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The Best Pond Pumps for Water Circulation

Pond fountain splashing pump water in circles as part of garden decoration
Josu Ozkaritz/Shutterstock.com

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

Side shot of black, circular pond pump
VIVOSUN

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 Ultra-Quiet

VIVOSUN 5300 GPH Submersible Water Pump, 310W Pond Pump, Ultra Quiet Aquarium Pump with 20FT. Lift Height for Pond Waterfall, Fish Tank, Statuary, or Hydroponics

The VIVIO ultra-quiet pond pump will wow your guests with its beautiful fountain, a display that won't be overshadowed by a noisy pump.

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

Side view of a white-framed double solar panel, pump and other parts displayed behind it.
ECO-WORTHY

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 Solar-Powered

ECO-WORTHY Solar Fountain Water Pump Kit 12 W, 196GPH+ 12 Watt Solar Panel Submersible Powered Pump for Small Pond, Garden Decoration, Pool, Birdbath(Need Sunlight)

Save energy and do the Earth some good with this solar-powered pond pump. It's easy to install and produces a beautiful fountain.

Best Indoor/Outdoor: CWKJ Fountain Pump

The entire pump kit on display, all parts and extras
CWKJ

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

Pond pump and parts placed on the stone wall of a pond and resting on a white background
Beckett Corporation

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 Fountain Pump

Beckett Corporation FR400 500 GPH Submersible Kit with Prefilter and Nozzles-Pump for Indoor and Outdoor Ponds, Fountains, Water Gardens, Fish Aquariums, and Waterfalls, Black

This pump is for small ponds, but it produces quite a show with its 6.6-foot max fountain. It aerates pond water to ensure optimal circulation.

Best with Filter: POND BOSS Filter Kit with Pump

a pond filter system with all its pieces and accessories laid out on a white background
POND BOSS

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.

Best with Filter

POND BOSS Filter Kit with Pump , 1 pack

This pond pump has a fantastic filter that utilizes BioBalls to encourage healthy bacteria growth and provide great circulation.

Britta Kallevang Britta Kallevang
Britta is a professional writing tutor and freelance writer that is trained in journalistic, technical, and creative copywriting. At LifeSavvy, she researches products, writes about the items, and shares what she's uncovered with readers. Her writing is comprehensive and sometimes a bit silly. Read Full Bio »
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