HOW TO SELECT THE CORRECT FOUNTAIN OR POND PUMP
When we enjoy a bubbling fountain, it is easy to forget that at the heart of the fountain is a pump, circulating the water! The unseen pump is usually submerged in a pond or fountain feature.
It is essential to select the correct pump when putting together a fountain or pond feature. What often happens is the pump selected is either too powerful (resulting in jets of water shooting everywhere) or too weak.
Below are a few things to consider and work out before selecting a suitable fountain pump.
How to select a suitable fountain or pond pump?
Selecting a suitable pump requires some technical knowledge. Fountain pumps come in many sizes and are suited for varied applications. In simple terms, a fountain or pond pump needs to be selected according to the volume of water your water feature can hold, as well as the height the pump must lift water to. It is key to consider both measurements when selecting a suitable fountain pump.
Most small ponds or water features require simple pumps, which only need to circulate water. Larger Pools/ponds which have fountains or waterfall features, these will require stronger pump output.
What to consider when selecting a suitable fountain or pond pump?
Step 1 Determine the pond’s volume (Liters)
- To determine the cubic meter of the pond, measure the length, width and depth of the pond.
- Use the following formula: m (Length) x m (Width) x m (Depth) = m3.
- To work out the liters, multiply the m3 by 1000.
Step 2 Work out the circulation rate required
- The rule of thumb is that the total volume of the pond needs to circulate every two hours.
- Use the following formula to work this out: Liters x 0.5 = Circulation rate per hour.
Step 3 Measure the pump height required
- The pump height is determined by measuring the height, starting from the ponds surface, to the top/ highest point where the water must be pumped to.
Step 4 Work out which pump size you will need
- Look at the curve diagram provided (an example is on each box).
- Plot the height and draw a horizontal line on the diagram.
- Plot the litres per hour and draw a vertical line.
- Where the two lines meet, the pump to the right side of the intersected lines is the model best suited for your requirements.
Step 5 Check the pump dimensions
- Check to ensure that the pump you select will fit into the pond where it will be installed. The pump needs to be fully submerged at all times, or it will burn out.
Take care
- Always ensure the pumps is switched off and unplugged during installation, maintenance and cleaning to avoid possible electric shock.
- This pump is not designed to run 24 hours per day.
- Switch the pump off at night to ensure longevity.
- It is recommended that the filter supplied be cleaned every week.
- DO NOT operate the unit without the filter.
- Turn off the fountain pump if you're going to be away for a prolonged time
- Kaufmann Fountain Pumps are suited for Koi ponds.
The Kaufmann fountain pump range has been specially selected and tested by our team of experts to ensure our products perform optimally for domestic applications.
For more information on the range, please contact Agrinet;
Samrand: T: 012 657 2222, E: enquiries@agrinet.co.za
Bellville: T: 021 959 5420, E: belbestel@agrinet.co.za