8 Best Pond Pumps – 2020 Reviews (Top Picks) & Guide

To provide your pet fish with the best home, you need to use a quality pond pump.

The best pond pumps work smarter, not harder, and so should you.

You don’t need an expensive or very large pond pump to get the job done.

Even affordable and lighter pumps can clean your pond in a thoroughly efficient way.

The main thing to consider when you buy a pond pump is the functionality.

Choosing a pump can be difficult, but once you understand its functions, you can make a better choice.

Does a Pond Need a Pump?

Many people wonder if ponds even need pumps. After all, it seems like nature would take care of that itself since ponds are in the great outdoors. But this isn’t the case.

Your pond needs a pump just as much as your indoor or tanked aquarium does. In fact, your pond needs the help of a pump even more so. This is because your pond is susceptible to even more waste outside than indoors.

Your pond likely needs a pump to get the filter running. Without the pump, there won’t be enough force to push the water through the filter. Even with the best pond filter, you can’t do anything unless you have a strong pump rotating water.

Your pond pump also ensures that the water gets filtered evenly. If your pond is in a unique shape that’s not circular, having a pump is even more important. Irregularly shaped ponds have different depths and crevices that plain filters can’t reach.

Good quality and powerful pumps ensure that even pressure and filtration is possible. They take in water from the whole pond and feed it through the filter, giving you a thorough cleaning.

The 8 Best Pond Pumps for the Money

With so many different pumps available, reliable pumps are few and far between. It can be a tough choice because this pump is what keeps your pond running, literally.

Here are some options to help you find the perfect pump.

Pictures	Pond Pumps	For Ponds	Links
	TetraPond Debris-Handling Pump Energy Efficient	Up to 1500, 3000, 4000 Gallons
	Aqua Pulse Hybrid Drive Submersible Pump	Up to 280-4000 Gallons
	Tetra Pond Water Garden Pump, Powers Waterfalls/Filters/Fountain Heads	Up to 50-1500 Gallons
	Little Giant WGP-65-PW Premium Pond Dual Discharge Pump	Up to 1000 Gallons
	AQUANIQUE Waterfall Pump	Up to 650 Gallons
	Alpine PAL2100 Cyclone Pump	Up to 1000 Gallons
	Laguna PowerJet 600 Fountain/Waterfall Pump Kit for Ponds	Up to 1200-5800 Gallons
	EcoPlus Submersible Water Pump	Up to 40-3700 Gallons

Best Pond Pump Reviews

1. Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump Energy Efficient

One good option as the best pump for waterfall and large ponds is the Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump. This pump is great because it packs in a punch despite the small size.

In fact, this pump was built to power through 3,000 gallons of water easily. There are also models for this product that go up or down in their capacity. That means there’s more room for you to customize what you need.

This pump is also built with a large basket that reduces the possibility of blockage of debris up to 1/4 inch. Fewer clogs also mean less maintenance for you in the long run.

Pros

• Very strong power
• Great for pond filters, waterfalls or streams
• Large basket reduces blockage

Cons

• Difficult to clean and dismantle

2. Aqua Pulse Hybrid Drive Submersible Pump

Next up is the Aqua Pulse Hybrid Pump. This pump is one of the best pond pumps for small ponds and waterfalls because it’s easy to keep it hidden.

This pump is submersible, meaning you keep it underwater in order for it to run properly.

Other pumps have oils or grease that keeps them running well. This oil may work well for the pump, but can be a potential danger for your fish. The Aqua Pulse pump is great because it’s completely safe to use in your pond and with all types of fish.

The Aqua Pulse pump has an exceptional GPH, or gallons per hour, rate of 1,600. This rate is pretty good considering its small size.

One negative thing about this pump, however, is the price. The rate is great, but the price it’s available for has room for improvement.

You can find other pumps that have a similar rate for much cheaper and pumps that have better rates for this price.

Pros

• Submersible option
• Very safe for all types of fish

Cons

• Price could be better

3. Tetra Pond Water Garden Pump, Powers Waterfalls/Filters/Fountain Heads

Third on the list is the TetraPond Waterfall Filter. This filter can serve as a great starter filter for someone new to the pond world. It’s very simple to set up and clean out as well.

This filter is unique because it’s compatible with filters, waterfalls, and fountain heads. That’s a lot of different hats for one pump to wear, but this product does it all.

Another great feature for the TetraPond filter is that it comes with a warranty of three years. This isn’t offered by many other brands, so that’s definitely a bonus.

One negative point for this pump is that it doesn’t have a very powerful flow. It has a below-average rate, but it goes well for the price.

While this pump works well for some ponds, it may not for others based on its flow rate. If you’re looking for a powerful pond pump, this may not be for you.

Pros

• Good warranty
• Durable and quiet
• Many uses

Cons

• Not very powerful; may not be suitable for large ponds

4. Little Giant WGP-65-PW Premium Pond Dual Discharge Pump

The Little Giant Pond Pump is one of the most versatile pumps on this list. You can use it both vertically or horizontally in the pond. Plus, it’s built to last for a while as it is non-corrosive.

The Little Giant Pond Pump has a dual-discharge setup that allows you to use two water features at the same time. This pump has better starting torque and higher flow pressure than other pumps.

Another great quality for this product is that it comes with a three-year warranty. So, if you’re new to the aquarium world and make a few mistakes in setup, this warranty has you covered.

One negative thing about this pump is that you can only use it as a submersible product. You can only use it underwater, as there are no kits that come to adjust it to land-only use. This isn’t a problem if you’re looking for a submersible pump anyway, but it can be for some.

Pros

• Can be used vertically or horizontally
• Higher torque and flow pressure

Cons

• Only has a submersible option

5. AQUANIQUE Waterfall Pump

The Aquanique Waterfall Pump is small, but it’s just as good as the rest of the pumps on this list. For starters, it has a decent rate of 1,250 GPH. It’s ideal for use with waterfalls up to five feet tall.

Maintaining this pump couldn’t be easier as it comes with a mesh bag to block large external debris. Clean up is also made easier with this barrier bag.

The Aquanique Pump has a spiral shape, allowing for improved water flow. It also has options for customization with a hole for one or 1.5-inch tubing to connect to your filter.

The only problem with this pump is the fact that it’s not as quiet as some other similar models. Even though it’s small, it still can make quite a bit of noise.

Normally, this isn’t the case with submersible pumps, so this might not be the right one for you.

Pros

• Perfect for waterfalls
• Comes with mesh barrier to stop grime buildup 

Cons

• Not very quiet

6. Alpine PAL2100 Cyclone Pump

Not everyone has a small pond. Let’s say you’re looking for a pump that’s powerful enough to take the mini-lake you have in your yard. The Alpine Cyclone Pump’s built for this very reason.

The Alpine Cyclone pump can handle large ponds with a capacity to turn over amount of 2,100 to 8,000 gallons per hour. That’s a tall order for such a small pump, but it does its job well.

This pump is also very easy to assemble, and dissembling can be even be done without any tools. The oil-free and epoxy-protected pump system means it’s safe for use around your fish and is built to last.

One issue this pump has is that it’s only available as a submersible pump. There aren’t any other models or options with this make to have it as a dry pump. So, if you’re looking for something interchangeable, this isn’t the one.

Pros

• Very good GPH rate
• Easy to assemble and take apart

Cons

• Not available as a dry pump

7. Laguna PowerJet 600 Fountain/Waterfall Pump Kit for Ponds

If you’re looking for an affordable but efficient option, the Laguna PowerJet Pump Kit is for you.

This pump is available for the best value on this list. The cost of this pump for the GPH rate it has is definitely its strongest point.

The maximum pond capacity this pump has is 1,200 gallons. This pump comes with a riser stem and two fountain heads to get that perfect waterfall effect in your pond.

Setup is a breeze with the Laguna PowerJet Pump because of its click-fit connectors. These connectors make it easy to attach different tubes between your pump and filter.

One issue with the Laguna PowerJet Pump is that the length for the tubing that’s included is pretty small. It has a cord length of 16′, which is lower than some of the products on this list. If you have a small pond, this won’t be a problem, but it can be for bigger ponds.

Pros

• Great features for the waterfall effect
• Easy tube connection parts

Cons

• Small cord length

8. EcoPlus Submersible Water Pump

Finally, we have the EcoPlus Submersible Water Pump. This pump combines many of the good features from different products on this list into one item.

For starters, the EcoPlus water pump can be used as a submersible or inline pump. If you want to use it as a submersible pump, simply place it underwater. If you’d prefer to use it externally, there are options for vertical output water flow you can use.

This pump comes with other great products like a high-quality rare earth rotor magnet and a ceramic shaft impeller. It helps deliver an efficient, powerful and constant water flow.

Pros

• Flexibility in submersible or inline pumps
• Comes with other great features in the kit
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Cord was way short.

How to Choose a Pond Pump?

Before you can pick a pond pump, you need to understand what you’re looking for. A good pond pump should fit your needs, but more importantly, fit the needs of your fish.

There are a few key details you should focus on before deciding which pond pump to get.

Types of Pond Pumps

There are a few different pond pumps you can choose from depending on what you prefer. The first type of pond pump is the magnetic drive pond pump.

It’s one of the most efficient and compact pond pumps out there. The issue with this type of pump is that it works well with only waterfalls under five feet of height.

Next is the direct drive pump. This pump is able to lift water higher than that of a magnetic pump, but is less efficient.

The best of both worlds comes in the form of hybrid pumps. These pumps use a cupped impeller with magnetic technology to pull more water. This is all while remaining energy-efficient.

Submersible vs. External Pump

This is just a matter of taste. If you want to have your pump hidden for better aesthetics, then you should go with a submersible pump.

This type allows you to place your pump directly in the water so it’s hidden, but still functional. These pumps are also quieter, so if you’re trying to create a peaceful pond, submersible pumps are the way to go. 

The downside of submersible pumps is that maintenance can be difficult. You have to go into your pond every time you want to clean the pump and that can get annoying.

On the other hand, if you want to try an external pump, you won’t have to worry about maintenance underwater. You can easily clean it any time. The problem with external pumps is that they’re not easy to hide and tend to be a bit loud.

Power

A pump with lower power consumption will be most energy efficient at a given flow rate. Compare the power of the pump at its maximum flow (in W).

Flow Rate

Moving on to the flow rate GPH, or gallons per hour rate, this is another important thing to think of.

To do this, you need to know your pond’s size. You first need to calculate how many gallons of water you have in your pond.

This can be done by multiplying the length x width x depth of your pond. This gives you the volume in gallons. You want a pump that can rotate at least two times the volume in an hour.

If you have a waterfall, there are a few others things to remember. A good rule of thumb is to have a pump that can handle 100 GPH for every inch of the waterfall width.

You also need to note how high up the waterfall starts from the pond’s surface. Along with that, notice how much tubing is used between the waterfall and pond pump.

All these measurements come together to guide your decision for which pond pump to buy. If you’re confused about the dimensions ask an aquatic expert for detailed assistance.

How to Install a Pond Pump?

Installing a pond pump is a simple process for almost every model. Start by sorting out the bottom of your pond. Make sure you have a smooth surface to place your submersible filter on.

Then begin to fill up your pond with water. Once it’s filled up halfway, add in your pump. If you’re using an external pump, install it on the outside of your pond, close to an energy source.

Continue filling up your pond until it’s completely full. Connect your pump to your filter and power it up. Allow the pump and filter to go through the water for at least one day before adding any fish or plants.

Once you’ve waited about a day, check to make sure your pump is properly connected to the filter. Also, make sure there are no strange sounds or leaks anywhere, and you’re done!

Conclusion

Choosing a pond pump is tough for new aquarium enthusiasts, but it’s not impossible! A great pond doesn’t get built overnight. It takes a little practice to find an affordable and efficient pond pump.

But with the right advice and research, you can find a pump that’s perfect for you and your fish. Then you’re well on your way to a beautiful pond with happy fish!

See also:

• Best Pond Filters – 2020 Reviews (Top Picks) & Guide
• Best Pond Aerators in 2020? Top 7 Picks & Buyer’s Guide
• Best Filter for Koi Pond – Top 6 Picks (2020 Reviews & Guide)
• 8 Best Fountain Pumps: Solar, Submersible Water Pumps (2020 Reviews)