Pumps and Fountains
The continued development of the submersible pump has put moving water, especially fountains and waterfalls, within the reach of almost every water gardener. The modern submersible pump is simply connected to the electricity supply and to a water feature, and then switched on. In some cases the pump itself provides the ornamentation, pushing water directly through a jet attached to its outlet and creating myriad patterns of spray. Long gone are the days when a special pond-side chamber had to be constructed in brick to house the pump and a plumber was required to connect the heavy duty piping to pump and fountain.
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 The submersible pump makes moving water a possiblity for everyone.
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 Some modern pumps have fairly sophisticated in-built filter systems.
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Powerful pumps can now be placed directly into a pond, or arranged within a unit to provide a floating fountain. These can be controlled automatically either manually or on a timer from outside the pond. It is even possible to monitor their performance from afar with a telephone status check, if a suitable unit is installed. Many pumps also now have fairly sophisticated built-in filter systems, some serving as pre-filters before the water flow reaches a pond filter.
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Of course, in a pond, where the plants and fish live in harmony, and there is a balanced ecosystem, artificial filtration is not necessary, although many gardeners have a view that that the installation of a simple biological filter provides some added benefit and a little protection if the ecology of the pond becomes disrupted. However, for most water gardeners the main function of the pump is to power a fountain, waterfall, or both, for with a suitably powered pump, with an appropriate adapter, both can be operated together.
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 A simple biological filter is useful, even for the balanced pond.
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 Mixing air with water creates a "white water" effect.
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Traditionally fountains have arisen from ornaments, and although there are still many fine fountain ornaments available, greater emphasis tends to be placed upon the fountain jet and what it can achieve.
Traditional single and multi-pattern fountain jets have been much improved. In addition to imaginatively shaped and twirling spray patterns, there are geyser and aerator-style jets, where the water and air are mixed together, create a foaming "white water" effect. These have become popular where a pond’s function is solely to contain an fountain.
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Wall masks and gargoyles are ideal for a limited space, as are self-contained wall fountains. These have an integral pump and are completely independent of any water feature.
Solar pumps and fountains have improved greatly in recent times and are the perfect answer for many places where either ready access to the pond for electricity is difficult, or an eco-friendly and economical energy source is required. The range of fountains and pumps that are available to choose from are legion.
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 Solar pumps can produce efficient fountains.
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