There is nothing quite like a backyard pond to give your home a feeling of class and sophistication that can’t be found anywhere else. Ponds and water features are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also offer relaxation and a sense of connection to nature. That’s why it’s so important to have a high-quality pump for your backyard pond; so you can make sure it stays crisp and clean all year long.
We found that choosing the best pond pump can make having a backyard pond stress-free and worth the time. Keeping your pond clean with a reliable pump like the Flexzion Pond Pump makes the whole experience of a backyard water feature as tranquil and refreshing as it should be.
Table of Contents
Backyard Boss Top 5 Pond Pumps for 2021
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Flexzion Pond Pump |
| Check The Price! |
 | VIVOHOME Electric 220W 4500 GPH Submersible Water Pump |
| Check The Price! |
 | POND BOSS Filter Kit with Pump |
| Check The Price! |
 | Simple Deluxe 1056 GPH Submersible Pump |
| Check The Price! |
 | Beckett Corporation 250 GPH Submersible Pond Pump |
| Check The Price! |
Why You Can Trust Us
In my experience as a contractor and a landscaper, I encountered many backyard ponds and water features that needed upkeep and cleaning on a regular basis. Oftentimes, clients would regret the installation of the pond and even consider emptying it and getting it filled in so they wouldn’t have to deal with it. However, with a decent and reliable pond pump, all of their issues could have been resolved.
I installed my share of pond pumps and was able to see these clients enjoy their backyard ponds once again. There are few things more rewarding than helping someone learn that their outdoor water feature didn’t have to be a hassle if it was simply properly equipped, and watching them get the most out of it again.
Best Overall for a Fish or Koi Pond
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The Flexzion pond pump is a quiet pump for ponds that have fish like koi that need smooth operation and high power to stay as clean as possible.
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Why we like it: The Flexzion Pond Pump is designed specifically for use with ponds that have koi or other fish. It is a versatile pump that can either be used under the water or externally. This could be a good feature if you aren’t sure how your fish will react to an underwater pump. Having the option to also operate it externally gives you room to experiment.
It is also good for fish since it doesn’t use any oil, copper, or other chemicals in its operation. These materials can be harmful to sensitive animals like koi, so it is very important that your pump doesn’t use them. It circulates 800 gallons per hour as well, so it is a good choice for larger ponds like the ones used for koi.
Who should buy it: People who want to make sure their koi are safe and comfortable and won’t be disturbed by the pump system.
Best for Large Ponds
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This pond pump by VIVOHOME features a GPH of 4,500 and is suitable for large ponds that need a high rate of turnover in order to stay clean.
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Why we like it: The VIVOHOME Electric Submersible Water Pump is a heavy-duty workhorse that is built to circulate up to 4,500 gallons per hour. If you have a large backyard pond, this pump may be a good choice for keeping the water refreshed and flowing. The outer shell is built from epoxy resin and is completely waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about shorting, leaks, or other electrical problems. Plus, all the driveshaft parts are made of ceramic and silicon carbide. This ensures that they won’t deteriorate with consistent use like some other, less well-built pumps.
The water direction can also be sprayed in five different directions. This is a great feature for people who have oddly shaped ponds that need circulation in many different areas. It also works well if you have certain problem areas where water often gets stagnant.
Who should buy it: People with large ponds who want to be sure that they don’t get any standing water in areas that other pumps may miss or have missed in the past.
Best Pump and Filter Combo
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The POND BOSS filter kit is a complete set of a filter and pump for people who want an all-in-one solution for their small backyard pond.
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Why we like it: The Pond Boss filter kit includes a pump that is sufficient for ponds up to 500 gallons. The filter catches any debris that happens to fall in the water and is easy to clean on a regular basis to ensure that it stays efficient. This kit also includes BioBalls, which are designed to promote the growth of bacteria that is beneficial to your pond.
One of the most interesting features of this pump and filter, though, is the water spray nozzle head. This nozzle head protrudes from the surface and circulates the water on top as well as the bottom. In the process, it also adds a distinctive spray feature that works both functionally and practically. This may be a good option if you want more water movement above the surface of the pond itself.
Who should buy it: People who have a lot of vegetation in their backyard and want a filter along with their circulator pump. People who desire the sound of babbling water for their pond might also want to purchase this pump and filter combo.
Best Submersible Pump
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This 1,056 GPH pump by Simple Deluxe is a good option for a good mix of quietest operation and high power.
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Why we like it: The Simple Deluxe 1056 GPH Submersible Pump is a highly engineered pond pump that has a lot of capabilities in a small amount of space. The intake features a pre-filter that keeps small debris like leaves and dirt from getting inside the pump itself, which can be a major source of damage. It sits below the surface and circulates the water underneath for silent operation on top of the water.
The housing is made of epoxy resin, which is fairly standard, but the internal components are made of aluminum oxide ceramic. This material is incredibly strong and won’t corrode. This ensures that the pump will stay running for a long time and won’t be damaged by overuse or moisture. Everything on it is waterproof and it doesn’t feature any exposed copper, making it safe for your fish or other animals that might live in the pond.
Who should buy it: People who want a pump with a quiet operation that won’t disturb the actual water on the surface of the pond when it is running.
Best for Small Ponds
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Beckett Corporation’s 250 GPH pond pump is a solution for small backyard ponds that don’t need a huge amount of water turnover to stay clean and safe.
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Why we like it: This 250 gallon per hour pond pump by the Beckett Corporation could be a good choice for people who don’t need a lot of power to keep their backyard water feature clean. It features an easy-to-clean filter and has a more or less plug-and-play installation.
Since it is so small, it will work for both indoor and outdoor ponds or fountains. If you don’t want a loud, powerful pump for your indoor water feature, this might be a good choice. The quiet operation and easy maintenance make it a good option for smaller applications.
Who should buy it: People who have indoor water features or small backyard ponds who don’t need a large amount of power to keep things clean and safe.
Why Do You Need a Water Pump for Your Pond?
Ponds and water features are a great addition to any backyard, however, they need to be properly maintained and cleaned regularly if they are to remain safe and pleasant. You can’t simply pour some water into a hole, it must be circulated and constantly moving, just like it is in nature.
One of the ways to do this is to get a pond pump like the ones we have featured above. Pumps take water in and pump it back out, creating a constant loop that keeps the water in the pond from becoming stagnant. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, algae, and harmful bacteria that can become a serious problem if it is not kept at bay.
Skimmers can also clean your pond automatically. They work in a similar fashion to a pump, but they don’t have the same efficiency and discreet operation. Your best bet is to use a pump year-round and skim your pond as needed to remove any debris from the surface.
It is especially important for you to keep your backyard pond clean with a pond water pump if you are keeping fish in it. Fish need a clean environment and can get sick if the water is not consistently circulated. In nature, freshwater is always flowing and the same should apply to your pond if you want to keep your fish happy and healthy.
How to Pick the Right Pump for Your Pond
Size of Pond
The size of your pond will determine the kind of pump you should get for circulating the water. Pump power is determined by the number of gallons per hour it turns. This measurement is a good way to gauge how much power your pump needs to properly clean the pond.
A good rule of thumb is for a still pond to be turned over completely every hour. This means that if you have a 500-gallon pond, your pump should be rated at 500 gallons per hour. If you have a pressurized filter, this can be cut back to once every two hours. In this instance, a 250 GPH pump will be sufficient.
Type and Placement
You should always look for a pump that uses heavy-duty parts and machinery. It will be running year-round, so a well-made pump is crucial. Look for pumps with epoxy resin cases and ceramic motor parts.
You should also determine whether or not you want your pump to be above the water or below it. If you have sensitive fish like koi, you may not want the pump to be submerged. If your pond has no animals in it, submerged might be the way to go for a quiet operation.
Energy Efficiency
You should always look for pond pumps that are energy efficient. Since they are running all the time, they can be a real drain on your power consumption. To keep your pond water pump efficient, make sure it is cleaned regularly and that you don’t use any extension cords to run it.
Another way to keep your pond pump energy efficient is to make sure you don’t get one that is too powerful. If you don’t need an 800 GPH pump, don’t get it just because it sounds better. Your best bet will be to get the pump that has the right power rating for your pond’s water capacity. This will help keep y onsumption low.
How We Picked
When searching for the best pond pump, we considered things such as:
- Quality of parts
- Noise
- Circulation options
All of these factors come into play when picking the right pump for your pond and your needs. It is incredibly important that your pump is made of high-quality parts that won’t fail with long-term use. Pond pumps need to be reliable and safe, and if they are not well-made, they can easily fail and even become dangerous.
With high-quality parts also comes low noise. A smoothly running motor will be much quieter than one that is running rough or starting to fall apart. By choosing well-made pumps, we made sure that they won’t drive you crazy on a peaceful night out by the pond.
You will also want options when it comes to how your pump circulates the water. We chose pumps that allow you to choose how and where the water is pumped to and from. This lets you fix problem areas and ensure that your pond is being properly turned over.
The Last Word on Pumps for Crisp and Clean Backyard Ponds
We were able to find a collection of pond pumps that will be sufficient for almost any type or size of backyard water feature. By keeping your pond clean, you are doing your part for the environment as well as keeping your backyard enjoyable and safe to be in.
Our overall favorite is the Flexzion Pond Pump for its versatility and ability to do the job no matter what your circumstances may be. Its lack of oil and other chemicals makes it a green option that can operate with almost any type of pond. When it comes to backyard water features, consistency is key and with the right pump, you can just set it and forget it!
