Several days ago I posted a tragic story of losing a few large catfish to what I can only chalk up to being caused by a small electrical current in the water. I can only feel this sensation if I have an open cut or picked finger nails. Anyways, I have since replaced the pump and I swear all was good for a week. I was meticulously checking the water multiple times a day with purposely picked fingernails. Yesterday I felt it again! Shut it down, put the back up pump in that I’ve never had this issue with, and instantly felt the same feeling! Ordered a new pump last night delivered today and the moment I plug it in I’m also feeling the same sensation. What is happening!? Three different brands of pumps, 2 brand new, 1 6 months old all doing the same exact thing??? I’ve plugged it into different GFI outlets and same thing is happening. This pool pond sits on concrete in my garage. Is there somehow a grounding issue going on that I’m missing?? I was recently advised to get a grounding probe which I honestly didn’t know existed, I will do that but why is this happening!? I have filters and different electronics plugged into the same outlet with no issues in other systems. I feel like I am missing something
Pond pump help!?!?
- Thread starter Iliketurtles
- Start date
I'd use a multimeter to try and narrow it down to which device is actually inducing a current in the water. Put one lead in the tank the other to the ground of a convenient outlet. Ideally you'll see 0 volts. but realistically a few volts is normal.
You can hold the other lead in your hand too, since you say it's high enough voltage to feel.
You can hold the other lead in your hand too, since you say it's high enough voltage to feel.
I’ve used a multimeter with no results, but maybe I’m doing something wrong. There is absolutely a grounding issue, I added a wave maker today to the pond. Not for this reason. This is the only other thing electrical plugged into the pond. I swear once I plugged it in the feeling went away almost completely. Like the wave maker is grounding it. Which is possible. I don’t freaking know. 3 different pumps don’t fail the same way in the same pond like this something is up
Most pond pump issues come down to mismatch, blockage, or head pressure, not the pump being “bad.” Before replacing anything, confirm the pump is actually sized for your pond volume and the height it’s pushing water.
Even solid units marketed as Best Pond Pumps can struggle if the plumbing run is long, the lift is too high, or debris is choking the intake. A partially clogged prefilter or kinked hose can cut flow dramatically and make it seem like the pump is failing. Also check your electrical supply, low voltage or a weak extension cord can cause overheating or intermittent shutdown.
A quick practical test is to pull the pump, clean the intake and impeller housing, then run it in a bucket. If flow is strong there but weak in the system, you’re dealing with restriction or head pressure, not a mechanical failure.
Takeaway: verify sizing, eliminate restrictions, and test the pump outside the system before assuming it needs replacing. Most “pump problems” are really setup issues.
Even solid units marketed as Best Pond Pumps can struggle if the plumbing run is long, the lift is too high, or debris is choking the intake. A partially clogged prefilter or kinked hose can cut flow dramatically and make it seem like the pump is failing. Also check your electrical supply, low voltage or a weak extension cord can cause overheating or intermittent shutdown.
A quick practical test is to pull the pump, clean the intake and impeller housing, then run it in a bucket. If flow is strong there but weak in the system, you’re dealing with restriction or head pressure, not a mechanical failure.
Takeaway: verify sizing, eliminate restrictions, and test the pump outside the system before assuming it needs replacing. Most “pump problems” are really setup issues.