Pond filters are essential for maintaining water quality in ponds. They remove impurities such as algae, bacteria, and other organic matter from the water.
RANK | IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | |
1 | | Pennington Aquagarden Water Pump For Ponds | ||
2 | | Oase Living Water Biosmart 1000 Pond Filter | ||
3 |
| VIVOHOME Pressurized Biological Pond Filter | ||
4 |
| POND BOSS Filter Kit With Pump |
Ponds are great for fish, plants, and wildlife. But they also require regular maintenance to ensure their health and safety.
Pond pumps (see also ‘The Best Pond Water Wheel‘) are designed to circulate water through the filter media. This helps prevent sediment build-up and keeps the water clean.
Pond filters are particularly important in Koi ponds because of the high level of dissolved oxygen that is required for healthy koi.
A pond pump will help maintain a constant flow of water through the filter medium, which will keep the water free of harmful contaminants.
Types Of Pond Filters
Before we look at the best pond filters for garden and koi ponds that are currently on the market it is important that you know the different types of pond filters that there are.
There are several types of pond pumps (see also ‘What Size Pond Pump Do I Need‘) available. The most common ones include submersible, surface, and jetted models. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about these options below.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are a popular choice for garden and koi ponds because they can be used indoors or outdoors.
Submersible pumps are ideal for small ponds that don’t have enough flow to support a larger pump. They’re also easy to install and maintain.
The advantages of submersible pumps are that they are easy to install and have very low maintenance costs.
The disadvantages are that they can be difficult to clean when you are cleaning them out and they are not suitable for large ponds.
Surface Pumps
Surfacing pumps are another popular option for garden and koi pond owners. These pumps are typically powered by an electric motor and come with a built-in impeller. They’re often installed on a floating raft or skimmer.
The main advantage of surface pumps is that they can easily be moved from one pond to another.
They are also easy to maintain and they don’t cost a lot to run. Surface pumps are not ideal for small ponds and work best in ponds of larger sizes.
Jetted Pumps
Jetted pumps use pressurized air to move water through a series of tubes. These pumps are usually connected directly to a hose bibb.
They’re commonly used in large ponds where there’s sufficient flow to support the additional weight.
The advantages of this type of pond pump are that they have a high flow rate and they are also lightweight and easy to move.
Jetted pumps are however quite expensive and they require regular maintenance, which can be seen as disadvantages by some.
Now that you understand the most common types of pond filters available, let’s take a look at our top picks.
4 Best Pond Filters For Garden & Koi Ponds
Below are our top picks for garden ponds, Koi ponds, and small garden ponds, and we also share our top pick for the best UV pond filter.
1. Best Garden Pond Filter Pump: Pennington Aquagarden Water Pump For Ponds
The Pennington Aquagarden Inpond 5 in 1 is a brilliant product and for a great price! What is there not to love? This great product features a pump, filter, UV water clarifier (see also ‘Best UV Pond Clarifiers‘), LED spotlight, and fountain feature.
There are three sizes available and in this review, we are speaking specifically about the middle-sized model, which is suitable for 300-gallon ponds.
Bring your pond to life at nighttime with the LED spotlight and make your pond shine with the fountain feature.
The water fountain feature is optional and you can choose from a fountain or a feature that sits on the side of your pond.
You will notice visibly clearer water within hours of installation as this pump can process 3.16 gallons of water per minute, all of which is freshly filtered before being pumped back into the pond.
The filter in this pump contains effective biological and mechanical filtration that helps to keep water healthy and clean.
There is also a ceramic biomedia built-in on this device which helps to support friendly bacteria in your pond.
This product can be used in both garden ponds and Koi ponds. If you do have a pond with fish in it the manufacturer has a sizing guide on their website, which is linked below, to help you get the best product to help your fish thrive.
Pros
- Pump and Filter sold together
- Easy to install
- Clear, algae-free water guarantee
- 3 sizes available
- 2-year guarantee
Cons
- Only suitable for ponds under 400 gallons in volume.
You can buy this pond filter on Amazon by clicking here or directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
2. Best Koi Pond Filter Pump: Oase Living Water Biosmart 1000 Pond Filter
Koi ponds differ from a regular garden pond that may have other fish such as goldfish. Koi ponds tend to be quite large to give the Koi fish space to grow and thrive.
The Koi is a cold fish and so it is very important that you get a filter that does not heat the water in the pond after filtering it.
With all these important factors to consider we found that the Oase Biosmart Pond Filter came out on top as the best filter for a Koi pond.
This filter provides both mechanical and biological filtration which helps to create a higher oxygen level in the water in your koi pond.
The filters are divided into different distinct zones that promote the settlement of a range of good bacteria which supports different phases of your pool’s natural nitrogen cycle.
The temperature gauge at the top allows you to check the temperature of the water easily to ensure your Koi don’t become unwell from overly warm water.
It is easy to clean this product as you simply just turn the pump off and pull the cleaning handles, saving you from having to manually unclog the filter foams from any build-up or debris.
There is also a useful built-in indicator that alerts you when you need to clean the filter.
The filter is suited to ponds with no fish up to 10,000 gallons in volume and the manufacturer recommends using the product in Koi ponds of up to 2,500 gallons in volume and other fish ponds up to 5,000 gallons in volume.
The filter weighs 24 pounds and measures 30 inches high, 22 inches wide, and 16 inches deep.
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes
- Easy to clean, with built-in indicators regarding cleaning needs
- Water temperature gauge
- 3-year warranty
- Spare parts can be bought online from the manufacturer
Cons
- Doesn’t feature a UV filter
You can buy this pond filter on Amazon by clicking here or directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
3. Best UV Pond Filter Pump: VIVOHOME Pressurized Biological Pond Filter
The VIVOHOME Pressurized Biological Pond filter is a fantastic product that offers superior performance. It is made from strengthened ABS material and is resistant to sunlight, water, and age.
This product is very easy to maintain with built-in features that alert you when the filters need to be cleaned.
The sponges in the main section of the pump and filter can be removed to be cleaned or replaced, helping this product to last for years.
This filter uses biotechnology to make the nitrifying bacteria breed faster which benefits the quality of the water in your pool as it speeds up the breakdown of fish feces.
The UV filter light is also very effective at removing green algae, which means that your pond water is always crystal clear.
Algae bloom is particularly harmful to fish which makes this a great choice for a Koi pond or a garden pond.
It filters 1,585 gallons per hour and is best suited to fish ponds with a volume of 800 gallons or garden ponds with a volume of 1,600 gallons.
Pros
- Durable materials used in construction
- Removable sponges, making maintenance and cleaning easier
- Changeable UV light
- Easy-to-use 3 drain holes
- Available in three sizes
Cons
- The pump is sold separately
You can buy this pond filter on Amazon by clicking here or directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
4. Best Small Pond Filter Pump: POND BOSS Filter Kit With Pump
This POND BOSS pond filter and pump is a great choice for anyone with a small pond on their property. This pump is ideal for use in small ponds with a volume of up to 500 gallons.
With this kit, you get an impressive 320 gallons per hour pump, two filter pads, ten BioBalls that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your pond, a water spray nozzle, nozzle extension tubes, and lastly a diverter valve.
The lid of this pump is slated which helps to prevent an accumulation of debris, pairing this with the two filter pads in the design help to reduce maintenance while also benefiting the longevity of this product.
Give your small pond the wow factor by using the water spray nozzle to create your own water displays.
This pump weighs just 4.18 pounds and measures 6.22 inches high, 12.36 inches wide, and 6.97 inches deep.
Pros
- Device contains a nozzle, pump, and filter
- Quiet operation
- Choice of different sizes
- Filter is eco-friendly & operates as an energy-efficient appliance
- Affordable
- 1-year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Difficult installation process
You can buy this pond filter on Amazon by clicking here or directly from Target online by clicking here.
Buyers Guide
When buying a pond pump, it’s important to consider your needs before making any purchase.
Here are some things you’ll want to think about when choosing a pond pump.
Pond Size
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the pump you choose can handle the amount of water your pond requires. This means that you will need to know the volume and size of your pond.
Do you have space for a big pump? Or do you just need something simple and light?
If you have a very small pool, then a submersible pump might not be necessary, instead, you could opt for a surface pump.
Ensure you know the measurements for your pond as well as its volume to ensure you get the right product for you.
Flow Rate
The amount of water flowing through the pump is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Most pond pumps produce between 5 GPM and 10 GPM and the recommendation is that you should buy a pump that produces at least 1 GPM.
If you have a Koi pond, then you will need a higher flow rate as this will help them thrive.
When considering what flow rate you need to think about how much water your pond requires.
If you have a very small pond, then it’s likely you don’t need a huge volume of water and so a low flow rate would suffice, but if you have a larger pond that requires constant circulation to stay topped up, then a higher flow rate pump is probably best.
Power Source
Most pond pumps operate using electricity. Some models can run off batteries while others use AC power.
It’s best to choose a model that runs off AC power since this type of power source provides consistent energy.
If you live in an area where power outages occur frequently, then you may want to opt for a battery-operated pump.
If your pump is battery operated then you will need to keep an eye on the battery level to ensure you replace it when necessary.
Size Of Water Intake Pipe
If you are going to connect the pond pump to a hose bibb, then you’ll need to know how big the pipe is. Most manufacturers provide detailed instructions on how to size the intake pipe.
You will need to make sure that the pipe fits snugly inside the outlet port to allow the pump to get the correct level of water flow it needs to operate.
Installation Type
Once you’ve decided which type of pump you want, you can start looking at installation options. Decide whether you want to install the pond pump yourself or hire someone else to do it.
DIY installation is generally more expensive than hiring a professional as you may need to buy certain tools in order to install the product into the pond properly.
If you have little experience installing equipment, then you may want the assistance of a professional.
Maintenance
Once you’ve purchased and installed a pond pump, you’ll want to keep it properly maintained, and this means regular upkeep such as cleaning the intake and outlet ports regularly.
It’s also important to check the filter screen periodically. The filter screen helps prevent debris from entering the pump.
It’s recommended that you inspect your pump every month. Make sure that all the components are clean and free of debris to ensure your pump continues to work effectively and efficiently.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for leaks. If you notice any signs of leakage, then you should contact a professional immediately.
By staying on top of maintenance you will be able to prevent serious damage to your pump as a result of small issues that were ignored.
Depending on the amount of damage you may need to replace your pond pump entirely, which can be costly.
Budget
There is a huge range of choices when it comes to pond pumps and so by shopping around it is possible to find what you are looking for at a price that is within your budget.
By shopping around you may find a store that sells your product for less or often the manufacturer will have a discount for customers who buy directly from their website.
We have always found that by shopping around we have ended up saving money.
While price is important don’t let it dictate what pump you get, consider it alongside the above considerations to ensure you are still getting the best product for you and your pond (see sealer).
Final Thoughts
When purchasing a pond pump, there are many factors to take into consideration.
Before you buy anything, make sure that you are happy with your decision and willing to keep up with any maintenance work the pump may entail.
Make sure that you get a pump that fits your needs and budget. Once you are certain as to what it is you need, you can begin shopping!
We hope this guide has been of help to you, if you still have questions, check out our frequently asked questions sections below for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Pond Pump?
Pond pumps are beneficial because they provide convenience. When you own a pond pump, you don’t have to worry about manually cleaning the water, which allows you to spend more time doing things that matter most.
Another benefit is that you won’t have to worry about getting dirty while maintaining your pond!
A pond pump helps maintain the quality of your water by removing waste and dirt and preventing algae growth. It also enables you to monitor the amount of water going through the pond.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Pond Pump?
The cost of installing a pond pump varies depending on the model, brand, and other features. You can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $500.
However, you shouldn’t worry about the price too much. Buying a durable and high-quality product means that you will be able to enjoy your new pond pump for years to come, meaning that it is an investment piece.
What Kind Of Maintenance Is Required?
As mentioned earlier, you will need to perform some maintenance on your pond pump. This includes inspecting the parts regularly.
Inspecting the parts ensures that everything is working properly and if you do find something wrong, then you will need to fix it before it causes damage.
Also, you will need to check the filters periodically. These filters remove impurities from the water and this is particularly important in the case of pond pumps in Koi ponds.
You will need to replace them when necessary, otherwise, the filters could clog up over time.
How Do I Know Which Pond Pump Works Best For My Ponds?
Choosing the right pond pump for your pond depends on what kind of pool you have.
For example, if you have a small pond, then you’ll probably only need a surface pump and if you have a Koi pond you will need a pond that has a suitable built-in filter.
On the other hand, if you have a large pond with lots of plants, then you’ll want to consider a submersible pump.
By considering our buyer’s guide when you are shopping for a pond pump we are confident that you will be able to find the right pump for you and your pond.
