A great rule of thumb for pump sizing for overflowing fountains:
Allow 10 - 20 GPH for active edge (edge where water is actively overflowing) for bubbling rocks, overflowing vases and basins.
Formula: 10 - 20 GPH X 3.14 x diameter (in inches)
Example:
- 400-800 gph for 12" fountain diameter
- 600-1200 gph for 18" diameter
- 800-1600 for 24" diameter
- 1200-2400 for 36" diameter
*Rougher surfaces require greater flows but may splash more
Use the calculator below by entering your fountain diameter. Based on the flow rates calculated below, find a pump that has your desired flow rate at the head height needed. Please be aware that the calculators are sometimes slow to load because they are embedded from software outside of our website.
FOUNTAIN BASIN SPLASH CONTROL
- Typical splash zones extend from the source as far out as the feature is tall. A feature 3' tall may splash out 3' in every direction, a 6' diameter splash zone.
- For in-ground installations taller than 23” on an FB4600, or to capture splash from tall drops or excessively rough surfaces, consider creating a liner ‘skirt’ around the basin or reservoir.
- If splash is caused by water impacting the surface of the basin or reservoir, place a Splash Mat on the horizontal surface where water is falling to capture and suppress any splash. Splash Mat CFSPMA2820 may be purchased in rolls of 28"W x 20'L.
- With all Fountain Systems, the use of an Automatic Fill Valve AF1000 to compensate for splash and evaporation losses is strongly recommended.
Source: Atlantic-Oase