1. What is Head Pressure?

Head pressure is the resistance a pump must overcome to move fluid through a system, measured in feet of water. It's a critical factor in selecting and sizing pond pumps.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the head pressure formula:

Where:

• \( Pressure \) — Pressure in pounds per square inch (psi)
• \( 2.31 \) — Conversion factor from psi to feet of water
• \( Specific\ Gravity \) — Ratio of fluid density to water density (unitless)

Explanation: The formula converts pressure measurement to equivalent height of water column, adjusted for the fluid's specific gravity.

3. Importance of Head Pressure Calculation

Details: Proper head pressure calculation ensures your pond pump has sufficient power to circulate water through all system components (pipes, filters, waterfalls).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pressure in psi and specific gravity (1.000 for pure water). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the 2.31 conversion factor?
A: It converts psi to feet of water (1 psi = 2.31 feet of water head pressure).

Q2: What's typical specific gravity for pond water?
A: Freshwater ponds are typically 1.000-1.030 depending on dissolved solids and temperature.

Q3: How does head pressure affect pump selection?
A: Pumps are rated by maximum head - the height they can lift water against gravity. Higher head requires more powerful pumps.

Q4: What other factors affect head pressure?
A: Pipe diameter, length, fittings, and elevation changes all contribute to total dynamic head.

Q5: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 10-20% to calculated head for safety and future expansion.