FREE POND CALCULATOR
Pond Pump Calculator
Estimate a baseline pond circulation rate and understand how waterfalls and head height affect the pump you actually need.
Don't know the volume? Use the Pond Volume Calculator.
Pump sizing guidance
Enter your pond volumeYour baseline flow target will appear here.PONDSTUFF GUIDE
How the Pond Pump Calculator works
Start with your pond's volume. If you do not know it, use the Pond Volume Calculator.
Baseline circulation
For general pond circulation, the calculator uses a starting guideline of moving approximately half of the pond's volume each hour.
Fish ponds need more context
A simple circulation figure is not enough to select a complete system for a pond containing fed fish or koi. Filter capacity, fish load and the manufacturer's permitted flow range also need to be considered.
Why head height matters
A pump moving water to a waterfall or raised return has to work against vertical head. Pipe length, diameter, bends, fittings and other equipment add further resistance.
Check the pump curve
A pump's maximum advertised flow is not necessarily the flow it will deliver in your pond. Compare your required flow with the manufacturer's performance curve at the head your installation creates.
You can also use the Pond Filter Calculator when planning a filtered fish pond.