Best solar powered water feature for free flow form

The best solar powered water features give you the sight and sound of trickling water with zero drain on your electricity. Garden water features come in all shapes and sizes. If you're looking for a compact, robust and self-contained feature that's easy to install and maintain, these 'plug-in and play' water fountains are an affordable option.

Enjoy the sound of running water even in the tiniest of spaces. There are small water features, starting at 20cm and weighing less than 2kg, which is perfect for a window sill or tabletop. Larger features can be one metre and weigh 100kg. This would be ideal for a quiet corner of the garden. Like a garden water bowl, these gently rippling fountains cast abstract shapes that are mesmerising and deeply relaxing to meditate on.

The best solar powered water feature at a glance:

• Best overall solar powered garden water feature: Direct Global Trading Solar Powered Garden Water Feature with LED Lights - view on Amazon UK
• Best metallic solar powered water feature: Sphere Modern Metal Solar Water Feature - view on B&Q
• Best cascading solar powered water feature: Genoa Cascade - view on Waitrose Garden

Lower stress levels with tranquil running water all year round. Solar powered water features charge an internal lithium battery, so it can be enjoyed in any weather. These decorative water features don't require direct sunlight all the time. They will work in cloudy conditions and in the evenings. The solar cell uses some of the converted electricity to run a water pump, while the rest is stored in the battery. Choose the power source - solar or battery - at the flick of a switch. Additionally, some water features come with a mains adapter. This allows you to charge up the battery indoors when it's dull weather.

Solar powered water features are a safe option around children and pets because the water reservoir is hidden and there are no wires or sockets to poke at. It's essential to position it in a sunny spot, or opt for a product that has a separate solar panel. Place this in full sun and wire it back to the water pump. Some water features come with 10 metres of cabling. Just bear in mind that trees, outdoor buildings and fences all cast shadows. For lots more tips and advice on these fountains of wellbeing, scroll to the FAQs at the end of this article.

Best solar powered water feature

What to consider when choosing a solar powered water feature

First of all, consider the aspect of your outdoor space. Notice where the sun falls throughout the day and which areas receive the most amount of direct sunlight. If you have a consistently sunny spot then you can go for a water feature with an integrated solar panel. In contrast, if your garden is shaded opt for one that has a separate solar panel on a long cable. Position the panel in the brightest place which will power the water feature where ever you choose to put it. Also, some solar-powered features convert to main power with an adapter.

Wall-hung water features are ideal if you're short on space. But do bear in mind the weight when it has a full tank of water.

If you're worried that a water feature may be too noisy, go to a garden centre to view demonstration models. You can gauge whether a bubbling peddle pool or a cascade is best for you.

Water features come in a range of materials. Resin and plastic are cheaper, however over time they can fade and become brittle in direct sunlight or a hot conservatory. Natural materials will be long-lasting and age in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Finally, water will evaporate from the feature so be sure to occasionally top it up. Algae can also build up and result in green water, so use a water treatment such as Fountain Fresh once a month to prevent this.

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of solar powered water features?

The beauty of a solar powered water feature is that everything is built into one unit. You simply pop it into position, fill with water and let the sun charge it into action. No need to call the electrician, they are super easy to install and maintain.

Modern Gardens asked Jon Hart, customer services director at Water Gardening Direct Ltd for his advice on solar powered water features.

“The biggest factors when buying a water feature are its appearance and compatibility with your space. But also consider how easy it is to install, what noise it makes and how to look after it,” says Jon Hart. “Solar and battery-powered features are simple to install because you don’t need a mains cable. I call them ‘plug and play’ options. They are supplied with everything you need to get started, just add water.

“The disadvantage is that they do not have continuous power – solar will only operate when the sunlight is strong enough, while batteries will need changing at some point.”

How do I look after my solar powered water feature?

“Water loss can be a result of evaporation, but it can also be caused by the wind catching and dispersing any cascading water in outdoor features,” explains Jon. “If the feature runs out of water the pump will run dry and probably burn out. Check it every few days and top up if necessary.”

Keeping water clean is important, especially if there are children around. “Once the chlorine has evaporated, water starts to build up bacteria,” says Jon Hart. “This isn’t a threat to most people, or to wildlife, but youngsters can suffer upset tummies if they ingest dirty water. Depending on the size of the feature, use a few drops or a capful of Milton Sterilising Fluid to sterilise the water.

In winter, water freezes and expands, which can crack a water feature. Jon says, “Most are frost safe, so won’t be damaged in cold weather, but are not ice proof. When icy weather looms, drain, clean and store your water feature somewhere dry. If you leave it in place, drain, clean and cover it to prevent it from filling up with water.”

You could invest in a protective cover or empty it and bring the water feature inside.

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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.