Bad: My pump went out with less than 1 year of use. I was soooo upset. I guess it's about that time that our water is getting into the warmer temps and pumps are working a little harder.
Good: I bought a few items from a garage sale. Including a pump, filter, and an airator. Boy did they come in handy. I went to the place where I purchased the pump (Lowes). Without a receipt, they honored my word and exchanged the pump for store credit (they didn't have the model I needed). I was surprised they would do such a thing. Oh, I didn't mention that I rolled out of bed at 8:30 p.m. to do this. I couldn't sleep knowing my koi were in danger. I'm a little nuts, I guess.
I know the pump is not the greatest, but that store's service works for me. It is my first pump. I didn't investigate the importance of a durable pump. The pump is a PP1300 made by Pond Treasures. It is a 1400 gph submersible pump. I paid $107 for it. I'm pretty sure it won't last another year, but I know I can return it if something goes wrong. It also comes with a 5 year factory warranty. I can now sleep.