Metal Fabrication: The Secret To A Great Roll Cage

Pond Maintenance Myths: The Truth About Pond Pumps

by Sally Burke

Have you been considering the addition of a pond in your backyard? A pond can transform your backyard from boring to beautiful. When you relax outside with the sound and sight of your pond, you are transported to a magic oasis from the comfort of your home. However, there are a few maintenance myths you need to be aware of regarding pond pumps.

#1: Natural ponds do not have pumps, which makes them unnecessary for manmade ponds.

Truth: In a natural pond, the plants, animals, water, and soil all manage to create a balance that allows them to live in unity with one another. However, manmade ponds often feature pond liners. Since pond liners are not a natural element, they can disrupt the unity that occurs between natural elements. For that reason, a pump is a necessary addition for your pond.

Still or slow moving water can create the perfect environment for algae growth. Algae can make your gorgeous pond look like a giant pool of murky pea soup. There are certain benefits related to algae. For example, algae can provide a highly nutritious food source for fish, which is great if you are planning on incorporating a koi or goldfish pond. However, algae can also be dangerous to your pond. It can drown out the sunlight needed by your fish, therefore leading to their death.

Spirogyra, or green algae is most common to backyard ponds, but Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae can also be a cause for concern. Blue-green algae typically take up residence in lakes and slow moving streams, but your pond is also at risk. Blue-green algae can prove toxic to plants, fish, humans, and pets. The algae blooms release a toxin that can cause diarrhea, jaundice, seizures, vomiting, difficulty breathing, disorientation, and even death. It can also cause the illness and death of your pets. Make sure you keep your pets away from their pond for your safety and the safety of your pond fish.

Fortunately, a pond pump gets the water moving, which makes it difficult for algae to form. If algae do occur in your pond, the pump ensures that it cannot float at the top of the water. By moving algae away from the surface of the water, it is unable to gain nutrients from the sunlight, thus preventing its ability to photosynthesize. Therefore, a pond pump is a necessity for your manmade pond.

#2: A pump is a pump, so it really doesn't matter the size or type of pump you choose.

The size and type of pump you choose can make all the difference. Choosing a pump that is too small for your pond may not provide enough aeration to keep your pond clean. A lack of aeration can make your pond water look dirty and smell funky, thus turning your backyard oasis into a backyard nightmare. If you are unsure what size pump you need, ask a professional for assistance.

Furthermore, the type of pump you choose can also make a difference. For example, you can choose between submersible and non-submersible pumps. Submersible pumps are often highly recommended for pond applications. Submersible pumps also take the guesswork out of installation. Non-submersible pumps need to be primed in order to work. However, you can skip the priming step with submersible pumps, therefore making installation and use far easier.

Fortunately, if you are unsure which type of pump you should choose for the job, a professional, such as those at PFC Equipment, Inc, can assist you in choosing the right one. Let the professional know details such as the type and size of the pond you have. If your pond has been experiencing any trouble related to algae, fish dying inexplicably, or anything else you can think of, let the professional know. They can help you find a pump that works well enough with your pond to help solve your issues.

Share