Despite their ground-ready, durable and insulated construction, submersible water pumps still present severe hazards for homeowners and should never be found in ponds meant for swimming or human immersion. The thing is simple: electricity and water don't mix. Therefore, installing an electric submersible water pump for water gardens, natural ponds, or pools requires great skill and experience in order to avoid electrocution Go here.

Manufacturers design submersible pumps to be safe. For instance, they encase them in cast-iron housing built to isolate the electrical and working elements of the unit. All cables are shielded and sealed by standard rubber. However, both casing and the rubber shielding doesn't guarantee that the submersible water pump won't ever have any contact with water.

Water Seals

The rubber water seals on a submersible pump contain no adhesive. Instead, they form the seal due to a crimping method that tightens components within the pump. The seal insulates the within of the pump from water, humidity, and outside air.

While this produces a advanced level of insulation, occasional seal failures can occur. A little malfunction brings the within of the pump into contact with the water garden or natural pond water. The result of this malfunction would be electrified water within the pond.

The Cables

Such as the main components of the pump, manufacturers visit great lengths to properly seal the cables. For instance, they will fill gaps with epoxy to stop water from invading the unit. Additionally they wrap the cables in a neoprene, which can be both air and watertight.

Epoxy is incredibly capable of forming a waterproof seal. This seal will not fail unless it is put through some type of impact that could lead it to crack. If the seal cracks, water may get into the cable. Exactly the same is true for neoprene.

Regular Outlets vs. GFCI Receptacles

Both the National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA require that all homes now contain GFCI receptacles in areas where water exists or potentially exists. These areas include bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, garages, and anywhere outside. GFCI receptacles prevent electrocution by cutting off the ability source when an unusual increase or “leakage” in power, that way caused when water makes contact with electricity, is detected.

Unfortunately, many older homes do not need GFCI receptacles. As a result, plugging an electric water pump right into a regular outlet can make it susceptible to a power surge. Additionally it may increase the risk of electric shock. Therefore, if you use an electric pump, you have to make sure that you plug it right into a GFCI receptacle or replace your old outlet.

Freezing Temperatures Through the Winter

During winter months, it is advisable to eliminate the water pump from your water garden or natural pond. Winters in Illinois produce frigid temperatures that may plummet below zero. As a result, the water in an all-natural pond or water garden may stay frozen through the season.

Frozen water may take its toll on a submersible water pump. Just one single freeze may cause the casing or the cabling to crack open, exposing the electrical parts. You might not notice the cracks because of the multilayers of the casing. Therefore, whenever you turn on the pump in the springtime, you may well be susceptible to electric shock.

Abrasives and Heavy Objects

Since easiest ponds or water gardens contain rocks, plants, sand, and other objects, it is important to ensure they don't come right into contact with the water pump.

When placing your pump, make sure you isolate it from any heavy rocks, sharp objects, or metal objects. Also, if you use sand, position the pump so that it is filtering minimal level of sand possible. Since sand is abrasive, it may damage the inner elements of the pump over time.

Never swim or wade in a pool with a Submersible Water Pump

You need to never swim or wade in a pool or pool with a submersible water pump. Even though these pumps are designed with many safety features, it is not worth the risk. You can find special pumps created for swimming pools and ponds that do not carry this risk. If you want to enter your pond or pools with a submersible water pump to retrieve something or perform routine maintenance it is crucial that you switch off the electricity to the submersible pump and enter with caution.

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If you should be preparing to construct your water garden project, then Reflections can help. We provide a wide range of features and options to help you create an ideal serene water garden for your backyard.