| For many people, it's never been a question of | | | | pond? Unless of course you have both, but atany |
| whether to use asubmersible pump vs. an | | | | rate - let's just assume that we're talking about |
| external pump because most people havesmaller | | | | externalpond pumps here. |
| ponds and are used to just using a submersible | | | | For comparison, a typical 4000 GPH (gallons per |
| pump. | | | | hour) submersiblepond pump will typically draw |
| They're easy to install, and are pretty reliable - so | | | | anywhere from 10 amps all the wayup to 15 |
| why evenconsider an external pump? | | | | amps, depending on the brand. This can really burn |
| There are a couple of reasons... | | | | ahole in your wallet (or pocketbook) on a monthly |
| But before we go into that, let's briefly talk about | | | | basis, and insome parts of the country will run |
| the benefitsof submersible pumps first. For | | | | you $50 - $70 in energy costs. |
| obvious reasons, a submersiblepump is named as | | | | In contrast, a comparatively rated external pond |
| such because it is designed to be placed in | | | | pump like the |
| thepond, and submerged under the water. | | | | William Lim Wave I External Pump |
| These are the easiest of all pumps to install, just | | | | ([ rated at 4380 GPH at 3.47 feet of head, and |
| drop them inthe water and plug them in - and | | | | only draws 2.3amps - that's 3/4 less energy |
| you’re ready to do. Of course,you might | | | | consumption than the submersiblepumps. |
| have some quick plumbing to do, attaching a hose | | | | When you start getting into larger ponds, 1000 |
| to thewaterfall or to a submersible filter (another | | | | gallons up to |
| article entirely),but other than that - that's pretty | | | | 20,000 and above - it's usually a good idea to look |
| much all there is to it. | | | | into thesemore energy efficient pumps. For |
| Submersible pumps range in size or gallons per | | | | example, the 3/4 HP Dragon pump |
| hour, from 50 GPHall the way up to 50,000 | | | | ([ move 7,770 GPH at almost 5 feet of head (and |
| gallons per hour, but for most ponds -pumps | | | | under pressure)and only burn 6.2 amps. |
| anywhere from 350 GPH to 4000 GPH will do just | | | | External pumps are almost always better for |
| fine... | | | | using withpressurized external filters as well, as |
| So why might you also consider an external pump | | | | submersible pumps arenot designed to handle all |
| instead? | | | | the back pressure. Other benefits ofusing an |
| Here are a couple reasons. First, external pumps | | | | external pump include: |
| can much moreenergy efficient. Now, a typical | | | | -> Easy to clean without getting your hands |
| swimming pool or spa pump won'tusually fall into | | | | messy |
| this category - so be careful not to | | | | -> Come with a removable leaf trap which clog |
| compareapples to oranges! Pool pumps can also | | | | less often |
| be huge energy hogs, soalways check the amps | | | | -> Easy to hook up to bottom drains or |
| to compare different pumps together. | | | | surface skimmers |
| Anything over 10 amps will draw a significant | | | | -> Generally last longer, and easier to repair / |
| amount of $$ out ofyour pocket every month in | | | | replace parts |
| electrical costs. | | | | So that's it, more than enough information for |
| The external pumps that we are talking about are | | | | you to make aneducated choice. |
| designedspecifically for ponds and water gardens, | | | | Just to recap: |
| and are engineered forenergy efficiency. I'm not | | | | For smaller ponds, and for simple installation and |
| sure why those folks in the swimmingpool and | | | | daily use,submersible pumps are probably your |
| spa industry haven't figured out how to this yet, | | | | best option. For largerponds, 1000 gallons and |
| but | | | | above, it may be worth looking into anexternal |
| I'm sure they'll catch on sooner or later. | | | | pump for your needs. Although they cost a little |
| I'm inclined to think the average pond owner is a | | | | moreon the front end, the energy savings alone |
| bit moreintelligent than the average pool owner. | | | | can often more thanoffset this increase in cost |
| Why else would someonechoose a pool over a | | | | during the first year of use alone. |