The Best Pond Pumps for Water Circulation

Water in healthy ponds, both natural and artificial, should be translucent and have some degree of circulation. If you see a green or brown murky pond, the likely culprits are algae, debris buildup from leaves, and other decaying plants. Luckily, these conditions can be mitigated with a reliable pond pump to keep water flowing. Some pumps even deliver attractive waterfalls of varying heights! Here are some great pond pumps we recommend for your water feature.

Buying a Pond Pump

First, think about the following factors:

• Aesthetics: The issue isn’t so much the attractiveness of the pump, but the water show it puts on. Depending on technical specifications, a pond pump can project water up to around 6 feet high. Solar-powered pumps come equipped with solar panels, which need to be mounted somewhere, so if you’re absolutely against any visible equipment, avoid this type.
• Specs: What are you looking for in a pond pump? You’ll find powerful pumps with a high max flow rate, ultra-quiet pumps, energy-efficient pumps, and pumps that can be used both in and outdoors. Many pond pumps check off on all those features and are also more expensive.
• Solutions: If you already have a pond and there’s an algae bloom, look for a pump with a filter. Be on the lookout for pumps appropriate for your pond size. If you desire better pump efficiency, look for solar-powered or low wattage to max flow rate and max lift ratio.

Best Ultra-Quiet: VIVOSUN Submersible Pond Pump

The VIVOSUN pond pump is super powerful, cycling water at 5,300 gallons per hour, yet it’s super quiet at only 30 to 40 decibels. Now, that’s quiet! It’s also efficient, using only 310 watts for all that output. Made of silicon carbide, a semiconductor known for its durability, the water pump has remarkable longevity. It’s easy to stick anywhere and comes with a long power cord.

Best Solar-Powered: ECO-WORTHY Water Fountain Pump Kit

There is a bit of magic to a water pump that utilizes nature’s energy source to filter and produce a water fountain that adds beauty to a garden. ECO-WORTHY’s 12-watt solar panel has an aluminum frame, is adjustable, and is easy to install. The submersible water pump itself moves water at 60 gallons per hour and at a max lift of 5.6 feet high. It uses no wires and is as good as maintenance-free!

Best Indoor/Outdoor: CWKJ Fountain Pump

While many pond pump brands highlight how quietly the pump runs, the CWKJ pond pump, while quiet, prizes the tranquil sound of running water. It can produce a 6.56-foot waterfall, quite a lovely sight for an outdoor garden pond. It’s efficient, too, using 25 watts for a max flow rate of 400 gallons per hour. Other features include an adjustable knob and three nozzles, each creating a different look. The CWKJ can be used for indoor ponds and aquariums as well!

Best Fountain Pump: Beckett Corporation Pond Pump Kit

Importantly, this Beckett fountain pump is for small ponds only, ones sized up to 7 feet by 5 feet. But small doesn’t mean less important. To keep a healthy pond, you need a good pump that adds the right amount of oxygen and moves the water swiftly to prevent the pond from settling. Its max fountain height is 6.6 feet, quite high for a small pond, and the pump has a max flow rate of 500 gallons per hour. A lot of extras come with this kit. Be sure to check them out!

Best with Filter: POND BOSS Filter Kit with Pump

Of course, a healthy pond requires a powerful pump to adequately circulate the water, but a pond pump with a filter—well, that’s even better! The POND BOSS features an eco-friendly filter and comes with BioBalls, small water-soluble spheres that contain microorganisms and support the growth of beneficial bacteria. The kit is perfect for up to 500-gallon ponds, and the pump efficiently circulates water with a max flow rate of 320 gallons per hour, using only 23 watts.