Submersible Pumps vs External Pond Pumps
That is the question. What is the difference? The submersible pumps are inside the water and are typically a kit or combo deal with some sort of plastic “bead filtration,” or skimmer box attached. While external pumps are more like pool pumps, located on the outside of your pond and are usually more high-powered, while connected to a “pressure filter” similar to that of a pool filter. Yes some of these filters also come with bead bio-filtration, but we’re talking pumps here. (we’ll address the beads later, and you’ll see why)
Which one is better? It really depends on your goal. Submersible pumps typically arent strong enough to push water through a pressure filter so you are limited on what you can do with it. Meanwhile, submersible pumps are usually cheaper to buy, and like we said earlier – have the filtration + sometimes the UV light attached in the combo-kit deal. Typically 250 – 500 gallon ponds won’t need anything beyond a submersible, same applies to waterfall and fountain equipment servicing. Often times, fountains have really small submersible pumps which can be replaced via home-depot or similar.
Ponds over 500 gallons, and med-large waterfalls and fountains might require and also perform better with an external pump (pool pump) as these water features typically need a nice pressure filter (without beads, but instead gravel or similar) and a UV-light to match the demand. If you plan on having fish or turtles, plan on needing an external pump with the works in terms of filtration and ultra-violet lights. Of course you can always contact us to see what would be your best fit.