Everyone loves a fountain. Not only do they look pretty, but they can also be a great source of relaxation and peace. But, if you’re considering adding a fountain to your garden or backyard, you must choose the right pump. Here are four tips to help you pick the perfect pump for your fountain.
Types of pumps
Submersible pumps
The most simple, compact, lightweight pumps. They are used to organize small (with a jet up to 2 m) home fountains. They are installed at the bottom of a reservoir, a bowl, or at the bottom of a decorative composition. The advantages include silent operation, economical energy consumption, and no risk of overheating. The frequently asked question is, how much electricity does a small fountain pump use? A small fountain usually uses between 10 and 15 watts of electricity. It is a small amount, so it’s easy to find a fountain that uses this little power. If you’re looking for a small fountain, pay attention to the one with a low-power pump.
Among the shortcomings are relatively labor-intensive maintenance (drain a fountain or a pond) and the need to dismantle it for the winter.
Inline pumps
They are used for organizing medium and large fountains. The pump is installed outside the basin, on the ground, or a pedestal. Such equipment is more powerful than submersible ones, so it is possible to create a jet of water up to 6 m high. The advantages of such pumps include ease of maintenance (it is enough to clean the filter and lubricate the motor once a season) and increased durability. The main disadvantages are noise during operation, high energy consumption, and the need for careful protection from frost in winter.
What to look for when choosing a pump
Flow rate
It is one of the most critical parameters that should be considered when choosing a fountain pump. It is directly related to the water jet’s height and the basin’s size. For example, if you want to create a small waterfall or stream, a flow rate of 200-400 liters per hour will be enough. You need a pump of 800-1000 liters per hour for a medium-sized fountain. And for large fountains with a powerful water jet, you need equipment with a flow rate of 2000-3000 liters per hour or more.
Head height
It is directly related to the height of the water jet. The rule is simple: the higher the head, the higher the jet. But there are also some features that you should be aware of. So, for example, if a pump is designed for a flow rate of 1000 liters per hour, its head height will be 30 meters. But if you try to use the same equipment to create a jet of 2000 liters per hour, then the head height will be only 15 meters. As a result, the pump begins to “choke” at high flow rates and cannot work correctly.
Power consumption
It is an important parameter, especially if you plan to use the fountain regularly. The rule is simple: the higher the flow rate, the higher the power consumption. For example, a submersible pump with a flow rate of 200 liters per hour will consume only 9 watts of power. And a pump with a flow rate of 2000 liters per hour will consume 100 watts or more.
Fountain size
The last parameter that you need to consider. The rule is simple: the larger the fountain, the more powerful the pump should be. If you plan to create a small fountain with a jet of up to 2 meters, then a submersible pump with a flow rate of 200-400 liters per hour will be enough. On the other hand, you need a pump with a flow rate of 800-1000 liters per hour for a medium-sized fountain. And for a large fountain with a powerful water jet, you need equipment with a flow rate of 2000-3000 liters per hour or more.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fountain pump is not as difficult as it might seem. You need to know what parameters to pay attention to and what rule to follow. And if you do, you will be able to pick the perfect pump for your fountain.
