Best Pond Pumps (What We Recommend)
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
One of the best submersible pump options, providing powerful flow rates, good water lift heights, and great energy efficiency in a compact package. Aquascape’s AquaForce submersible range is ideal for powering small or large ponds, with them being especially suitable for koi ponds in place of an external model.
The AquaForce range provides unbeatable efficiency for koi ponds up to 6,000 US gallons thanks to their asynchronous motor technology. Unlike many other submersible models which operate through older magnetic-drive or direct-drive motors, Aquaforce’s asynchronous motor allows the pump to work at high flow rates and head heights with little increase in overall running costs. The pumps have models for both small and large ponds, with the entry model requiring just 55w of power and the top models requiring 360w of power – both of which are extremely efficient for underwater pumps.
Alongside the very good energy efficiency, AquaForce models also provide a good range of different flow rates for various pond sizes, and have decent head height values making them a good choice for fountains and waterfalls. The maximum water lift heights range from 10 foot (1000 Model) up to 25 foot ( 5200 Model), so would be suitable for deep pond placement and both smaller and larger water displays.
To aid with maintenance, all pumps come with a sturdy pre-filter casing on the pump’s intake which does a decent job of stopping debris clogging the motor chamber. Although it won’t stop the smallest of debris, it’s one of the better anti-clogging designs which makes cleaning easier and keeps the pump running longer than cheaper models.
Included is a great internal cooling system that keeps the internal system fairly cool during peak operation, and there is little noise even if the pump is installed on a shallow shelf. Being submersible in design, these pumps will need to be placed underwater to operate and cannot work externally, and we’d recommend a minimum depth of 2 feet for the least noise production. The pumps also come with a very generous 25 ft power cable, which provides extra flexible installation in more remote water gardens or large koi ponds.
Although one of the best submersible pumps out there, and highly recommended for ponds between 1000-6000 gallons, they lose out to the efficiency of external models above this range (similar to most submersibles). If you have a smaller pond or a lightly stocked koi pond, however, you can’t get much better than the AquaForce range in terms of efficiency, running costs, and power. Our submersible pump of choice for koi ponds, large water gardens, or multiple water 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 reliable and energy-efficient fully submersible pond pump from TetraPond, featuring a great anti-clog mesh design for easier maintenance. This pond pump comes in two models, with both 3690 GPH and 4235 GPH max flow rate outputs. The pump is suitable for ponds of 3000 gallons to 4000 gallons, and would be an extremely good choice for pond owners who have problems with debris buildup (pond near trees, bushes, etc.).
This model promotes an impeller design that resists blockage, being able to pass 1/4 debris without becoming clogged. The pump should be more than sufficient to support a pond of up to 4000 gallons if using the stronger model, as well as a pond filtration system.
If you’re considering adding a water feature, such as a fountain or waterfall, you would need to take into account the max head height for the models. If used to power both a filter and a water feature, the maximum head height will be greatly reduced. The maximum lift height is not amazing for this particular model, and we’d recommend the TotalPond pump over this as a dedicated fountain/waterfall pump. It can still function very well, but you may lose some water height depending on your feature size.
In terms of maintenance, the pump was extremely easy to install and required very little cleaning. The pump was able to run efficiently for weeks without needing a good clean, but we recommend more regular cleaning if you have a lot of problems with debris. The anti-clog design will keep things running for longer than regular pumps, but the cleaner the pump, the more efficient it runs!
The pump comes with a generous 3-year warranty in case of problems, and is quite cheap to run monthly running at only 199w at full power. Overall, a reliable submersible pond pump with a strong flow rate and good energy efficiency. The pump would be a good choice for ponds that have trouble with free-swimming debris in particular, as the anti-clog system means much less maintenance.
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 extremely energy-efficient submersible pond pump series with great flow rates and lift heights! Lagunas Max-Flo series is one of the most energy-efficient submersible pond pumps we’ve reviewed, and would be perfect for pond owners looking to save money each month without skimping on power.
The 2000 model (pictured) is a great pond pump for ponds up to 4000 gallons, but the series also offer a range of different models for the smallest and largest of ponds. Each model in the series is just as energy-efficient as the last, but they all still provide great flow rates and water lift heights, too.
These pumps have been designed for both water features and dedicated filter systems, and would be a great choice for either. The 2000 model has a fairly good maximum lift height of 6ft, and a max flow rate of 4000 GPH. This would be fine for most water features, but we would recommend one of the stronger models for larger features due to the much better lift height.
The main selling point of these pumps is their fantastic energy efficiency and low running costs. Their efficiency is thanks to the low wattage and next-generation Smart Pump Technology (SPT), which is electronically integrated into the pumps. This technology provides constant performance and energy management, so the pump will only use what needs to be used to pump water efficiently. It tracks power consumption, hydraulics, and impeller direction to ensure the best efficiency possible.
In terms of installation, the pump is easy to install and set up, and requires very little maintenance and cleaning. It has a generous 16 ft power cable length, and accepts a wide range of hosing sizes for convenience. The pump can circulate water containing smaller debris without problems, and does not become clogged easily due to its great mesh cage design. The cage is able to stop most larger debris from entering the pump, but we found it felt a little fragile compared to other submersible pumps. This didn’t pose any immediate problem, but a more heavy-duty cage would provide more long-term insurance against wear and tear.
Overall, a great submersible pump choice for pond owners looking to save money each month! The Laguna Max-Flo series has decent flow rates and lift heights, and would be a perfect addition for a filter or 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 well-known brand within the pond industry, and if you’re looking for an easy-to-use pump for a small or large (5 ft-18 ft max height) waterfall or fountain feature, the TotalPond Waterfall Pumps are a great choice.
This submersible pond pump series comes in 3 different models, designed for small, medium, and large waterfall features. The smallest is rated at 1200 GPH, and is perfect for waterfalls with a 5 ft max height, whereas the largest is rated at 5100 GPH and is ideal for larger features, reaching up to 18 ft in height.
The pond pumps come with an output on the top, which makes plumbing a water fountain much easier, while maximizing water lift height. This series of pumps includes a strong mesh grid to prevent debris buildup, but we found the pump can easily become clogged if there is heavy debris present in your water. The pump has an easy maintenance design, however, which allows you to remove each part without the need for tools for easy cleaning.
The pumps are 100% oil-free and safe for both fish and pond plants, so would be ideal for heavily planted or fish-stocked ponds.
If purchasing to use for a filter as well as a water feature, the maximum pumping height would be reduced so you may need to purchase a stronger model depending on the desired lift height. If you are wanting a large water feature with as much water height as possible, we recommend using the pump as a dedicated feature pump and running another pump for your filter system.
The pump is also quite energy-efficient, running at a fairly low wattage, and is very quiet in operation. Overall, a simple and effective pond pump which would work best to power a dedicated water feature, such as 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
Things to Consider When Selecting a Submersible 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!