Pumps for waterfalls and fountains: for ponds, a garden pool in the country, how to choose, mini-pumps, pumps, small, submersible

Care and maintenance rules

The same water, circulating in a circle, gradually evaporates. Refilling a new portion is the very first thing you will have to face when operating a fountain.

Periodically, the water must be completely replaced to avoid deterioration. Over time, dust settles in the liquid, polluting it. The water becomes cloudy and an unpleasant odor appears. To reduce the amount of dirt coming from outside, simple measures allow - it is enough to close the fountain from above with any available material after each use.

When draining the water, it is necessary to clean all the inner surfaces of the fountain. The filter, fixed at the pump nozzle, is rubbed with a brush.

Shading the fountain helps to delay the blooming of water.

Before the onset of the winter months, all the water is removed for good, and the fountain is dried. The pump is removed and transported indoors until spring. If the device is to be stored in a cold room, after drying it is cleaned of deposits. If the room is warm, then you can avoid the cleaning procedure by storing the pump in a bucket of water.

If the size allows and the fountain is mobile, it is moved entirely under the shelter. If not, the structure is covered with a film.

In a pond equipped with a hydraulic structure, it is often difficult to change the water. Large debris floating on the surface is caught with nets with a long handle. Planting algae and populating it with mollusks allows you to start the process of purifying the reservoir. The more the pump nozzle sprays the jet, the more oxygen the pond will receive - this also has a positive effect on the freshness of the water.

A properly selected pump and a creative touch in the design are all that is required for the completeness of summer cottage happiness. They say that a person is able to look at fire and water endlessly. However, even five minutes spent at the bubbling fountain can give you a feeling of infinity.

How to make a slide for a waterfall

If you plan to decorate the edges of the waterfall with stones, and you want a high and large slide, along which water flows, you need a solid foundation - a reinforced platform. Without it, the stones will slide into the bowl. Next to the pit under the bowl, a platform under the hill is cleared and reinforced.

Make a standard monolithic slab. First, a pit is dug. Its dimensions should exceed the slide by 40-50 cm in all directions. The pit is dug with a depth of 20-25 cm.Then the following order of work:

• Gravel is covered with a layer 10-15 cm thick, it is well rammed.
• Reinforcement with a diameter of 12-15 mm is laid. It is laid up and down with a step of 20 cm, at the intersection it is pulled together with plastic clamps.

• Pour in concrete.

After the concrete has set (after a couple of weeks), you can start laying out the slide. This procedure is necessary if the height of the slide above ground level is about one meter.

If the waterfall is planned to be small, you can simply remove the soil, pour crushed stone (you can lay geotextiles under it so that the crushed stone does not wash out into the ground). Tamp the crushed stone well, pour a little sand on top, lay out a metal mesh made of thick wire. Lay boulders on it, decorate with smaller stones, pebbles, sand, plant plants. This will turn out to be a kind of flower slide with a waterfall.

With a low height of the waterfall, you can do without concreting the site

There is a second option - to make a waterfall of a cascade type, using the height difference on the site. Even a small slope of several degrees will make the task much easier: steps are formed on the slope, laying stones in the form of slabs.If there is no slope, you will have to fill in an earthen mound, carefully compacting each layer, not forgetting to form ledges. Polymer mesh can be used to reinforce slopes. They spread it out, cover it with earth. It will keep the soil from slipping.

On the formed ledges, a film is spread, which is pressed against the channel by stones. They need to be laid out so that water from this stone falls into another, not onto the film. And then - it's up to the design

Waterfall cascade device

When forming a slide for a waterfall, stones between themselves, even if they are large, central, it is advisable to fasten with a cement-sand mortar (for 1 part of Portland cement, 3 parts of sand and 0.5-0.7 water).

Pump equipment

Types of pumps for country fountains

For the fountain to work on the site, a water pressure is required, created by a natural drop or using pumps. Modern equipment is small in size and quite economical, therefore, general-purpose pumps or specialized types designed for installation in garden fountains are usually used for liquid circulation.

It is possible to use submersible and surface pumps, each of which optimally suits certain conditions.

A rational step would be to combine the pump with solar panels

The modern view of the problem has led to the emergence of complete equipment for the manufacture of a floating fountain, in which a compact pump is combined with solar panels that provide it with electricity for operation.

This option is ideal in a question like make a mini fountain with your own hands at a summer cottage or personal plot, eliminating a lot of the hassle and costs associated with installing a stationary system.

To install a submersible pump, the bowl must be deep enough to be positioned at an optimal level. Therefore, when creating a classic type garden fountain, it is recommended to use such equipment. Water is sucked in through an inlet and supplied under pressure to an outlet pipe connected to a device designed to form a jet or stream of liquid.

It is somewhat more difficult to use a submersible system for the device with your own hands of a cascade fountain made of stone due to the fact that it does not always need a bowl, and the reception of circulating water can be organized in a miniature disguised container.

The outdoor pump removes the requirements for the depth of the reservoir and does not require electricity supply to it. They can power both garden fountains with a high water pressure, and cascade, in which the dominant criterion is a significant flow rate of liquid at minimum pressure. For an example of a fountain running on solar batteries, see this video:

However, such equipment has its own disadvantages:

• an external pump must be installed out of sight, providing for some way of masking it;
• a significant distance from the points of water intake and water supply negatively affects the efficiency of a hand-made fountain, may require calculating the generated pressure;
• for the same reason, the length of the supply and discharge lines increases, which increases the cost and labor costs;
• the noise generated by the unit is not damped by a layer of water, leading to the need for sound insulation of the unit.

Connection of fountain pumps

An important element of the pump is the electrical cable, or rather its length. It is necessary to understand that the longer it turns out to be, the easier it will be to find a place for installing the pump. A short electrical wire is of little use for organizing a street fountain system.

Thinking over the pump connection diagram, it will not be superfluous to provide for the presence of a special tee. In this case, you do not have to stretch another wire to connect decorative lighting or additional filtering equipment.It would be wiser to calculate everything in advance than to correct the shortcomings later.

The issue of cable insulation in the local area should be approached responsibly, since a damaged wire can cause dangerous situations. For safety reasons, it will be necessary to install an automatic protection capable of reacting in the event of an accident. Connecting indoor fountains to the network is much easier and, as a rule, does not cause difficulties.

Advice for choosing fountain pumps for a pond

Before choosing a device, you should understand what is the difference between pumping equipment for reservoirs and a fountain pump. Pond and filter devices are capable of distilling large volumes of liquid into the filter. However, they do not act as water purifiers. A common mistake of the buyer is the purchase of a universal drainage model for arranging a fountain, the main purpose of which is to pump water from drainage wells and basements. Such devices are not designed for long-term operation; their resource reaches 3000 hours on average. Fountain pumps for a pond have a resource that is ten times greater than that of household appliances. They can be used continuously for several years. The design features of such equipment allow passing large particles, suspended sludge, clots of bacteria destroyed by reagents, etc.

Seat selection

Depending on the type of construction chosen, a place for it is also selected. It is necessary to approach this issue with greater responsibility than the choice of design. If this is done incorrectly, then you can get a site where various debris accumulates, and not a beautiful fountain. When choosing a site, it is necessary to consider:

• the proximity of trees;
• the proximity of buildings;
• prevailing wind direction;
• plot completely open to the sun.

A fountain surrounded by trees looks attractive, but if the plants are close, it can be a problem. It consists of falling leaves and branches that will accumulate in the fountain. On the one hand, this will cause rotting processes, which will lead to the formation of sludge and the need for frequent cleaning of the fountain.

On the other hand, debris will end up in the pumping equipment, the damage of which will require costs to restore it to work. The root system needs moisture, so it gradually begins to sprout towards the fountain. The root system of some trees is so strong that it can destroy the structure.

It is worth considering the proximity of other buildings. Too close proximity to them will lead to increased humidity outside and inside the house. The consequence of this can be the appearance of mold and mildew, which are harmful to health and can render building materials unusable.

For the correct location, the prevailing wind direction must be taken into account. The wind will constantly carry away the spray and moisture-loving flowers can be placed in this place. If possible, it is necessary to locate the structure on the leeward side. This will prevent wind-blown debris from collecting inside the container.

It's nice to watch the water droplets shimmer in the sun, but you shouldn't place a fountain on an area that is under the sun all day. One of the reasons is the increased evaporation of water. If you do not replenish its reserves, then if its quantity is insufficient, the sediment will fail. In addition, in the sun, water can be heated to high temperatures, given that it circulates, then there is nothing to cool it. Excessive temperatures have a negative effect on the impeller and pump motor.

Types of fountains

Garden fountains are primarily divided into two main types:

• Decorative fountains.
• Pond fountains.

Decorative options are installed separately and have their own bowl. They have an autonomous water intake from the water supply system.And of course, they have the most beautiful appearance.

Pond fountains mainly consist of a divider, a pump. In addition to them, you can purchase a decorative ornament in the form of a jug, stones or other options.

Also fountains are of a closed or open cycle. In a closed loop, the water in the fountain is constantly circulating in a circle. In the open cycle, it is taken from the reservoir and enters it back. However, at the same time, it is flowing.

Types of fountains

The classification of fountains is rather complicated: they differ in design, principle of operation, type of spraying, and may have additional functions, such as lighting or musical accompaniment. Consider the most popular designs used in decorating private households.

Submersible fountain

This type of fountain is used in artificial and natural reservoirs of sufficiently large size and depth. It is a submersible pump equipped with a spray gun and an electric supply cable. It is enough to place such a pump in a pond and install it on a previously prepared flat and solid area, and then connect it to the electrical network.

Submersible fountain in an artificial pond

The shape of the jet of a submersible fountain can be different and depends on the nozzles used, the most popular types of spraying are shown in table 1.

Table 1. Types of water spray in the fountain.

Name Description

Types of water spray in a fountain

Spray nozzles

Floating fountain

Floating fountains are also used in large enough bodies of water where there is room for them to move. The floating fountain is a plastic body that houses a pump and a spray gun. A filter is provided in the lower part of the housing to clean the suction water. The design of the fountain allows it to stay steadily on the water surface. Floating fountains are often equipped with lighting.

Floating fountain

Stationary fountain

The main difference between a stationary fountain is a bowl that replaces a reservoir. The shape of the bowl and its dimensions can be absolutely any, as well as the place of installation. Depending on the type of pump used and the number of sprinklers, a stationary fountain can produce any water compositions and effects. The fountain requires conservation for the winter.

Wall fountain

A kind of stationary fountain, but a wall structure is installed at a blank wall of a building, at a fence or other massive element of landscape design. There are wall fountains with both spray and waterfalls. Cascading wall fountains look especially impressive.

Cascade fountain

Fountain-waterfall

To create a waterfall, it is not necessary to attach it to the wall; you can create a composition of stones, bowls or jugs. Such a fountain can be connected directly to the water supply. Water from the lower bowl is discharged into a storage tank or directly into the garden watering system.

Fountain-waterfall from ceramic bowls

Portable indoor fountain

The simplest and most inexpensive structure that can be installed in the house, on the terrace or outdoors. The power of such fountains is not great, but they add charm and style to the landscape.

Portable fountain

Selection and installation of the device yourself

You can equip such a beautiful element as a fountain in a personal plot or cottage yourself. To do this, it is worth deciding on the place where it will be located, and choosing the appropriate elements.

A small pump for a tabletop fountain is chosen, since the water container itself is small. For larger tanks, the pump must be appropriate. All this is indicated in the technical specifications for the device.

It is important to choose a hose for the pump and the corresponding diameter, because the quality of the water pressure also depends on its size

To connect a submersible pump, the cable must be double insulated and the entire installation must be grounded. Surface options are installed close to an artificial reservoir, but should be located in a box that will protect from rainfall.

To use the pump for both a fountain and a waterfall, you can install a tee on the pipeline. A filter and a non-return valve must be installed at the end.

How to do it yourself

The commitment of our gardeners and summer residents to save money on almost everything is well known, making the most incredible things from scrap materials.

Our Kulibins and water pumps for supplying and pumping water to artificial hydraulic structures at their summer cottage did not bypass their attention. An amateur engineer will need very few materials that can usually be found in any garage:

• Standard brackets.
• Matching multi-valve bushing.
• Corrugated pipe of the same size.
• Fragment of a log.
• Industrial or homemade rubber valves.

The video shows how to make a mini pump with your own hands:

How to use a washing machine pump to make it for a garden fountain.

The pump is dismantled, washed and connected to the water supply and power supply

In this case, it is extremely important to have reliable insulation, prevent water and contact with the electrical part and connections in order to avoid short circuits. No one will object that it is great to create technical devices on your own, but still it is safer to purchase from the manufacturer.

This will serve as a guarantee of safety, long and reliable operation. The video shows a do-it-yourself fountain from scrap materials:

Modern pumping units for the circulation of water in the adjoining, suburban and suburban areas are distinguished by a variety of models

They are characterized by a variety of performance indicators, technical characteristics and, importantly, the price level. When choosing, you should take into account a lot of nuances and details.

The best option would be to get advice from a professional in this area or services for the selection and installation of equipment from specialized firms that have the appropriate licenses and permits to carry out work of a similar nature. Read about creating a recreation area with your own hands in this article.

Fountain pump: overview of types, characteristics, and tips.

Fountains, waterfalls and other devices that use water have become a popular decoration of a summer cottage or a country house. The fountains give the dacha a special flavor and the landscape of the garden acquires its own uniqueness.

Fountain construction is not an easy process. It is necessary to carry out calculations of the pipes and the power of the pump supplying water to the system. The decorative fountain pump determines the height and power of the water flow.

You should not choose a pump with a large margin of power, this leads to unnecessary costs. It is difficult to figure out which pump you need to buy without recommendations.

Varieties of pumps

Submersibles work at the depth of the water accumulator, so they are sealed.

Surface pumps are installed on land, but they are noisy, submersible pumps are less noisy.

Water comes to the fountain from a source, the source is a reservoir or river. The reservoir allows for a closed fountain cycle with replenishment of the water level if necessary.

How to choose a pump for a fountain

Low-power pumps are used in mini fountains or waterfalls, but they must be powerful enough to raise the water to the required level. Every low-power pump has this specification. It should be noted that the mini pump requires a 24 volt connection, this should be taken care of in advance.

Pumps of decorative fountains must work continuously for a long time, therefore, their design provides for a system for their cooling and a system for stabilizing other parameters that allow maintaining a long service life.

The principle of operation of a submersible pump is based on the use of a vane rotor, which propels water during rotation. The size of the blades and their speed of rotation determine the level of water pressure in the system.

The submersible pump is installed at the bottom elevation in order to prevent the ingress of silt, sand and other contaminants into the rotor part of the pump, which leads to its breakdown.

The mini fountain does not require special nozzles that determine the type of jets, one outlet element is enough.

When it is necessary to create spraying of water, a special jet shape and other effects, the fountain equipment includes transitional structural elements that are installed on the pump outlets

It is important that all elements of the water supply are resistant to pollution during operation, otherwise the fountain will not fulfill its purpose to decorate the garden

Surface pumps require a dust and rain cover.

The water intake hose must be equipped with a mesh filter and a non-return valve, which must be cleaned periodically. Over-contamination of these elements leads to malfunction of the pump and its further breakdown.

When choosing a pump, it is recommended to consider the main parameters of the unit that determine the choice. These include: performance level, power and fluid lift.

The performance level determines the water flow rate, this characteristic is indicated in the tables of the pump operating instructions.

The power characteristics of fountain pumps are distinguished by their energy efficiency. Given the continuity of their work, this fact is important from the point of view of the budget of the fountain.

The height of the rise of the liquid is equal to the length of the vertical straight line from the water mirror in the tank to the end of the outlet pipe raised to the level of stopping the outflow of water.

Recommendations for the selection of pump manufacturers.

There are many manufacturers of pumps for fountains. Using some examples, we will consider the characteristics of units for various fountains.

Pumps manufactured by PONDTECH are designed for various types of fountains. For streams and waterfalls, the HP series is designed. The equipment of this series is distinguished by its high performance with a power of up to 900 watts.

PONDTECH pumps for fountains with additional equipment are designated the AP series. Products AR 388, AR 4660, AR 204, AR 3300 and others of this series have gained popularity on the Russian market.

Their rival manufacturers should be distinguished by Messner, which is distinguished by high build quality and reliability. The best products of this company are ECO-X2 4500 and ECO-X2 20000.

In the models of these manufacturers, there are additional functions of protection against overloads and overheating that are attractive to buyers.

Mini pumps for water

Manufacturers offer a variety of mini water pumps, which can be divided into two types: submersible and surface. The former function exclusively under water, while the latter, on the contrary, are designed to work on the surface.Basically, miniature water pumps are designed for handling liquid with a low proportion of impurities, pumping clean water, various liquids with a low viscosity, which are neutral, not aggressive towards the parts and elements of the pump itself.

Such devices are reliable, practical, easy to operate, safe during installation, silent, extremely economical. They are used most often in everyday life, although there are also special mini water pumps for machine tools. So, for example, a similar device is used with drills, machine tools for diamond drilling in walls, reinforced concrete floors. Such a mechanism is indispensable in electric tile cutters, where mini water pumps are needed for machines with water-cooled diamond saw blade.

In everyday life, products of this type can be observed in the operation of aquariums, washing car glass, organizing the functioning of small fountains, various water compositions, cascades, waterfalls when arranging a personal plot, even in interior design in the form of water-bubble structures. Submersible pumps for mini waterfalls and fountains are the main equipment that is designed to create the necessary conditions for the operation of decorative hydraulic systems. The simplest, ordinary fountain is easy to build using a submersible structure. But surface mini-pumps for water circulation are best used when installing not one, but several fountains with a large height difference. The advantages of such installations will only be seen if very high performance is required. And for small landscape and design ideas, it is enough to purchase a low-power submersible unit. It is necessary to install a pump for a mini waterfall or fountain so that the entire device is under water, but does not touch the bottom. Often, the unit is simply laid, for example, on bricks. Water enters the mechanism through a filter, and comes out through a nozzle or goes through a hose to the desired place.

Pump selection

For small fountains, a submersible pump is the best option. It is not only more expedient in a makeshift construction, but also cheaper.

Outdoor pumps are required only where the fountain has a complex structure and takes up a large area. Their noise is not extinguished by the water column, and in order to avoid theft, outdoor equipment has to be masked separately. On the other hand, "dry" outdoor pumps are easier to service.

An important parameter of the equipment is its power. If the height of the water jet does not exceed one and a half meters, then you should limit yourself to an indicator of 70 W. If the power is greater, then the cascade will go higher. Pumps with the ability to adjust the pressure force are preferred, they allow you to change the height of the fountain.

The power of the outlet water depends on the power of the equipment

When choosing a pump, one should be guided by the ratio of indicators such as pressure and performance of the device. The first parameter characterizes to what height an upward jet can rise. The second indicates the volume of water that is pumped by the fountain pump in an hour.