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Submersible pump: Tips for setting up the pond without a pump

Submersible or dirty water pumps, what they are for and why a pond without a pump is a better and more natural alternative.

What is a submersible pump for?

A submersible pond pump is a type of water pump that is submerged in water to move water. It is often used to pump water out of the pond so that major pond maintenance can be performed. But a submersible or dirty water pump can also be used to circulate pond water so that oxygen-rich water is maintained and algae growth is prevented. Submersible pumps are often used in conjunction with pond filters. They pump water to the filter where it is cleaned of suspended solids, excess nutrients and other debris before returning to the pond. Submersible pumps can also be used to power waterfalls and fountains.

Tips, advice and substantial savings

I would like to share my experience with you, and advise you to solve any pond problems and reduce pond maintenance. As a result, you can easily save hundreds of dollars.

Can you put a submersible pump shallow suction under water?

Submersible pumps are specifically designed to be completely submerged in water. Hence the name "submersible pump." These pumps feature a waterproof housing that prevents water from coming into contact with the electrical components inside. When using them in the pond, it is important to consider the placement of the pump, maintenance, pump protection and the correct capacity. Make sure the pump is placed on a stable surface, preferably on a raised surface or special stand, to prevent it from sucking up bottom mud and dirt. Also, regular inspection and cleaning of the pump is essential to ensure its efficient operation and long life. This is because dirt, algae and other particles can block the inlet of the pump. Make sure power cords and plugs are safely installed and protected from weather and damage. It is also advisable to use a ground fault circuit interrupter for added safety. Finally, choose a submersible pump with the right capacity for your pond size and specific needs, such as the required flow rate for a filter or waterfall.

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How deep should a submersible dirty water pump be?

How deep a submersible pump is allowed in the pond depends on the specific model and manufacturer. In general, however, a submersible pump should be placed at least to about 30 cm below the waterline to prevent the pump from running dry and being damaged.

What pump do I need for my pond?

A pump and filter are not necessary for your pond. What is crucial is that the pond is set up correctly according to our step-by-step plan. This proper setup will keep your pond naturally balanced and prevent common pond problems. What you do need is substrate on the bottom, adding pond bacteria 2x a year to the water and placing enough aquatic plants of various species. A naturally designed pond not only looks nicer than a pond with a pump and filter, but is also cheaper to set up. In addition, a natural pond requires much less maintenance, which makes it both time- and cost-saving in the long run.


	Pond Pump	Oxygen Plants
Maintenance	❌ 2 times a year	✅ Never
Lifetime	❌ Some years	✅ Long-term
Natural look	❌ No	✅ Yes
Impact on biodiversity	❌ Neutral/disturbing	✅ Promotes the
Long-term costs	❌ Replacement & flow	✅ Low to no cost
Attracting animals	❌ Rarely	✅ Yes, attracts various animals
Increase in oxygen content	❌ Limited	✅ Efficient
Combating algae growth	❌ Limited	✅ Natural control
Environmental impact	❌ Power consumption	✅ Environmentally friendly
Power consumption	❌ Yes	✅ No

How much power does a submersible pump use?

The power consumption of a submersible pump for a pond depends greatly on the specific model and power rating of the pump. For smaller ponds, a submersible pump can consume between 10W and 50W, for medium-sized ponds, consumption can vary between 50W and 150W, and for larger ponds or koi ponds where more filtration and flow is needed, consumption can range from 150W to 500W or even more. Of course, the annual cost of this also depends on the number of days and hours per day the pump is running, but on average the annual cost of using a submersible pump is around 90. On top of the energy costs come costs such as purchase, maintenance and of course the time you spend on maintenance.

Pond pump 12v: What to use for?

A 12-volt pond pump is intended for smaller ponds and water features, where the lower voltage allows for safer and more energy-efficient use, especially in humid outdoor conditions. These pumps are often compact and easy to install, and can be used for a variety of purposes such as circulating water, feeding a fountain or powering a filtration system.

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Simon van der Velde

Pond specialist and aquatic plant grower since 1986

My vision is to let nature do its work in your pond. You don't need to buy all kinds of measuring equipment and water improvers. If the fish are swimming nicely and the plants are growing well, you know the water is of good quality. With a good planting plan and the right approach, you can save both money and maintenance and ensure a clear, biologically balanced pond that only gets more beautiful each year.