4 Best Pond Pumps 2026 (Reviews)
1) Aquascape AquaForce Submersible Pump
- Ideal for ponds, pond less Waterfalls, and other water feature applications; pumps up to 2, 149 gallons per hour (GPH)
- Protective pre-filter cage and wide, flat base allows the pump to be placed directly into the pond
- Energy-efficient asynchronous pump design more powerful than traditional magnetically driven pond pumps
A top-tier choice for submersible pumps, this range offers robust flow rates, impressive lift heights, and excellent energy savings in a sleek, compact design. The Aquascape AquaForce series is perfect for both small and large ponds, serving as a fantastic submersible alternative to external pumps for koi habitats.
The AquaForce line delivers exceptional efficiency for koi ponds up to 6,000 US gallons, thanks to its advanced asynchronous motor technology. While many other submersible units still rely on older direct-drive or magnetic-drive motors, the AquaForce’s motor allows for high flow and head height with minimal impact on your electricity bill. The series includes models for various pond sizes, with power consumption ranging from a modest 55w to 360w, both of which are remarkably economical for underwater equipment.
In addition to their energy efficiency, AquaForce models provide a versatile range of flow rates to suit different pond volumes and offer enough head pressure for waterfalls and fountains. With maximum lift heights ranging from 10 feet (1000 Model) to 25 feet (5200 Model), these pumps are well-suited for deep placement and a variety of water displays.
To simplify maintenance, each pump is housed in a durable pre-filter cage that effectively prevents debris from clogging the motor. While it may not catch the smallest particles, this superior anti-clogging design makes cleaning much easier and ensures the pump lasts longer than cheaper alternatives.
The units feature an effective internal cooling system to prevent overheating during peak use, and they operate very quietly even when placed on a shallow shelf. As dedicated submersible pumps, they must be fully underwater to function; we recommend a minimum depth of 2 feet for the quietest performance. Furthermore, the generous 25-foot power cable provides great flexibility for installation in larger landscapes or remote water gardens.
While these are among the best submersible pumps available, and highly recommended for ponds between 1,000 and 6,000 gallons, external models tend to be more efficient once you exceed that size. However, for smaller or moderately stocked koi ponds, the AquaForce range is hard to beat in terms of power and low running costs. It is our preferred submersible choice for koi ponds, large water gardens, and multi-feature displays.
How Much Will This Pump Cost To Run?
Assuming a charge of $0.10 per kWh (national average), the cost to run the 1000 entry model monthly would be $3.96 per month, and the cost to run the 5200 top-end model would be $25.92 per month. This would be running the pump 24 hours a day, 30 days a month.
- Type: Submersible Koi Pump
- Maximum Flow Rate: 1070 GPH – 5284 GPH
- Maximum Head Height: 10 ft (1000 Model) and 25 ft (5200 Model)
- Power Consumption: 55w (1000 Model) to 360w (5200 Model)
- Power Cord Length: 25 ft (7.6m)
- Outlet/Input Size: 3/4″, 1″, 1.25″, 1.5″, 2″ ID Tubing
- Warranty: 3 Years
2) TetraPond Submersible Pump
- CONTINUOUS-OPERATION POND PUMP: For powering pond waterfalls and streams with rugged debris-handling impeller that can pass debris up to 1/4...
- CLOG-FREE PERFORMANCE: Large basket minimizes blockage and maintenance.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT: Unidirectional impeller and motor.
A dependable and power-saving submersible unit from TetraPond, this pump features an impressive anti-clog mesh design that simplifies routine maintenance. It is available in two versions, offering maximum flow rates of either 3,690 GPH or 4,235 GPH. Perfectly suited for ponds between 3,000 and 4,000 gallons, it is an excellent option for pond owners who frequently deal with falling leaves or debris from nearby trees and shrubs.
The pump utilizes a specialized impeller designed to resist blockages, with the ability to pass debris up to 1/4 inch without clogging. The high-capacity model is more than powerful enough to manage a 4,000-gallon pond while simultaneously supporting a filtration system.
If you intend to power a water feature like a waterfall or fountain, you should carefully consider the maximum head height of these models. When the pump is split between a filter and a water feature, the lift height is notably reduced. Because the maximum lift is not the strongest feature of this model, we would suggest a TotalPond pump if you need a dedicated unit for high fountains or waterfalls. It remains a solid performer, but the height of your water display may decrease depending on its scale.
Regarding upkeep, the pump is very easy to set up and demands very little cleaning. It is capable of running effectively for weeks without intervention, though we recommend more frequent maintenance if your pond has high debris levels. While the anti-clogging design allows it to run longer than standard pumps, keeping the unit clean will ensure it operates at peak efficiency.
The unit includes a generous three-year warranty for peace of mind and is quite economical to run, consuming only 199w at maximum power. Overall, this is a trustworthy submersible pump that offers a strong flow rate and great energy savings. It is a particularly good choice for ponds prone to floating debris, as the anti-clog system significantly cuts down on manual labor.
How Much Will This Pump Cost To Run?
Assuming a charge of $0.10 per kWh, the cost to run the pump per month would be $14.33 per month. This would be running the pump 24 hours a day, 30 days a month.
- Type: Submersible Pump
- Maximum Flow Rate: 3690 GPH and 4235 GPH (2 Models)
- Maximum Head Height: 11.4 ft (3690 model) and 13.1 ft (4235 model)
- Power Consumption: 199W
- Power Cord Length: 15 ft (4.5 m)
- Outlet Size: Fits 1- 1/2 inch or 1-1/4 inch internal diameter (ID) tubing
- Dimensions: 12 inch height x 6 inch length x 4 inch width
- Warranty: 3 Years
3) Laguna Max-Flo Submersible Pump
- Waterfall and Filter Pump
- Maximum Flow Rate: 2000 US GPH
- Maximum Pond Volume: 4000 U.S. gal
An exceptionally energy-efficient range of submersible pumps that boasts impressive flow rates and lift heights! The Laguna Max-Flo series stands out as one of the most economical options we’ve tested, making it a perfect match for pond owners who want to reduce their monthly utility bills without sacrificing power.
While the 2000 model (shown) is a fantastic choice for ponds up to 4,000 gallons, the series includes a variety of models to suit everything from tiny ponds to very large ones. Every unit in the lineup maintains the same high standard of energy efficiency while delivering robust water circulation and lift.
These pumps are versatile enough to power either dedicated filtration systems or water features. The 2000 model provides a solid 6-foot maximum lift height and a flow rate of 4,000 GPH. This performance is plenty for standard water displays, though we would suggest opting for one of the more powerful models if you are running a larger feature that requires significant lift.
The primary advantage of this series is its remarkable energy management and low operating costs. This efficiency is driven by low-wattage operation and integrated Smart Pump Technology (SPT). This advanced electronic system constantly monitors power usage, hydraulics, and impeller direction to ensure the pump only consumes the exact amount of energy needed to move water effectively.
Installation is straightforward, and the pump requires very little hands-on maintenance. It comes with a convenient 16-foot power cord and is compatible with several different hose sizes. Thanks to a well-designed mesh cage, the pump can handle small debris without clogging. While the cage does a great job of protecting the motor from larger particles, it did feel slightly less durable than those on some competing models. It didn’t cause any immediate issues, but a more rugged housing would offer better peace of mind regarding long-term wear.
Ultimately, this is a top-tier submersible pump for anyone looking to save on monthly costs! The Laguna Max-Flo series provides reliable flow and lift, making it an excellent addition to any pond filter or decorative water feature.
How Much Will This Pump Cost To Run?
Assuming a charge of $0.10 per kWh, the cost to run the 2000 model pump per month would be $5.76 per month. This would be running the pump 24 hours a day, 30 days a month.
- Type: Submersible Pump
- Maximum Flow Rate: 600, 960, 2000, 2900, 4280 GPH (5 models)
- Maximum Head Height: 6 ft (2000 model)
- Power Consumption: 80W (2000 model)
- Power Cord Length: 16 ft (5 m)
- Outlet Size: Fits 1- 1/2 inch or 1-1/4 inch internal diameter (ID) tubing
- Dimensions: 10.5 inch height x 11.4 inch length x 8.8 inch width
- Warranty: 3 Years
4) TotalPond Waterfall Pump
- The 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump is ideal for small waterfalls up to 5 ft. tall.
- With a maximum pumping height of 14 ft. at 0 GPH, this energy-efficient pump helps power a waterfall.
- All TotalPond Waterfall Pumps have a back-spitting feature to cool the pump.
TotalPond is a reputable name in the water gardening industry, and their Waterfall Pump series is a solid pick if you need a user-friendly unit for a fountain or waterfall (ranging from 5 to 18 feet in height).
This line of submersible pumps features three distinct models tailored for small, medium, and large water displays. The entry-level version is rated at 1,200 GPH and is perfect for 5-foot waterfalls, while the high-capacity model offers 5,100 GPH, making it ideal for larger features that reach up to 18 feet.
The pumps are designed with a top-mounted outlet, which simplifies fountain plumbing and helps maximize vertical lift. While the series includes a sturdy mesh grid to block out debris, the pump can still clog if your pond has a high volume of waste. However, maintenance is straightforward thanks to a tool-free design that allows you to disassemble the parts quickly for easy cleaning.
Because these pumps are 100% oil-free, they are completely safe for aquatic plants and fish, making them a great fit for well-stocked koi ponds or water gardens.
If you intend to use the pump for both filtration and a water feature, keep in mind that the maximum lift height will decrease, so you may need to step up to a more powerful model. For those wanting the tallest possible water display, we suggest using this as a dedicated feature pump and running a separate unit for your filtration system.
These units are also quite energy-efficient, operating at a low wattage while remaining very quiet. Overall, this is a simple and effective pond pump that performs best when dedicated to powering a waterfall or fountain.
How Much Will This Pump Cost To Run?
Assuming a kWh charge of $0.10, it would cost you $7.63 to run this waterfall pump constantly each month. This would be running the pump 24 hours a day, 30 days a month.
- Type: Submersible Fountain Pump
- Maximum Flow Rate: 1200 GPH, 2000 GPH, 5100 GPH
- Maximum Head Height: 5 ft (1200 model), 10 ft (2000 model), and 18ft (5100 model)
- Power Consumption: 106w (2000 model)
- Power Cord Length: 16 ft (5 m)
- Outlet/Input Size: Fits 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch ID tubing.
- Dimensions: 7.6 inch height x 6 inch length x 5.7 inch width
- Warranty: 2 Years
What Makes the Best Pond Pump?
As a rule in life, quality usually costs, and the same principle often applies to pond pumps. Although more expensive models often have better features, you can save money by carefully selecting a pump that meets your individual needs.
For example, if you just need the pump for a water fountain, choosing one with a good water head height as a primary criteria may be cheaper than choosing an “all-rounder.” If you just need the pump for powering your filtration system, water lift height is less of a concern and you’ll want to look more closely to make sure the flow rate provides sufficient water turnover. Other important things to consider when selecting a pump are below:
Submersible Pond Pumps vs External Pond Pumps
Currently, there are two different kinds of common fish pond pumps on the market – submersible pumps and external pumps.
Both of these pond pumps have their uses, and both have their pros and cons. Let’s go through these quickly below:
1. Submersible Pond Pumps
Easily the most common type of pond pump on the market. The submersible pump does exactly what it says on the tin – it works under the water! These types of pond pumps are popular because they’re easy to hide, less noisy, and require much less installation work.
Submersible pumps usually sit on the floor of the pond (directly on the pond liner), at the lowest depth point, making them incredibly discreet solutions. These pumps range in size and can power both small goldfish garden ponds, as well as much larger koi ponds. The major drawback of these types of pond pumps is that they’re harder to clean, as you’ll need to wade the pond pump out to carry out any kind of maintenance.
With that said, a high-quality submersible pond pump will rarely break 
2. External Pond Pumps
Somewhat less common than submersible pond pumps, external pond pumps are generally larger, more powerful, and slightly more costly. An external pond pump will not be placed in the pond water, but instead sit at the side of the pond or be carefully hidden out of sight (often buried) below the waterline.
External pond pumps range in size, but unlike submersible pond pumps, can power both the smallest and largest of the large ponds. If you have a much larger pond (8,000+ US gallons), or a pond that is heavily stocked with koi carp, a powerful external fish pond pump may be a good choice.
These types of pond pumps are noisier and much less discreet; however, this can be remedied by burying the pond pump alongside the pond itself. External pond pumps are more costly to purchase, but slightly more energy-efficient than submersible pond pumps, which means extra savings over time.
With that said, external pond pumps are not as beginner-friendly and require more planning for the plumbing framework. It’ll be more difficult to set up this kind of pond pump in comparison to a submersible pond pump. On the other hand, they’re also easier to clean and maintain as they’re above ground and easy to access.
What pump type do we recommend?
Unless an external pump is preferred as a design choice, we usually recommend a submersible pond pump due to its ease of installation. An external pump will require extra plumbing and is less discreet, whereas most submersible pumps are incredibly easy to get started. Most submersible pumps will be able to provide enough pumping power for most pond owners’ needs, so unless an external is required, we feel a quality submersible pump will simply be an easier option!
For ponds over 8,000 US gallons, an external pond may be a good long-term investment as the energy savings really add up at this flow rate. If you have a larger pond or a heavily stocked fish pond, you may want to check out our dedicated article on the top external models here. Even though we recommend one in this article, it’s mainly submersible pumps that are on review.
How do I know what size pond pump I need?
Pond pumps are generally sized in gallons per hour (GPH) in the United States and litres per hour (LPH) in the United Kingdom. Both of these are calculated at one foot of height from the ground.
To determine the pond pump size you will need, first you need to know the volume of water contained in your pond. This is pretty easy to calculate by following the formula below:
As a rule of thumb, your entire pond water should be circulated at least once per hour (ponds without fish every 2 hours). For example, if you have a 1000 gallon koi pond, you would need to purchase a pump that runs at a rating of at least 1000 gallons per hour. Likewise for UK pond owners, if your pond is 3500 litres, you’ll need a 3500 litre per hour pump as a minimum. If you don’t have fish in your pond, 2 hours for complete circulation should be fine, so if your pond is 1000 gallons, a 500 GPH pump would be sufficient.
What If I Want A Fountain Or Waterfall?
If you’re looking to also include extra water features in your pond system, such as waterfalls or fountains, you’ll need to take this into account when choosing a pond pump. Depending on the pond pump you choose, it may be easier to purchase a separate pond pump just to run your extra water features so you can achieve the required water height.
Maximum Lift (Head) Height
To work out if a pond pump is sufficient to power your additional water features, you’ll need to take into account the water pump’s maximum lift height. This is essentially the maximum height a pond pump can lift water above the pond’s waterline for effective water discharge.
So, if you want your water fountain to raise water 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the surface, you’ll need a pond pump with a head height of at least 6.5 feet, or 2 meters. If you’re running the pump with a filter as well as a water feature, you’d likely need a more powerful pond pump with a higher maximum head height to compensate for the added resistance.
Maximum head height for pond pumps will be listed in their specifications, and even though you can run both water features alongside filters, we recommend you instead create a separate circuit with an additional pump designed for fountains/waterfalls. This is because it is much easier to calculate exactly how much head height you’ll need from a pump based on your water features, and purchase a pond water pump just for that purpose.
We’ve included some great waterfall/fountain pond pumps in our reviews below, so selecting one should be easy. We also have a dedicated article that goes into more detail if you are just looking for a feature pump. You can view our top water feature models here!
Working out Monthly Costs
A final important factor to consider when purchasing a pond pump is its monthly running costs and overall efficiency. To calculate how much a pond pump will set you back monthly, you just need its Wattage rated and the cost of 1 Kilo-Watt hour from your most recent electricity bill. When you have these, you just need to follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Pond Pump Wattage x Daily run time in hours = Total Daily Watts
Step 2: Total Daily Watts / 1000 = KiloWatt per hour (kWh), per day
Step 3: kWh per day x Monthly run time in days = kWh per month
Step 4: kWh per month x cost of 1 kWh from your electricity bill = Monthly costs
Example: A pond pump with a wattage of 100w, running 24 hours a day, 30 days a month. Electricity cost is 0.10 dollars per kWh.
Using the steps above we would have 100w multiplied by 24 hours, giving us 2400 watts per day. Then we divide this by 1000 to get the kWh usage per day, which would be 2.4 kWh. We then multiply this by the number of days running, which would be 30 in this example, giving us 72 kWh per month usage. We then multiply this value by the cost of 1 kWh from an electricity bill, which would be $0.10 in this example. This provides us a final monthly running cost of 0.10 dollars x 72 kWh, which equals a $7.2 monthly operation cost.
To make things easier we’ve calculated the monthly running costs of our review pumps for comparison, but if you’d like a more accurate answer to match your own electricity costs, you just need to follow the steps above!
Please could you send me information on solar pumps for a water feature 110 cms in height (to dribble down tiers) and pond capacity of 666 gallons or 3000 litres. Just a few fish and plants.
Would be so grateful for advice. I live in Southern Spain, so plenty sun!