When choosing a pump for a fountain, it is important to take into account many aspects, from the dimensions of the water tank itself to the place where it is installed. The type or type of pump plays a big role in the choice. The quality and type of flowing water in the fountain directly depends on this.
Why do we need a pump?
A small pond or constantly flowing water in a fountain can become a unique and beautiful decoration or addition to an already existing landscape on the territory. It can be a recreation area or vice versa the entrance to the site. In order for water to circulate in a fountain or pond, a pump is constantly needed.
The garden fountain pump can be installed both under water and on dry land, depending on the type of installation chosen. It is this device that provides a vicious circle of water circulation.
Types of fountains
In order to choose the optimal model of the device that will be responsible for the circulation of water, it is worth deciding on the type of waterfall itselfor a fountain. At the same time, it is important that the water flow is small, but the outlet pressure is high.
So, all artificial waterfalls can be divided into the following types:
- geyser (looks good in open space) - in this form, the height of the water rise depends on the power of the selected pump for the fountain (a device with a capacity of 6 thousand l / h will raise the liquid to a height of up to 1 m, if 2 thousand l / hour - then the height will be only 20 cm);
- bell (looks good in a small container of water) - with a pump capacity of 900 l / h - the water height will be 30 cm, in a device with a capacity of 8 thousand l / h - 3 m;
- individual jets (a great solution for creating a dynamic effect) - with a pump capacity of 1000 l / h - the water height will be 60 cm, in a device with a capacity of 6 thousand l / h - 2.5 m;
- atomizer is an inexpensive installation that looks good in any fountain, regardless of its size, the flow of water depends directly on the pressure of the liquid in the water supply.
When choosing a pump for a fountain in the country, it is worth considering not only the installation itself and the water tank, but also the diameter and length of the pipeline through which water will flow. In order for the waterfall to look organic and beautiful, pipes (metal, rubber or metal-plastic) should be laid with a diameter of more than 1 inch.
Submersible options
A variety of devices for supplying and circulating water in the fountain are submersible pumps. They are installed at the bottom of an artificial reservoir, most often on a brick or concrete foundation.
Since during the operation of a submersible pump for a fountain, silt or dirt can accumulate on it, it is worth considering in advance a system to protect it from pollution. This may be a mesh in the form of a filter, which will prevent contaminants from entering the unit directly.
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Submersible pumps are powered by the mains, therefore, following safety rules, all components must be grounded. When installing such a pump, it is important to take into account the temperature regime of the water, which is indicated in the instructions. All this directly affects the quality and duration of his work.
Surface pumps
One type of pump for a small fountain or a shallow pond is a surface installation for water circulation. The surface pump is installed in close proximity to the water tank. Such a device is chosen less often forlandscaping, but it's great for creating a waterfall with multiple levels.
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Decorative fountain pump
These can only be hydraulic systems of one specific type. Most often, submersible options are chosen. They do not violate the overall design, because they are not visible and, depending on the type of water supply, can translate into reality any idea of the architect.
Pumps for a decorative fountain are most often with a centrifugal effect of water supply, vortex, auger or vibration. But to create a truly unique creation, you should use the services of specialists to get the most beautiful effect.
Technical parameters of pumps
Directly on the technical parameters of the fountain pump depends on its functionality and quality of work. This is usually:
- Performance, that is, how much water the device can pump over a certain period of time. This characteristic also includes the height to which the water flow is able to rise. On average, in order to raise water by 100 cm, 2 thousand liters / hour will be required. It is important to choose a device in which you can adjust the water supply if necessary.
- Power. The greater the power of the installation, the larger the device. A pump for a mini fountain or decorative small water tank will be minimal in size.
- Nozzles and mounts. They must match in all respects. It is advisable to buy a pump already with "native" nozzles for high-quality connection to the water supply system.
- Nozzles. To create a truly unique flow of water on the surface, you can choose from a large number of nozzles that go with each pump, the right model or feel free to experiment.
Overview of pump models from leading manufacturers
Today, there are many different manufacturers of pumps for fountains and ponds. Among the most popular companies on the market are the following:
- Pondtech (USA) - the units of this company are characterized by high performance regardless of the size of the pump for the fountain, and for decorative ponds there are also backlit options.
- Messner (Germany) - energy-saving pumps with a wide power range. They are additionally protected from overheating by a reinforced bearing, which ensures a long service life of such units.
- OASE (Germany) - pumps of different price categories, from expensive to budget models. All pumps come with additional options - automatic control, auxiliary filters, protection against low temperatures, individual water regulation.
Among the models that are distinguished by quality and are popular with consumers, the German-made Promax 20,000 pump is especially distinguished, which is economical, safe and quiet.
The German Aquamax 2000 pump has a unique rotor design and a long service life. In addition to these models, you can choose more budget options for domestic production.
What to look for when choosing?
In order for a waterfall or fountain to look good on the site, it is important not only to improve the territory, but also to choose the right fountain.
A home fountain pump should be chosen based on the following factors:
- Technical characteristics of the installation, as well as nozzles that go to this device (the pictures in the instructions should show how the circulation and discharge of water will occur).
- Wire length (wires and hoses that go from and to the pump must be long).
- Filter and protective casemust be made of quality materials (the service life of the product and the frequency of its cleaning directly depend on this indicator).
- Tee (needed in the event that it is planned to install a decorative figure in the future to block the surface pump itself).
It is worth choosing the right pump and jet height depending on the dimensions of the water tank itself. So, if the container is small (3x4 m), then the optimal height of the water flow should be no more than 1.5 m. If you do more, then the area near the fountain will be filled with water.
In addition, the hydraulic unit should not make much noise, it is worth checking how much time it can work without shutting down and how much electricity it consumes. Due to electrical safety, it is necessary to choose low-voltage devices, of which there are many on the market.
If you wish, you can always add a unique lighting or musical accompaniment to the fountain or waterfall.
Fountain and cascade installation: pump selection features
Most often, users choose a pump for a fountain in the country, which converts the water flow into a cascade. Which, by the way, looks very nice. But only the right hydraulic device can provide this.
When choosing the type of pump of a cascade type, the most attention should be paid to the power of water pressure and performance. It is also important how many and what variety of nozzles are included with the pump.
Due to savings, you can choose a multi-purpose pump, but notsubmersible pump. It all depends on the quality of the water itself in the tank. If it has a lot of small particles in the form of stones or dirt, it is better to choose a surface option. But it is also worth remembering that such species are subject to temperature changes, so in winter they should be removed and brought into a warm room.
Attention should also be paid to the hose, its length and diameter. The water pressure and its pressure directly depend on this. So in order for the water flow to be from 50 liters, the hose must be 4-inch.
Selection and installation of the device yourself
You can equip such a beautiful element as a fountain in your garden or cottage on your own. To do this, you should decide on the place where it will be located and select the appropriate elements.
The pump for the desktop fountain is chosen small, since the water container itself is small. For larger tanks, the pump must be appropriate. All this is indicated in the technical specifications for the device. It is important to choose a hose of the appropriate diameter for the pump, because the quality of the water pressure also depends on its size.
To connect a submersible pump, the cable must be double insulated and the entire installation requires earthing. Surface options are installed close to an artificial reservoir, but must be located in a box that will protect from precipitation in the form of rain.
To use the pump for both a fountain and a waterfall, you can install a tee on the pipeline. Definitely at the enda filter and check valve are installed.
Features of operation
In order for the entire installation in the form of a fountain or waterfall to serve for a long time, you should know the rules of operation. Basically, they include the following:
- Regularly clean the protective mesh, nozzle, pump and its nozzles from contamination.
- In the cold season, the fountain is de-energized, removed and moved to a warm room.
- Any technique needs a break, so the pump must be turned off periodically.
- The submersible pump must be placed on a special stand otherwise it will become clogged with debris.
- The hydraulic pump should only operate when there is water in the tank.
