The glory of the garden in summer can quickly be overshadowed by endless watering and wrestling with the hosepipe. When it comes to the weather, there’s usually either too much rain and flooding, or not enough, leaving your plants to wither while all your water features dry up. 

Many of these common garden woes can be solved with the help of a garden water pump. Saving you from tedious tasks like watering, transporting rainwater, and draining clogged gutters, there are lots of different garden water pumps to suit various outdoor needs, with something for every type of space. 

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about garden water pumps, including the four main types, and how they can be used to make your garden more efficient, inviting, and eco-friendly.  

Types of Garden Water Pumps 

Submersible Pumps

As the name suggests, submersible pumps are usually submerged in bodies of water such as ponds, wells, and rainwater barrels. In the garden, they are used to move water from your rain barrel to your flower beds, drain ponds, or maintain water levels depending on rainfall. Quiet and out-of-sight, they are the unseen heroes of garden water management. Just make sure you choose a pump size that is appropriate for the water’s depth. 

Surface Pumps

Generally used for ponds, pools and water features, a surface pump is usually installed away from the water source, and never submerged. They are designed to constantly circulate water to prevent the formation of bacteria and algae buildup. You may have to prime a surface pump before you turn it back on after the winter because it can lose pressure when not in continuous use. 

Booster Pumps

A booster pump is ideal for adding a little oomph to your water pressure, helping to support sprinklers and irrigation systems. They are usually connected to a water tank, cistern, or rainwater barrel but can also boost pressure for decorative water features. When choosing a booster, be sure to match your pump to your existing pressure and flow rate for the best results.

Solar-Powered Pumps 

Offering the ultimate eco-friendly solution for small gardens, solar-powered garden water pumps help you create a self-sufficient irrigation system. With low running costs, they can be used for a flexible range of applications, including irrigation, water features, and pond water circulation. 

Of course, the only downside is that the capacity of your pump is limited by the amount of sunlight available, so this option works best for south-facing gardens with minor pumping requirements.

How to Use Garden Water Pumps 

There are lots of different ways garden water pumps can save you time and money when it comes to backyard maintenance. They can also improve the sustainability of your garden by helping you recycle rainwater for irrigation, and keep your plants healthy and happy with automatic watering according to the conditions. 

Here are just a few of the things you can do with garden water pumps.

Watering Lawns, Gardens and Flowerbeds 

  • A garden hose water pump can boost pressure for sprinklers and lawn watering.
  • Irrigation systems help you reach every corner of the garden with ease.
  • A pump can transfer water from rainwater barrels to save tap water and support your plants with the minerals of natural rainwater.

Creating and Supporting Water Features 

  • A garden water feature pump keeps water flowing through your fountain or waterfall.
  • If you have a pond or swimming pool, a pump is necessary to circulate water and prevent bacteria buildup.
  • When you need to drain, clean or maintain your water feature, a pump can be used to quickly and efficiently transfer water between containers. 

Draining Flooded Areas

  • A portable water pump can come in handy when basements and patios become flooded or ponds start overflowing.
  • In the case of clogged gutters, water pumps may be essential to support your drainage system and prevent property damage. 

Choosing the Right Pump for Your Garden 

When it comes to choosing garden water pumps, the options can quickly become overwhelming. To help you narrow down your choices, firstly make a note of the following:

  • Requirements: Decide what type of pump you need as per the descriptions above, and then take into account your garden size in square footage, and how much water your plants or water feature usually require. 
  • Water Source: Make sure you choose the most effective pump by measuring the depth and capacity of your water source, so you can choose a pump with the corresponding flow rate and lift height (see below).
  • Desired Water Pressure: If you’re purchasing a booster pump, find out what your current water pressure is to help you figure out the minimum pressure you’ll need to see results. 

Understanding Water Pump Specifications 

When comparing garden water pumps, it's important to understand the different specifications so you can choose the pump best suited to your needs:

  • Flow Rate: This is a term used to describe how much water the pump can move and is usually quantified in l/min (litres per minute). 
  • Lift Height: This refers to the maximum vertical distance a pump can push water, so measure your water butt, pond or water feature accordingly. 
  • Head Pressure: Measured in bars, this describes how much pressure is created by the pump and is handy for comparing against your existing water pressure. 

Additional Things to Consider 

Along with the essentials above, there are a few additional things to think about when selecting the perfect garden water pump. If your pump is to be running regularly or continuously, you’ll need one that is quiet and won’t disrupt your enjoyment of the garden. 

To make irrigation systems even more efficient, some garden water pumps also come with automatic on/off features. While often more expensive, these are ideal for hands-off water management. 

Finally, don’t forget to check the durability and warranty of any garden water pump you are considering to ensure it offers long-term value for money.

Maintaining Your Garden Water Pump 

Once you have purchased and installed the perfect garden water pump for your needs, keep it running smoothly by:

  • Cleaning it regularly to prevent clogs and maximise efficiency. 
  • Where necessary, store it over winter to prevent freezing and cold weather damage.

Conclusion 

Garden water pumps are a great way to minimise time spent on tedious maintenance tasks and maximise the enjoyment of your garden. They are also essential for establishing stunning water features and streamlining irrigation systems. 

Browse a range of powerful and cost-effective garden pumps.