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.