| Choosing a replacement fountain pump can be a | | | | enough at 4 feet. |
| little difficult. There are different pumps available | | | | The outlet tube size is also important. Knowing |
| for indoor and outdoor fountains. Here are a few | | | | the outlet tube size will ensure that that fountain |
| tips to help you get the right pump for your | | | | tube will fit the opening in the new pump. The |
| fountain. | | | | measurement is the inside diameter of the tube in |
| You've probably noticed the abbreviation GPH on | | | | the water fountain pump. |
| your pump. This stands for Gallons Per Hour. GPH | | | | Most indoor and outdoor fountain pumps come |
| is what tells you about the flow rate that your | | | | with a WT model number. They have a 3 pin plug. |
| fountain needs for an adequate flow of water. | | | | Pumps used exclusively for indoor fountains are |
| The type of pump that you buy is dependent on | | | | the Mini Jet pumps and pumps with a WP model |
| the GPH. For example, a tabletop fountain would | | | | number. These have a 2 pin plug. |
| have a relatively small GPH of 50-100. A larger | | | | Small indoor fountains don't need a large GPH. If |
| fountain might have a GPH of 350-570. | | | | you buy a pump that is too powerful, it will result |
| You will also need to know the 'head' height and | | | | in excessive splashing. Generally, a 10 inch table |
| the 'max head' of your fountain. The 'head' height | | | | fountain would need a GPH of 40-70. |
| is the distance between the fountain basin and the | | | | Medium sized fountains with a height of about 36 |
| water release point. The depth of the basin does | | | | inches need a GPH of about 100-200. Large |
| not affect the 'head' height. You have to measure | | | | fountains of over 6 feet need a GPH of about |
| it from the start of the tube, that is, out of the | | | | 250-350. The general rule is that once a fountain |
| water to the actual point where the water is | | | | goes over 12 inches, it is better to buy a slightly |
| discharged. The 'max head' is maximum height to | | | | more powerful pump. Most fountain pumps, |
| which the pump can push the water up. | | | | nowadays, have switches that can control the |
| Always remember to buy a pump which has a | | | | flow of the water. So you can adjust the water |
| 'max head' that is higher than your fountain. This | | | | flow according to your preferences and |
| is because, at its maximum height, the water flow | | | | requirements. |
| is not strong. For example, if you have a fountain | | | | A good quality fountain pump should last you |
| that measures 4 feet from the basin to the | | | | about a year and with good care and |
| water release point, then you need a pump that | | | | maintenance, should ideally last much longer. But if |
| has a 'max head' of about 5 or 6 feet. This will | | | | you do need a replacement pump, then these tips |
| ensure that the flow of water is still strong | | | | would surely help you out. |