Submersible pump recomendations

[Pam]

I couldn't decide whether this is the correct forum or if Pond Chat would be appropriate 

We are in the planning stage of construction on a ~1600 gallon, roughly oval pond with maximum head of 6' for the waterfall. I would prefer a submersible pump to keep all of the water inside the liner to minimize leak potential. Our head pond with the waterfall spill will be inside the liner because I just don't want to deal with waterfall leaks.

I looked at the Dealers section of the forum and there appear to be many choices and pricing is much lower than I had anticipated 

Can anyone please provide a recommendation on a brand that has been great for you?

Thanks for your time 


This is a plant and goldie pond so no real needs for super filtration.

[Kittyzee]

I also have a plant and goldie pond and have always had good luck and no problems with PondMaster submersible pumps.  Others will weigh in with their opinions too, I'm sure!    I have had my pond for over 15 years and have only had 2 pumps.  The second one only as an upgrade to move more water when I put my bio filter in.

[Pam]

Thanks Kittyzee!  Pondmaster sounds quite reliable.

[howardTheHumble]

The next time I buy pumps I am not sure that I want magnetic drive.  I have 3 or 4 pondmaster that need new impellers because over a period of years the magnets get weak.  Has anyone else seen this ?

How long is a period of years.  Not sure but thinking maybe 5.

[Pam]

Hi Howard, thanks for the input  I always felt that around three years was good for a fountain pump (600 gph), so had no idea that a bigger pump would last longer. What is your average life on a non-mag drive pump? Which brand do you like?

[Kittyzee]

Howard, I think if my memory serves me right that after about 4 or 5 years I replaced an impeller on my first pondmaster.  They make it easy with the replacement parts at my local pond store.  When it comes to mechanical problems, I don't know much about it.  Hubby took a look at it and told me what it needed.  I think they were available online too. 

[howardTheHumble]

First I want to say I am not exactly a pump expert.

4 or 5 years sounds about right LuAnn.

When I first started ponding one of the first pumps I purchased was not magnetic drive and it ran about 10 years.  It might had lasted longer had I not moved it to a DIY humidifier in the house.  Thinking mineral buildup killed it, or maybe not.  1 is not a great sample size.

Pam, on non magnetic drive pumps the lifetime is mostly limited by the seals and bearing.  On larger pumps these are replaceable.  A google for "pond pump direct" will find some submersible direct drive pumps down to 170GPH from little giant and beckett. 

[Pam]

Thanks Howard for the insight. We're looking for around 1600 GPH for the planned pond. When we broke down my brother and sister in law's pond, we got a Vancs, but when I looked at it, I actually thought that it was a sump pump and would be too much of an energy hound. Maybe the Vancs is a good pump, IDK