That’s bad news for the aquatic life that calls your pond home, as well as visitors dropping by for a drink. 

The right pond filter pump plays a pivotal role in improving and maintaining water quality, performing several vital functions simultaneously. Let’s dive into pond filter pumps, starting with why a combination pond filter pump is the practical choice for your backyard.

What is a pond filter pump?

Our first clue is in the name. Pond filter pumps are specialised submersible devices designed to circulate and filter water in ponds and small water features, removing impurities while moving water from one place to another, oxygenating it in the process.

The naming and jargon around different bits of pond equipment can be confusing so here’s a simplified breakdown to help you invest in the right equipment:

• Pond pumps are primarily responsible for water circulation, powering water features, moving water to a waterfall or pumping water to a filter.
• Pond filters are dedicated filtration units designed to remove impurities and contaminants from water, but the water must be pumped through them, as standalone filters do not have this power.
• Pond filter pumps are hybrid devices that combine the functions of a pond pump and a pond filter in a single unit, circulating water and maintaining water quality via a built-in filtration mechanism.

Standalone backyard ponds have relatively low filtration needs (compared to water fountains, large water features or waterfalls), making an all-in-one pond filter pump a convenient, no fuss and cost-effective solution.

Why pond filter pumps are essential equipment for backyard ponds

Pond filter pumps play a crucial role in a healthy and balanced aquatic environment by removing debris, impurities and toxins, and circulating water to prevent stagnation.

Water circulation

Pond water needs to circulate or it stagnates. Most backyard ponds do not have a way for this process to happen naturally, so a pump is used to move the water around. Circulation also helps to regulate water temperature by mixing warm sun-drenched water with cool water from the bottom (and vice versa in winter). 

However, circulation alone is not enough to maintain a healthy pond. 

Oxygenation

Oxygen is essential for fish and plant health. It also helps to break down organic matter. Pond filter pumps keep oxygen levels high by “mechanical aeration”. Essentially, the pond filter pump replicates the turbulence that comes naturally to other water bodies, pushing air into the water as it cascades from fountains or other outlets allowing oxygen to dissolve and dissipate. 

Mechanical filtration

Pond filter pumps often have integrated mechanical filters such as foam pads or blocks. These filters prevent debris like leaves, twigs, and other physical contaminants from settling at the bottom of the pond, where they decay and release harmful substances into the water. They also stop larger material from entering and clogging your pump.

Biological filtration

Many pond filter pumps include biological filters that provide a habitat for beneficial bacteria. These good bacteria break down organic waste like fish waste and excess food, preventing ammonia and nitrate buildup. This is why some sponge filter block are described as ‘bio-filters’.

UV clarifiers

Some pond filter pumps, including the entire range of Aquapro all-in-one pump and filter systems, incorporate UV clarifiers. These use ultraviolet light to kill algae cells and pathogens, reducing green water, keeping it clean and clear.

What you need to know to choose the right pond filter pump

Not all pond filter pumps are created equal. Once you have decided that a combination filter pump system suits your needs, you can start comparing the technical specs to choose the best unit.

Flow rate

Use the size of your pond to gauge the appropriate flow rate, which will be displayed as litres per hour or L/H. A good guideline is to circulate the pond’s entire water volume once each hour. 

We have made it easy for you by listing the ideal pond volume for each pump in the product description (and on the box), including considerations for fish life and sunlight.

Our pond volume calculator is a free online tool to help estimate the capacity of your pond.

Filtration requirements

Consider whether you need mechanical, biological or UV filtration – or a combination filter pump that covers all your bases. 

Fountain features

Some pond filter pumps feature a fountain kit that oxygenates water, keeping your pond healthy to support fish and plant life. If you plan to use your pond filter pump to run to a fountain check the “max head height”, which tells you how far upwards the pump can push water. 

Choose the best pond filter pump

High-quality pond filter pumps are easy to install and maintain, with low power consumption, making them safe for children and pets. We also recommend choosing a pump with a long warranty and purchasing from a local supplier for peace of mind.

Aquapro ticks all these boxes, with an extensive range of pond filter pumps that provide spectacular water quality with no fuss. Our team is also happy to answer your specific questions about ponds, pumps and filters, with an extensive range of pond filter pumps that provide spectacular water quality with no fussers and all-in-one solutions.