For a concise overview, it’s advisable to have your pump circulate the entire volume of water in your pond every hour.
Moreover, for optimal waterfall aesthetics, target a flow rate of at least 1,000 gallons per hour per foot width of your waterfalls. Now, let’s explore the essential considerations that will assist you in determining the ideal pump size for both your pond and waterfall.
1. Pond Volume:
Understanding your pond’s water volume is crucial when selecting the right pump size. Let’s calculate the gallons of water in th
e broader context of pond volume.
Example Calculation with Pond Volume: The formula to estimate the total gallons of water in your pond is as follows: Length x width x aver
age depth x 7.48 x .7 (7.48 represents the gallons of water contained in a cubic foot, and .7 adjusts for odd shapes and the volume boulders and rocks take; in other words, the total gallons of water in your pond would be about 70% of the feature.)
Example:
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 8 feet
- Average Depth: 3 feet
Step 1: Calculate Pond Volume 10ft × 8ft × 3ft × 7.48 × .7 = 1,243 gallons of water
This calculation serves as a fundamental step in the process of selecting the most suitable pump size for your unique water feature. Feel free to use these calculations as a guide for your specific pond dimensions, and please take into consideration that this is not an exact number. The only way to know almost exactly how many gallons of water your pond holds is to measure it as it fills.
2. Waterfall Height and Flow:
Consider the height and width of your waterfall. Higher waterfalls and wider cascades require more powerful pumps to achieve an aesthetically pleasing flow. Factor in the desired flow rate as well, ensuring it complements the overall design.
Our rule applies: for every width of waterfall, we recommend a minimum flow rate of 1,000 gallons of water per hour. At this point, it doesn’t matter if you have multiple waterfalls and spillways; what matters is the average width of each one before dropping to the next.
For every 1 foot of elevation for your waterfalls, it will add 1 head pressure to your water line. This means your pump will be pumping less water as this number increases, potentially leading to no flow. Each pump manufacturer will list these numbers for their pumps, typically based on 5 feet of head, which accounts for the length of the pipe (each 10 feet of pipe also adds 1 head pressure) and an average 2-3 feet elevation. So, a pump labeled as 4,000 gph will usually deliver that within those conditions.
3. Energy Efficiency:
Not all pumps consume the same amount of electricity; they can v
ary significantly. Even within the same series, some might be more efficient than others. In our case, our favorite pumps for our ponds are the Aquasurge 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000, and for variable speed, the Aquasurge 2-4k. These are the most cost-efficient pumps based on the gallons of water ratio. These pumps will cost you between $30.00 to $60.00 a month running 24/7. This cost is based on an average electricity cost of 29 cents per kilowatt in the Bay Area.
4. Brand Reliability:
There are many brands out there, but based on our experience, Aquascape is one of the most trustworthy brands, you’ll find the link at the bottom of this blog.
5. Professional Consultation:
When in doubt, seek the expertise of Aquascape Creations. Our team is ready to assist you in choosing the ideal pump size for your pond and waterfall. Contact us at info@aquascapecreations.com or call us at 925-222-5052 for personalized guidance.
Selecting the right pump is a pivotal step in creating not just a beautiful pond but also an energy efficient feature. Trust Aquascape Creations to guide you through this journey, ensuring your pond and waterfall thrive in harmony.
Useful Links:
- Aquascape Aquasurge Pumps
- Aquascape Creations Website
- Call us at 925-222-5052
