A water pump in a water feature works by recirculating water from a reservoir, pushing it upwards against gravity, and allowing it to flow back down, creating the desired visual and auditory effects.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Reservoir: The water feature has a reservoir or basin at the bottom. This reservoir holds the water that will be circulated.
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Submersible Pump: Typically, a submersible pump is used. This pump sits inside the reservoir, submerged in the water. Being submersible means the pump is designed to operate safely while immersed.
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Intake: The pump has an intake that draws water from the reservoir. Sometimes this intake has a screen or filter to prevent debris from entering and damaging the pump.
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Impeller/Rotor: Inside the pump, an impeller or rotor spins, creating suction and pressure. The spinning motion is driven by a small electric motor.
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Pumping Action: As the impeller spins, it forces water through the pump's outlet. This outlet is connected to tubing or piping that leads to the top of the water feature (e.g., a fountainhead, waterfall, or decorative element).
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Water Flow: The pump's pressure pushes the water upwards through the tubing to the feature's highest point.
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Gravity's Role: Once the water reaches the top, gravity takes over, causing the water to flow downwards, creating the intended visual effect (e.g., cascading over rocks, spraying from a fountain).
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Recirculation: The water then flows back down into the reservoir, where the pump draws it up again, creating a continuous cycle.
In essence, the pump overcomes gravity to lift the water, and then gravity brings the water back down. This continuous loop is what makes a recirculating water feature functional. The pump size and power determine the water flow rate and the height the water can reach, and therefore the overall effect of the water feature.
