How Long Do Pond Pumps Last?
Having a pond can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, whether you choose to feature it indoors or outdoors. A well-built pond can even increase the value of your home, so it’s important to incorporate high-quality components to create a pond that runs efficiently and consistently. Cleaning and maintaining your pond will allow it to run smoothly, but to keep it in the best condition, you should also consider the lifespan of each element so that you can be prepared to replace them when they no longer work.
Pond pumps play an integral role in your pond, as they power water features, circulate dirty water through your filter for cleaning and provide vital oxygen to your pond’s water. To help you get the most out of your pond pumps, we’ve created a guide on their most significant benefits, how long they last, how to keep them from clogging and how to increase their overall lifespan.
Contents
- Benefits of pond pumps
- How long should pond pumps last?
- How to increase pond pump lifespan
- How to keep pond pumps from clogging
Benefits of pond pumps
While a pond pump may not be necessary for all types of ponds, there are many benefits to having them. In the natural world, many lakes and ponds are powered by streams, which help initiate the movement and circulation of the water to maintain its ecosystem. This process is just as important for household ponds, as their water needs to be maintained and regulated thoroughly, especially if you keep fish or other pondlife. They are a vital part of a pond’s filtration system and are guaranteed to keep your pond water clean, oxygenated and well-balanced.
Pond pumps also keep pond water moving regularly, making them ideal for powering water features such as waterfalls, rivers and streams. A reliable flow of water will allow water features to run continuously with minimal intervention, which benefits your pond’s health. Most pond pumps remain below the water’s surface, so they produce a minimal amount of noise.
How long should pond pumps last?
Before explaining how long pond pumps last, it’s important to note that several are available, each suitable for different requirements. These are listed below:
- Feature pond pumps
- Fountain pond pumps
- Filter pumps
- High-pressure pond pumps
- Dry-mounted pond pumps
You may need to purchase various types of pond pumps depending on how many features you have in your pond to accommodate the water supply safely. To discover more about the different types of pond pumps and which are best suited to your pond, visit our ‘How Do Pond Pumps and Filters Work’ blog to learn more.
Pond pumps typically last from one to three years. However, several factors can affect the lifespan, durability and performance of your pond pump, including their type and manufacturer and daily operations and maintenance. The good news is that you can take plenty of steps to ensure that your chosen device lasts for as long as possible so that you can get the most out of your pond pump.
How to increase pond pump lifespan
Having a pond pump that doesn’t last can be frustrating and expensive, but there are various ways to prolong the life of your device:
Add beneficial bacteria to your pond water
Certain types of beneficial bacteria can help keep your pond water clean by breaking down organic substances to improve water quality. These are also known as aerobic bacteria. As the water is made cleaner through this process, it passes more easily through the pond pump preventing it from becoming clogged.
Keep algae-eating fish
Another way to keep your pond water clean is by keeping algae-eating fish. If you’re looking to introduce fish or other wildlife to your pond, there are various algae-eating fish, such as carp, koi and mosquitofish, that can help remove algae from the water. They make a beautiful addition to your pond and ensure there is less material for your pond pump to process, making it last longer.
Ensure that your pond pump remains clean
It’s important to maintain your pond pump regularly to ensure it remains clean. Built-up dirt can affect its performance and increase the likelihood of blockages, so it’s best to avoid this where possible. Cleaning your pond pump to keep it running smoothly is a simple process you can carry out at home.
You’ll need to switch off your pond pump and remove it from the water. Then, use a brush to scrape off any dirt, debris or algae from each component, making sure to clean the cage, pre-filter sponge, impeller and its cover and chamber. Once each section has been cleaned and refitted, you can put the pump back into the pond.
How to keep pond pumps from clogging
There are many ways to prevent your pond pump from becoming clogged. Here are some of the most effective methods you can try:
Use a pond pre-filter
Prevention is the key when ensuring that your pond pump remains clear. Any blockages can cause great damage, so having something in place to prevent this from happening is guaranteed to be beneficial. Pond pump pre-filters help to filter out any debris before it reaches your pump, reducing the chances of the pump becoming clogged. There are several types of pre-filter to choose from, including pond filters that attach to your pond pump, mesh bags that hold submersible pumps and pond skimmers.
Remove floating debris from your pond
To prevent your pond pump from clogging, you’ll need to continually remove floating debris from the surface of your pond to ensure it doesn’t get stuck inside it. Removing the debris will also help alleviate sludge at the bottom of your pond. This can be done manually with a pond net or automatically with a pond skimming device, which acts as a pre-filter. A pond skimmer is likely the most effective option, as it constantly removes debris, oil and other materials for as long as your pond is running.
Vacuum pond sludge regularly
Pond sludge is formed by debris that sinks to the bottom of your pond. It can often present an issue to your pond pump, as it can get trapped inside it, causing it to become clogged and at risk of malfunction. For this reason, cleaning it regularly is essential to prevent it from building up over time. Eliminate pond sludge by using a pond vacuum cleaner to remove it from the sides and bottom of your pond. Pond vacuums are an excellent multi-purpose item for any pond, as they can also suck up floating debris on the water’s surface, leaving it clean and clear.
While many factors can affect how long your pond pump lasts, its lifespan ultimately depends on whether or not you provide it with the proper care and maintenance. Taking the steps mentioned in this article will ensure that your chosen pump lasts as long as possible, so you can enjoy your pond for longer without worrying about when to replace it. Discount Leisure Products offers an impressive selection of high-quality pond pumps to keep your pond running efficiently, so why not explore the collection today?
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How do Pond Pumps and Filters Work?
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