Can You Run a Fountain Pump 24 Hours a Day?
Do you currently own an outdoor water fountain? To a great extent, it can be said that water fountains are difficult to maintain as you have to ensure that the water is clean and the pump is running safely.
If that is the case, do you constantly ask yourself how long can a water pump run before getting damaged? In this article, we will be helping you by talking all about the power of pumps and the effect of using them daily.
Working On Fountain Pump
If you are someone who does not know what a fountain pump is and how beneficial it is, then you have nothing to worry about. A motor, more commonly known as a fountain pump, drives revolving blades in a fountain pump that ultimately draws water to a safe filter and moves it into the fountain through a conduit.
A float suspends a pump above the water to maintain the nozzle at the surface. It must be mentioned that the pump is simple to access and out of sight because it does not end up residing at the surface of the fountain water.
Since it never has to be primed, this pump is excellent for small fountains and is simple to use. If you are installing an outdoor fountain for the first time, it is worth looking for a pump with the right fitting to move the liquid in your fountain in around two hours.
Why Should You Run the Fountain Pump for 24 Hours?
A fountain pump is something that is designed in a way that allows it to work nonstop without any need for maintenance or checkups.
So it can be said that it is completely safe to allow the fountain pump to run for 24 hours; however, the big question is; why and how is it beneficial? Below are several benefits when running a fountain pump for 24 hours.
- The most important reason to keep the fountain running constantly is to control the spread of weeds and algae. If you do not know what algae are, do not worry. In simple words, it is a typical component of any water fountain ecology and is helpful in nitrate absorption.
However, excessive growth could be dangerous. Large algal blooms have the potential to deplete the water’s oxygen content and prevent some fountain regions from warming from the sun.
You can stop these unwelcome algae blooms by ensuring the fountain never turns off and is continuously running as an aerator, as this will lessen the nutrient content in the water.
If you stop the fountain pump from running for 24 hours, you may run the risk of introducing algae that blooms within no time. Most homeowners spend an extraordinary amount of money trying to eliminate excess algae or replace a new fountain.
- You must always keep an eye on your fountain and ensure that it is running constantly if your outdoor fountain serves as a fish habitat. Like every living thing, Fish require air to inhale and exhale, and the high concentrations of ammonia in old still water are hazardous.
Stratification, the development of the right temperature and high oxygen concentration layer at the top and a chill layer underneath, is another effect of stagnant water.
However, if the rate of temperature abruptly lowers and there is a rapid onset of heavy rain or strong gusts, the layers might mix and decrease the oxygen to the point where fish perish. If you want to know more about outdoor fountains, visit soothingcompany.com
- Many people do not know this but outdoor fountain water turns stagnant when the water stops flowing. It absorbs less oxygen from the surface air, making it more conducive for anaerobic bacteria to produce toxic gasses such as hydrogen sulfide.
Furthermore, because those molecules have little chance of rising to the surface, a stagnant pond cannot release harmful gasses. In addition, a still pond is a perfect place for mosquitoes to breed.
The eggs of mosquitoes are unable to endure in moving water which is why you should let the water run all the time. Moreover, allowing the fountain pump to run for 24 hours can also keep the water fresh.
In case of harmful bacteria or species produced in the pump, the constant flow of water will cause them to move out, thus reducing the risk of blockage.
Saving on Bills
Now you might be asking yourself; How can I save on my electricity bills if I run the fountain pump all the time? Well, the answer to that is a simple one. There are several tips that you could use to save on electricity bills.
If you want low electricity bills, then you should first make sure the pump you purchase is the appropriate size. You will be overtaxed if you go out and purchase a pump that is bigger than what your fountain needs.
To choose the right size pump, you must know your outdoor fountain water capacity so that it can efficiently store.
Another thing you could do is select a fountain pump with low energy consumption. Pumps used to be more expensive to operate, but more recent types consume less electricity and perform more effectively.
An update from a typical traditional fountain may save you money over time. Lastly, you can start an aerator if you choose to turn off the fountain despite the risks. Aerators aid fountain water circulation while consuming less energy than any typical fountain pump.
Turning Off Fountain Pumps
Although throughout this article we talked about the benefits of running fountain pumps 24 hours, there might be cases where you have to turn off the fountain pump.
As we have said before, you may want to keep your fountain pump running the entire year if you reside in a warm environment. However, if you reside in a region that freezes throughout the winter, you must ensure that your fountain is not turned on to prevent harm from ice accumulation.
When the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, experts advise closing the pump and completely detaching it from the outdoor fountain. It is understandable to leave it in the fountain all year long if your outdoor fountain has little to no ice formation during the winter.
It is important to remember that when you remove the pump, completely drain it, clean it with a chemical solution, and put it away in a dry location until you want to use it again.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of fountain pumps and how they can be used for 24 hours.