What Size Pond Pump Do I Need For My Koi Pond?

A pond pump has a vital role in your pond filtration system it ensures that proper water circulation and prevents any stagnation. Pond pumps are rated by the volume of water they can circulate per hour (litres per hour, or LPH). Choosing the right size pump for your pond is so important for the adequate circulation allowing your pond can support aquatic life whilst also providing enough water flow aesthetically for water features and waterfalls that you may have.

Main purposes of a pond pump!

Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and unwanted smells in your pond. The pump pushes water through your pond’s filtration system which removes debris and impurities to maintain the health and the clarity. Pumps ensure adequate oxygenation by circulating the water, which is vital for fish and plants to thrive

What size pond pump do I need?

You will need to know your ponds volume by this we mean the amount of water your pond holds. You will then need to know the amount of water a pond pump can circulate in an hour.
you will also need to know how high above the pond’s surface your pump needs to push the water. Something to also bear in mind is  if your pond has complex or long runs of pipework there might be some friction loss and this must also be accounted for. If you think this may affect your setup and you would like some advice please do get in touch with our technical team at Cotswold Koi

Here are some useful tips on selecting the right pump for your pond

1. Calculate pond volume you can use our Pond Volume Calculator

2. Pond pump flow rate. This is the amount of water a pump can turn over in an hour (measured in LPH, litres per hour).

The right pump for your pond should be compatible with your pond volume and how heavily stocked your pond is with fish.

For lightly stocked ponds we would recommended you should be circulating your pond water at least once every two hours. Allowing you to Choose a pump with a flow rate that is half the size of your pond.

For example if your pond is 3000L choose a pump with a flow rate of 1500 LPH.

For heavily stocked ponds We would recommended  The water should circulate once per hour or those containing koi.

For example, if your pond is 3000L, choose a pump with a flow rate of 3000 LPH.

Make sure to choose a pond pump that can still push the required capacity at the head height that you require.

3. You will also need work out your head height you need this is how high above the surface of the pond your pump needs to push the water. The higher the water is pumped vertically  the lower the pump’s flow rate  so it is important to factor head height into your calculations when choosing a suitable pump.

Head height is especially crucial if you plan on having a waterfall or water feature to ensure that the pump size also allows for the height the water needs to be pushed.

To calculate the head height measure the height from the water’s surface to the highest pumping point such as the filter or waterfall.

For example  if the waterfall is 1m high from the surface of your pond it would be 1m in head height.

You also need to factor in a waterfall or water feature into your pump’s required flow rate.

As a guide for a standard waterfall we would recommend for every 100mm of waterfall width you will need a flow of 1000 litres per hour.

Choose the right pond tubing
Small pond pump tubing can restrict the amount of water the pump can circulate harming your pond water’s health.

Choose the largest pipe diameter your pump can accept for an optimum flow rate.

Shop pond pumps from our website
Choosing the right pond pump size is important for keeping your pond healthy.

Whether you’re looking for a pump for a small garden pond or a larger koi pond choosing the right pump ensures your pond stays healthy and beautiful all year round.