Marine pumps are a crucial piece of equipment for any pond, water feature, or municipal fountain. Even if the pawn is man-made it still requires the use of these vital pumps. They provide necessary aeration to the water which helps sustain the health of fish and other aquatic creatures within. Pond pumps also circulate the water keeping it from becoming stagnant and uninhabitable to fish.
Types Of Marine Pumps For Ponds
There are different variations of pond pumps that you can purchase, and each has their own specific purpose. The most common variation is an aerating pump, which adds oxygen to the water to keep it healthy. There are different types of marine pumps for ponds available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common type of pond pump is an aerating pump, which helps to oxygenate the water and keep it healthy. Other pump types we’ll talk about in a moment have their own task as well such as water removal, water circulation, and pumps for water features such as waterfalls.
Powering marine pumps can be done by a standard electric hookup or by solar, depending on your needs and circumstances. Electric pumps are going to be more powerful and have a longer runtime but require a traditional power source.
Solar pumps on the other hand are more cost-effective but may not deliver as much power as an electric model and have shorter run times.
No matter what type of pond pump you choose, you must maintain it regularly to get the longest service out of it. If you maintain it properly and clean it regularly you should have few problems and it should last you for years.
Benefits of Aerating Your Pond
As mentioned, aerating pumps are one of the most common types of pond pumps available. This is for good reason since aerating offers numerous benefits for your pond or water feature including:
Improved water quality: Aerating pumps assist in circulating water that is oxygen-rich all throughout your pond. This improves the clarity of the water as well as the quality which is good for fish to thrive and other creatures.
Promotes healthy plant growth: By circulating oxygen-rich water it promotes the healthy growth of plants which is also very beneficial for this ecosystem.
Reduces algae growth: Algae is a big problem when it comes to ponds and bodies of water that don’t feed in or out of a stream. Algae loves stagnant water with poor oxygen levels—it’s where it thrives the most. By circulating the water that’s full of oxygen it helps to reduce algae growth.
Keeps fish healthy: Fish require dissolved oxygen to survive and remain healthy. Air rating pumps ensure that the level of dissolved oxygen remains high keeping the fish happy and thriving.
Styles Of Pumps For Ponds
Three styles of marine pumps are most often used to aerate ponds and circulate water in water features. Centrifugal, submersible, and diaphragm pumps are all used for their different advantages and the situation they are needed for. As with any product, there can be pros and cons to all of these. Determining which one is best for your situation requires either industrial knowledge of how pond aeration works or speaking with one of our pump consultants.
Centrifugal Pump
A centrifugal pump is used to create flow or bring a liquid from a lower level and raise it to another level. The pump works on a fairly simple mechanism. It takes rotational energy from a motor and converts it to energy in a moving liquid.
The two main components that make this conversion possible are an impeller and casing. The impeller is what generates the rotation and the casing is airtight and surrounds the impeller. Fluid enters the casing, makes contact with the impeller blades, and is pulled into the diffuser in the casing. When the fluid is passing through the impeller it gains velocity and pressure.
A slight variation of a centrifugal pump is most commonly used in ponds and fountains.
Submersible Pump
A submersible pump Is just a centrifugal pump that is installed completely underwater, in most cases even the motor. The motor is simply housed in a watertight casing that can remain submerged in water.
Larger submersible pumps can also be installed in lakes, river streams, creeks, and bayous if the water is deep enough. Some larger submersibles can be installed on their side when the water depth is an issue. However, not ALL can be installed this way so make sure to check the specs before attempting as it could ruin the pump.
Submersible pumps, unlike centrifugal pumps, do not need to be primed—they’re already surrounded by water. They’re also more energy-efficient since they only push water and don’t need to suck it in as well. Most submersibles also need to be installed using a special sleeve if not installed in a water well. Even in some well installs a sleeve is required. This sleeve directs water so that it flows over the motor keeping it cool. This is especially needed in cases where the motor is exposed and not underwater or to protect the motor cord.
One example of how a submersible pump is used is in water fountains like the ones you see on golf courses or subdivisions. The pump is dual purpose in that it creates a beautiful water feature but also air rates the pond or body of water that surrounds it. They can also be used to create a bubbling or waterfall effect which also aerates the water.
Air Compressor Pump
If you’ve ever owned an aquarium then you are familiar with this type of pump on a much smaller scale. An air compressor pump is a type of pond pump that aerates your pond using compressed air to create a stream of bubbles.
This adds ocygen to the water keeping it healthy for wildlife such as fish, frogs, and other beneficial organisms. It also prevents stagnation which leads to mosquito infestation if not kept under control. Air compressor pumps on this scale are typically more expensive but well worth the investment, especially if you buy a quality brand.
Who Do We Trust For Quality Marine Pumps?
If you’re looking for a rock-solid brand of pond pumps we recommend Kasco. They are known for their reputation of bringing some of the most durable and efficient pumps to the market. They have many models available to suite most needs as well. Contact us today and let us get you the pumps you need to keep your pond healthy and thriving.