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Sump Pumps vs. Pond Pumps: What's The Difference?

Sump Pumps vs. Pond Pumps: What's The Difference?

Sump pumps and pond pumps are two pump types you'll see when searching for submersible pumps. These pumps offer distinct capabilities. Understanding the differences between sump pumps and pond pumps will help you choose the best option for your needs, allowing you to get the best performance out of your investment.

What Is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps go in basements or crawl spaces to help mitigate flooding. When water floods inside these areas, the sump pump begins pumping it out, keeping the space dry. They're usually installed in a sump pit below ground level, encouraging water to flow toward them. Once they start pumping water, the water travels outside the building to a designated draining area.

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

Sump pumps work using sensors, pipes and impellers. After water enters the sump pit, the sump pump's sensor or float switch activates, turning the pump on. Then, an impeller propels the water through the pump, down the pipe and out of the building. Sump pumps can also have water-powered systems or backup batteries to ensure they work through power outages. With sump pumps automatically pumping water out, building owners can avoid water buildup and damage.

Sump Pump Applications

Sump pumps are excellent tools for keeping a space dry and safe. They work effectively for both residential and commercial buildings that often deal with water seepage or flooding. If you live in a home or own a building somewhere that has poor drainage, high water tables or heavy rainfall, sump pumps might be a great solution. Additionally, sump pumps can manage groundwater at construction sites or control wastewater for industrial operations.

What Is a Pond Pump?

Pond pumps help aerate and circulate water in ponds, water features and gardens. They're essential for preventing stagnant water, encouraging oxygenation and maintaining water quality. Pond pumps are constantly moving water around, helping to keep algae from forming and creating a good environment for pond organisms to thrive in. 

How Do Pond Pumps Work?

Pond pumps also use an impeller to propel water through pipes. Water is drawn into the pump, where the impeller moves it through the pipe or hose system. This operation creates circulating, flowing water.

You can also find pond pumps with ultraviolet clarifiers or built-in filters to help keep debris and harmful microorganisms out of the water.

Pond Pump Applications

Pond pumps have lots of applications — they can aerate, circulate and even filter water, making them extremely versatile tools. They agitate the water as they push it back into the water system, helping to keep the water clear and healthy for the fish and plants in the ecosystem. For a cleaner, serene outdoor space, you can use pond pumps in ponds, fountains and waterfalls. 

Sump Pump vs. Pond Pump Differences

While sump pumps and pond pumps both transport water from one place to another, they have completely different uses, installations and features. Let's break down their key differences, so you know which one is right for you:

  • Use: Sump pumps prevent flooding by sucking in water and pumping it out of a space. Pond pumps circulate water through ponds and other water features to improve water quality.
  • Installation: Sump pumps usually go in a sump pit beneath ground level in a basement. Pond pumps are installed directly into ponds, gardens or fountains.
  • Features: Sump pumps often have backup systems to help them work through power outages. Pond pump features are usually filtration systems that help keep the water clean and free from microorganisms and debris.
  • Operation: Sump pumps start working when water trips their sensors. They'll then start pumping water out of the space. Pond pumps continually circulate water to prevent stagnant water and keep water moving through water features.

Pond Pump vs. Sump Pump Maintenance

Whether you have a pond pump or a sump pump, you'll need to maintain them properly to keep them in good shape. Maintenance helps prevent damage, ensuring pump efficiency and preventing expensive repairs. As a result, you can get the most out of your investment.

Pond Pump Maintenance

Here are pond pump maintenance tasks you'll need to perform regularly:

Pond Pump Maintenance

  1. Regular cleaning: Pond pumps sit outside in water all day, sometimes getting clogged with algae, debris and twigs. You need to regularly clean your pump's intake and impeller to prevent buildup and clogs from harming the pump's efficiency. 
  2. Remove blockages: Look at the intake screen and tubing to remove any clogs from the pump. You can use brushes, nets and even your hands to clear out any debris you see. Be sure to wear gloves if you use your hands.
  3. Clean filters: If your pond pump has a filtration system, you'll need to clean that out so it can work effectively. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent filter damage and get a good clean.
  4. Check seals: You also need to inspect your pond pump's seals and gaskets for leaks and damage. If you spot any problem areas, you should replace them to ensure there's a waterproof seal.
  5. Inspect pump: Make sure to inspect your pump's overall performance, too. If you notice any problems or changes, you'll need to fix them quickly to prevent further damage. Check the water levels and flow rate to ensure everything is correct.

Sump Pump Maintenance

Here are the key sump pump maintenance tasks you'll need to do regularly:

  1. Clean sump pit: You need to clear out buildup, debris, sediment and mud from your sump pit. Flooding water often brings in debris from the outside. Any buildup in your sump pit can prevent effective drainage, letting water back into your building. 
  2. Test and inspect: Regularly test and inspect the sump pump's float switch and check valve. These components are essential for proper sump pump function. For the float switch, you just need to pour water into the sump pit to see if it automatically activates. For the check valve, make sure it opens and closes smoothly so you have no water backflow. 
  3. Check backup power: You also need to test your backup power system to ensure you have sump pump function during power outages. Test your backup power source regularly so you can catch issues early before an outage happens. 
  4. Get professional inspections: Consider scheduling yearly professional maintenance for your sump pump. A professional can inspect and service your sump pump, getting it to work optimally and protecting your entire system. 

Shop Sump Pumps and Pond Pumps From ePumps

Shop Sump Pumps and Pond Pumps From ePumps

ePumps offers high-quality and effective submersible pumps to help you meet all your pump needs. With a wide range of pump options, you can get sump pumps, pond pumps and more from us whenever you need a quality product.

With 24/7 customer service, competitive pricing, hassle-free returns and free shipping, ePumps makes shopping for pumps easy. Check out our industry-leading pump options today!

How to Determine the Correct Size Pump for Your Pond

Ponds are excellent additions to your home, office or other outside areas. The cool, clear water adds beauty and serenity to any location. You can also build a pond as a DIY project, making it a popular project option for all types of homeowners. With the correct installation and maintenance practices, you can create a beautiful and lasting pond.

Pumps are crucial components of ponds. These devices keep your pond water healthy by circulating water. With regularly circulating water, nutrients can spread evenly to fish, plants and other life forms in your pond. Pumps also help oxygen spread throughout the water and power other pond features like waterfalls.

To get the maximum benefits of a pump, you need to select the correct size for your pond. The right size pump will filter water correctly and keep your pond in its best shape. You might wonder, "Do I need a pump for my pond?" or, "How big of a pond pump do I need?" This article shows you how to choose a pond pump.

 

Why Pumps Are Important for Ponds

Pumps are crucial for pond wellbeing and longevity. Installing a pump is an essential step in pond creation. You can keep plant and animal growth safe and enhance your pond's overall appearance.

Here are other reasons why pumps are so important for ponds:

 

Oxygenation

  • Without a pump circulating the pond water, it becomes stagnant. The stagnation could lead to reduced oxygen in your water. If you don't have sufficient oxygen levels in your pond, it could become uninhabitable for fish or other aquatic life forms. A lack of oxygen also decreases the health and appearance of your pond. But with a pump, the water continues flowing and remains healthy.

 

Enhanced appearance

  • Everyone wants their pond to be aesthetically attractive. Ponds make beautiful additions to your home, office or other space, and you want to keep it as attractive as possible. A pump ensures your pond water keeps flowing and reduces algae or fungus growth. It also prevents your water from becoming dirty or an unattractive color. Pumps help you maintain a pond's natural beauty.

 

Safe water

  • Pumps also help you maintain safe water. When water becomes stagnant, it could provide an opportunity for mosquitoes to lay eggs or unsafe algae to grow, contaminating your pond water. Instead, a pump creates safe water for your pond by encouraging the correct water movement. It remains a safe place for fish and other pond life to grow healthfully. You can protect the lives of the aquatic life in your water and keep your pond healthy overall with a pond pump.

What Size Pump Do You Need for Your Pond?

Selecting the right size pump is essential regardless of where you establish your pond. The pumps prevent water stagnation, keeping the water's oxygen levels high. With proper oxygenation, all life forms in your pond stay healthy, and your water stays clean. Proper water movement discourages the appearance of mosquitos and algae. Overall, pumps are critical for your pond's health.

Pumps are available in many different styles and sizes. You should choose your pond's pump based on your needs. For example, a large pond or one with more components might require a more powerful pump.

There are two major types of pumps:

 

Submersible pumps

 

External pumps

  • External pumps are placed above the water line.

 

Submersible pumps are often ideal for ponds because you can maintain the natural aesthetic. You don't have to consider the pump's appearance, as you cannot view it from above the surface.

When determining what pump size you need, you will need to keep various factors in mind. Here are some considerations you should think about as you select your pump.

 

Pond Pump Applications

First, it's a good idea to consider your pond pump's applications. Each application type has varying sizes and uses. In addition to submersible and external pumps, pumps are categorized by their drive mechanisms and whether they are purely functional or also decorative. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from the following pump types:

 

Magnetic drive pumps

  • These pumps maximize electrical efficiency. They are commonly used for waterfalls and streams with smaller ponds since they're smaller and circulate less water.

 

Direct drive pumps

  • Direct drive pumps are often used for larger ponds and waterfalls. They have more power but also use more electricity.

 

Decorative pumps

  • Lastly, you might also select a decorative pump. These pumps focus more on visual effects than water recirculation. For instance, they might be shaped like a plant or include LED lights that enhance your pond's appearance.

 

Consider how you intend to use your pump and let that guide your selection. Each application type might have a different size that suits it better. For example, you might use your pump for:

 

  • Filtration
  • Recirculation
  • Waterfalls or fountains
  • Other aquatic features, like helping with fish

 

You should also consider any additional features in your pond. Do you want to include waterfalls or extra fountains? If so, this adds more considerations to your sizing. The larger your waterfall is, the bigger pump you will need. Some pumps are available for just waterfalls, while others can serve both your pond and the waterfall together.

However you plan to use your pump, you need to consider its purpose during your selection process.

Pond Dimensions

Next, you need to measure your pond's dimensions. Having exact measurements of your pond's length, width, depth and volume can help you choose the appropriate pump size. These dimensions can also help you communicate with professionals if you have further questions on choosing pump size. 

Take careful measurements of your pond's length, width and depth. Because ponds come in all different sizes and shapes, your measuring strategy might differ. If you have an irregularly shaped pond, measure the longest, widest and deepest parts to ensure you don't underestimate how much water it holds.

In general, here is how to calculate the volume of a pond for standard shapes:

 

For circular ponds

  • To calculate a circular pond's volume, measure its diameter at the widest part of the pond and its depth at the deepest portion in feet. Multiply the diameter by two and the depth by 5.9. Finally, multiply these two numbers to get a total volume in gallons.

 

For square or rectangular ponds 

  • For square ponds, measure the length, width and depth in feet. Multiply the length by the width by the depth, then multiply that number by 7.5. The resulting number is the volume in gallons.

 

For oval ponds

  • As with rectangular ponds, you should measure an oval pond at its deepest, widest and longest points. Multiply the depth by the width by the height. Then, multiply the result by 6.7 to determine the volume in gallons.

 

Once you have these measurements, you can use them to determine the necessary size of your pump. A large pond will likely require a stronger pump, while a smaller size might not need something as intensive. The more water your pond contains, the more pump power you require. That way, it can sufficiently circulate water to all areas.

Waterfall Dimensions

If your pond has a waterfall, you should also include its dimensions to decide on the best pump size for your pond. A waterfall's height and flow rate can influence the type and size of your pump. Some people buy separate pumps for their waterfalls, while others use one pump to serve both their pond and waterfall. However, if your waterfall is particularly large or circulates a lot of water, you might require an additional pump.

Start by measuring the width of your waterfall's stream and the height of the waterfall from the top to the pond's surface. Generally, a wider, taller waterfall will have a larger flow rate and require a bigger pump.

If your pond also has a fountain, you should measure the water stream's height from the water. Any extra water features will impact a pump's effectiveness, so consider them as you choose a pump.

Water Circulation Needed

Finally, you need to understand how much water circulation is necessary to help you choose a pump size.

For most filters, all the water in your pond should recirculate through it every two hours. For example, if you have a 1,200-gallon pond, you will need a pump that moves at least 600 gallons per hour (GPH) to ensure all the water cycles through the filter in two hours.

You might consider circulating the water more often if you have many life forms in your pond, such as fish. The more water your pump moves, the cleaner you can keep your pond.

Pond pumps are available at different water circulation levels. To find the best pump for your pond, you'll need your pond's volume. Then, you can decide on the necessary water circulation and choose a pump to accommodate that amount.

Next Steps for Sizing Water Pumps

After considering these factors, you can perform further calculations to find the best water pump for your pond. Remember that the correct pump size is crucial for the overall health of your pond, so getting an accurate measurement is important.

To size a pump correctly, you should calculate two critical numbers — flow rate and head height. Here is an overview of these numbers and how to calculate them.

Flow Rate

A pump's flow rate is the volume of water that moves per time measurement. You can measure it in gallons per hour (GPH) or liters per hour (LPH). In other words, the flow rate refers to how much water your pump can move in one hour.

The correct flow rate can help you select the appropriate pump for your pond. Knowing your pump's flow rate can also help you determine when your pump is underperforming. For instance, if your pump typically works at one speed but suddenly has a lesser flow rate, you'll know your pump might need maintenance or assistance.

If you haven't installed your pump yet, you will have to calculate the desired flow rate. To determine your desired flow rate, consider these factors:

  • Type of fluid
  • Distance fluid must travel
  • Volume and distance the liquid must travel in a specific time

Remember that most filters suggest your pump recirculates all water every two hours. 

Once you have a system installed, you can measure the current flow rate with a different strategy. You can manually collect the liquid that moves through the pump and keep track of the amount of time it took to retrieve it. Multiply as necessary to get the flow rate in GMP or LPH.

For example, suppose you collected 10 gallons in one minute. Since there are 60 minutes in one hour, you'd multiply 10 by 60 to calculate your current flow rate of 600 GPH. However, because many pond pumps move hundreds of gallons each hour, it's often easier to measure the flow rate with a flow meter.

Head Height

Once you have a desired or current flow rate, you will need a head height measurement for your pond pump. Pumps do not supply the same flow rate in every circumstance. Instead, the flow rate varies on head height. This measurement refers to the height of the water from the pump's surface to the peak water gush.

As a pump's head increases, its flow level decreases. This decrease is due to the higher height, making gravity and friction resist it further.

A flow rate is only a potential or anticipated measurement. Without a head height, you cannot gather an accurate flow rate. A pump size should provide the desired flow rate at your system's head height.

With a precise head height and flow rate, you can calculate what size of pond pump you need.

Once you have the desired head height or another component in mind, you can search for pumps that meet these requirements. Most pumps list factors like water circulation or flow rate in their product description. If not, you can ask a professional for assistance as you choose.

Find the Pump and Parts You Need With ePumps

Finding the right size for your pond's pump is essential. At ePumps, we understand the necessity of a high-quality pond pump. We have over 20 years in the pumps industry and pride ourselves on our premier customer service and pump offerings. Whether you need to know how to connect a pond pump and filter or how to install a pond water pump, ePumps can assist you.

We can help you find the best pond pump from our extensive catalog. Our pumps come from the top manufacturers in the industry, including:

If you're still deciding between pump types or have any questions about the purchasing process, ePumps is here for you. Our customer service team offers ongoing support, ensuring you make the correct selection for your pond.

To get started with ePumps, browse our catalog today or contact us at (844) 378-6771 with any questions.

New Selection Tool from ePumps Helps Develop Condensate, Boiler System Solutions

Boiler Feed and Condensate Return Pump Selection Tool

The home handyman and repair expert can both use additional guidance from time to time. This is why ePumps, which has provided pump and accessory solutions since 2014, recently launched its new Selection Tool. This web application on the main website deals with both boiler feed and condensate return pumps. These industrial products are designed with very specific purposes in mind and are made to match specific steam and boiler systems. If you suspect the pump in your system is starting to fail, use our new Selection Tool to find the right part before disaster strikes.

Condensate systems are designed to accommodate the movement of condensate and liquid water along dedicated lines. Along those pipes will be pumps to keep the flow going and ePumps has the best selection to help you repair or upgrade your system. The condensate pump Selection Tool can be found here. By selecting the pump configuration, receiver size and horsepower of the pump itself, the tool will provide you with the right component for the job. The real-world applications of these pumps can range from small offices at the low end to something that’s fit for industrial settings and customizable to integrate with high pressure pumps.

Boiler systems that operate on the industrial scale transfer heat in the form of water and steam. This requires an energy source, hidden mechanical workings and an overall design that accounts for extreme stresses on the system. Fortunately, ePumps can help you pick the complete package. The boiler system Selection Tool can be found here. Again, users can pick the pump configuration, receive size and horsepower to find the boiler feed unit that is correct for their application. Improving the performance and durability of a 20-gallon system is just as important as delivering performance throughout a 500-gallon large boiler feed system.

Using these two tools is as easy as selecting items from a drop-down menu. We also present additional product options for customers looking to customize their order. If you prefer to browse our website, you’ll see that ePumps carries all the top pressure, boiler feed and condensate return pumps from Grundfos. This Danish brand established in 1945 is the among the most recognizable in the industry. It is also the world’s largest manufacturer so the sheer variety of its offerings makes them the go-to for pumps no matter the real-world application. You’ll be able to choose from models that are suited for varying ranges of horsepower, discharge, voltage and more. Combined, ePumps and Grundfos can help you resolve pump-related projects at your workplace.

SpaceX Enters Partnership with ePumps

SpaceX rocket launch

ePumps has recently entered a partnership with SpaceX in which the aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company will use B3ZPLS 50 horsepower pumps for their launch pads. The partnership represents a monumental moment for ePumps, as it displays the flexibility and range of use for our products.

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Find Your Zen with These Outdoor Pond Setup Tips

To combat stress, anxiety, and other oft-common consequences of day-to-day life, many people turn to nature. Henry David Thoreau was so interested in simple living and connecting with nature that he spent two years at Walden Pond and wrote about his experience in Walden. Now you probably don't have that kind of time, but you may be able to bring the pond to you. Owning and maintaining an outdoor pond is a fantastic way to improve your mood and reconnect with Mother Nature. In addition, it may reduce the amount of bugs in your yard, which is never a bad thing.

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The True Price of an Inexpensive Sump Pump

Floods occur for all different types of reasons, from natural disaster to water supply-line break… and it's important to be prepared regardless of your geological location. Floods, no matter the cause, can cause damage not only to your home, but your personal belongings and irreplaceable items.

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Which Is Better, a Submersible Sump Pump or a Standing Pump?

As a homeowner, your choice of sump pump matters. The sump pump is, in most cases, both your first and last line of defense against basement flooding and damaged belongings. Thus, making sure that you have an effective sump pump should be a high priority. But the choice is not necessarily easy – you have to decide between two distinct kinds of pump: the submersible (like the Tsurumi submersible pump) or the standing sump pump. So which one is better?

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What Determines the Cost of Sump Pumps?

If you're in the market for a new sump pump, one of your primary concerns may be, "How much is this going to cost?" In today's economy, money is always tight. However, instead of questioning how much your new sump pump will cost, a better question may be "What am I getting for my money?" When it comes to sump pump prices, you will find that the range can vary significantly – the low end being around $300 and the higher end being over $3,000. So what exactly goes into factoring the cost of sump pumps?

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How Does a Submersible Sump Pump Work?

The kind of sump pump you have in your house is important. When rain pours down or a pipe breaks, your sump pump is the one device that can prevent your basement from flooding. That's why the smartest homeowners prefer a submersible sump pump: one that is fully waterproof and can keep operating no matter how much water there is. But how does a submersible sump pump work, and what makes it different?

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