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Outdoor pond pumps are very important as they keep the water clean for the fish, and the oxygen circulation. However, pumps, like any equipment, need to have regular maintenance otherwise they can get stuck, and be inefficient. In some extreme cases, they can stop working altogether. The good news is, that taking care of your outdoor pond pump is simple. Here in this article, we will share some tips with you that will help you maintain your pump easily during the year.
1. The Pump Needs to Be Cleaned
A regularly cleaned pump is a great investment because it increases its working period with minimal damage. Dirty pumps on the other hand get clogged with dirt, debris, and algae which ultimately results in the pump becoming unusable. This is primarily due to the fact that the pump is working non-stop. Though it may sound too much work trying to clean dirt stuck on the swim pump, regular maintenance can tremendously help.
Here’s how you can clean an outdoor pond pump:
- Switch off the pump (recommended): Always make it a priority to switch off the pump and even the socket, because safety always has to come first.
- Get a rough clean: Try taking the outdoor water central pond pump out of the water and check if there is any dirt or debris on it.
- Dry off the dirt: Use a hose to get rid of any algae and dirt stuck during the wash. If it’s deeply stuck then using a soft sponge should suffice.
With a Bio-Pond, you'll have to do a few things for it to last. You must take care of it.
- Check the impeller: The impeller is the heart of the pump. Remove and clean it without any blockages. Cleaning should be a monthly routine. For e.g., if your pond is surrounded by trees then it has to be more frequent during the Fall Season.
2. Use a Pre-Filter
There is less likelihood of debris getting into the pump if one utilizes a Pre-Filter. And as such, it reduces the chances of clogging and improves efficiency. Install it and save your time and energy.
The pre-filter should be checked every week and cleaned as necessary. If it seems to be damaged, then remove and replace it. This will ensure a steady flow.
3. Monitor Water Levels
For a pond pump to be at its most effective, there's the necessity for the water level to remain at the same mark. Should this water level drop a considerable amount, the pump might be damaged.
You have to maintain minimum levels as evaporation during the hot summer months and freezing temperatures can cause levels to drop. It's all about maintaining the pot and topping it up when there are drops in levels so a little checkup every few days would ensure no troubles in the future.
4. Let's Protect Your Pond Pumps For The Winter
Dropping temperatures signal the time to prepare your pond pumps for winter. Taking steps to ensure the water does not freeze will eliminate the potential of damage on the pump. The damage often proves to be costly.
- Remove the pump: If your pond is bound to freeze over during winters it is best to take the pump out and bring it inside.
- Clean before storing: If it is that time of the year to store the pump, rinse all debris and dry it completely before doing so.
- Use a de-icer: In case you still want to keep your pond operational then applying a de-icer will ensure no freezing occurs around the pump.
Make sure to go through the manufacturer's descriptions to see whether the pump is fit for continual use in the winter seasons.
5. Check all Hoses and their Connections
While the pump does require your attention, there are times when attention also needs to be given to hoses, connections etc. Since they can leak, get blocked or wear out over time, it's essential to routinely check and ensure their good condition. - Clogs Need To Be Cleared: The clogged hoses should be cleared first before venturing into the trashing out of debris.
- Connections Need To Be Secured: Leaky joints are pretty horrible to deal with as they are time consuming and reduce one's efficiency. So the joints do need to be secured firmly.
So when actually addressing the issues with all equipment, be sure to also pay attention to these points for they may prove to be extremely helpful in the long run.
6. Engage in Seasonal Maintenance Activities
Your pond and pump as well as your pet fish all have distinct needs in all four weather seasons. Here is a checklist:
- Spring: Clear up the debris that has piled up during the winter season, and look for any damage that must’ve occurred as a result of extreme freezing conditions.
- Summer: Watch out for evaporation and any algae that may begin to grow. If required, ensure that the pump flows on a more regular basis to avoid the occurrence of such problems.
- Fall: Blast off all the leaves and debris that have sunk to the bottom of the pond in water. If this seems to be a problem, consider using telescoping poles and nets to cover the water.
- Winter: Yet again, ensure the use of a removable pump or deicing solutions such as paint or foam.
Keeping your maintenance schedule under the seasons will help you in a lot of ways.
Conclusion
If you don’t plan to use your pond pump outside, you can simply store it indoors and forget about it during the off-season. Pond pumps if left alone too long can overheat and can cause plenty of damage to the pump. Hope this guide was useful to help you figure out how to maintain an outdoor pond pump.