Pond pump or pool pump?, What’s the difference? Why should we choose one over the other?
Let’s start by stating that they really are two very different things. Each one is designed for a different purpose. While a pool pump may be used on a pond, a pond pump may not be a good option to use for a pool. I honestly have not seen a pond pump used on a pool before, but I often see pool pumps on a pond. I believe that the main reason for this is because of two thing; First, the pool pump is usually a cheaper option, and second they are easier to find by simply going to a pool store, since there may not be a pond store nearby.
Pond pump or pool pump? What are the differences?
1). Head pressure. That is the power the pump has to push and pull water. A pool pump is designed to pull water from pool bottom drains and sometimes multiple skimmers. Not only do they need to pull water from multiple sources, but the sources may also be far away from the pump and filter system itself. Then they need to push the water back through a pressurized filter system, heaters and whatever else, then back to your pool. Sometimes even into a spa. So these pumps need to be strong. Their impellers spin at 3400 rpm’s and sometimes are controlled by programming multiple speeds. They are typically higher horsepower than a pond pump needs to be, maybe anywhere from 3/4hp to 2hp.
A pond pump on the other hand does not typically have such a demanding job. The systems in general can be much simpler than a pool. However there are many different ways in which a pond filter / pump system may be set up. But they are usually pretty simple. Pull water from either a suction strainer at the bottom of a pond, a skimmer, or a gravity fed filter, then maybe through a pressurized filter a waterfall filter and possibly an Ultra-Violet sterilizer and back to your pond. So they are most used to “circulate” the water and for that reason, we do not need a high horsepower pump with a high head pressure. We are just pulling water from one end of the pond, and returning it to the other end.
So these pumps usually are much more energy efficient. The impellers may spin at a half the rate of a pool pump 1750rpm’s instead of 3400rpm’s. They are capable of moving just as much water as a pool pump, just not with as much force. You will loose water volume quicker the higher and further that the pump need to push or pull water compared to a pool pump. For example: A 1.5hp pool pump may have a flow rate of 6000 gallons per hour at 1 foot, and still be at 5000 gallons per hour at 15 feet. A pond pump that pumps 6000 gallons at 1 foot may only be 1/4hp and be around 2000 gallons per hour at 15 feet. (This is just an example to prove a point, and not actual numbers from a specific pump.)
2). The second difference is energy consumption. Since the pool pump is usually a higher horsepower spinning at higher revolutions, they will draw more power and cost you a lot more to run than a pond pump. For example: A 6000 gph pool pump may be 1hp and draw 10 amps. A 6000 gph pond pump may only be 1/4 hp and draw only 3.5 amps. That is a big difference!
We need to remember that a pool may only be running for a few months, and the filter / pumps only may run for part of each day, while a pond pump will typically run (at least here in New Jersey) from March well into November, and constantly 24 hours a day non-stop. So the electric consumption is very important. The bottom line is that the pool pump may cost you a few hundred dollars less than the pond pump, but the pool pump will end up costing you much more to run each month quickly surpassing your savings for the cheaper pump. The pond pump will easily pay for itself in electric cost savings.
3). Noise. The final difference that I want to stress, is the noise the pumps make. The higher power 3400 rpm pool pump will operate with a much louder motor. You will hear it! The pond pumps “purr like a kitten”. You will hardly even know that it’s plugged in. Usually any sound from a waterfall or spillway will drown out any noise that the pond pump will make.
Final thoughts…
That all being said, there are high pressure / high volume pumps available for ponds. Sometimes we may need that power. However, just be aware of what your needs are, and make the right choice for your pond. Finally, consider the fact that your pump is the life support system for your pond, If it doesn’t work, nor will your pond, and your fish may end up dying if their oxygen supply and filtration stops. Be sure to purchase a good reliable, high quality pump. It’s a very important part of your pond. Another idea is to possibly have two smaller pumps running your system instead of one big one. This way, if one should stop, clog up, or whatever, the other will continue to work providing oxygen and filtering the pond. Half the system running is better that nothing!
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