CHOOSING A POND WATER PUMP

Pond Water Pump

A reliable pond water pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a well functioning ecosystem pond. Not only does the pump drive the filtration system, which is vital to keeping your pond healthy, but it also makes waterfalls, rivers and streams possible. The pump needs to be reliable enough to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without having problems or needing to rest. It also needs to be energy efficient so that the electricity costs to run the pump remain reasonable.

Choosing a pump happens to be one place that people often go wrong - either picking an incorrectly sized pump, a pump that’s unreliable, or a pump that’s an energy hog. Often people will try to save some money up front when choosing a pump, but it’s usually a big mistake since the running costs of a pump can far exceed the initial price of a pump over time. The most important features of a pump are reliability and efficiency.

Pond Pump Questions

The first step in choosing a pond or water garden pump is deciding how much water you need to pump per hour.

As a minimum for proper biological filtration, your pond water pump should be able to pump the entire contents of your pond in one hour. That means if your pond contains 2000 gallons of water, as a minimum you’ll want 2000 gph (gallons per hour) flowing through your filter.

If you’re planning on having a waterfall in your pond, it’s important to consider the flow requirements of the waterfall as well. As a general rule, we recommend a minimum of 100 gph per inch of waterfall width.

So if you have a 24” waterfall, that would equal 2400 gph. For a waterfall with more punch, try increasing the flow from 100 gph per inch up to 200 gph per inch. This means that your flow rate now becomes at least 2400 gph, which will keep your 2000 gallon pond even cleaner. 

The next step is to calculate your head pressure, and then find a pump that can produce your flow rate at your head pressure. 


Before choosing a pond water pump, it is very important to know what kind of head pressure you’re dealing with first.

Head pressure is the combination of forces your pump must overcome to pump water from one end of the system to the other.

For example, having a 5 foot rise in elevation (in the case of a 5 foot waterfall for example), will add 5 feet of 'head' to the system.

Other things that increase head pressure include the length of pipe, pipe fittings, and equipment like filters and UV units. As you can see in the head pressure charts for the pumps below, the flow rate of the pump DECREASES as the head pressure increases.

If you don’t take head pressure into consideration, the actual amount of flow coming out the end of your pumping system could be much lower than you initially planned for.

For more detailed information on calculating head pressure, click here.


A submersible pond water pump is actually placed inside of the pond, below the surface of the water, usually inside of a 
skimmer. This is traditionally the most popular method of plumbing decorative ponds, mainly because of ease of installation. Just plop the pump in water and turn it on with no priming necessary.

However, what submersible pumps make up for in simplicity, they lose in efficiency. A good external pump, which sits outside of the pond on dry land, can often pump the same amount of water as a submersible pump, but will use less electricity doing it. To calculate the cost of running a given pump per month, see our 
Pump Electrical Cost Wizard.

We can’t stress enough how important an efficient pump is! External pumps are usually a little more expensive to purchase initially, but after looking at the energy savings, the money can easily be made back over time. Therefore, if your pumping requirements are over about 2500 gph, then we would recommend getting into a good external pump, like the Sequence 4K series mentioned above. Do you have less than 2500 gph? Go for a quality submersible like the Alpine Cyclone or the ShinMaywa.

To learn more, see the pond water pump recommendations below, or see our page on 
submersible pond pumps or external pond pumps.

A pump cannot function with air in the pipe.

A priming pot allows you to fill the pump & pipe with water.

Pumps with built-in priming pots make install quicker.

Flood suction occurs when the pump is below water level.

Pumps cannot pump air, because of this, a priming pot is needed to fill the pump and pipe with water before turning the pump on.

If the pump and pipe naturally fills with water (see diagram) then a priming pot is not needed, however a priming pot is still beneficial as it collects damaging debris before it has a chance to reach the pump.
When in doubt, a priming pot is always a good idea.

Check Valve  prevents water from draining out of the pipe back into the pond, it is recommended on all ponds. If you have a filter or a skimmer a check valve will stop the debris from being pushed out into the pond when the pump is turned off.

SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS

Submersible pumps are commonly placed directly in a pond or in a skimmer.

Below you will find our Pond Water Pump Recommendations by Flow Rate. After running the pump selection wizard above, use the calculated flow rate numbers to choose a pump below! We only recommend the most reliable, energy efficient submersible pumps. 

Oase Waterfall Pond PumpS

Small / Medium Submersible Pumps: 1000 - 5000 gph

The Oase waterfall pond pumps are small, energy efficient pond pumps for small to medium sized ponds. 

Oase 1650
Flow @ 0' head 1650 gph
Flow @ 5' head1200 gph
Flow @ 10' head700 gph
Flow @ 15' head200 gph
Volts120
Watts70
Price$187.99
Oase 2300
Flow @ 0' head 2300 gph
Flow @ 5' head1800 gph
Flow @ 10' head1350 gph
Flow @ 15' head750 gph
Flow @ 20' head0 gph
Volts120
Watts130
Price$223.99
Oase 3700
Flow @ 0' head3700 gph
Flow @ 5' head3100 gph
Flow @ 10' head2300 gph
Flow @ 15' head1400 gph
Flow @ 20' head200 gph
Volts120
Watts170
Price$277.99
Oase 5150
Flow @ 0' head5150 gph
Flow @ 5' head4300 gph
Flow @ 10' head3450 gph
Flow @ 15' head2300 gph
Flow @ 20' head800 gph
Volts120
Watts230
Price$318.99
Oase 6600
Flow @ 0' head 6600 gph
Flow @ 5' head5700 gph
Flow @ 10' head4400 gph
Flow @ 15' head3200 gph
Flow @ 20' head1750 gph
Volts120
Watts460
Price$494.99
Oase 8000
Flow @ 0' head8000 gph
Flow @ 5' head6700 gph
Flow @ 10' head5250 gph
Flow @ 15' head3800 gph
Flow @ 20' head2600 gph
Volts120
Watts600
Price$545.99
Model0' head5' head10' head15' head20' headVoltsWattsPrice 
Oase 16501650 gph1200 gph700 gph200 gph0 gph12070$187.99More Info
Oase 23002300 gph1800 gph1350 gph750 gph0 gph120130$223.99More Info
Oase 37003700 gph3100 gph2300 gph1400 gph200 gph120170$277.99More Info
Oase 51505150 gph4300 gph3450 gph2300 gph800 gph120230$318.99More Info
Oase 66006600 gph5700 gph4400 gph3200 gph1750 gph120460$494.99More Info
Oase 80008000 gph6700 gph5250 gph3800 gph2600 gph120600$545.99More Info

Shinmaywa Direct Drive Pumps

Large Submersible Pumps 2500+ gph

High-quality stainless steel, high power submersible pumps that have excellent energy efficiency. We can say they are one of the most reliable submersible pumps available on the market. They're not as efficient as a good external pump,since externals often use less watts for the same flow rate.

Shinmaywa 3300
Flow @ 5' head 2600 gph
Flow @ 10' head1800 gph
Flow @ 15' head800 gph
Flow @ 20' head0 gph
HP1/5
Watts328
Price$369.99
Shinmaywa 4800
Flow @ 5' head 3900 gph
Flow @ 10' head3100 gph
Flow @ 15' head2100 gph
Flow @ 20' head1350 gph
HP1/3
Watts414
Price$479.99
Shinmaywa 5700
Flow @ 5' head 5000 gph
Flow @ 10' head4200 gph
Flow @ 15' head3500 gph
Flow @ 20' head2700 gph
HP1/2
Watts567
Price$589.99
Shinmaywa 7000
Flow @ 5' head 6600 gph
Flow @ 10' head6100 gph
Flow @ 15' head5500 gph
Flow @ 20' head4900 gph
HP1
Watts1088
Price$699.99
Shinmaywa XP
Flow @ 5' head 10500 gph
Flow @ 10' head9000 gph
Flow @ 15' head7200 gph
Flow @ 20' head5400 gph
HP1
Watts1265
Price$899.99
Model5' head10' head15' head20' headHPWattsPrice 
33002600 gph1800 gph800 gph0 gph1/5328$369.99More Info
48003900 gph3100 gph2100 gph1350 gph1/3414$479.99More Info
57005000 gph4200 gph3500 gph2700 gph1/2567$589.99More Info
70006600 gph6100 gph5500 gph4900 gph11088$699.99More Info
XP10,500 gph9000 gph7200 gph5400 gph11265$899.99More Info

EXTERNAL PUMPS

External pumps are kept outside of the pond. They tend to have a longer lifespan, and are more energy efficient.

High quality, external pumps from Sequence are extremely durable, often lasting twice as long as comparable submersibles. Although a Sequence pump will likely cost more to purchase, you will save money on operating costs because they are so efficient. Saving could be between 25% to 50% depending on the size of pump and flow rate. Have a look at the 'watts' column in the below chart and compare to the submersible pumps above for more info.

Sequence 750 Series

Small to Medium External Pumps

The Sequence 750 series pumps are small external pumps meant for low to medium flow rates. They are extremely reliable and energy efficient pumps with a 3 year warranty. Meant for ponds with a total head pressure of 12' or less, they are meant for powering ponds and waterfalls needing a flow rate between 1200 to 3000 gph.

3600
Flow @ 4' head 2820 gph
Flow @ 6' head2400 gph
Flow @ 8' head1860 gph
Flow @ 10' head1200 gph
Volts115
Watts139
Price$472.99
4200
Flow @ 4' head 3240 gph
Flow @ 6' head2700 gph
Flow @ 8' head2160 gph
Flow @ 10' head1500 gph
Volts115
Watts160
Price$494.99
Model4' head6' head8' head10' headVoltsWattsPrice 
36002820 gph2400 gph1860 gph1200 gph115139$547.00More Info
42003240 gph2700 gph2160 gph1500 gph115160$571.00More Info

Sequence Energy Efficient 4K Series

Medium to Large External Pumps 2500+ gph

The Sequence 4K series pumps are medium sized external pumps meant for flow rates over 2500 gph. They are extremely reliable and energy efficient pumps with a 3 year warranty. Meant for ponds with a total head pressure of 22' or less, they are meant for powering ponds and waterfalls in medium head pressure situations.

3600
Flow @ 5' head 3100 gph
Flow @ 10' head2400 gph
Flow @ 15' head1600 gph
Flow @ 30' head300 gph
Volts115
Watts227
Price$669.99
5000
Flow @ 5' head 4350 gph
Flow @ 10' head3500 gph
Flow @ 15' head2500 gph
Flow @ 30' head500 gph
Volts115
Watts263
Price$699.99
5800
Flow @ 5' head 5400 gph
Flow @ 10' head4200 gph
Flow @ 15' head1000 gph
Flow @ 30' head300 gph
Volts115
Watts296
Price$723.99
6800
Flow @ 5' head 6400 gph
Flow @ 10' head5250 gph
Flow @ 15' head4100 gph
Flow @ 30' head2500 gph
Volts115
Watts367
Price$826.99
8200
Flow @ 5' head7250 gph
Flow @ 10' head6250 gph
Flow @ 15' head5000 gph
Flow @ 30' head3200 gph
Volts115
Watts450
Price$843.99
Model5' head10' head15' head20' headVoltsWattsPrice 
36003100 gph2400 gph1600 gph300 gph115227$749.00More Info
50004350 gph3500 gph2500 gph500 gph115263$782.00More Info
58005400 gph4200 gph3000 gph1000 gph115296$775.00More Info
68006400 gph5250 gph4100 gph2500 gph115367$924.00More Info
82007250 gph6250 gph5000 gph3200 gph115450$947.00More Info

Sequence Power Series

Large / Very Large 7000+ gph - External Pumps

When we encounter a pond or waterfall application that needs very large amounts of water flow in high head pressure situations, our go to pump is the Power Series by Sequence.

Model10' head20' head30' head40' headVoltsWattsPrice 
85007800 gph7080 gph6000 gph4800 gph2301385$1,102.00More Info
92008580 gph7800 gph7020 gph6000 gph2301744$1,175.00More Info
11,00010,380 gph9540 gph8640 gph7500 gph2302056$1,300.00More Info
18,00016500 gph14280 gph11520 gph7500 gph2302315$3,385.00More Info
8500
Flow @ 10' head 7800 gph
Flow @ 20' head7080 gph
Flow @ 30' head6000 gph
Flow @ 40' head4800 gph
Volts230
Watts1385
Price$940.99
9200
Flow @ 10' head 8580 gph
Flow @ 20' head7800 gph
Flow @ 30' head7020 gph
Flow @ 40' head6000 gph
Volts230
Watts1744
Price$990.99
11000
Flow @ 10' head 10380 gph
Flow @ 20' head9540 gph
Flow @ 30' head8640 gph
Flow @ 40' head7500 gph
Volts230
Watts2056
Price$1101.99
18000
Flow @ 10' head 16,500 gph
Flow @ 20' head14,280 gph
Flow @ 30' head11,520 gph
Flow @ 40' head7500 gph
Volts115
Watts367
Price$2916.99

Sequence Power Series

External Pumps for High Head Pressure

These pumps are an excellent option when water recirculation is required at high head pressures with high flow rate demands.

Model40' head50' head60' head70' head75' headVoltsWattsPrice 
112008280 gph7320 gph6120 gph4500 gph3180 gph2302162$1,333.00More Info
1320010500 gph9600 gph8600 gph5500 gph3600 gph2302595$1,395.00More Info
11200
Flow @ 40' head8280 gph
Flow @ 50' head7320 gph
Flow @ 60' head6120 gph
Flow @ 70' head4500 gph
Flow @ 75' head3180 gph
Volts230
Watts2162
Price$1,154.00
13200
Flow @ 40' head10500 gph
Flow @ 50' head7320 gph
Flow @ 60' head9600 gph
Flow @ 70' head8600 gph
Flow @ 75' head5500 gph
Volts230
Watts2595
Price1,207.99

Self Priming External Pumps

Built-in Priming Pot for Easier Setup/Startup

Enjoy your pond faster by spending less time installing equipment with this external pump that features a built in priming pot.

Model10' head20' head40' head60' head80' headVoltsWattsPrice
6300

5880 gph

5340 gph

4200 gph

2700 gph

0'gph230

1496

$1,270.99

More Info
81007620 gph

7020 gph

5700 gph

4080 gph

600 gph230

1807

$1,562.99

More Info
9300

8820 gph

8220 gph

6840 gph

5100 gph

1980 gph230

2222

$1,580.99

More Info
6300
Flow @ 10' head

5880

gph
Flow @ 20' head 5340 gph
Flow @ 40' head4200 gph
Flow @ 60' head2700 gph
Flow @ 80' head0 gph
Volts230
Watts1496

8100
Flow @ 10' head

7620 gph

Flow @ 20' head

7020

gph
Flow @ 40' head

5700

 gph
Flow @ 60' head

4080

 gph
Flow @ 80' head

600

 gph
Volts230
Watts

1807


9300
Flow @ 10' head

8820 gph

Flow @ 20' head8220
Flow @ 40' of head

6840

 gph
Flow @ 60' head

5100

 gph
Flow @ 80' head

1980

 gph
Volts230
Watts2222

When do I need a priming pot?

A pump cannot function with air in the pipe.

A priming pot allows you to fill the pump & pipe with water.

Pumps with built-in priming pots make install quicker.

Flood suction occurs when the pump is below water level.

If the pump and pipe naturally fills with water (see diagram) then a priming pot is not needed, however a priming pot is still beneficial as it collects damaging debris before it has a chance to reach the pump.
When in doubt, a priming pot is always a good idea.

Check Valve prevents water from draining out of the pipe back into the pond, it is recommended on all ponds. If you have a filter or a skimmer a check valve will stop the debris from being pushed out into the pond when the pump is turned off.

PRIMING POTS / STRAINER BASKETS

Sequence Priming Pot / Strainer Basket 

Piiming pots greatly simplify the process of priming an external pump. As well, each unit contains a strainer basket to filter out leaves and other debris from entering the pump. A priming pot is only needed when the pump is placed in a location that is higher in elevation than the pond surface. The priming pot allows the pump and lines to be filled manually with water before beginning operation.

1 1/2" - 90 cubic inches
Inlet1 1/2"
Outlet1 1/2"
Price$128.99
2" - 90 cubic inches
Inlet2"
Outlet2"
Price$128.99
2" - 500 cubic inches
Inlet2"
Outlet2"
Price$546.75
ModelInletOutletPrice 
1 1/2" - 90 cubic inches1 1/2"1 1/2"$128.99More Info
2" - 90 cubic inches2"2"$128.99More Info
2" - 500 cubic inches2"2"$387.75More Info

SPECIALITY PUMPS

OASE AquaMax Eco Classic

Don't have a Skimmer? Use this pump. 

Easy-to-install submersible pump, designed to be installed directly in the pond, making it a perfect choice for ponds without a skimmer. This magnetic-drive pump offers exceptional energy efficiency, allowing you to minimize power consumption while maintaining optimal performance. It's important to note that this pump handles lower head pressure, so it's crucial to determine your head pressure before hand. Take advantage of our user-friendly head pressure calculator to accurately assess your pond's head pressure. By understanding this important factor, you can select the right pump and ensure efficient operation in your pond. Use our head pressure calculator to determine your head pressure. 

Adjustable Pump
Flow @ 0' head 5400 gph
Flow @ 5' head3672 gph
Flow @ 10' head 2469 gph
Flow @ 15' head1624 gph
Flow @ 20' head0 gph
Volts120
Watts200
Price$314.99
1400
Flow @ 0' head 1400 gph
Flow @ 5' head982 gph
Flow @ 10' head348 gph
Flow @ 15' head0 gph
Flow @ 20' head0 gph
Volts120
Watts35
Price$149.99
2800
Flow @ 0' head 2800 gph
Flow @ 5' head1806 gph
Flow @ 10' head1014 gph
Flow @ 15' head0 gph
Flow @ 20' head0 gph
Volts120
Watts80
Price $169.99
4100
Flow @ 0' head 1400 gph
Flow @ 5' head4100 gph
Flow @ 10' head2761 gph
Flow @ 15' head1494gph
Flow @ 20' head617 gph
Volts120
Watts145
Price$224.99
Model0’ head2’ head4’ head6’ head8’ headVoltsWatts
Eco Classic 12001200 gph850 gph600 gph300 gph0 gph12045$176.99More Info
Eco Classic 19001900 gph1600 gph1250 gph900 gph400 gph12070$200.99More Info
Eco Classic 27002700 gph2300 gph1950 gph1500 gph1000 gph120110$237.99More Info
Eco Classic 36003600 gph3100 gph2800 gph2300 gph1750 gph120150$275.99More Info

Need help choosing pond equipment?

Pump Vaults & Pump Socks

Although hiding a submersible pump inside a skimmer is our preferred way to install a submersible pump, sometimes it's not desired or possible to use a pond skimmer. In these cases, pump vaults and pump socks are great ways to conceal a submersible pump in a pond, while keeping debris, solids and fish from being sucked into the pump.


If you plan on keeping fish in your ponds, you may want to read our page on fish pond pumps, which outlines a few extra requirements for your swimming friends. Another more specialized type of pump is a solar-powered water pump, which we currently have mixed feelings about due to reliability.

A pond water pump is also commonly referred to as a garden pond pump or water garden pumps.

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