Hello and welcome to, PondPumpReviews.com, the site dedicated to giving you all the information you need about pond pumps and filters.  Our team love ponds and we therefore understand how important to look after them properly.  We have looked at and highlighted numerous pond pumps, filters and other features and you will find lots of highly informative reviews on the pages of this site.

ImageNamePowerBuy on Amazon
BLAGDON MINIPOND PUMP 70010 Watts
JEBAO JECOD SUPER LOW WATTAGE
XOE-5000 GARDEN POND PUMP
40 Watts
BLAGDON MIDIPOND PUMP 450075 Watts
HOZELOCK 3354 1500LPH CASCADE WATERFALL AND FOUNTAIN PUMP33 Watts
PONDPUSH 17000 GARDEN POND PUMP FOR POND FILTERS & WATERFALLS220 Watts
SUBMERSIBLE WATER PUMP, GOCHANGE 60W60 Watts
BLAGDON MINIPOND PUMP 90018 Watts
JEBAO SUBMERSIBLE WATER POND PUMP WITH FOUNTAIN ATTACHMENTS 4000L/H #PF400075 Watts
BERMUDA FILTER FORCE 4500 WATER PUMP BER061535 Watts

What Exactly Are Pond Pumps?

Pond pumps are pieces of kit that are essential to ponds.  If you think about it this way – naturally occurring ponds and other bodies of waters are generally fed by streams, so the idea of a flow of water from one body to another is a completely natural one.

Pond pumps are crucial part to any pond filtration system, as other important equipment such as pond filters and UVCs will be unable to circulate water without something pushing the water through them.  Pond pumps also power streams, waterfalls and fountains and keeps the water from not becoming stagnate, as well as oxygenating it, by disturbing the surface and agitating it.  Agitated water causes oxygen to be absorbed at a much faster rate.

It all seems very easy doesn’t it?  The problem is, choosing the right pump for your own pond setup can be a lot trickier than you might think.  In the last couple of decades the whole water gardening and pond equipment industry has really grown.  This has resulted in there being a larger variety of different pond pump types, brands and models on the the market than ever before.

Even though there is such a wide selection to choose from, most pond pumps operate in a very similar way.

What Are The Different Types of Pond Pumps?

On a very basic level, the wide variety of pond pumps out there can be split up into two distinct categories – Submersible and External.

Submersible Pond Pumps

Submersible pond pumps are placed directly into the water.  The obvious advantage of this kind of setup is the fact that the pump is hidden from sight and requires no other piping.  In addition to this, they are also cheaper when compared to external pumps and not nearly as noisy as other types of pumps out there.  However, they do have a tendency to get clogged easier.

External Pond Pumps

External pond pumps are setup outside of the water, normally hidden in a bush.  They are more cost effective overall as they are much more powerful than submersible pumps.  However,  they are also more expensive and noisier.  Additional piping has to be installed in order to bring the water up to the pump and back out again into the pond.

If you already have or planning to build a smaller sized pond, you will be best opting for a submersible pump.  Whereas, if you are looking to establish  a large pond, you will need to invest in an external pump.  Although it will cost more upfront, you will save more money from your utility bills in the long run.

Besides the above categories, pond pumps can be broken down and categorised further, as you will read below.

Feature Pumps

As the rather self-explanatory name suggests, feature pumps are designed specifically to provide water to either a pond side ornament or small water feature.  Despite the fact that they lower powered, they are also quieter and less expensive.

Fountain Pumps

These particular pumps are used to create decorative and eye catching displays and also cross over with feature and solar pond pumps.  Most fountain pumps provide flow rates of over 1000 litres per hour and come with a T-piece, which acts as a flow diverter meaning the water flow can be split into two directions with the water flowing to part of the fountain and the rest to a waterfall.  In the past, these kinds of pumps were sold as “all jobs for all men” kind of devices, because part of the water flow was used to crate a nice water fountain and the rest being used in a filter or waterfall.

This however, was a fundamentally flawed idea as the holes or filter cage surrounding the pump have to be smaller in a fountain pump because if they are any larger, solids could pass through into the impeller and fountain head, blocking the fountain.  This means fountain pumps cannot pass larger solids to a filter and that debris can build up on and around the pump cage can effect its performance very quickly.  It is ultimately best, therefore, to run fountain pumps just for display and ornamental purposes only.

Filter Pumps

You should consider solids-handling filter pumps as your main pump for your pond – like the driving force of the pond that ensures the water is flowing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  As a result of recent developments and improvements in the design of pond pumps, despite the fact these kinds of pumps have to work long hours, they are now able to efficiently keep on running year in, year out.  There is strong evidence of this in the shape of the long warranties that are attributed to even the lower cost, entry level filter pumps.

The vast majority of filter pumps for ponds can handle large particles of solid matter and waste (measuring anything from 4 mm to 12 mm) so they are able to deal with any debris very simply by pumping them out and up through the pond hose attached.  This is why they are often referred to as filter pumps as the waste can be picked up in a pond filter where the solids can be trapped and removed from the water via mechanical filtration.

Even if you are not planning on having a pond filtration system in place, a pond filter pump is the most effective way of creating the water flow needed for a pond or to power a water feature such as a waterfall or fountain.  It is is wise that you look carefully at the running costs for running these kinds of pumps though, as having them switched on and constantly running can see your utility bills increase dramatically.  There are many models that now feature motors that are eco-friendly and therefore cheaper to run and far more efficient.

High Pressure Pumps

If you are looking for great value for money, then you will certainly be hard pushed to find another type of pump that provides you with the same high amount of band for your bucks than high pressure pumps.  They are capable of producing extremely high water flow rates, with the actual rate only slowing somewhat when the water is being pushed up to a tall head height.  As they are not designed run constantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without end, they are not nearly as reliable as filter pumps.

That being said, many of these kinds of pumps come with the additional feature of a float switch or cut-off, a mechanism that automatically shuts off the pump if the water drops below a certain level in order to prevent the pump burning out.  We find therefore, that this kind of pump is better suited to a pond-less waterfall than a traditional pond setup.  As they are not very expensive, they also make for great back-up or reserve pumps for when emergencies occur.

Dry Mounted Pumps

As you may have guessed from the name, dry mounted pumps are types of pumps that can run completely dry – in other words, without them needing to be submerged at all in water.  This makes them incredibly easy to maintain and clean and also easier to position.  For instance, it is much easier to setup and place a pipe or intake hold than it is creating space for a submersible pump.  Koi keepers will be very familiar with these kinds of pumps and how they function.  This is because many koi ponds in particular rely on what is known as a Gravity-fed filtration system.

In this system, the water is taken from the pond via a bottom drain and then it is sent out to the filter via gravity, instead of being pushed by a pump.  In such instances where the water is needed to be pushed back into the pond after it has been sent through a gravity-fed filter, this can be carried out effectively using a dry chamber holding the dry pump or a chamber full of water with a submersible pump sitting in it.

What You Should Look At When Choosing The Best Pond Pump

Although we have put together a good selection of what we think are the top 5 pond pumps available at the moment, you don’t have to buy one of those just because we recommend them.  You can conduct your own research and find the best pump for your own pond setup.  There are some important factors you should always look at though, and these include:

  • The Price
  • The Maximum Flow Rate
  • Power Rating
  • Warranty
  • Customer Reviews

Two of the most important factors though, from our point of view is the price and the customer ratings.  When it comes to the price, you need to be careful.  You may feel tempted to buy the cheapest product.  However, buying the cheapest product when you need  one that will pump water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is never going to be a wise move.  Even if you save a lot of money upfront, purchasing a cheap pump could cause you extra expenses further down the line that could have been avoided if you had paid that little bit extra in the first place for a more reliable pump.

The customer comments and ratings are an important aspects that should be factored into the buying decision of anything you are interested in online.  As well as giving you the low-down on what it is like to own and use a particular pump, you will also find out some hints, tip and things to avoid.  Amazon UK reviews are reasonably trustworthy as they are written and submitted by customers who have actually paid money for (unless otherwise stated) and used the product they are reviewing.  It is wise to look at both negative and positive reviews to get a fuller picture.

Our Top 5 Pond Pumps

Below we have put together a list of what we believe are the 5 best pond pumps available on the market right now.  As well as all being made to a very high standard, they all offer a wide range of versatility and strong flow rates.  Most feature helpful and value-adding accessories and extras.

Bermuda Filter Force 4500 Water Pump BER0615

Are you looking to install a pond?  Then you have come to the right place.  Pond pumps are an essential component for your pond.  Whether you want a pond that will break up the greenery or intend to keep fish.  Whatever the reason, you need a pond pump to keep the water aerated and clean.  As a fully submersible pond pump, the Bermuda Filter Force 4500 water pump has a maximum flow rate of 4500 litres per hour and will work with a variety of different water features, fountains and waterfalls.

What is Included In The Box?

  • 1 Bermuda Filter Force 4500 Water Pump BER0615
  • Mains lead
  • Stepped hose adaptor

Pros

  • Relatively easy to assemble and install
  • If you have a clean pond, it should be easy enough to maintain
  • Highly affordable
  • Reasonable maximum flow rate for the price and power rating of the motor
  • Quiet operation
  • Highly customisable hose adaptor can be used to apply the filter pump for a variety of uses
  • Fairly inexpensive to run thanks to the low power rating and high water flow rate
  • Reliable and robust construction
  • Designed to run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • 3 year’s guarantee

Read the full review here.

Jebao Jecod Super Low Wattage XOE-5000 Garden Pond Pump

As there is more to owning a pond than simply diffing a hole, you need to ensure that the water is properly oxygenated and clean.  If you are intent on investing in a pond and maybe even a water feature for it too, you need to also invest in a pond pump, such as the Jebao Jecod Super Low Wattage XOE-5000 Garden Pond Pump.

A fully submersible pump with a maximum flow rate of 5000 litres per hour and head height of 3 metres, this pump offers a wide variety of versatility with regards the different sizes of piping you can attach to the outlet and therefore different applications you can use it for.

What Is Included In The Box

  • 1 Jebao Jecod Super Low Wattage XOE-5000 Garden Pond Pump
  • 19 mm 38 mm hose-tail connector
  • 10 metres of cable

Pros

  • Powerful and efficient
  • Relatively easy to setup
  • Relatively easy to operate
  • A very tough housing for the filter which greatly decreases the chance of blockages and helps to ensure the pump is easy to maintain and keep clean
  • Various outlet connections possible
  • Effective 40 Watts motor
  • Can pump dirty water and pass solid material of up to 8 mm easily
  • 10 metres of cable
  • Free 12 month’s warranty

Read the full review here.

Blagdon Midipond Pump 3500

If you are looking to replace a current pond pump that has seen better days or are just establishing a new pond in your garden, you should give careful consideration to investing in  A pond pump like the Blagdon Midipond Pump 3500.  This is a fully submersible pump that is capable of producing a maximum flow rate of 3500 litres per hour and with the outlet hose catering to three different sizes; this pump is not only very powerful but very versatile too.

What is Included In The Box?

  • 1 Midipond pump 3500
  • 1 x 10 metres of cabling
  • 1 T-piece with fountain and feature flow control valves
  • 1 30cm adjustable telescopic fountain extension pipe
  • 1 20cm fixed fountain extension pipe
  • 3 interchangeable hose fittings – 1” (25mm), ¾“(19mm) and ½“(12.5mm)
  • 5 fountain heads – Foam Jet, Triple Jet, Daisy Jet, Bell Jet, Tulip Jet
  • Optional foam pre-filter

Pros

  • Easy to setup and maintain
  • Does not clog up as easy as less expensive and less well made pond pumps
  • Well arranged and detailed instruction manual explains everything you need to know about setting up and using the pump
  • Robust and nicely weighted so that it will stay in place where you put it in your pond
  • Full range of assorted pipe fittings, extension pipes, attachments and heads for whatever type of feature, fountain or waterfall you want
  • 10 metres of cabling
  • Powerful for the price tag

Read the full review here.

Blagdon Midipond Pump 4500

There are many great reasons why you should consider the Blagdon Midipond Pump 4500, if you are establishing a new pond or replacing an old pond pump.  Blagdon are known as The Pond Masters and this particular submersible pump is capable of producing a maximum flow rate of 4500 litres per hour, with a maximum head height of 2.4 metres.  It is best suited to medium sized ponds.

What is Included In The Box?

  • 1 Midipond pump 4500
  • 1 T-piece with control valves for the flow to features and fountains
  • 1 30 cm telescopic and adjustable extension pipe for fountains
  • 1 20 cm extension pipe for fountains that is non-adjustable
  • 3 Hose fittings are interchangeable – 1″, 3/4″, 1/2″
  • 5 Fountain heads – Tulip Jet, Bell Jet, Daisy Jet, Triple Jet, Foam Jet
  • 10 metres of cabling

Pros

  • Easy to setup and maintain
  • Does not clog up as easy as less expensive and less well made pond pumps
  • Well arranged and detailed instruction manual explains everything you need to know about setting up and using the pump
  • Robust and nicely weighted so that it will stay in place where you put it in your pond
  • Full range of assorted pipe fittings, extension pipes, attachments and heads for whatever type of feature, fountain or waterfall you want
  • 10 metres of cabling
  • Powerful for the price tag

Read the full review here.

Pondpush 17000 Garden Pond Pump for pond filters & waterfalls

By far the most expensive pond pump we have reviewed.  The Pondpush 17000 garden pond pump for pond filters and waterfalls, is a serious piece of equipment that you should not rush into buying.  Likewise though, you should not shy away from it just because of the price tag.  It is designed with pond filters and waterfalls in mind and produces an impressive maximum flow rate of 17,000 litres per hour and an equally impressive head height of 2 metres.  It also features a rotating adjustable outlet with a ball joint that offers great versatility through three different sizes for hose attachments.

What is Included In The Box?

  • 1 Pondpush 17000 Garden Pond Mop

Pros

  • Very Aesthetically pleasing for a different and striking look
  • Easy to install
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to maintain and keep clean
  • 100 metres of cable
  • Quiet running
  • Robust and sturdy design and manufacturing
  • Rotatable outlet ball joint for easy attachment and disconnection of hoses
  • Powerful motor

Read the full review here.

Well there you have it, once again welcome to the site and we hope after you have taken a look through this homepage that you have a better understanding about what pond pumps are and why you need them.  We also would like to take this opportunity to invite you to look through our site, read our pond pump reviews and also don’t hesitate to get in contact if you have any thoughts, questions or queries you wish to run by us.