Pro Tips For Inline Pond Pumps

Inline Pump Installation
Locate the pond pump as close to the source as possible. It is best to have your main (longest) run of pipe on the discharge side of the pump.

Flooded Suction
Install the pump outside the pond, and below the surface level of the pond to create a flooded suction. This will help ensure a proper and consistent supply of water to the pump. The inline pond pump will not operate properly and may be damaged if the water supply is not constant. A flooded suction may be retained with a supply line that runs up and over the pond wall and back down below the water surface, as long as all air has been removed from the line.

Non-Flooded Suction
If installation of a flooded suction is not possible, the following is recommended:
Position the pond pump as low as possible and as near the source as possible. Install a priming pot on the pump inlet. Install a foot valve or a check valve in the inlet below the water level. Always prime the entire inlet line, priming pot, and pond pump before turning it on. DO NOT RUN PUMP DRY!

These suggestions mey help you avoid most common installation problems.

POND BUILDING TIPS:

Why Knowing a Pond’s Volume is Important For Selecting a Pond Pump

1) Gallons in a pond will tell you the following

a. Size of pump for you pond

b. Size of filter for you pond

c. Approximate Number of fish for your pond

2) How to calculate approximate number of gallons in an existing pond

a. Volume for rectangle ponds:

avg. WIDTH x avg. LENGTH x avg. DEPTH = Pond volume (cubic ft.)

EXAMPLE: 10ft x 12ft x 2ft = 240 (cubic ft.)

240 (cubic ft.) x 7.5 gal = 1800 Gallons

b. Volume for circular ponds:

RADIUS X RADIUS X 3.14 X DEPTH = POND VOLUME (cubic ft.)

c. Volume of a pond can be most accurately calculated by using a water meter that can be connected to a garden hose while initially filling pond.

HOW TO MEASURE FOR POND LINER

Take measurement of pond opening and use the following formula:

POND LENGTH:
Maximum Length + Twice Depth + 3' = Dimension #1

POND WIDTH:
Maximum Width + Twice Depth + 3' = Dimension #2

Example: For 8' x 10' opening that is 2' deep,
Length: 10' + 4' + 3' = 17'
Width: 8' + 4' + 3' = 15'

For this example, unroll 17' from a 15' wide roll of EPDM Pond Liner.

Pond Building Tip: Best to dig pond opening, take measurements and then secure the liner.

Choosing a sewage pump!

I am often asked how to size a sewage pump either for replacement or new applications. We have several helpful articles on our website to help our customers choose the right size pump for their sewage application. Lets go over that briefly. First always check what the code is for your county or city. They might have certain requirements that you will need to know about before purchasing a new sewage pump. The next question is what are your specifications. What size pipe will you be connecting to? What is the measurement of elevation from where the sewage pump will be placed down in the tank up to the city main sewage line? What is the horizontal run of the pipe? Once you have that information, we will be happy to help you size the correct sewage pump for your needs.

Low Voltage Fountain and Pond Pumps

Spring is fast approaching and that means we will be outside attending our gardens, ponds and fountains.
If you are putting a fountain or pond out in your yard, you might want to consider using a low voltage pump. A low voltage pond or fountain pump uses a fraction of the electricity that a 110v pump uses, and is a safer alternative as well if you have kids and animals playing near the water.

For smaller applications, like birdbath fountains, small low voltage pumps come with an integrated transformer. For larger applications, like rock fountains and tiered fountains, you will need to use the larger low voltage pumps and those do not come with a transformer. You will have to purchase one separately or integrate into your existing low voltage lighting system. One thing to keep in mind is that the pump will turn on when the lights turn on, unless you use a multiple use transformer.

How to make a fountain for a Christmas present!

Hand made fountains are so much more beautiful than the factory made fountains that are shipped here from overseas. There are many artisans in the states that make unique fountains using a variety of materials from stone, copper, slate, glass or other natural materials. But for the beginner, all you need to know is the basics of building a fountain, whether it is an indoor or outdoor fountain.

What you will need:

Pick a design ( country, zen, whimsical, art deco)
The reservoir (basin, bowl or bucket to hold the water.
Fountain Pump (size will depend on the height of the fountain)
Tubing (copper or vinyl)
The waterfall or fountain: It may be just the end of the tube covered with rocks or glass. A sculpture or artifact that you can drill a hole so the tubing can be inserted through it. A store bought fountain spray, or tea cups that allow the water to cascade down to the reservior. Different shapes of copper tubing that have small holes drilled into it. These are just some ideas.
Assemble your fountain, keeping in mind that the tubing should be secured to the pump and make sure that the water that comes out at the top of the fountain pours back into the reservior.
Fill your fountain with distilled water and plug in the pump.

What to do with your fountain and pump during the winter.

If you live in an area where the climate is warmer and will not freeze the water in your fountain or pond, you can actually leave your pumps running all winter long. If you live in an area where the climate is cold and the water in the fountain or pond will freeze, you will have to do some preparation. First drain the water out of the fountain or pond. Then remove the pump and store in a dry place for safe keeping through the winter months. When the weather starts to warm up, you can reconnect the pump and fill up with water. Please visit our fountain pumps page for more tips at http://www.discount-pumps.biz/fountain-pump.htm 

Pond Fountains in the winter

Now that winter weather is fast approaching, it is time to prepare your pond fountain for freezing temperatures. If you live in a cold climate that freezes your pond during the winter, you have two options with your pond fountain. You can remove it for the winter months. After you pull it from the pond, make sure it is dried out and then store it in a gargage or storage shed. If you choose to keep the fountain in the pond during the winter, please refer to the manufacturers instructions on how to operate the fountain during freezing temeratures. Generally, you must keep the pond fountain running 24/7. this keeps the water from freezing in the fountain, and helps to keep the area around the pond fountain unfrozen. Some fountain manufacturers require a de-icer nozzle to be connected to the fountain for proper de-icing. Keeping an area open around the pond fountain is ideal if you have water fowl. For more pond fountain tips please visit our site at http://www.discount-pumps.biz/floating-fountains.htm