Selecting A Waterfall Pump
System
First
and foremost is the fact that the pump has to, do a specific job
for you. It is supposed to; for example, make your waterfall
look fantastic. In that case, since all waterfalls and rapids
are different, you'll need to know how much water your waterfall
requires to make you happy with the results.
To
determine how much water is required to make a specific
waterfall look good to you, you have to actually run it. First
you have someone pour water over It,
and then, when it looks right to you, measure it. Use a garden
hose, or two, pour a large pail, or whatever, and adjust the
flow of water over your waterfall until you are pleased, and
then measure it In gallons per minute
or hour. For example: if the garden hose is adjusted to make it
look good and 'fills a (measured) five gallon pail in 40
seconds, then it is flowing at 7.5 gallons per minute (5 gal.
divided by the 40 seconds = 5/40 gal per second, times 60
seconds per minute 7.5 gallons per minute.) If the two gallon
pail is poured over the falls and looks good when It takes 30
seconds to empty it.. 2 gal divided
by 30 seconds is 2/30 gal per second, times 60 seconds per
minute is 4 gallons per minute. If we use both a hose, which
isn't quite 'enough water, plus a pail, then we compute, each
and add the two together.
You
also need to know the vertical height from the surface of the
water in the pond to the top of the waterfall - "how much higher
are we lifting the water." Once you know the gallons per minute
and the vertical height that you'll be lifting it, you can
select a pump from the specifications. Remember that aluminum
pump casings are not recommended for corrosive water like fish
ponds - stainless casings are much better.
You
will also need to use big enough tubing/hose/pipe to carry that
amount of water. The maximum recommended flows for hose, tubing
and pvc pipes are as follows:
1/2 in. = 2 gpm (120gph)
3 /4 in. = 5 gpm (300gph)
I in. 10 gpm (000gph)
1-1/4 in. 23 gpm (1380gph)
1-1/2 in. 33 gpm (2000gph)
2 in. 50 gpm (3000gph)
3 in 125 gpm (7500gph).
When
in doubt, use a size that is too large, never too
small.
The
National Electric Code specifies that the outlets should usually
be over four feet from the pond and covered with weatherproof
covers (weatherproof when in use - such as the Taymac Brand
covers.) Verify the length of cord needed for your pump to be
plugged in, without any extension cords, while placed farthest
from the waterfall,(for cross
circulation.) (Most Calpumps are available with any length
cord.) Make sure that the electrical circuit used
Is protected by a GFCI (Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter) - either a GFCI breaker in the breaker
panel or a GFCI receptacle. They have a "PUSH TO TEST" button on
them and protect you, your friends, and your pets from possible
dangerous shocks.
back to Installing A
Pond Liner
next page, Basics Of Clear
Pond
|
