Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pumping out a pond - What pump?

What kind of pump should I use for pumping out a 1 acre pond?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

A 2" trash pump would work fine.

A word of caution. Run the gas motor on idle or no at no more than half speed. I and several others have thrown rods on small gas motors. If I ever have to do it again, I'll rent a 4 or 6 inch. Then finish off with a 2 inch.

I bought my last one and will rent next time. I'll let the rental house take the risk.

Cajun,I use a 4 inch trash pump on large jobs, we get about 1 ft of drop (or fill)in 13-14 hours at 400 GPM,(1/2-3/4 throttle) the downside these pumps weigh 150 -200 lbs,get one on wheels. Renting is the way to go as a good pump with a Honda 11-13 hp will run you $2500-$2700,rent $50 per day. The oil alert feature is a great item as engine shuts down with low oil and may save an engine.You will find when the pond is almost empty that you need to run at 25% throttle as the very bottom water cant get to the suction area fast enough to keep the pump primed.Good Luck, PS Keep those hands and arms out of the way of the suction line as a 4 inch pump can snap a limb (real fast)

Ted is right about the keeping of limbs away. One of my sub contractor helpers has a very nice hickey on his leg now from a 4" pump.

We dropped a 1.5 acre 8.5 deep pond in 4 hours. We had to keep a small 2" running while we did our work re-sculpting the bottom since the ground water kept filling the pond.

Renting is the only way, cheaper and no worries about breaking it. Get ready to get muddy!

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check out renting the trash pump.

Sterling LLC on Ebay sells the 6.5 HP 3" trash pump for $159 + $67 shipping. What do y'all think? Worth looking into it?

I haven't looked at it but that is dirt cheap. BTW, purchasing a pump seldom includes hoses. Those are fairly pricey.

I would rent, a seal kit for a good pump costs more than that !!

I totally agree with Ted in renting a pump. It might be nice for finishing the job but to drain a pond as big as what you are talking about with such a small pump will take a week. Do you have time to fill it with gas every two or three hours? Rent the largest pump you can handle within reason. A six inch hose is the largest one person can probably handle by themselves and having someone help you makes a big difference.