How to Pick a Solar Water Fountain for a Pond or a Garden

An elegant garden fountain is state-of-the-art and refined decoration of any garden. It will help you relax and will nicely make you garden look outstanding while giving it a unique charm. Such devices are not rare on the market (there are over 20 000 options), but most of them require access to a power outlet that is not always possible, and is often unprofitable. That is why today we have selected for you TOP 3 solar fountains lines made by different manufacturers, which will decorate your patio or garden, without requiring monthly service investments.

If you are an experienced user and know all about the fountains, just omit the technical part and go straight to TOP Best Solar Fountains at a price ranging from $ 150 to $ 300. If you are looking for a fountain suitable for bird bath, you will be able to find a floating fountain for

$ 17 and the most powerful model for

$ 300 which could easily become part of a large fountain in the best solar bird baths section. For those who do not want to bother with the design, we chose an exclusive smart solar fountain, which does not require painstaking installation and will please the eye immediately after being unpacked.

Solar Fountain Operation

A solar fountain has a quite simple and uncomplicated design. It has ridiculously few elements, usually, they are:

A water pump which supplies water from a pond or bowl in the sprinkler

A solar panel which powers the water pump. It can be either built-in or wired.

Replaceable spray nozzles vary depending on the model. You'll need nozzles with smaller perforation for a bird fountain and with a large one for medium and large fountains.

Battery pack. Some models come with a battery pack that allows them to operate at night as it stores energy throughout the day.

LED lights. There are fountains that are equipped with LED lights for architectural illumination.

TOP-10 Solar Water Fountains

Beautifying your property with a fountain is quite a challenging task, for there is an abundant diversity of choices available. Which one will blend into your landscape best? To figure that out, let's take a closer look at the most popular styles of this kind of water feature.

Apart from various designs, fountains differ in the material they are made from. You may choose a ceramic model with a smooth glazed surface. They are often handcrafted and, therefore, unique. One of the advantages of this material is that it is easy to maintain and clean. The downside lies in its fragility when dropped.

Terracotta looks much the same but is unglazed and porous, which means that the material gets dirty easier. And yet, some people prefer terracotta fountains as they are more durable against cracks. In addition, the natural beauty of this material comes to the fore, something that gives it a more sophisticated look.

There are models that are made from polystone, an artificial stone consisting of sand and resin. This material is very durable and good for heavy fountains. For the lightweight designs, fiberglass and resin are more appropriate. The former makes the construction look more delicate while the latter adds to its hardness. As I have mentioned before, you have a number of designs to choose from: cascading, wall-hanging, tiered, birdbath, and pond fountains.

They can be either classic or modern in style and are available at a price ranging from $ 150 to $ 300. Below, I am going to dwell on some of these. The priciest models include a solar panel, pump, battery pack, and 16-inch cords for a pump and LED lights. The items that come at a lower price may not include a battery pack or may have a shorter cord.

Сascade fountains

In my view, cascade fountains are the most romantic and elegant ones and personally, I would recommend placing them in the garden or patio. Not only will this piece of architecture beautify the landscape, but it will also provide you a true relaxation experience. Just sit and enjoy the water flowing downwards, breathing the cool air. The idea is as simple as it is ingenious: the water flows from one level to another, from the top to the bottom. I guess it is their multi-layer design that produces that special calming effect. As a rule, these fountains feature 3 basins, with the lower ones being bigger than the upper ones.

There is a budget option featuring ceramic bowls, stand, and a 10-foot cord. You may opt for a more expensive model made from durable polystone. This item is 10 inches higher and comes with two 16-foot cords for a pump and LED lights. One of the beneficial features of this model is a battery pack that allows for storing power, supplying energy even when there is no direct sunlight.

Tiered fountains

A tiered fountain represents a classic style. The tiered basins give shape to the water while the loudness of its sound directly depends on the distance between the tiers. These models will perfectly fit into larger landscapes and look very impressive. If you need something monumental, there are 46-inch-high items made of polyresin. One of the benefits of fountains is that they attract birds. Listening to birds singing and taking a bath has a particularly tranquilizing effect. Moreover, keep in mind that birds are beneficial predators preying on the pests that destroy vegetation in your garden. Add to this environmental friendliness of solar-powered devices, and you can understand why this solar birdbath fountains are so popular.

These models are made mostly from lightweight fiberglass and very convenient as they come with long cords. This means that you can locate the birdbath far from solar panels, for example, in shady areas where birds prefer to rest, while the solar panels can be positioned so that they are well exposed to sunlight. The battery will ensure its operation in cloudy weather.

Wall fountains

Wall fountains stand distinctive as they have to be built in a wall, be it an existing or a new one. Such models are recommended for a small-size garden or yard as they do not take up much space. A wall fountain includes a spout, from where the water flows, a basin, pump and tubing. The best option is fiberglass models as they are lightweight and easy to mount.

Pond fountains

Pond fountains differ from the previous models in that they require a natural water feature such as a pond. Apart from giving your yard an aesthetic appeal, these devices will make it healthier. The thing is that standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and various bacteria, while the fountain will make the water circulate, preventing these malign processes. As for beneficial insects and birds, they will be attracted by running water and will be more frequent guests in your yard. Some of the products have a fantastic design, just look at this one resembling a floating lily.

Best Solar Fountain Pumps & Panels

There are accessories that will make your solar-powered fountain more effective. These accessories will allow you to place the item wherever you want and use it whenever you want. So let's consider the most needed ones.

• Solar panels. Like any device, solar panels can be damaged and you will need to buy a new one. Just make sure that it is compatible with the type of fountain you have.
• Solar pump and panel kits are useful for upgrading your solar fountain or replace its parts. Moreover, using this kit, you can transform your homemade water feature into a modern device.
• Extension cords will literally expand your possibilities as you will be able to install your fountain in a shady place while the solar panels can be located somewhere on a sunlit lawn. They are designed to be connected either to a solar pump or LED lights. The thing is that some fountains come with long cords while others do not. And this is where an extra 16-inch cord will come in handy.
• Replacement batteries. Sooner or later you will need this item as any battery eventually dies. With a price of about $ 15, these batteries seem to be a good investment, given that they last for more than a year.
• Extra solar pumps come with a 16-foot cable so you can save money in case you need both items.
• Air pump oxygenators will oxygenate your pond and increase water circulation in it.

Best Solar Fountain Pumps & Panels: Find the best price

Best Affordable Solar Fountains Under $ 100

The Best Smart Solar Fountain -Smart Solar 21372R01 Ceramic Solar Koi Fountain

Original solar fountains are not always elegant and sophisticated. Especially for those who lack this classiness and who are too lazy to design, we've picked this solar koi fountain. When you look at the exterior you will immediately ask yourself where the actual solar panel is. It is not built-in, it is connected to the fountain with a 10-foot cable. The water capacity is 1.5 gallons. The only disadvantage is the sensitivity of the solar panel as even the slightest cloud will temporarily deprive the fountain of the energy. Still, the product is quite presentable even when it is turned off. Beware though, ceramic is very fragile.

Ankway Solar Pump for Water Fountain

Then follows a more powerful item made by the same manufacturer which is suitable for a small pond. The increased capacity provides for sufficient pressure, a 27 "jet will certainly contrast the pond. Although your creativity will be limited by the length of the wire: you will not be able to place the sprinkler in the center of a large pond, you will have to make a special floating support under the battery for that at least. If the pond is deep enough, you can enlarge the sprinkler. In this case, the main thing is to monitor the state of the pump, since there is no filter and the particles from the bottom can clog it fast enough.

The only obvious disadvantage is that the solar panel is wired to the pump. You will either have to exercise your camouflage skills on the spot or ignore the fact completely. We've picked a floating model for those who are looking for a large pond in the following section.

A life hack: if you like DIY stuff, why do not you camouflage your sprinkler as a boulder, log or a bamboo branch and thus create a unique design? You'll also scarcely consider camouflaging the wires to be an issue.

A Universal Solar Fountain Pumps Line For Birdbaths, Fountains And Ponds – Ankway Solar Pump for Water Fountain

Why do consumers love this very fountain line? Well, they largely do due to the versatility of the products available. The line contains:

A cut-rate item is a mediocre option with quite poor pressure (at 1.2W). Despite this, this is a bestselling model perfect for placing it in a bowl as a birdbath because of the three nozzles supplied and good value and performance for money provided.

A universal fountain (can be varied as either a pond fountain or a fountain pedestal) at a single price:

A filter pond fountain is well-suited for placement in a natural pond; a removable filter will protect it against sand and soil particles. Everything works within reasonable limits, so please refrain from placing the pump in a swamp lower the pump is not necessary. The maximum quantity of flow of a filtered model is lower than that of the filter less analogue, namely 39 Gallons / H because when passing through the filter element the water flow slows down.

A no-filter fountain pedestal's pump is much faster than the previous ones due to the lack of filter. It has the same power and its maximum quantity of flow is 46 Gallons / H. The item looks very attractive and is quoted at a similar price. You should opt for this product if you have a pedestal fountain, and the filter pump will come handy in the natural ponds.

The Best Solar Bird Bath Fountain – AnkwaySolar Birdbath Fountain Pump

Placing a bird bath in a pond is a stylish idea for giving your garden a natural ambiance. Here comes the bird bath fountains line.

A floating circle fountain is a great idea if you own quite a large pond. In this case, the standard issue is banal shortness of the wires connecting the pump to solar panels. A floating fountain does not have any of these problems and so it will easily surf your pond or pool without being damaged. Regardless of whether there is a big pond, the pump is perfectly suitable for a small bird fountain. And for those wishing to decorate their garden in the wild nature style, we have an excellent idea: using a technically similar "Lotus", which looks like the said flower.

This product is quite powerful with the maximum flow capacity of 40 Gallons / H. This sprinkler is suitable not only as a bird bath but also as a complete mini-fountain. Its diameter is 6.3 "so there is no problem in using it in a deep pond. It can also become a supplementary sprinkler of a large fountain, though, you'll have to take some time and cope with the design challenge. The product can not float and is wired to a quite bulky solar panel of 10.2 "х 13.4".

With a solar fountain, you will decorate your backyard, and if you try hard enough several such fountains will contribute to a complete garden remake. Do not be afraid to become a landscape designer, you will surely achieve great results. That's not it! Did you know that not only garden fountains can be powered by solar panels? Do you want to use your pool even in the fall? This is also possible with solar energy. The best solar pool heaters will help you minimize the costs of prolonging the summer.

Solar Fountain Advantages and Disadvantages

The only major drawback of this design is that it can only work autonomously in the afternoon. It is no wonder as the design is mediocre and the fountain is not supposed to be a sprinkler of luxurious fountains with marble statues. However, you can use the device at night as you only have to power the pump from an outlet or to get a second one so that the two fountains work in a cycle.

The rest of the design fully justifies its cost:

• Affordable price for purchase and service
• Zero energy use
• Installation simplicity
• Customizing the design of certain fountains
• Light design and quiet performance

• Pressure may be poor even when it's sunny
• The fountain turns off when it's overcast