Pond Pumps

Choosing the right pond pump

Your pump keeps water moving through the filter, over the waterfall and up through the fountain. It runs around the clock, so the right model affects water clarity, fish health and your power bill more than almost any other piece of pond equipment.

Every pump is rated by flow (litres per hour) at a given head height. Head height is the vertical distance from the pond surface to the highest outlet, and each metre of lift reduces real-world flow. A pump sold as 5,000 L/H will deliver much less once it pushes water 1.5 m up to a waterfall and through a filter, so always check the flow curve before you buy.

As a general guide, aim to circulate the full pond volume at least once every two hours. Koi and heavily stocked fish ponds benefit from a full turnover every hour. Use our pond volume calculator to work out your volume first.

Pond pump types

Fountain pumps: supplied with nozzles for spray displays in decorative ponds.
Filter & watercourse pumps: high-flow, solids-handling pumps that feed filters, streams and waterfalls.
Swim pond pumps: large, energy-efficient pumps for natural swimming ponds.
Statuary feature pumps: compact pumps for statues, bowls and small water features.
Solar & low voltage pumps: no mains wiring, ideal where power is hard to reach.

Running costs and reliability

Because a pond pump rarely switches off, compare litres per hour against wattage rather than price alone. The OASE AquaMax Eco and PondMAX EV ranges are built for efficient continuous duty, while the PondMAX PU Series uses soft-start and anti-jam technology to help prevent burnout if the impeller is blocked.

Need help sizing a pump?

Send our team your pond volume, the height to your highest outlet and the filter you are running, and we will recommend a pump that suits. Browse pump accessories for nozzles, cables and fittings.