Submersible Pumps

[rainbowcharmer]

What is the difference between the submersible pumps that Lowes sells in their Sump pump section and a submersible pond pump? They even look to be built similarly. Any reason why a sump pump from Lowes wouldn't do the same job as a submersible pond pump from a more expensive pond store?? If they're rated for the same GPH, etc - is there really a difference? If so, what is it?

We're trying to build out all the pricing for the things we'll need over the next 6 months or so for this pond build, and I'm running into some really varied pricing on pumps. We want something that will push around 3000 gph. The pond is going to be between 2500-3000, so I'd like to err on overfiltering rather than underfiltering. Suggestions? Thoughts? Experiences?

Thanks!!

 

[smcsharry]

One difference may or may not be the case based on the model, but are the Sump Pumps rated for 24/7/365 operation?

In my old house the sump pump only ran for short bursts when the water table got to high.

 

[alan j t]

maybe the pump that not meant to be in the water is thermally protected. im guessing thou.

 

[Sploke]

One difference may or may not be the case based on the model, but are the Sump Pumps rated for 24/7/365 operation?

In my old house the sump pump only ran for short bursts when the water table got to high.

This is one concern. The other is noise - no one really cares if a utility pump is loud ir you're only using it once in a while, but it would get pretty annoying if you have to listen to it all the time.

 

[rainbowcharmer]

Thanks. I'll have to look into the noise issue and find out whether they are rated for 24/7 operation. I really don't know, which is why I asked here since they seem to be built to basically do the same thing, and they even look quite similar. So I didn't know if this was another case of an item commercially available that is "specialized" and subsequently jacked up with pricing to be sold as an aquatic product, but is available elsewhere for much cheaper. (i.e. bulbs sold at the fish store that are exactly the same wattage/ratings are twice the price of the same bulbs elsewhere).