Before and after
Drag the slider to compare the old timber stand with the floating pump pontoon.
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Before
After
Dam pump pontoon: floats with the water level so floods can't wash the pump away
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Irrigation pump pontoon FAQs
What is an irrigation pump pontoon?
A floating platform that holds your irrigation or transfer pump on the dam.
It rises and falls with the water, so the pump stays above the surface and the suction stays in the water.
Which size do I need, and how much weight can it carry?
2×2 (4 cubes, about 1×1 m) suits small petrol pumps like the Honda GX160/GX200. 2×3 (6 cubes, about 1×1.5 m) suits most petrol irrigation pumps. 3×3 (9 cubes, about 1.5×1.5 m) suits heavier diesel irrigation pumps.
Each cube gives about 87 kg of buoyancy, so allow a generous safety margin for the pump, fuel, hoses and stability.
What's included?
The floating HDPE cubes for your chosen size, with the pins to join them.
The pump isn't included.
What happens when the dam level rises, drops or floods?
The pontoon floats up and down with the water, so the pump stays at the same height above the surface instead of going under like a fixed timber stand.
Make sure your rope and hoses have enough slack for the full range.
In a major flood, pull it to the bank and secure it or remove the pump.
How do I anchor it, and what rope do I need?
Tie the pontoon to a solid point such as a star picket, tree or anchor block on the bank or dam floor.
Leave enough rope slack for the full rise and fall of your dam.
How far from the bank should the pontoon sit?
Far enough out that the suction hose reaches deeper water, so the foot valve hangs below the surface and clear of the bottom.
This is usually just past where the bank drops away.
How long should my suction hose be, and how do I keep the foot valve off the mud?
Keep the suction hose as short as practical and hang the foot valve below the surface but well clear of the bottom.
A small float on the hose helps stop it sucking up silt or air.
Will a floating pump run better and be easier to prime?
Usually, yes.
It keeps the intake submerged at a steady depth as the dam rises and falls, reducing air getting in and loss of prime, and keeps the intake out of the mud.
The pump sits a short, steady height above the water, and a foot valve helps keep the suction line full between runs.
How do I get out to the pump?
Most owners simply pull the pontoon in to the bank by its rope to start or refuel the pump.
How do I refuel without spilling fuel in the dam?
Pull the pontoon to the bank, let the engine cool, use a funnel and keep a spill pad handy.
Never refuel over open water with a hot engine.
Will wind or waves tip it over?
A wider pontoon is more stable, so consider a larger size for exposed or windy dams, and anchor it securely.
Can I use an electric or solar pump on it?
The pontoon can carry other pump types, but any electrical work near water must be done by a licensed electrician.
Is it UV-proof, and what maintenance does it need?
Very little maintenance.
The cubes are UV-stabilised HDPE and come with our 5 Year UV Warranty.
Check the pins and ropes, clean the foot valve strainer and wash off algae now and then.
How do I stop the pump being stolen?
Having the pump out on the water is a deterrent in itself, and a chain or cable lock can add extra security.
Can I use it on a river or creek?
It's designed for still water such as farm dams.
Rivers and creeks add current and flood debris, so it isn't suited to flowing water.
Do I need council approval or a water licence?
Rules for taking and using water vary by state and situation.
Check with your local council and state water authority before installing or pumping.
Can I use the cubes for something else later?
Yes.
Add cubes to turn it into a small dock, swim platform, fishing deck, kayak launch or jetty.
See our Swim Platform Kit, dock kits, 32 cube floating pontoon kit, jet ski docks and pontoon cubes.
Plan your own layout with our Build a dock page.
Do you deliver to farms?
We ship within Australia only.
Sydney Metro and capital cities are priced at checkout.
Regional and rural deliveries are quoted on request.
Questions about your irrigation pump or dam? Call Brenden on 0403 954 693.
