As I mentioned if it were my pond with a filtration system the leaf of any "pine type" we refer to as needles would far more quickly introduce "pump and or filtration problems as they sink easily. Other "weepers" which have normal leaf and sometimes flora tend to drop "floating" debris easier to scoop off of the surface before causing pump/filter/electrical problems... Either way IMHO the latter of the two would be my personal choice.
Good luck finding one in good health - they exist but normally take 2 growing seasons in the ground to establish. That being said it would take 5 years or more to have a happy one in a rather large pot... Not an argument, just realistic approach to the situation
Grimmy