Outdoor Sump Pump Buyer’s Guide

by balconyboss
Published: Last Updated on
outdoor sump pump
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An outdoor sump pump is one of the most effective ways to remove dirty wastewater. The type of sump pump you need ultimately depends on the space you’re trying to drain, but there are other factors involved.

So, if you’re considering buying an outdoor sump pump but don’t know where to start, here are the most important factors for narrowing down your choices.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a water pump that removes waster water from a sump basin, which is basically a hole in the ground. Indoor sump pumps are typically found in a home’s basement, but an outdoor sump pump is a common option for training pools, ponds, hot tubs, and more.

The reason you might need an outdoor sump pump is fairly obvious: you need to drain wastewater. It’s vital that you move floodwater away from your home’s foundations, as it can cause them to shift and sink if left for too long.

What to Look for in an Outdoor Sump Pump

There are 2 types of outdoor sump pump: submersible and pedestal. Below, we’ll go over the differences to explain which is the better option for certain outdoor spaces.

Regardless of which type you pick, ensure the motor is powerful enough to be moving water in the volumes you require.

Submersible Sump Pumps

As the name suggests, a submersible sump pump sits inside the sump basin. This is a hole in the ground that allows water to pool, making it easier to drain away.

The need for an outdoor sump pump basin means submersible pumps aren’t a suitable choice for raised spaces, such as balconies or decks. However, you could use a submersible outdoor sump pump for:

  • Yards
  • Patios
  • Porches
  • Ponds and pools
  • Hot tubs

A submersible sump pump like this one should be fine for most outdoor uses. But if you have a larger area to drain, be sure to find one with a higher horsepower rating.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

A pedestal outdoor sump pump sits on the surface with a hose extending into the sump basin. As such, there isn’t an explicit need for an outdoor sump pump basin because you could put the hose wherever you wanted.

That said, most pedestal sump pumps have a sensor or float switch attached, so they know when to turn on. You might find these limits where you can use the pump.

A pedestal sump pump would be more suitable for raised outdoor areas, such as:

  • Balconies
  • Decks
  • Porches

An outdoor sump pump like this would work fine in most situations, although a shallow water transfer pump might be even better for balconies.

Final Thoughts

Moving pooling water is easiest with an outdoor sump pump, but for shallow water, you’ll need a transfer pump instead. A sump pump works best when there’s an outdoor sump pump basin, which won’t be possible in all situations.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some information that’ll point you in the right direction when picking the best outdoor sump pump for your needs.