Pumps

Let's face it, if you want something other than a still pond, then you are going to have to invest in a pump - unless you are lucky enough to have a natural stream or waterfall in your garden, There are essentially three types of water pump. The first, and most common, is the submersible pump, which sits within the body of water in the pond; this is attached to a hosepipe, which carries the circulated water up and away.

The second type of pump is designed to be used out of the water; this is the surface-only pump that is intended for use on dry land. This has the advantage of being extremely powerful, so water can be pumped over large distances, or very high for a spectacular fountain display. It should be housed in a dry, well-ventilated area like a garage or shed, so as to avoid the problems associated with mixing electricity with water (although there are in fact diesel- and petrol-powered versions). Because surface-only pumps are not under water, they can be stripped down and repaired more readily. These pumps are, however, expensive. Neither do they come with many of the 'extras', such as connectors, strainers, hoses, and so on, which will be necessary components to the finished system, and all add to the cost.

The third and final type is the dual-purpose pump system that can be used as a submersible pump or a surface pump. Some makes need to be housed at a lower level than the water level, so a separate tank is required. However, these pumps offer the flexibility for you to change your mind about their sitting and use.

Of course, if you want to operate features like a waterfall and fountain independently, fitting one pump for each feature might prove more satisfactory.

The performance of any pump is affected by the following variables: water temperature, pipe-width and length, any angles in the pipe work or connectors and the number of water features connected to the pump. With specific features there are such factors as the intended heights of fountains and falls, and the volume of water. All of these can bring about friction loss which will affect your vertical head, that is, the maximum height to which the pump can deliver water. For all of these reasons, it is generally advisable to buy a pump that slightly exceeds the maximum amount of flow that your feature(s) will need. To calculate the right size of pump for your pond, you first need to ascertain the volume of water. You will need a pump that can circulate a volume equivalent to the total volume in your pond every two hours. All good pumps will declare on the packaging the quantity of water they will move, so this is not a difficult decision. What is difficult, however, is choosing from the dozens of makes and models available.

Lighting

This can work its magic and bring water alive at night, particularly during warm, summer evenings. Interesting effects can be created by using coloured lights to illuminate water descending down a waterfall or cascade, or on the upward and downward flow of a fountain. Witness some of our grand public fountains in city centres: they make spectacular night-time displays.

This may sound like something only a technical expert would attempt. Not so. Modestly priced kits can be bought from most garden centres, and with them often come different coloured lights. Sophisticated versions even change colours with moving discs travelling across the bulbs.

The installation of lighting requires a degree of care and attention, as with all electrical appliances outdoors. Low-voltage lighting is particularly easy and quick to install, with simple push-fit connections. You can even combine in-pond lights with garden lighting on the same cable.

For a circular pool, measure from the centre to the side and square it: multiply the result by 3.14. Multiply this by the depth of the pool (in feet) and multiply the result by 6.25 for the volume in gallons. Take a minute to digest this and try to work it out for yourself - you really don't need to be Einstein!

If you desire to know the volume of your pond in liters it is easiest to convert the total gallon age directly, by referring to a conversion chart. Please note that one gallon equals 4.546 liters.