💧 Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? If you didn’t find what you were looking for, don’t worry — we’re here to help! Explore our detailed Pond Pump Guides & Calculators for deeper insights, or reach out through the Contact Us page.
Our goal is to make pond pump sizing, flow rate, and efficiency simple, accurate, and stress-free — so you can build and maintain the perfect pond with confidence. 🌿🐟
🧠General & Basic Understanding
What does a pond pump calculator do?
It calculates the ideal pump flow rate (GPH or LPH) based on pond volume, head height, and turnover rate.
How do I calculate the size of a pond pump?
Enter your pond’s length, width, depth, and type — the calculator automatically suggests the right GPH.
What is a good turnover rate for a koi pond?
For koi ponds, aim for 1×–2× pond volume per hour to keep water clear and oxygen-rich.
What’s the difference between Standard and Pro Mode?
Standard Mode: Quick and simple for hobbyists. Pro Mode: Adds engineering data like TDH, friction loss, and efficiency.
How accurate are the calculator results?
Results are based on industry-standard hydraulic formulas with ±10% real-world accuracy.
⚙️Technical & Calculation Details
Why is my pump’s GPH lower than expected?
Reduced flow often comes from head height or pipe friction — both included in Pro Mode.
How do I include my waterfall height?
Enter your waterfall height (ft or m) — the calculator adjusts total head and flow automatically.
What is TDH and why is it important?
TDH (Total Dynamic Head) combines static lift and friction loss — it shows how much pressure your pump must overcome.
How does friction loss affect pump selection?
Longer pipes or more bends increase friction, reducing flow. The calculator automatically factors this into TDH.
How do I estimate pump power in watts?
Pro Mode converts your GPH and TDH into estimated power (W) and monthly energy cost.
Can I calculate electricity cost?
✅ Yes — enter your local electricity rate ($/kWh) to see real-time monthly cost.
What’s the ideal pump efficiency percentage?
A good pond pump runs at 70–85% efficiency, shown inside the Pro Mode results.
💧Pond Setup, Maintenance & Usage
Can I use this for a waterfall-only setup?
Yes — select “Waterfall Feature” under Pond Type. It bases results on visual flow, not fish load.
How many koi fish can my pond hold?
The calculator uses 1 koi per 250 gallons as a safe guideline.
What if I don’t have a filter?
Untick “Has Filter” — the tool increases your GPH to maintain good water circulation manually.
What does the maintenance tip mean in results?
It’s a custom tip based on pond type — for example, koi ponds need filter cleaning every 2–4 weeks.
How do I know if my current pump is undersized?
If you see slow flow, dirty water, or still zones, your pump likely has insufficient GPH.
Does water temperature affect performance?
Yes — colder water is denser. Use Seasonal Mode to automatically adjust your flow rate.
🚀Features, Modes & Future Upgrades
Does the calculator support metric and imperial units?
✅ Yes — switch freely between feet/gallons and meters/liters.
Can I export results as a PDF?
Yes — download your detailed pond report anytime for sharing or future reference.
Is NPSH relevant for pond pumps?
No — NPSH applies to industrial centrifugal pumps, not submersible pond pumps.
Can I compare multiple pumps?
Coming soon in Phase 2 Add-Ons: Multi-Pump Comparison.
Can I save my pond setup?
Yes — this feature will be added under Save & Load Configurations in upcoming updates.
Is the Pond Pump Calculator free?
✅ 100% Free — with optional Pro features and smart add-ons in development