FAQ – Pond Pumps

In our Help Centre - https://www.thepondshop.com.au/help-centre/choosing-a-pump/ - you can find more information on types of pumps and what to consider before purchasing a pump.

Are pond pumps noisy?

Pond pumps shouldn’t be noisy. They may become loud if they are vibrating up against a hard surface or if the intake of the pump has become clogged, it may make a humming noise. If there is a rattling noise this may indicate a broken impellor.

Can I cut the power cord on my pump?

Generally if you cut the power cord you will void the warranty. Some brands will allow the plug to be cut if it has been done by a qualified electrician but they have to make sure to not shorten the length of the cord or this will void the warranty too.

Can pumps be repaired?

The motors of pond pumps are resin sealed so that they can be submerged in water. If there is something wrong with the motor than there isn’t anything you can do. Certain parts can be replaced if damaged such as the impellor and shaft.

Can I run a pond pump externally?

Pond pumps can only be run externally if they have a flooded suction. This normally means drilling into the side of the pond below the water level and attaching the pump via tube with a flange fitting. The pump must sit below the water level on the outside of the pond so that the water naturally flows into the pump via gravity. Pond pumps cannot draw water up.

Can I use a swimming pool pump?

It is possible to use a swimming pool pump but it is something we do not recommend. Some swimming pool pumps are not rated to run 24/7 and they are a much higher wattage than pond pumps making them quite costly to run. They are also not designed to be used with dirty water.

How long do I run my pump for?

Pond pumps should be run 24/7. This helps to prevent the water going stagnant and is also needed for the health of the fish.

Do I need to clean my pump? How often?

This varies depending on the pond and type of pump you have. The best indication that the pump needs a clean is if it’s not running full capacity, stopped completely or making noise.  

Smaller circulation/fountain pumps generally need to be cleaned every week or two (again depending on your pond). If you haven’t bought a pre-filter sponge for your pump sometimes the small cage filter the pump comes with can clog up within a couple days. The bigger the pre-filter you get for your pump the less often you have to clean it.

Larger dirty water pumps don’t come with any filtration as they are designed to carry bigger particles to an external filter. This doesn’t mean they never need to be cleaned out. If they are not maintained properly they won’t last. It’s recommended at least every month or two to open them up completely to give a good clean out.

What size tubing do I need?

The larger the flow, the larger the diameter of tubing required. A small diameter will restrict the flow and will put back pressure on the pump which can shorten its lifespan. The longer the length of tubing you run, the more pressure drop you will get due to pipe friction, therefore you should always oversize the tubing for longer distances (greater than 3 or 4m).

The following are the maximum recommended flow rates for different tubing sizes:

Remember: big pump = big tube.                                                                                                                                   

Does an electrician need to install my pump?

Not at all! Most pumps are 240v and will plug straight into a power point. Low Voltage pumps will plug into a transformer (which they come with) and this then plugs into a power point. If you are bringing in an electrician to install a pump you must note that some companies will void the warranty if cabling is cut.