Seasonal Pond Pump Maintenance

Taking care of your pump is not a one-time endeavor. It’s important to do seasonal pond pump maintenance to make sure that it your machine is properly prepared for the conditions that come with changing temperatures.

Fall

During fall you’ll need to be extra vigilant about removing leaves and other falling debris from the surface of your pond. If this detritus is allowed to pile up, it has the potential to clog your pond pump's filter, which can result in all kinds of nasty problems.

Winter

Unless you live in a very temperate climate (in which case you probably aren’t interested in an article about seasonal pond pump maintenance), winter is a time for shutting down your pump and storing it. If your pond has the potential to freeze, you don’t want your pump anywhere near it. Frozen water can cause internal pump pieces to freeze and break.

Spring

Your pond pump has been in storage for a while, so examine it closely for signs of damage or wear. Look at the power cord and cables, filter, pump housing and the complete exterior. Then give the pump a thorough cleaning from the inside out. Get rid of any accumulated dirt or grime, especially inside the pump where the impeller is housed.

Summer

The only maintenance that must be done during summer is cleaning. The frequency with which you should clean your pump will vary based on the size of your pond and its location in your yard. Be proactive about cleaning to keep your pump in optimal working condition.

Have questions about your pond pump or other important pond supplies? Contact us today.

Quick Fixes for Your Pond Pump

If your pond pump starts malfunctioning, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to purchase a replacement. Some of the problems that occur have a quick fix, and you may be able to take care of them on your own.

What to do when your pond pump starts acting up:

• The first thing you want to do is clean it. If algae, dirt or debris has built up, it may be blocking the pump or otherwise preventing it from functioning properly. My last post was all about cleaning your pond pump, so refer to that for additional instructions.
  
  
• The next thing you want to look at is water level. If it’s not at the right level, it may be preventing your pump from functioning properly. Water levels that are too low can cause your pump to make weird noises, while those that are too high can cause overflowing. You want your pump to be submerged, but your pond does not need to be filled to the brim.
  
  
• Are you hearing a weird vibrating noise? If your pump is hitting up against the water basin, that could be the cause. Place a small rubber kitchen mat beneath your pump to take care of this minor problem.
  
  
• Finally, you always want to examine the tubing. If it is too small, place the connecting end in boiling water for a few minutes. Immediately after removing it, place it over the pond pump tube outlet. As it shrinks it will form a watertight seal. If it’s too small, purchase a corkscrew clamp to hold it in place. If neither of these solutions work, you can always buy new tubing. Although this is a slightly more expensive option, it is still more affordable than completely replacing the pump.

As you can see, many pond pump issues can be fixed without requiring you to invest much time or money. The biggest factor in keeping your pond fully functioning is to monitor its performance. As soon as you notice a problem, take the proper steps to identify it. If it’s a quick fix, follow our suggestions above. If you need assistance, contact one of our pond supplies experts for more information.

Cleaning Your Pond Pumps: Why, How and When

The month of August is going to be all about pond pumps. We’re going to talk about how to clean them, how to care for them and how to make sure they work effectively in your pond for years to come.

Let’s start with cleaning. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years of being a pond enthusiast, it’s that cleaning your pond supplies is the key to keeping them working effectively.

This is definitely true when it comes to pond pumps. They are the heart of any successful water garden, because they aerate the water and circulate it through a filtration system to keep it clean.

Follow the tips below to make sure you keep your pond pump sparkling clean and in great working condition:

1. Unplug your pump from its power supply to prevent the possibility of electrocution.
   
   
2. Gently remove the pump from the water (do not yank or pull aggressively)
   
   
3. Dismantle all parts of the pump and lay them out individually.
   
   
4. Clean each piece separately using only water. It’s best to use existing pond water as opposed to tap water so you don’t disrupt the ecosystem. DO NOT use any chemicals or cleaning agents. IMPORTANT NOTE: when cleaning your pond pump filter, rinse only about one-fourth of the media with water. Some of the bacteria that grows in your filter is beneficial to your pond, so you don't want to eliminate all of it.
   
   
5. Check the hose to see if there are any blockages, and clean them out if necessary.
   
   
6. Make sure all cables and wiring running from the pump are well connected and don't show any signs of damage. Repair or replace if needed.
   
   
7. Reassemble the pump and return it to its proper place in your water garden.

How often you clean your pond pump depends on how large your pond is,where it is located in your yard, and how many fish you have. The more debris your pond accumulates, the more often you'll want to clean the pump. The more fish you have, the more waste that gets produced, and the more frequently your pump will need to be cleaned. You get the idea.

If you have any questions about how to clean your pump, or if you want to learn more about the different kinds of pond pumps we have to offer, contact one of our pond supplies experts today.