I don't know anything about the Little Giant pumps, but I have a Pondmaster 1500 with which I have been very happy for 4 years. I ran it continuously for 3 years, then removed it last winter and ran a bubbler instead.

Even though Horton said you should clean it in the fall, I was remiss and didn't do so - although I would think of it sitting in the garage evey once in a while and feel guilty - does that count? I did clean it in the spring and have used it all summer. A couple of times it gave me a little trouble on restarting when I changed the filter, but I just bounced it up and down on the bottom of the pond a few times and it started working and has continued all summer. I know, I know, bouncing it up and down probably isn't the best technique, but it works for me!!

Any product that can survive my "wholesome neglect" gets my vote.

Anne

Don't know anything about the Pondmaster but the Little Giant didn't last a year for us at our work garden....

We have the Pondmaster Hy-drive and like it. It's strong and it doesn't seem to clog (only 2 months old though but the pond was filthy at first). It is supposed to save on the electric bill.

I appreciate the replies of each of you. I am in the process of purchasing a pump and was undecided which brand to go with. Each one of you has been helpful. Thanks!

I am in 4th year of LG pump. Last year the seal failed - probably used up my run-dry luck (too many times) and that damaged seal. seal leaked slowly, eventually got to bearing in motor. $50 seal kit that I installed (IMHO pretty easy to do), $50 for bearing installed at local small motor shop. Cruising again.

i would consider repeat of the purchase. price is better, i rate my experience as satisfied. BUT i see many folks rave on the others. ONLY i would get a bigger pump to run more stuff - more pressure on microscreen flush bar, protien skimmer, underwater return.

Thomba, Pondmaster and Little Giant are robust little pumps.
Another brand that is worth considering [just to give you more to think about] are Laguna pond pumps. They are also reliable and have a good warranty.

Anne, the SAPPNA [Society Against Pond Pump Neglect and Abuse]now know where you live!
Guilt won't cut it. LOL.
Horton"

Pondmaster, Pondmaster, Pondmaster!

I will never buy or even use a free Little Giant again after having one die and leak oil in the pond. So much oil for such a little pump.....It was a horrible mess. It also didn't last half the time our Pondmasters have. Just bought my third for another water feature. I've got one that is well over five years old and going strong.

buy or sell:

my LG pump is external type, so no oil exposure potential. I too had a submersible first but ditched it after hearing your type of horror story. externals also a bit more efficient. mine is rated 1/8 Hp for 2760GPH. I do not run it at that high of flow. Throttled back (main line valve closed some) for more spray bar pressure (on microscreen).

Here is a link that might be useful: LG external pump

I've always used a Pondmaster pump - the submersable ones.

Question - if the external ones are more efficient, how do you make it weather tight (away from rain & snow) but keep the air flow at a high level?

I have an external bubbler but get concerned when the pail over it has a foot of snow covering it, let alone being worried with strong wind & rain the in the summer.

I had a LG that only lasted a couple of weeks so I wouldn't buy another. However, I realize any company can ship a bad pump. But I also wasn't overly impressed with the design either as there was rust on it in a short time.

nbacres:

my pump is shielded from the weather (covered above and most sides) but not in a weather tight enclosure (open on end). Motor is Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC). It does generate some heat but its own fan takes care of that. I also have it above grade, foot of pump just above water level.

I've had a Pondmaster 3600 for five years running 24/7, only had to replace impeller.
great pump,

fred

I was looking thru this site for a referral on pondmster pumps because I have had 3 little giants and neither lasted a year. After reading here I will definetly be purchasing a pondmaster. Thanks guys and gals.

Anne,

I like your style! I have friend who's a precision engineer who just shakes his head in despair at me cos I do the same sort of stuff you do.

Things have to be tough to survive in my household & garden!

Janette

Pondmaster fan here. I've used the same 2400 GPH non-stop 24/7 for the past six years. It runs three filters, one skimmer and a fountain. I've never taken it apart either to clean anything. It does pull water through the filters first though and not the reverse so it doesn't pull in heavy junk. Also, the big pumps use big hoses and small junk passes right through.

If I were to reverse my pump to be first draw outside of the filter I would use a pump bag to protect it from large debris. It would be easy to pull that up and hose it off if the outside of the pump bag or mesh gets too clogged.