip a body of water with a height of 3 m and a width of at least 40 cm, then the selected pump should differ in values of at least 14,000 l / h.
When buying suitable equipment, it is better to allow a larger gap in the power reserve (at least 10%), and not just take into account dry performance. During the installation process, a change in values is possible due to different hose lengths and different installation depths of the pump itself. An additional 5% is required to be added in a situation when you decide to acquire livestock in your artificial pond. If in the future you need additional cleaning of the stream or fountain in case of pollution or floods, you should take a closer look at the drainage pumps, finding out from the seller which of the presented models can simultaneously and pump and clean water (good drainage can protect the entire system from breakage). Of the general recommendations when buying a pump, it is worth highlighting the availability of quality certificates for the product and positive reviews about a particular manufacturer. For example, Polish manufacturers have long been known for the high quality of their products, moreover, many pump models are initially protected from overloads and are considered energy-saving.
Did you know? Many homeowners hesitate to equip decorative ponds on the garden plot, arguing the refusal by the possible appearance of a large number of insects near the water. In fact, in the presence of fish and frogs, such a problem will not arise.
How to install a pump in a pond yourself
The installation features of the selected equipment will directly depend on its type, since submersible and surface models have their own characteristic installation nuances. Submersible pumps are always lowered to the bottom of the pond, and to protect them from bottom sediments, water and water inhabitants (if they swim there), they lay the pump on a stone basement, covering it with a ceramic casing on top. The appearance of such a shelter will resemble a natural stone, so you should not be afraid of any violation of the general decorativeness of the pond. When installing the submersible product and its further use, be sure to monitor the water level in the reservoir: strong drainage contributes to the idling of the equipment, which can result in severe wear of the components and serious damage.Surface pumps are usually hidden in a brick chamber next to the pond or decorated with artificial stone.. The pipe for water intake is placed in a reservoir, and on top of it are suction, filtration and discharge systems. Without them, the pump will quickly overheat and will soon fail. Failure to use any additional parts will not make the pump more economical, but it may well reduce the time of its operation. Therefore, if additional parts are not included in the pump delivery kit, but their use is recommended by the equipment manufacturer, then you should not save.
Did you know? The first decorative ponds appeared in ancient Egypt and had a fairly practical purpose: they were used for breeding fish, birds and growing edible vegetation. The peoples of the East began to build such structures at the same time as laying irrigation canals.
Regardless of the type of product purchased, it is impossible to carry out installation in the winter period, because freezing is very harmful to the device. It is also worth considering the need to ground the device, but when organizing the power supply, try not to confuse the power harnesses by connecting the pump according to the diagram given in the instructions. A step-by-step guide and features of the installation in each individual case may differ, which means that if you do not plan to involve a competent specialist in this process, then at least try to carefully understand the instructions that came with the pump so that you don’t have to return the product for repair later.
Before starting a ready-made connected system, be sure to perform several important steps:
- check all electrical cables for damage;
- check the voltage in the network and make sure that it meets the requirements declared by the pump manufacturer;
- connect the equipment using a residual current device;
- place the socket on the site, making sure it is well protected against moisture.
If during the first hours of operation no signs of incorrect operation of the pump are detected, then it can be safely used in the future by regularly monitoring the water level in the pond and the temperature of the pump itself (it should not overheat).
Video: pond pump
An artificial reservoir with correctly selected pumping equipment may well become a real highlight of any landscape design. Therefore, even if you have to spend a lot of time searching and installing the right product, your efforts will be fully rewarded.