Having a pond in your yard is a timeless and beautiful investment in your property. To have a thriving pond, you have to have all the right equipment to keep it moving and clean. A key to having a healthy pond is to have a good pond pump.
However, installing one might seem intimidating, but believe us, this is something you can do yourself. Keep reading to find out how to install a pond pump.
How Does a Pond Pump Work?
Pond pumps are relatively straightforward. They use an electric motor that turns a propeller, which pulls water into one side and expels it out of the opposite side. While you don’t necessarily need a pond pump, you should get one if you plan on having fish or plants.
Having a good pond pump can help keep your plants and fish healthy by producing more oxygen in the water from the movement it creates. A pump is also necessary if you want to add a waterfall, fountain, or filter to your pond.
What To Do Before Installing
Before you install your pond pump, there are a few things you need to do. This prep work will make your pump installation easier and set you up for success.
Decide What Kind of Pump You Need
You can use two different types of pond pumps: submersible pond pumps and external, or centrifugal, pond pumps. The difference between these is noticeable; one works underneath the water’s surface while the other sits outside the water. What kind of pump you need depends on the size of your pond. Submersible pumps are used for smaller ponds that are around 1,000 gallons or less. External pumps are best for larger bodies of water that are over 1,000 gallons.
Figure Out Your Pump Size
To avoid problems during installation or in the future, you have to pick the right pump size. Pond pump sizes are based on gallons (GPH), and to get the correct size, all you need to do is some simple math to calculate the volume of water in your pool. To calculate, multiply your pond’s length x width x average depth x 7.5. Check this article to know more about it.
Prepare Your Pond
Once you figure out the size you need, it’s time to get your pond ready for the pump. This step is necessary to ensure your pump does not sit directly on the bottom of the pond. You need to place a sturdy cinder block or elevation unit first that the pump will sit on. Having your pump elevated will prevent debris from entering the pump and extend your unit’s lifespan. In addition to having your pump supported, you will need to install a pond liner on your pond’s bottom to protect against erosion.
Setting Up the Pump
Before you can install your pump, you need to connect all the necessary pieces. Your pump should be hooked up to a resilient, corrugated tube that will help move water from the pump to other equipment like the filtration system and spitting system. The size of the tubing that you use depends on the type of pump you have. Smaller tubing is best for submersible pumps that don’t pump as many gallons per day.
How to Install a Pond Pump
Now that you have everything all set up, it’s time to install your pond pump! We separated this into two parts; one set of instructions for submersible pumps and one set of instructions for external pumps. Believe it or not, this is an intermediate project that can be completed in just a few steps and will only take about 3 hours.
Submersible Pond Pump Installation
Step 1
Place your pump on a cinder block or stack of sturdy rocks on the bottom of your pond. Make sure it is very secure before you move on to the next step.
Step 2
Attach your corrugated tubing to the output of your pump. Once attached, clamp the hose firmly on the pump using a hose clamp. Now that your hose is hooked up, your pond will have water flow.
Step 3
The final step is deciding how you want your water to flow. You have two options for this. Either place the hose over the waterfall, or you can attach the hose to the bottom side of a fountain, which will create more oxygen and movement.
External Pond Pump Installation
Step 1
Select a dry location on the perimeter of your pond to place your pump. Once you know where you want your pond pump, put a cinder block or elevation unit down first.
Step 2
Connect your pump’s inlet hose and place a hose clamp on it. Once connected, attach your inlet filter to the opening of the hose. Finally, attach the outlet hose and clamp it on.
Step 3
Now that your pump is set up, it’s time to find the closest electrical source. Experts recommend using a specialized plug with safety features like automatic shut off to prevent a voltage leak.
Step 4
After connecting to an electrical source, you need to prime your pump. This entails filling your pump with a fair amount of water before turning it on. Press your pump’s primer button and allow the water to flow through. Follow your unit’s specific instructions because many require pressing the prime button more than once, but the exact amount varies per device.
Step 5
Finally, it’s time to turn on your pump. When you first turn it on, keep a close eye on it to ensure everything is running smoothly.
It’s Time to Install Your Pond Pump
Having a pond in your yard will add an extraordinary amount of value to your property, not to mention, they’re just lovely to have! Now that you know how to install a pond pump, what are you waiting for? It’s time to install yours so you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful pond for years to come.
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