CALCULATING POND CAPACITY

Ave.  Pond Length (ft) x  Ave.  Pond Width (ft) x Ave.  Pond Depth (ft) x 7.5 gallon/cu ft
 equals the approximate pond capacity in gallons. 
 

ESTIMATING WATER FLOW

WATER

 Skimmer/Falls Pond - The pond's capacity should circulate at least once per hour.

QUALITY

Pressurized Filter Pond - The pond's capacity should circulate at least once every two hours.
   

WATER

 Minimum Waterfall Flow - 50 gph per inch of waterfall width.

FEATURE

 Average Waterfall Flow - 100 gph per inch of waterfall width.

FLOW

 Strong Waterfall Flow -    200 gph per inch of waterfall width.
Water flow in the pond should be equal to, or  greater than,
 the larger of the water quality or water feature flows shown above.
 

SELECTING THE PROPER PUMP

A pump's rated output is not what you will get in the pond.  Real-world factors affect pump flow:
 1. The head height (vertical height the pump must raise the water above the pond surface).
 2. The length and inside diameter of the hose carrying the water (with correct hose, every 10' length adds 1' head height).
3. Each sharp hose bend adds the equivalent of 1' head height.
A PUMP'S OUTPUT VERSUS HEAD HEIGHT IS SHOWN ON A CHART IN OR ON THE PUMP BOX
  
 
Selecting the CORRECT Hose for THE Pump     
Hose size is very important in obtaining the best performance from your pond pump.
Inside Hose Diameter 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1 1/4" 1 1/2" 2 "
Maximum Water Flow 300 gph 700 gph 1200 gph 2000 gph 3000 gph 4800 gph


USE A LARGER HOSE IF  OUTPUT IS NEAR THE LIMIT OR IF A FUTURE PUMP MAY BE BIGGER.
 
ESTIMATING THE COST OF OPERATING A PUMP
The power used (watts) varies considerably among pumps.   Look at power consumption when buying a pump.

MONTHLY  OPERATING COST ($) =  POWER USED (WATTS) x .72 x COST OF ELECTRICITY($/KWH)
(ASSUMES 24/7 OPERATION) -- COST OF ELECTRICITY IN BISMARCK/MANDAN - $.07/KWH

Directory               Pond Products