How To read Pond Pump Curves To Choose Best Pump
All pond pump curves show the relationship between pond pump head and pond pump flow over a complete range of different conditions.
To refresh your memory about pond pump head and pond pump volume flow rates use these 2 links
Curves or tables for pond pumps should be used for correct pond pump specifications once you have determined the flow and head specifications for your system.
Pump curves for two distinct ranges of pond pumps are shown below.
You
determine correct pond pumps from your knowledge of ideal pond pump flow
and ideal pump head for your system. These two factors are the most
critical. The easiest way to choose correct pond pumps once you know
pump head and pond pump flow is to refer to the pond pumps
manufacturer’s pump curves or tables. The diagram shown here is that of
an Italian manufacturer of pond pumps (Project based near Venice). The
bottom axis represents the required pump flow rate and the vertical axis
represents the total pump head required to pump against ... shown here
in metres.
You simply read from the intersecting point of the two axes. This will give you the ideal pump size or model for your system. It is best to aim for a meeting point at around the middle of the pond pump performance curve. Always remember to go one size bigger if you are not sure of your calculations.
Now you can easily compare the following selection criteria between manufacturers. No longer are you left to pond pump recommendations made by a retailer who has less information and possibly less knowledge than yourself.
Hozelock, Blagdon, OASE, Heissner products in UK
Other pond pump selection criteria:
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Power consumption
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Guarantee
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Box information
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Manufacturer reliability
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Attitude of retailer to guarantee and selection
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Fittings and “free” offers
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Outlet connections (bigger is better)
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Are sponges required – yes or no (no sponge pond pumps will save effort and maintenance)