If you’ve been contemplating getting a pond pump, then one of the things you’re most likely wondering, is just how long is this thing going to last?
Well, let me get right to the point then. The average lifetime of a pond pump is between 2 and 3 years. Who wants to replace their pump every 2.5 years on average? It’s such a hassle to have to do something again for a third time that you know is just going to stop working by the time you’re looking at doing it for a fourth time, isn’t it? Especially something that becomes integral to the survival of everything in your pond, like a pump.
It’s a useful bit of information, but does it really help us out in any way? I mean, 2 to 3 years? That’s a big range for something you’re considering purchasing, let alone something you own right now that could break at any moment. Would you really say to yourself “Okay, it looks like this thing could stop working in 2 years time.” and then just forget about it and leave it be? Of course not. That’s just not how motivation works.
Instead, what I want to tell you here, is that you can actually extend the life of your pump. There are a few factors at play as to why the life expectancy of these things is so low in the first place, but the thing is, these factors? They’re all things that you can change to help preserve the life of your pump.
…So you were hoping these things I’m going to tell you were going to be “super secret techniques” or something? Yeah, well, that’s not what we’re about here. We’re about equipping you with good knowledge that’ll help you out. Why would we hoard a handful of “advanced stuff”? That’s no good to our readers, is it?
…Of course, I say that, but you can imagine the above with a wry smile if you like, but anyway, let’s get right to the point, and save your pump before you have to. When that thing stops working, you suddenly become all too aware of how vital it is. So, let’s take some preventative measures while we still have the chance to.
By the way, unless you hate your fish and don’t value the life of plants, then you really shouldn’t have a pond without a pump. There’s plenty of …less exotic reasons to need one other than that a pump keeps the water from going stagnant and otherwise gets the water moving. Let’s get into those pointers I mentioned, because it’ll get a little more clear what I mean by “otherwise gets the water moving” on the fourth one:
The Right Sized Pump
The first thing you’ll want to do, is make sure you have the right sized pump for the size of your pond.
If a pump is the right size for your pond, then it means that it’ll do two things:
- It’ll turn the water over enough during each 24 cycle to help all the water in your pond to get through your filter, if you have one.
- It won’t be too strong.
- You see, pond filters shouldn’t be hit with the full force of the pump. If the water’s coming out too hard like that, then the chances are that your pump is too strong for your filter. What you’re going to end up doing is causing unnecessary wear on the filter due to the high pressure on the seals inside, and you’re going to end up blowing stuff around at the surface of the water as well, which is just not ideal.
- The other problem as well with pumps that are too powerful, is that you run the risk of disturbing the bottom of your pond. For example, if you have goldfish, then God help you, because all the gunk your fish have been stirring up will end up as a dusty film across the entirety of your pond.
Dealing With A Pump That’s Too Strong
Okay, what if you’ve already gone for the durability factor that a stronger pump has to offer but are now worried you have a pump that’s far too strong for your pond? I mean, what if your pump is like, totally nuts?
It’s simple. For a quick fix, you should be able to just reduce the output pressure, but here’s a better idea… What you’re going to want to do is get yourself a splitter and add a fountain to your pond. Not only that, but you’re also going to want to point your fountain in the direction of a particularly bushy area of your pond as well. What you want is a fountain that gently diffuses your pumped water, so wherever that pumped water is pointing at, feels nice and refreshing. Two birds with one stone, really.
This works as a great solution if you also have a wide variety of plants in your pond that would clog up your impeller otherwise.
On the other side of the coin, if you want that water to reach impressive heights, make sure your pump is up for the challenge. Don’t settle for a weakling pump that’s gonna leave your waterfall whimpering. Check those manufacturer’s specifications and if needed, seek the wisdom of the professionals to ensure you get a pump with the appropriate maximum head for your ambitious plans.
So now you have a pump that’s up to the task, how do you extend it’s life expectancy?
First step, totally obvious I know, but I really can’t overstate this enough, cleaning the pump out regularly is King to maintaining the longevity of your pond pump. Check that the pump intake and impeller are free from debris such as leaves, twigs, and algae. Set up a routine cleaning schedule to prevent clogging and to keep your pump running efficiently.
OK, next on the list, did you know that the location of your pond pump can have a significant impact on its lifespan. Place your pump properly to avoid excessively high or low temperatures. Extreme temperatures can strain the pump motor and lead to premature failures. In hotter climates it’s preferable to position your pump in a shaded area to minimize the risk of overheating.
And before winter arrives, remove the pump and store it in a protected area to prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures. Proper winterization will help preserve the internals of your pump.
Adequate water depth is another factor to increase your pond pump’s longevity. A water level that is too low can expose the impeller and motor, causing them to overheat. Conversely, if the water level is too high, it may cause the pump to work harder than necessary, leading to increased wear and tear. So check that the pump is suitable for the depth and water pressure of the pond. The rule of thumb that every 2.31 feet osf depth adds 1 PSI of pressure can be used to roughly estimate the amount of pressure that a pond pump will experience at a certain depth.
Integrating additional filtration into your pond system can also help ease the workload on your pump. By reducing the amount of debris and pollutants reaching the pump, you can minimize the risk of clogging and extend its lifespan. Add a pre-filter or a mechanical filter to your pond setup to act as a protective barrier for your pump.
And lastly, investing in a high-quality pond pump may seem more expensive initially, but it’ll save you money in the long run. Reliable brands with better construction, durable materials, and more efficient motors, will greatly extend the lifespan of your pump. Remember, quality pays off.
