Best Pond Pumps to Buy: Reviews (Top Picks) & Buyer’s Guide

When you see a thriving pond with gorgeous fountains and colorful, happy fishes swimming around, be sure that the heart of this ecosystem is a great pond pump. The performance of a pond pump is really vital in terms of pushing your pond water to run through the pond filtration system. Consequently, the water inside your water feature gets free from all kinds of harmful toxins & wastes and therefore becomes healthy.

The overall performance of your pond pump will mostly depend on its technical aspects. This guide has been designed to give you the details about some of the best pond pumps having these features that are currently available in the market.

Pond pumps generally attribute their name with the number of GPH or gallons per hour capacity they can provide. So, before buying the right pond pump you have to know the approximate gallons of water that could be lying inside your pond. Besides, buying a good pond pump will definitely accelerate the overall filtration process inside your pond.

So keeping all that in mind we have made this comprehensive guide to teach you about some of the best pond pumps that are available in the market. Besides, there will be a helpful buyer-guide on the second half of this article which will cover all the technical aspects that you must know before buying the right pond pump for you.

If you want a quick decision then my top pick for the best pond pump is the TetraPond Debris-Handling Pump. For more details, keep reading.

Best Submersible Pond Pumps At A Glance:

Best Pond Pumps Reviews (for High-Performance)

1. Alpine PAL3100 Pump – Best Pond Pump For koi

The Alpine PAL3100 is a powerful pump that comes in two different size options. You will experience a powerful watering to your pond filter by using this tool. This submersible pump also comes with three years of service warranty from the manufacturer. Let’s explore some of the other features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: The pond pump comes in two different GPH sizes. They are the 2100 & the 8000 option. The GPH denotes to the number of gallons the pond pump can push per hour through your filter. You can easily choose the one that is suitable according to the size of your pond.
• Performance: The Alpine PAL3100 features a ceramic impeller shaft that ensures its longevity. Besides, the pond pump can be used in both horizontal and vertical condition. The combination of an oil-free & magnetic ceramic shaft of the pump will ensure a powerful watering to your filter.
• Warranty: This equipment comes with 3-years of service warranty from the manufacturer.
• Unique Features: The pond pump features one vortex impeller and has the amazing flexibility to disassemble the units without using any special tool. Not-to-mention, the pump has a submersible function that makes it more convenient for use.

Pros:

• Two different size options
• Ceramic impeller shaft
• Both Horizontal and Vertical Directions
• 3-Years of Service Warranty
• Magnetic Driven motor
• Submersible function

Cons:

• Only for large size fish ponds

2. Tetra Pond Debris Handling Pump – Best Pond Pump and filter

The TetraPond is another powerful pump that is an ideal choice for all the mid to large size ponds. This powerful pump comes in three different size options and also features an Energy Efficiency function that will truly help to reduce your power consumption. Besides, the powerful components inside the pump have been designed to reduce your overall maintenance activity.

Let’s look at some of the other features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: The pump comes in three different size options. They are 1500, 3000, and the 4000 option. You can conveniently choose the one that’s according to your pond size.
• Performance: The pump features a clog-free functionality that ensures its efficiency. Besides, the lurch basket inside your pump will reduce your hassle of frequent maintenance and also prevent it from having any blockage. You will notice a powerful pumping of your pond water that can take away all large and small wastes out of your pond.
• Flexibility: Keep in mind that if you want to provide more powerful waterfall from the pump you have to reduce your pumping height. That means if the pipe from the pump is taller in height, the water flow will be smaller in width.
• Unique Features: The pump has an Energy Efficiency feature that will dramatically reduce your overall power consumption. Besides, it also has a powerful motor & impeller that are also

Pros:

• Three Different Size Options
• Clog Free Functionality
• Low Power Consumption
• Anti-corrosive shafts of ceramic
• Powerful Motor and Impeller

Cons:

• A bit expensive

3. Aqua Pulse Hybrid Drive Submersible Pump

The Aqua Pulse offers the most diversified size options in the market. You will get to choose from 11 different size options. No matter how big or small your pond size is all the options are powered by an efficient pumping technology that will dramatically help to provide professional water filtering inside your pond. Let’s explore some of the other features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: No matter how big or small your pond size is this pump offers 11 different size options to choose from. They range from 550 GPH to 12500 GPH. This allows you to pick the size that will be perfect according to your pond size.
• Performance: This pump can run continuously over 24 hours without facing any overload or overheat issues. It also features a Hybrid Drive Technology that can flow the water in a powerful manner. You will be completely worry-free with the efficiency of this pump.
• Flexibility: As the pump has no oil inside, it’ll be thoroughly helpful for your fish and other helpful water plants. You can easily control the speed of this pump by using a variable controller. You need to buy this from the market which will be an added feature to your pump.
• Warranty: The pump features 2-years of service warranty from the manufacturer.
• Unique Features: The pump features an energy efficient functionality that will thoroughly reduce your overall power consumption and expense.

Pros:

• 11 Different Size Options
• Hybrid Drive Technology
• Low Power Consumption
• No Oil for Fish and Plant Health
• Two-Year Service Warranty

Cons:

• Variable speed controller not included   

4. TotalPond Waterfall Pump

The TotalPond is an ideal pump for all the mid and large-size ponds out there. If you want a powerful pump that can provide professional water filtering along with running a beautiful waterfall inside your pond, the TotalPond can be an appropriate option for you. Let’s look at all the features offered by this particular pump:

Features:

• Capacity: This pump features four different size options. They range from 1200 GPH to 5100 GPH. Just choose the one that will be appropriate according to your water feature.
• Performance: This powerful pump can effortlessly help to run a wide waterfall through your pond filter. Besides, it also features a back spitting option that will keep it cool for a longer period of time and help your pump to efficiently run for 24 hours.
• Flexibility: The pump features an easy maintenance function that will allow you to effortlessly dispatch all the parts when it’s necessary. Besides, the ceramic shaft has been included in the pump for ensuring its power and durability.
• Unique Features: The pump has wet bearing Motors helps it to run quietly and allows you to enjoy the beautiful sound of different water flow without compromising the act of pumping large size debris out of your pond.

Pros:

• Four Different Size Options
• Easy Maintenance Function
• Durable Ceramic shafts
• Quiet Operation
• Can be used to run a waterfall

Cons:

• Doesn’t features a flow rate regulator

5. Little Giant Dual Discharge Premium Pond Pump

If you own a small or mid-size pond, the Little Giant can be an ideal option for you. This powerful tool can pump up to 1900 gallons of water per hour. Besides, it features a dual discharge function that can provide multiple water streams at the same time. Let’s explore all the features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: This submersible pond pump features 1900 GPH capacity which is thoroughly capable of watering all small and mid-size ponds.
• Performance: The dual discharge feature allows the pump to provide two different types of water pumping simultaneously. Besides, this magnetic drive pump is powerful than most submersible pumps out there in terms of ensuring greater starting torque & power.
• Warranty: The pump features three years of service warranty from the manufacturer.
• Additional Accessories: You will get a barbed elbow adaptor and a discharge cap with the pump.
• Unique Features: The submersible pond pump has the option to use it from both vertical and horizontal direction. This allows you to have more flexibility over its use.

Pros:

• Up to 1900 gallons per hour
• Dual discharge function
• Magnetic Drive Pump
• Two Different Water Streams
• Barbed elbow adaptor & discharge cap
• Both Horizontal and Vertical Directions
• Three Year Service Warranty

Cons:

• A bit larger for small size fish ponds

6. KEDSUM Submersible Pump – Best Cheap Pond Pump

This pump can be an absolute choice if you have a small or mid-range pond. This energy saving pump is so powerful that it can flow up to 3500 liters of water per hour. Besides, the pump also comes in five different size options so that you can choose the one according to your pond size.

Let’s explore all the features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: The Pump has five different capacity options that are ideal for all the small size ponds out there. The sizes range from 100 GPH to 880 GPH
• Performance: The pump features three outlet adapters that can efficiently provide all sorts of water flows inside your pond. Besides, all the components have been designed in a way that helps it to run in a quiet condition for 24 hours. This ensures the overall efficiency of the pump.
• Flexibility: You can use the pump from both horizontal and vertical direction. Besides, the pump can be detached and cleaned when necessary. This allows you to have more control over your pump.
• Unique Features: The pump features an energy saving function that makes it more power efficient and saves you from high power consumption. Besides, the pump is also submersible so that you can keep it under your pond water.

Pros:

• Two Different Size Options
• Three Outlet Adapters
• Quiet Operation
• Both Horizontal and Vertical Directions
• Low Power Consumption
• Submersible Function

Cons:

• Not suited for large size fish pond or koi pond.

7. LITTLE GIANT Direct Drive Waterfall Pump

If you own a large size pond and you want a powerful pump that can efficiently filter its water, the little giant is here for you. This pump features a 4280 GPH capacity that can pump the water over 30 feet height distance. Let’s look at some other features offered by this particular pump:

Features:

• Capacity: The pump has 4280 GPH capacity that can flow up to 4300 gallons of water per hour.
• Performance: This pump features a dual discharge function that can easily make beautiful waterfalls and provide two different water streams at the same time. Besides, the powerful starting torque enables the pump to provide professional water pumping on your pond.
• Warranty: You’ll get 3-years of service warranty from the manufacturer.
• Additional Accessories: The pump comes in two elbow adaptors and one discharge cap.
• Unique Features: The little giant is a versatile pump that can be used from both horizontal and vertical direction. In addition, the pump is also submersible so that you can put it under your pond water.

Pros:

• Up to 4280 Gallons per Hour
• Dual Discharge Function
• Two Different Water Streams

• Two Elbow adaptors with discharge cap
• Three years service warranty
• Both Horizontal and Vertical Directions
• Submersible Function

Cons:

• A bit larger for small & mid-size ponds

8. EcoPlus Submersible Water Pump

The EcoPlus is one of the best selling pond pumps in the market that comes in several different size options to perform in any size pond. The magnetic-driven motor inside the pump ensures a powerful watering to your filter. Let’s learn about all the features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: The submersible pump has almost 18 different size options that range from 132 GPH to 7400 GPH which can effortlessly run on any small to large size ponds. Besides, it has four different style options that are the fixed flow, the bottom draw, the Mag drive & the adjustable. You can easily pick the one that’s ideal according to your pond.
• Performance: This pump is powered by a magnetic-driven motor that’s been designed to provide efficient water pumping on any size pond. Besides, this pump is best for powering any hydroponic system, filters or making beautiful fountains.
• Flexibility: The pump is completely submersible that allows you to put it under your pond water. Besides, the easy installation system makes it convenient for using it in dry areas.
• Unique Features: The strainer inside the submersible pump that keeps the impeller away from having any damage. Besides, you’ll also get inlet and outlet fittings & one 120V cord with the pump.

Pros:

• 18 Different Size Options
• Magnetic Driven Motor
• Submersible Function
• Easy Installation
• Inlet and Outlet Fittings

Cons:

• A Bit Less Durable

9. Laguna PowerJet 600 Pump Kit – Best Pond Pump For waterfall

The Laguna has been designed for all the mid to large size pond owners out there. You will experience a powerful magnetic-driven motor that’s been designed to provide a professional watering to your filter. Besides, you’ll also get three years of service warranty from the manufacturer. Let’s explore all the features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: the pump comes in six different size options. They range from 1200 – 5800 gallons.
• Performance: the pump is powered by a motor which is completely magnetic driven and features a powerful performance over water pumping. Besides, it has built-in SPT technology which denotes to smart pump that offers a considerable Energy Efficiency and saves you from high power consumption.
• Warranty: The pump has three years of service warranty from the manufacturer.
• Unique Features: The pump has two types of fountainhead options that can produce water ball and 3-tire style. Besides, you will notice a comfortable ergonomic handle that will allow you to easily carry it to anywhere you want. The intake surface over the pump has been designed to prevent any clogging.

Pros:

• Six different size options
• Magnetic Driven Motor
• SPT technology
• Low Power Consumption
• Two different fountainheads
• Three years service warranty
• Ergonomic handle

Cons:

• A Bit Less Durable

10. TetraPond Water Garden Pump – Best small pond pump

The TetraPond is the best pump for all the small pond owners out there. Not to mention, you’ll get four different size options to choose from. You can be able to perform a diversified range of activities by using this powerful pump. The pump also comes with three years of warranty from the manufacturer. Let’s learn about some of the other features offered by this pump:

Features:

• Capacity: The filter is ideal if you have a small size pond. You will get to choose from 4 different size options. They range from 250 -1500 gallons. Just pick the one that’s appropriate according to your pond size.
• Performance: This efficient water pump can easily power a waterfall or fountain & also professionally pump all your pond water through the filter. Besides, it’s a magnetic drive pump that is more powerful than any other traditional submersible pumps out there.
• Warranty: This versatile pump comes with 3-years limited service warranty from the manufacturer.
• Unique Features: Magnetic Technology inside the pump makes it more energy efficient and saves you from high power consumption. Besides, the pump also comes with adaptors and made in pump cage that keeps it away from clogging & large debris.

Pros:

• Four different size options
• Magnetic Driven Motor
• Low Power Consumption
• Comes with Adopters
• Three years service warranty

Cons:

• Not suitable for large size fish pond or koi pond

Additional Read: Best Solar Pond Pumps

How To Get The Best Pump To Power Up Your Pond?

So, we’ve come into the most crucial part of this guide. If you have gone through all the technical details of the pond pumps that we’ve reviewed above, you’ll see some of them offer very unique features. Others consist of strong capacity options with some of them having dual-functions.

Now, this part of the guide has been designed to give you an overall knowledge about the most essential aspects that you must know before buying the right pond pump for you. So let’s explore them:

The capacity of the pump:

The capacity denotes to the ability of the tool to efficiently pump a certain number of gallons per hour (GPH). This means, if the pump offers a 1500 GPH option then it can pump up to 1500 gallons of water per hour from a pond. So, it requires you know the approximate amount of water that your pond may consist so that you can choose the appropriate & relevant pump with a sufficient GPH attribute that’ll be suitable to filter your pond water or to make beautiful waterfall or fountains.

The rule of thumb is you need to circulate all the water of your pond every 2 hours to have a thriving ecosystem. So if your pond has 2000 gallons of water you need a pump with at least 1000 gallons per hours (GPH) capacity.

Core Functionality:

The core functionality of a pond pump may depend upon a number of aspects. Among them, the most important is the type of motor it features. If you have gone through the list of our top-rated pond pumps you can see many of them have magnetic driven motors. This function provides greater performance on your pond than most of the traditional motors out there.

This function is powered by a balanced magnetic field that rotates the impeller inside the pump. On the other hand, the traditional submersible pumps use a direct drive system that makes a connection between the motor and the impeller. In that case, the magnetic pump makes the process more convenient by using that magnetic field.

Types of Pond Pumps:

There are basically a handful number of different pond pumps for providing a diversified range of features. Some pumps are submersible which allows you to put it under your pond water. Others may have an excellent low maintenance feature or have the ability to make a beautiful waterfall and fountains apart from carrying out the basic filtration process.

Let’s learn about four of the most popular pond pumps that are used by most of the professional and new pond owners out there:

• Magnetic Drive Pump: As we have discussed earlier, the Magnetic Drive Pump generally uses a magnetic field that helps to rotate the impeller of the pump. Besides, the mechanism inside the motor is more updated and efficient than any other traditional pumps out there. Magnetic drive pumps are energy efficient in nature. This category of the pump is also used to power a waterfall or fountain.
• Statuary Pump: If you are looking to have a small fountain over your pond you can definitely select this type of pumps. The statuary pumps have the ability to make small fountains that are not more than 3 feet long. Besides, this will also help to aerate your pond water while adorning its view.
• Submersible Pump: As the name suggests, the submersible pumps can be submerged into the water. You’ll be able to put this type of pump under your pond water. The big advantage of this feature is the submersible pump will always stay in a cool condition that eliminates the problem of overheating. Most submersible pumps come with easy installation function that reduces your initial hardship.

• Debris Handling Pump: These pumps are exclusively designed for cleaning all the dirt and debris out of your pond. If your only plan is to provide a powerful filtration process inside your pond, then this type of pump can be an ideal option for you. However, in general, these types of pumps are also submersible. Meaning that you can easily put it under your pond water. The main advantage is the pump is unlikely to clog by any small or large debris.
• External Pumps: External pumps are opposite to submersible pump types. External pond pumps are more energy efficient with high water flow rate and easier to maintain. Though we recommend submersible pumps mostly but in some cases pond owners may choose external pumps as well.

Energy Efficiency:

There are some pumps that have a built-in energy efficiency feature which allows you to experience lower power consumption from your pump. Most of the magnetic drive pumps have this feature built-in it. That means if you are buying a magnetic-driven pump you’ll simultaneously get this feature with other essential accessories.

If you have a large size pond and you want to buy a water pump to filter all its water, chances are the process will considerably consume much electricity to periodically filter all the water out of your pond, therefore, keep it clean from all kinds of dirt and debris. So in that case, using an energy efficient pump can remove this concern and provide a nonstop filtering and decorating operation inside your pond.

Warranty:

Most of the pond pumps come with Two to Three years of service warranty from the manufacturer. This allows you to become completely worry-free from experiencing any potential problem or maintenance concern in the future.

Price

Now, the price of your pond pump may considerably vary in terms of its capacity and the number of features it offers. In fact, you can buy some of the pond pumps at a very reasonable rate. The prices may range from $30 and all the way up to few hundred dollars depending on the capacity and functions it offers.

How Does A Pond Pump Work?

Now, you might be wondering, how does a pond pump work? Well, it generally has an electric motor that turns the impeller. As the impeller rotates, the water goes through into one side of the pump and expelled from another side with having a certain rate of water flow.

Most of the pond pumps use a magnetic drive motor that uses a balanced magnetic field for rotating the impeller. Besides, there are some other pond pumps that provide more efficiency and functions without having the magnetic attribute. Some pond filters can also make beautiful waterfalls and fountains apart from performing basic filtration. You can choose them if you are enthusiastic to adorn your own pond with a beautiful waterfall or fountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

We believe our guide has helped you to get an extensive idea about the best pond pumps that are available in the market. Besides, we have also provided you with a helpful buyer guide that’ll definitely help you before buying the perfect pond pump for your own pond. Stay tuned with us for more info-guides like this. We appreciate your support.