Matching Pump Specifications To The Application
Fountain pumps must be sized to fit the needs of the fountain, reservoir, or pond they are servicing. Considerations include:
Turning– To “turn” the water in a reservoir means to cycle all of the water through the pump. Sizing the pump to the desired turning rate is important for providing proper aeration.
Selection Tip:For ponds with a pressurized filter, turn the water every two hours . For most other types of ponds, turn the water every hour .
Pipe sizing – Pipes and tubes must fit the pump and allow proper flow. Pipe sizes that are too small will restrict flow, while pump sizes which are too large will result in an insufficient outlet velocity.
Total head – Specifying the pump head requires determining the total head of the system. This is determined from a combination of factors, including friction and elevation. In the case of the setup pictured below, the total head would include the length of the pipe and the difference in height between the two pond surfaces .
Mini Submersible / Fountain / Pond Pump
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Item 68372
Anself Solar Fountain Pump With Led Lighting
As another great panel solar fountain, this option from Anself is easy to install in any garden pond. It is 100 percent solar-powered, and it can easily store some of the energy that it collects for a rainy day. The solar panel can be adjusted 180 degrees, so you can move it to absorb the most light. This model comes with six different fountain heads and a remote control that allows you to adjust the lighting around your fountain at night. Super Cool!
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Lewisia Solar Water Fountain Pump
The final solar-powered fountain pump in this gallery is one that can be installed in the ground or on the wall near your koi pond. The cord that connects the solar panels to the actual pump is 10 feet long, so you will be able to place it as far away as you need to get the sun at any time of day. This pump also boasts that it can lift the water in the pond to a height of four feet, which is quite impressive.
Lewisia Solar Water Pump Kit
If you are looking for a pump pond that has a higher wattage than some of the other models in this review post, then this Lewisia pump may give you the option that you are looking for. This flat panel solar pump can be installed using a metal bracket that stands on the ground or a wall mount that comes with the purchase of this item. In addition, the spray patterns that are available with this model are a bit more unique than most of the fountain pumps that you can find in fact, this model comes with mushroom and blossom spray options.
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What Size Pump Do I Need For My Fountain
Theres more to selecting a fountain pump than just choosing the type of pump youll need. Water fountain pumps are sized by their flow rate and pressure requirements.
Whats GPH and How Many Do I Need For My Fountain?
GPH measures the number of gallons of water per hour a pump will circulate.
According to hunker, you can measure this by taking the diameter of the fountain spout and multiplying that by 100. For example, a smaller outdoor fountain with a 1-inch diameter spout will need a pump that has at least 100 GPH capabilities.
Determine the Maximum Lift or Max Head For Your Fountain
The maximum lift or max head rating is the height of the fountain from the pump to the fountain head or spout. This indicates the measurement at which the pump will need to push the water to reach the spout or head. Once you have the measurement, choose a pump that is at least 1.5 times the head height.
So, if a fountain has a head height of 40 inches, you will want to choose a pump that has a maximum lift of at least 60 inches or more to ensure strong water flow in and out of the fountain. If you are afraid that the pump may be too strong, you can also get a flow reducer to slow the flow down or purchase a pump with flow control to put on a lower setting.
Alternately, if you know you want a slower trickle-type flow for your fountain, you could purchase a pump for a shorter head height .
Ensure that the Water Pump Tubing is the Correct Size
Lewisia Battery Backup Solar Fountain Pump
This Lewisia solar-powered fountain pump is a great option that provides you with the ability to charge a battery using sunlight so that this pump can be used on a cloudy day. The solar panel can also be adjusted 270 degrees, which will give you more versatility in your garden. You will be able to change the design of the water as well as the color of the light surrounding the display.
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Black Solatec Solar Fountain
This Solatec fountain pump is and very eco-friendly model that will be great for your garden. It comes with four different nozzle heads that will help change the pattern and the height of the fountain. This model is great for small ponds, fountains, and bird baths. It will take a couple of seconds for the water to start circulating, but the more sunlight it gets, the higher the water will be able to go.
Pros:
- Will not work on cloudy days.
Check Inventory For This Product At A Store Near You
Bring your fountain or water feature to life with this submersible fountain pump. Flow control lets you adjust the pump output for best performance. Easy-access screen for simple maintenance.
- Inline flow control valve
- Easy to remove inlet screen for cleaning
- Removeable stand with suction cup feet
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
- Head Lift at 0 Flow
- 3.5 ft.
Warranty
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Lewisia Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump
The next fountain pump, which is from Lewisia, is another excellent solar-powered option that will begin working as soon as it sits in the sunlight for a few moments. This fountain pump comes with multiple faces so that you can choose the pattern that you want to use in your garden. It also has a 10-foot cord so that you can keep the solar panel portion of this pump in the sun and the actual birdbath in the shade. This is a model that is great for small ponds and birdbaths, especially because it is easy to clean.
This Amyer solar fountain is shaped like a snowflake, which gives it a more unique design. This model will allow the water to reach 28 inches in height, and there are four different nozzles that you can choose from to change the actual height and pattern of the water. This is a very eco-friendly model, especially because it only takes about three seconds for the solar panels to begin working and circulating the water in your koi pond.
Types Of Fountain Pumps
The first thing to consider when replacing the pump in your fountain is whether you want an electric pump, or a solar pump.
Electric Pumps
Electric pumps with a 3-prong or 3-pin plug can be used in indoor or outdoor fountains. Pumps with a 2-prong or 2-pin plug are intended for use in indoor fountains.
Some electric pumps come with an on/off rocker switch and some are operated by simply plugging and unplugging the pump.
Solar Pumps
Solar pump/panel kits with battery packs: These kits often include a fountain pump that goes in the fountain and a cord connects the pump and plugs into the solar panel.
The solar panel has a battery pack attached or built into it. Place the panel in direct sunlight to charge the battery pack.
This type of pump will operate the fountain via solar energy during the day.
Then, if you want to run your fountain at night, the battery mode will operate the fountain when the sun goes down.
Solar pump/panel kits without battery packs: These kits include the pump, necessary cords, and solar panel.
To use, you place the pump in your fountain basin, connect the cord to the solar panel, and place the solar panel in direct sunlight.
The panel will not store solar energy so the fountain will only operate when the panel is in direct sun.
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Best Solar Powered Fountain Pumps
A solar powered fountain is a great idea for smaller ponds because the movement of the water will help create oxygen for the fish and other aquatic animals that live there. They work great for adding a bit of decoration to your garden, and if you have a birdbath, it will make a great addition there as well.
Biling Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump / Battery Backup
This fountain pump from Biling is a great option, especially if you need to store solar energy to use on a cloudy day. When you leave the solar panels in the sun for an extended period, the energy is stored in a mAh battery. The panel is designed with high-quality material that is laminated to keep the fountain pump from breaking. In addition, if anything is blocking the pump from working correctly, it will stop running to keep it from burning out.
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Hjlfa Solar Pond Pump
This HJLFA Solar pump is ideal for a miniature pond that you may find in any small garden. The blue that can be seen on the petals are great for attracting birds, especially since these animals prefer to frolic and drink moving water. Since this is a solar-powered pump, no battery or electricity is needed for the pump to run. It comes with four different nozzles so that you can choose the water style for your birdbath, and since the water will be circulating with this pump, it will help keep it clean.
Roadtec Solar Fountain Pump For Birdbath
If you are looking for a great solar fountain for your bird bath, this RoadTec model will easily fit your needs. It is a solar panel model, so it will need at least three seconds of direct sun exposure to start working. Using this pump, the water can go higher than 27 inches, but the actual height will depend on the amount of sunlight it gets. This model comes with four different sprinkler heads which can make your garden look great, and it is designed with a 20,000-hour lifespan.
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Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump And Fountain Kit
This sunnydaze outdoor pump is an excellent option for most of the small ponds that you are looking to create water flow in. It is designed with two solar panels that you can sit on the bank pond and enough spikes and extension to reach the middle of a man-made pond. When the panels get enough sunlight, this pump can spray water 120 inches into the air. That means that this fountain can move 369 gallons of water an hour.
