Benefits and Best Practices for Using Jets in Your Pond

Jets can provide several useful benefits for your pond, enhancing circulation, oxygenation, and debris management.

In this post, I’ll explore the advantages of pond jets, discuss optimal placement, and talk about efficient pump options for powering them.

Whether you’re new to pond-building or looking to upgrade, you’ll find practical tips to keep your pond clean, clear, and healthy.

Benefits of Pond Jets

1. Improved Water Circulation

Efficient water circulation is crucial for a healthy pond. Jets can help move water into areas where flow is typically stagnant, pushing debris toward skimmers or intake bays (article on how to build an intake bay). This keeps your pond cleaner and prevents buildup at the bottom.

Below is a video I created a few years ago that discusses water circulation throughout a pond. Or you can click the link and read the article I wrote.

2. Filtered Water Output

Jets powered by pumps in skimmers or intake bays provide filtered water back into the pond. When the pump is placed in a skimmer or intake bay the water must pass through pebble or sponges to reach the pump.

The sponges and pebble have good bacteria on them that provide biological filtration, but they also trap debris which is also very beneficial.

Below is a video on different ways that water is filtered in a pond or read this article.

3. Oxygenation Through Agitation

When water is agitated at the surface, oxygen is exchanged with the air. This oxygenation supports the health of fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria in your pond.

In cold climates, agitation can also prevent the pond from freezing over entirely. In warm climates, it ensures oxygen levels remain adequate since warm water holds less oxygen.

And here’s a video on why oxygen exchange is important:

Where to Place Pond Jets

Proper placement of jets maximizes their benefits:

• Address Dead Zones: Place jets in areas where water movement is minimal to prevent debris buildup.
• Surface Placement: Jets near the surface optimize oxygen exchange and help maintain temperature stability. This is especially important in winter to preserve the warmer bottom layer and in summer to avoid mixing cooler bottom water with warmer surface water.
• Plant and Fish Considerations: Some plants and fish thrive in moving water, while others prefer calm conditions. For example, eelgrass loves flow, but water lilies and fancy goldfish prefer still water.

Choosing and Positioning Pumps

For optimal jet performance, place the pump in the skimmer or intake bay. This setup ensures the pump, filters it, and redistributes clean, oxygenated water into the pond.

Avoid using pumps that draw water from the same area as the jet—this creates a localised loop with minimal overall benefit. I previously did this with solar pumps, it doesn’t really work.

Pump Recommendations:

• Low-Voltage Variable-Speed Pumps: Efficient and adjustable, these pumps allow you to control flow rates based on your pond’s needs.
• Solar Pumps or Timers: These are cost-effective options, especially if jets are used primarily for agitation rather than essential filtration.
• Air-Powered Jets: Air pumps can push water efficiently and mix air and water for additional oxygenation.

You can check out my recommendations for low volt pond pumps here. Or aerators here.

Types of Jets and Flow Rates

• DIY Jets: Simple setups, such as a 20mm valve teed off from the main plumbing line, are effective and budget-friendly.
• Adjustable Nozzles: These allow you to control the direction of water flow, ensuring debris is moved to desired areas.
• Venturis: These devices mix air and water, enhancing oxygen levels in your pond.

For most backyard ponds, a flow rate of approximately 1,000 liters per hour per jet is sufficient. Larger ponds may require higher flow rates and larger jets.

You can valves to regulate flow in different areas, ensuring even water movement throughout the pond.

Here’s a video that shows how my jets and ponds are configured:

Conclusion

While jets aren’t essential for every backyard pond, they offer significant benefits for water circulation, oxygenation, and debris management.

By choosing the right pump, placing jets strategically, and tailoring flow rates to your pond’s needs, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful pond.

If you found this post helpful, please share it. Happy ponding!