Pumps for fountains and waterfalls: types, how to choose, install and connect

Tastefully decorated and immaculately arranged land, it gives visual pleasure and restores strength. Comfortable country corners with artificial ponds, cascading waterfalls, enchanting fountains have a special degree of relaxation.

Their organization will require specific pumping equipment, the rules of installation and operation of which should be reviewed. Do you agree?

You will find all the most valuable and useful pro pumps for fountains and waterfalls on our website. We give clear guidelines to help you choose the most suitable model with the necessary technical data.

Those who wish to independently build a reservoir with special effects near the country house we will find practical recommendations and schemes for implementing a stunning idea.

We describe the types of pumping equipment used in landscape design, we give examples of the construction and designate the nuances of mounting equipment. A great addition to carefully selected and systematized information are collections of photos, graphics and video.

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The content of the article:

  • Purpose of the pump and method of use
  • Types of pumping equipment
    • Characteristics of submersible models
    • Description of surface systems
  • Technical features of devices
  • Landmarks for thoughtful purchase of the device
  • Location is an important factor.
  • Features of the installation of pumping equipment
  • Useful video on the topic

Purpose of the pump and method of use

A pump is a device that allows cyclically to drive water through an established circuit. Often the equipment is used in decorative hydraulic structures and in summer cottages and country estates.

The principle of the mechanism is that the device creates a positive pressure, pushing water with a certain force. The power level corresponds to the height of the ejected jet.

Image Gallery

A photo of

A small pond with a waterfall on a country site

A pump in an artificially created pond forms a hydraulic pressure that ensures the flow of water in a given direction

Filtration pump without nozzles for water flow

Pumping equipment creates the effect of a stream or waterfall filtration pump, equipped with one or more nozzles for connecting hoses

Water cascade with filtration pump

For work in open water, filtration pumps are equipped with a suction nozzle, to which a screen filter or a skimmer is connected.

Artificial waterfall with a slide at the dacha

In the line of equipment you can find a version of any power. Their main constructive feature is a lateral discharge pipe.

Fountain with a pond in the landscape of a country estate

For the formation of one upward jet or the whole group of the pressure pipe of the pump unit is installed on top

The pump for the device of the fountain in a decorative pond

The pump for the formation of the fountain in a small-sized artificial pond is complemented by several nozzles for supplying water in a different format.

The choice of pumping equipment for the size of the fountain

Pumping units for arranging fountains are selected so that the height of the "water column" is equal to or greater than the minimum distance from the edge of the shore

Water supply option using one of the nozzles

It should be borne in mind that the height of the fountain will be less than the maximum head value specified in the technical specifications.

A small pond with a waterfall on a country site

A small pond with a waterfall on a country site

Filtration pump without nozzles for water flow

Filtration pump without nozzles for water flow

Water cascade with filtration pump

Water cascade with filtration pump

Artificial waterfall with a slide at the dacha

Artificial waterfall with a slide at the dacha

Fountain with a pond in the landscape of a country estate

Fountain with a pond in the landscape of a country estate

The pump for the device of the fountain in a decorative pond

The pump for the device of the fountain in a decorative pond

The choice of pumping equipment for the size of the fountain

The choice of pumping equipment for the size of the fountain

Water supply option using one of the nozzles

Water supply option using one of the nozzles

Country-type pumps are distinguished by their priority for seasonal mobility. The unit is convenient because its operation does not require any additional extensions and communications. It copes well with pumping water without the need for connecting plumbing.

Virtually all pumping equipment consists of similar parts: a rotating engine and an impeller, which influences the flow force.

Surface pumping station

The device consists of two parts connected by means of a flexible tube, mainly plastic. In some cases, used rubber

Before you install the water supply system, it is recommended to calculate everything correctly.

Feature Table

The table presents the main characteristics of popular devices and the ratio of power. Prices range from 3 to 58 thousand. rub (+)

When choosing equipment, it is first necessary to compare the power of the device with the dimensions of the bowl of an artificial reservoir. In most cases, the height of the fountain jet collected by such a system should not exceed one third of the width of the reservoir itself.

Naturally, the flow rate depends mainly on the size of the tank. In order to achieve a height of 1.2 m, it is necessary to pump about 800 liters through the pump system. at one o'clock. This is a fairly small amount compared to other devices that push water somewhere around 2 m in height and pump about 3000 liters. at one o'clock.

Types of devices

For each type of design there is a device. Before buying it is advisable to understand exactly what you want to build (+)

A feature of the pump is the ability to provide continuous circulation of fluid. If an architectural idea is present at the site, for example, a decorative cascade waterfall, water circulation is necessary. Because in the absence of a special technique, water simply cannot rise to the top of the scenery.

Types of pumping equipment

Circulation pumps for artificial reservoirs are divided into two main types: submersible and surface. Submersibles do their work directly at the bottom of the reservoir. Surface mounted near the shore, so they do not come into contact with water.

Characteristics of submersible models

Speaking of submersible pumps, the first thing to mention is a relatively easy installation method. Such devices are mainly used in the construction of small fountains, not exceeding a height of 2 m.

Submersible pump

The submersible type is completely in the water. The upper element acts as a liquid sprinkler, which then returns to the reservoir.

To ensure proper operation of the installation of the pump is recommended using additional components. This number includes all kinds of substrates and frames that prevent the ingress of sand and silt into the mechanism of the device. In most cases, use ordinary bricks, of which is constructed a kind of pedestal.

The pump draws water from the lower layers of the reservoir and then releases it through the nozzle. The jet is sprayed directly above the unit, but when a hose is connected to the device, it can be brought to the place specified by the idea of ​​landscape design.

The connection of the two elements occurs with a plastic or rubber tube. Often the length of the pipe is dictated by the power of the pump. The greater the distance between the modules, the more intense the flow should be. Pipes are connected and lengthened on the telescopic principle.

It should be remembered that the pressure in the pumping system to a large extent depends on the cross-section of pipes and supply hoses. The narrower they are, the greater will be the flux density at the outlet, therefore, the jet will be more intense.

As with any automatic system, the submersible pump operates from the electrical network. According to the basic installation rules, the system must be grounded without fail.

For performance, it will be enough voltage at 24 V. Devices of this type are low-voltage, so the power source can be a normal transformer.

It is quite another matter with high-power devices. As the number of handsets increases and additional structures are connected, more energy is required. Consequently, such systems are already connected directly to the network using an electrical cable.

In order to avoid emergency situations, the power harness must be necessarily covered with a waterproof material.

Compressor circuit

The mechanical cleaning filter is a fine stainless steel mesh. It detains mechanical pollution, preserving the internal parts of the water pump (+)

An important factor is the presence of sand particles and other pollutants in the water of water bodies. Most submersible systems for wells or fountains designed for pumping almost pure water.

A number of models allow the presence in water of impurities in a volume of 50 g / m³ and large particles, the size of which does not exceed 0.2 mm. To prevent damage, each pump is equipped with a filtration system, which is included in the design of the primary module, located under water.

In the technical documentation attached to the submersible pumping units, the allowable interval for the acid indicator of water, salinity and the maximum possible temperature for pumping are indicated. The manufacturer’s instructions are required to be scrupulously observed so that the pump does not fail early.

Submersible pump motors are continuously cooled as the pumping water runs. The design of the equipment provides support for thermal equilibrium and protection of the contact parts from premature abrasion.

It is necessary to select the pump so that the work process is carried out at medium speed, while achieving the required power level. If the pump is constantly laid out to the full, the working life of the unit will end faster. In this case, it is advisable to replace the equipment with a more productive one.

Another advantage of submersible pumping devices is the noiseless mechanism. Because the main noise generator is under water, from the shore it is almost inaudible. Also, the power consumption of the device is relatively small, which increases the degree of savings.

If repair is necessary, the submersible device must be disconnected and removed from the reservoir. Simple repair operations without problems can be carried out personally.

Options for the construction of a fountain and waterfall

Submersible pumps are used both in a construction of fountains, and in the device of falls. Significant minus - requirements for water characteristics, significantly limiting the scope of (+)

Description of surface systems

For the construction of multi-level structures used mainly surface pumps. Convenience of operation of this type of the equipment consists in simplicity of service. Compared to the immersion counterpart, it is much easier to detect a breakdown, if necessary, to fix it.

Surface pumps are less sensitive to water pollution, clay slurries and organic matter. They are capable of pumping water from open, not equipped reservoirs without causing damage to their own mechanics. For equipment resistant to minor impurities in water, include and drainage pumps.

For water intake into the pond or fountain tank, only the hose attached to the inlet is lowered. If the water to be pumped is unnecessarily polluted, it is advisable to equip the hose with a bottom valve with a fine mesh filter.

The scheme of the stepped fountain

According to the scheme, the multistage design of the fountain is mainly characteristic of small reservoirs. The outlet of each subsequent level is less than the previous one. This is dictated by the need to save power (+)

The disadvantages can be attributed to poor resistance to moisture and overheating from direct sunlight. To maintain high quality performance, the device should not be left out in the open.

Manufacturers recommend constructing separate boxes for such equipment or small pavilions that will protect it from precipitation.

What is a surface pump for fountains

The surface pump must be protected from direct exposure to UV, overheating and precipitation. It should not be installed in open areas, it is advisable to build a box or a soundproof box for the pump.

A weighty drawback to surface pumping systems is high noise. Since the equipment is not under water, the process of its work is perfectly audible to others. To avoid such situations, it is desirable to sheathe the protective housing or pavilion from the inside with sound absorbing material.

The power of the device depends on the distance to the reservoir. If you connect to the surface pump too long hoses and all kinds of nozzles, the efficiency of the device will be significantly reduced.

Therefore, manufacturers insist on installing equipment in the immediate vicinity of the reservoir and indicate the maximum allowable distance for its operation.

Distance to the reservoir

The distance to the reservoir does not exceed 2 m. Two compressors are connected to the device at once, which increases the intensity of pressure

Often, two objects are connected to such a system at once: a fountain and a waterfall. According to the instructions, the water pressure for these elements should be different. It follows that when branching the water pump and connecting two hoses, it is necessary to properly adjust the power level of the flow.

To be able to connect two circuits to one pumping device, it is advisable to purchase a tee if it was not in the original factory configuration.

This is important to understand before the installation process, because it often happens that the characteristics of the device become the most complete discovery after the detection of inoperability. It is better to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the technical data of the pump, and then only proceed to the installation.

Technical features of devices

In most cases, landscape designers use a pump for fountains or waterfalls, but there are still decorative complexes. This is typical of design ideas that emphasize the particular style of the landscape.

Architectural compositions in the form of mermaids, corals and other elements of the marine theme are often used as the final module of the water-pressure system. To do this, there are just special models of pumps that do a good job with the task of supplying water.

The construction of the fountain with a submersible pump

Waterfalls can be of any shape and size. The most common option is the stylization of natural objects, for example, a hill of river stones (+)

To add variety to the fountain, most manufacturers include several nozzles that change the shape of the jet.

Filtering qualities are undoubtedly important for the proper operation of the system, but for the most part they do not provide bactericidal properties. Some fountains have this feature.

The effect is achieved thanks to the hardware components, namely - ultraviolet lamps. Systems with a cleaning module for microorganisms and their metabolic products are respectively more expensive.

As a result, the percentage of germs causing water bloom has been significantly reduced. Plus, ultraviolet will favorably affect the reservoir's fauna if it is planned to breed river animals, for example, fry.

These properties are inherent, for example, to the fountain Gardena FFP5000. The disinfecting effect is fully felt only in reservoirs up to 5,000 liters. If the tank exceeds the recommended capacity, you need to install another model with a more powerful UV lamp - Gardena PF 15000S.

In addition, the decorative aspect of the fountain implies a special depression in the upper part of the sprinkler. The cavity can be filled with any material, be it crushed stone or another granulate. Such design will successfully fit into a country interior.

The popularity of the equipment is mainly due to the relatively low price, and due to the small size of the unit there will be no difficulties at the stage of its installation.

Pumps for fountains and waterfalls

A large number of nozzles will help to create the right atmosphere at the dacha. To date, several nozzles are included in the water pump package.

If a waterfall is planned on the site, it is better to use units that can pump dirty water. Such a device is not afraid of pollution and inclusions found in open natural waters. Large fragments of algae, leaves, etc. will not destroy them at all.

Therefore, it is recommended to buy a surface pumping station for taking water from natural sources, and for work in indoor pools, artificial pools with injected tap water is advised to buy submersible.

Landmarks for thoughtful purchase of the device

The primary factors affecting the cost are the type of fountain and its capacity. Submersible equipment is usually more expensive than the surface, because in its manufacture uses specific materials resistant to underwater pressure and constant contact with a not always innocuous aqueous medium.

The work of surface pumps for fountains and waterfalls

Surface pumps for decorative waterfalls and fountains are suitable if water is taken from open natural reservoirs.

Often, manufacturers include certain add-ons. The presence of various modules and attachments is determined by the specific model of the unit. Visual effects affecting the price include the presence of a backlight and a UV emitter.

All of the above, of course, can affect the cost, but the main price corridor depends on the manufacturer’s name and the dimensions of the fountain to be bought.

Fountain light

Variations of the highlights are different. Basically, manufacturers provide the ability to switch a specific color using the remote control

In order to maximize the choice of the pump and correctly evaluate the proposed functions from a practical point of view, you should be guided by a number of points.

Purchase checklist:

  1. First choose a device with a full set of additional extensions. This includes nozzles and hoses, a system for regulating water flow, as well as several spray heads.
  2. Correctly match the size of the pool with the power of the unit.
  3. When organizing a multi-level fountain or waterfall, the best performance is shown by water installations of the surface type.
  4. High-quality models are resistant to corrosion. This should not be neglected, since the device is always in the water or near it. The right choice of protective coating will significantly extend the life of the equipment.
  5. Always ask for instrument documentation. Verify the authenticity of the documents and the availability of quality certificates.
  6. Pay attention to warranty features. Examine the purchase agreement for availability of service warranty items.
  7. Connecting the power supply, make sure that the system is equipped with a special fuse that can at any time stop the flow of current. This is not a joke, because it often happens accidents associated with the violation of the sealed sheath of power cables.

Observing all this, you are guaranteed to get a quality product that will serve for many years. Water compressors for the fountain differ in a variety of shapes and sizes, and manufacturers constantly make adjustments to the equipment, making it even more reliable.

Location is an important factor.

The main point that is worth paying attention to when building a fountain is the angle of inclination of the terrain. It is noted that for the harmonious operation of the waterfall is better when the land is a little flat.

The construction of the fountain is best carried out directly in the lower part of the improvised slope. This will prevent an undesirable rise in groundwater levels.

The fountain is primarily an aesthetic object, therefore the visual component of the structure is undoubtedly important. If the fountain pump does not have a filtration system, under the influence of intense solar illumination, the water will quickly bloom. Because of this, there will be an unpleasant smell.

It follows that it is necessary to carefully select the area for the location of the building. It is not recommended to build a fountain in an open, continuously illuminated area. In the spring and autumn, the appearance of algae is not catastrophic, however, in the summer season this gives rise to many problems.

Deeper under the future waterfall

A recess in the ground will serve as a future reservoir. Thanks to the stepped type, the waterfall provides continuous circulation of water, which will then be returned to the upper part of the structure using a pump

Another important factor is the proximity of trees. The root system of any deciduous tree occupies a rather impressive area. If you do not calculate the possibility of crossing the outer wall of the reservoir with the root, may be the destruction of the bowl.

Types of fountains:

  • Geyser - mainly decorates the open areas of the holiday complex. Due to its design and pressure, a fountain of this type is well resisted by gusts of wind;
  • Bell - the fountain head is not very high, but the visual effect is interesting and will fit well into the composition of small country houses;
  • With jet separation system. The fountain can create jerky drops flying along a given trajectory. This type of equipment is appropriate in open areas.

In addition, the fountains are installed not only on the street, but also there are models specifically for the house. The design of such devices is not protected from moisture and wind, and therefore can not be used in open areas.

Features of the installation of pumping equipment

At the installation stage you need to decide on the type of pump. If the capacity of the tank is not too large, the choice of a submersible model would be an excellent option. Due to the design features, the device must be installed on a special frame that prevents the device from contact with the oozy bottom.

Bricks are well suited for such purposes (sometimes you can use an inorganic material, such as plastic). It is strongly not recommended to weld the metal substrate, since permanent residence in water will lead to rapid oxidation and the structure will collapse.

Modifications of submersible pumps for fountains

In the manufacture of submersible pumps used materials that resist corrosion phenomena and the pressure of the water column

The upper part of the device should be connected to the pump with a rubber or plastic tube. There are models with corrugated hose to avoid deformation. In no case do not install pumping equipment in the winter. Freezing damages the device and can lead to a forced repair or completely spoil it forever.

Care must be taken when installing the submersible pump and monitoring the water level. Intensive drainage of a natural reservoir can lead to serious damage. This is primarily due to insufficient water levels. The equipment is designed in such a way that work in idle often leads to irreversible consequences.

For example, in the absence of a fluid that acts as a lubricant for moving parts of a mechanism, the contacting parts wear out quickly. Consequently, the pumping station will not last for a long time if it is not deeply immersed in the reservoir or is operating without immersion longer than the period allowed by the manufacturer.

Like any electrical equipment, the pump needs to be grounded. When organizing the power supply, take care to properly connect the power harnesses. It is better to do this under the guidance of a person who understands electrical appliances.

Transformer layout

The diagram shows that the power source can be located indoors. To avoid surges, it is better to use a transformer with a fuse (+)

Ideally, it is better to contact the service center of the company that deals directly with the installation of equipment. Of course, this option is much more expensive, but you cannot save on security.

If you want to save money, you can make a simple model of the pump with your own hands. To create a water pump you will need a motor, a power unit and the available materials. Step-by-step instructions for making homemade products are given in this article.

Useful video on the topic

Overview of the water pump, characteristics of the device and equipment:

Installation Guide for Submersible Pump. How to choose the best equipment and what you should pay attention to during installation:

Overview of surface pumps and product benefits description:

The organization of dacha furniture is not easy, especially when you want to get your own fountain or pool with a cascade of waterfalls. You can embody the idea with your own hands when using specialized pumps.

Looking for a fountain pump model? Or have experience using such installations? Please leave comments on the article and share your skills in the installation and operation of pumps. Feedback, you can add a photo of his invention.

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