| Pumps | | | | your vertical head, that is, the maximum height to |
| Let's face it, if you want something other than a | | | | which the pump can deliver water. For all of these |
| still pond, then you are going to have to invest in | | | | reasons, it is generally advisable to buy a pump |
| a pump - unless you are lucky enough to have a | | | | that slightly exceeds the maximum amount of |
| natural stream or waterfall in your garden, There | | | | flow that your feature(s) will need. To calculate |
| are essentially three types of water pump. The | | | | the right size of pump for your pond, you first |
| first, and most common, is the submersible pump, | | | | need to ascertain the volume of water. You will |
| which sits within the body of water in the pond; | | | | need a pump that can circulate a volume |
| this is attached to a hosepipe, which carries the | | | | equivalent to the total volume in your pond every |
| circulated water up and away. | | | | two hours. All good pumps will declare on the |
| The second type of pump is designed to be used | | | | packaging the quantity of water they will move, |
| out of the water; this is the surface-only pump | | | | so this is not a difficult decision. What is difficult, |
| that is intended for use on dry land. This has the | | | | however, is choosing from the dozens of makes |
| advantage of being extremely powerful, so water | | | | and models available. |
| can be pumped over large distances, or very high | | | | Lighting |
| for a spectacular fountain display. It should be | | | | This can work its magic and bring water alive at |
| housed in a dry, well-ventilated area like a garage | | | | night, particularly during warm, summer evenings. |
| or shed, so as to avoid the problems associated | | | | Interesting effects can be created by using |
| with mixing electricity with water (although there | | | | coloured lights to illuminate water descending |
| are in fact diesel- and petrol-powered versions). | | | | down a waterfall or cascade, or on the upward |
| Because surface-only pumps are not under water, | | | | and downward flow of a fountain. Witness some |
| they can be stripped down and repaired more | | | | of our grand public fountains in city centres: they |
| readily. These pumps are, however, expensive. | | | | make spectacular night-time displays. |
| Neither do they come with many of the 'extras', | | | | This may sound like something only a technical |
| such as connectors, strainers, hoses, and so on, | | | | expert would attempt. Not so. Modestly priced |
| which will be necessary components to the | | | | kits can be bought from most garden centres, |
| finished system, and all add to the cost. | | | | and with them often come different coloured |
| The third and final type is the dual-purpose pump | | | | lights. Sophisticated versions even change colours |
| system that can be used as a submersible pump | | | | with moving discs travelling across the bulbs. |
| or a surface pump. Some makes need to be | | | | The installation of lighting requires a degree of |
| housed at a lower level than the water level, so a | | | | care and attention, as with all electrical appliances |
| separate tank is required. However, these pumps | | | | outdoors. Low-voltage lighting is particularly easy |
| offer the flexibility for you to change your mind | | | | and quick to install, with simple push-fit |
| about their sitting and use. | | | | connections. You can even combine in-pond lights |
| Of course, if you want to operate features like a | | | | with garden lighting on the same cable. |
| waterfall and fountain independently, fitting one | | | | For a circular pool, measure from the centre to |
| pump for each feature might prove more | | | | the side and square it: multiply the result by 3.14. |
| satisfactory. | | | | Multiply this by the depth of the pool (in feet) and |
| The performance of any pump is affected by the | | | | multiply the result by 6.25 for the volume in |
| following variables: water temperature, pipe-width | | | | gallons. Take a minute to digest this and try to |
| and length, any angles in the pipe work or | | | | work it out for yourself - you really don't need to |
| connectors and the number of water features | | | | be Einstein! |
| connected to the pump. With specific features | | | | If you desire to know the volume of your pond in |
| there are such factors as the intended heights of | | | | liters it is easiest to convert the total gallon age |
| fountains and falls, and the volume of water. All of | | | | directly, by referring to a conversion chart. Please |
| these can bring about friction loss which will affect | | | | note that one gallon equals 4.546 liters. |