Installing a water feature in your backyard is certainly appealing. What easier way to spruce up the scenery? You can build an oasis in your own backyard! While all of this is real, you should think about a few things first before diving in. A solar water feature however can be one of the best investments you make for your garden. They make a beautiful addition and give you a sense of tranquillity and all without a negative impact on the environment.
A solar water feature, which is powered entirely by solar energy, will add a touch of magic and tranquillity to your outdoor space. There is a solar water feature to fit your room, surroundings, and garden style, whether you have a large or small garden, a veranda, a backyard, balcony, or terrace.
A solar water feature is not only aesthetically pleasing, providing a dazzling visual display, but the sound of flowing water is also well-known for its soothing properties – it is well-documented that the presence and sound of water flow have had the ability to relax and soothe, lowering heart rate and blood pressure. It has also been shown to improve mental health and is known as an important natural stress reliever. If you’re having a great day, suffering from low mood or depression, or simply need a spot to relax and get away from it all, your garden is your sanctuary, and a solar water feature will be an excellent addition to your special place.
Solar water features are decoratively appealing, flexible, appealing to wildlife, and leave no carbon footprint, to name a few reasons why someone who loves spending time in their outdoor area should invest in one. Add to that the fact that the only investment you’ll need to make is for the feature itself, as a solar water feature generates all of the power it needs from the sun, and you’ve got a win-win scenario!
If the thought of putting your feet up and relaxing in your garden on a wet, hazy summer evening with a glass in hand sounds appealing, you’re probably in the market for a solar water feature.
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Do solar water features need electricity?
Yes, water features need electricity to pump the water around. Water features can be wired into the mains or solar-powered. Many do not need to be plumbed into mains water and simply run off an internal reservoir.
Solar water fountains are particularly popular due to their environmental aspect – they work by means of storing sunlight – and the fact they are practically free to run (unless you happen to be using the battery option, available with some models).
Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to help you determine if a water feature is ideal for you and your backyard landscape.
How long do solar water features last?
The lifespan of a battery in a solar-powered water feature is typically 15-18 months. The repeated charge and discharge cycle may cause the battery capacity to be reduced. Leaving the solar panel in the sun for 2 or 3 days without the pump on may allow the maximum charge to be obtained.
Solar pumps, however, can last anywhere between 2-4 years. How long it will actually last is dependent on many factors. The key factor is how well the pump is taken care of. If the pump is regularly cleaned and used properly the pump can last up to 4 years.
Do water features use a lot of electricity?
How much does it cost to run a fountain or water feature? This depends on 3 things. As an example, the pumps we use for our wall fountains are 6.5 Watts, based on a price of 10p a unit the electricity cost of running a wall fountain 24 hours a day for a month would be 50p per month.
Solar panel models will need at least three seconds of direct sun exposure to start working. Using the pump, the water can go higher than 27 inches, but the actual height will depend on the amount of sunlight it gets.
Should a water fountain be on all the time?
Water fountain pumps should run 24/7. It will be difficult for the pump to operate when it is turned off for a long time. Therefore, you do not need to turn the fountain off as long as there is sufficient water in the fountain for the time allotted.
Advantages of Installing a Water Feature
It’s lovely.
Water characteristics are undeniably stunning, even breathtakingly so. Moving water is calming, sparkling, and tidy in and of itself. You can establish true beauty by containing this water in one of the numerous ways available. A well-designed water element will enhance the overall design of the landscape.
Steals the spotlight
A water feature will be an excellent focal point for your backyard. They conveniently make a centrepiece for you to work with. Given the variety of choices, you could make it a focal point on the patio, in the yard, or even integrate it into an outdoor kitchen space. Build a room around it and see the transition happen.
It’s Unique.
Water features can be modified in a variety of ways to make them tailored to your needs. A quick Google search will give you a better idea of just how much flexibility you have in designing your water feature. You may have a leafy oasis, a tidy, modern feature, or a natural rocky hideaway. Your feature may be visually relaxing or soothing. The prospects are almost infinite.
You Have Many Options.
There are several choices when it comes to selecting a kind of water feature. From a basic pre-made fountain to fully customised ponds, waterfalls, lakes, spillways, and tanks, we have it all. There are also several different materials to pick from, and those materials come in a wide range of colours. Alloys, glass, ceramics, plastics, tiles, and stone are all options. Each material is available in a variety of colours, sizes, and shapes. Combining more than one adds even more options. With the guidance of a good designer, you can design and create the perfect water feature to suit just what you’re looking for.
Disadvantages of Installing A Water Feature
It invites pests.
Pests can be attracted to your home if you add water to it. Mosquitos, flies, and other insects There are precautions you can take to help deter these pests, but they may not be completely effective. Consider the possibility of attracting fauna in general, such as frogs and other critters. It’s fun to watch birds bathe and play in the sea, and wildlife can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a pain in some situations.
Upkeep is needed.
The difficult thing is that water features need a lot of upkeep. Water features can be difficult to keep up with. They’re similar to getting a mini-pool. The water level must be monitored, the facilities must be maintained, and often additives must be used to keep the water clean. Over time, leaf litter, gravel, and other debris may accumulate and create problems. Pumps need to be replaced, and filters must be cleaned. Calcium deposits from our hard water can need to be removed from surfaces. You must decide if you are able to deal with these issues on a daily basis.
Expense.
A well-built water feature can be a joy to own, but a badly designed water feature can be a nightmare to maintain. The sum of the parts will easily add up. Pumps, filters, pump vaults, liners, water levellers, and plumbing are examples of parts. The right design and implementation are critical because a bad design will make the function more costly to maintain. Some features can necessitate additional upkeep. Consider if you want to take the time to maintain the water feature on a regular basis or whether you want to pay anyone to do it for you at an additional cost.
White Noise: Boon or Bane?
It’s no secret that running water makes noise, so ask whether this is a plus or minus for you. Will the white noise generated be calming to you, or will it irritate you? White noise can be relaxing and has been related to improved cognitive efficiency. White noise, on the other hand, can leave certain people feeling frazzled and irritated. You must consider whether or not hearing the continuous roaring or trickling of a water feature is a good match for you
Buying Guide
You will find that solar water fountains come in plain and elaborate versions – as demonstrated by our picks in this article. They range from a simple plastic disc that sits in a pond and consists of a vertical tube and various nozzles, to a tall decorative feature with water cascading through variously angled pots until it hits a barrel at the bottom and could prove the focal point of a garden in its own right.
In this guide we have looked at a range of solar-powered water fountains, taking into consideration their decorative aspect, price, size, type of solar panel, length of the cable and whether or not the solar waterpower has battery back-up. The latter allows them to continue working at night or when the sun isn’t around.
First on our list is this 3.5W Solar Fountain from Zhuolang, which contains 6 bright LEDs which will illuminate the yard at night, and the spray height will be fixed for four hours. The RGB colour auto-cycle flashing setting brightens and colours your night.
Please note that enough solar energy is needed for the LEDs to operate! If there is no power, the lights will not work. On a maximum solar charge, the pump will offer about will power 2-3 hours of lighting before needing to see some sun.
This pump contains a 900mAh battery that stores power to run LED lights at night. This might not sound like a lot of oomph but then again, we are talking about LEDs which are very efficient.
Made of PET laminated solar panel ensure long-lasting use in harsh environments. Simply position it in the water and it will operate automatically in 3 seconds if exposed to enough sunlight, with a jet height of up to 60cm on sunny days and around 30cm on cloudy days.
The fountain also has a water shortage protection function, when the solar fountain cannot gain enough water, the pump and LED will stop working automatically to protect the battery.
In addition to that the water fountain is equipped with 7 nozzles, including 4 upgraded nozzles, which can help change the water height & water spray types. It can easily be installed in few seconds without breaking much of a sweat. Perfect for bird bath, small pond, pool, fish tank, garden decoration.
Moreover, the pump comes with its very own filtration box, which can efficiently block dirt, dust, leaves to prevent clogging. The Solar fountain is also equipped with included 4 anti-drift plastic tubes, so there is no need to use small stones to fix the solar pond fountain.
Second on our list is this 3-watt floating solar-powered fountain pump from WOHOOH. Which in addition to four different types of nozzles that can be used to adjust the height of water in various water patterns, features an indispensable high-quality solar panel, which allows the pump to run continuously even in low-light conditions. This allows the water level to rise up to 50-70cm. Choose any one of the water sprays patterns you like.
Floating and self-contained, simply place it in the pool, and the solar panel will receive enough sunlight, allowing the pump to function properly. Which can be pushed around at will without the need for a pump.
WOHOOH recommends the following to ensure excellent spray results:
Remove and clean the nozzle on a regular basis.
Place the fountain pump in the water and in the sun
and it will turn on and operate automatically in 6 seconds.
To power on the pump at night or cloudy days, the pump features a built-in high-performance rechargeable lithium battery of 1200mAh which promises a maximum working time of 3-4 hours under full power.
Much like the first water feature, the WOHOOH comes with water shortage protection function. When there is no water, the pump will automatically stop working to protect the motor. To help save battery life, the pump has a light sensor to detect light detection function: Automatically stop working when night is detected.
Moreover, the pump comes w/ its very own filtration box, which can efficiently block dirt, dust, leaves to prevent clogging. The Solar fountain is also equipped w/ included 4 anti-drift plastic tubes, so there is no need to use small stones to fix the solar pond fountain.
Apart from the wattage, this pump is nearly identical to the WOHOO 3.0 W pump reviewed above. The reason for the increased wattage is the large 10V 6.5 panels that are attached to it. Comes with water shortage protection 6 nozzles and includes a 7.4V 1500mAh Lithium battery with a charge cycle life of 300 to 500 cycles that last 4 hours on a full charge for cloudy days and nights. The only drawback to it though is that it appears to be fully sealed and built to be irreplaceable.
This tends to be a well-made piece with a high-quality feel to it. Although the pump appears to be small, it is surprisingly powerful. It has three small suckers on the bottom and an optional flotation pad for creating a free-floating fountain. I like how it has a water detection sensor that stops the pump but still enables the battery to charge if the pump is not submerged. Cleaning should be done every two to three weeks, and it is an easy process that requires no equipment other than a small brush since all bits are easily available.
Six nozzles are included for various fountain patterns or you could do what I intend to do and attach a flexible tube to supply a small waterfall with a maximum flow of 500 litres per hour. The pump has a projected lifespan of up to 10,000 hours but can easily be replaced.
The flex is a good length at just over 4.5m (15ft) and has a waterproof coupling close to the solar panel. If there is enough ambient light, the 10V 6.5W solar panel will power the pump even when it is not in direct sunlight. It has built-in screw holes for wall mounting as well as two flimsy little pull out legs that seem to be nearly useless. I think they’re a little small, and I don’t see how you can lock them in place.
The Blumfeldt Konigsbrun Fountain is an elegant solar-powered water feature that consists of a sphere (or ball) sitting on top of a tower-like casing. It is a simple but eye-catching solar water fountain for a modern, minimalist garden.
The casing itself is available in either straight or with a single twist in terms of shape. This fountain, which is reasonably priced and made of polyresin with an elegant polished basalt appearance, has been built to add a certain beauty – both meditative and visual – to any area of the garden or patio, terrace, etc. At night, an LED light in the centre of the sphere emits a soft and colourful glow.
The Blumfeldt Konigsbrun Fountain is powered by a 2W solar panel with a photovoltaic surface area of 300 cm² and can pump up to 200 litres of water per hour. This gives the water an overall lift of 80cm and a fountain height of up to 40cm.
By pressing the on/off label on the tower, you can switch to a battery and get up to eight hours of use. Your purchase includes a water pump, LED ring, and 3.7V 2Ah battery in addition to the solar panel.
Water flows from the top of the ball and down its sides to a concealed basin in the tower, where it literally starts over. It is definitely not too tall for a small garden, and the design is simple and minimalist for a small, tidy garden.
