If you've got a water feature with nothing to power the water supply, choosing a solar pond pump for a water feature is an easy and energy-efficient way to introduce that tranquillity to your garden. There's nothing like a water feature to bring a little life to a garden or to provide a focal point for the garden design and layout. There are many different ways a water feature can be developed, but the one thing that can really bring it to life is to have some flow and movement and, of course, the gentle sounds accompanying them.
Even the most elaborate water feature can be left looking somewhat desolate if there's no action, so we need to thank the unsung heroes of our modern water fountains and aquatic displays – the water pump! These hidden marvels can turn a simple water ornament into a vision of motion and life or even just bring some movement to a static water feature, such as a raised pond.
Best solar pond pump for a water feature at a glance:
• Best for a basic water feature: AISITIN 6.5W Solar Fountain Pump - View on Amazon UK
• Best for multiple features: Ankway 2Pcs Solar Fountain Pump - View on Amazon UK
• Best for remote control: Blagdon Liberty Pump - View on Amazon UK
The disadvantage used to be that a water pump would require mains power to operate it, but with the advances in battery and solar power, it's now possible to run a water feature pump solely on energy provided by the sun. We've had a look around to see what types of solar pumps are available for water features and how they might fit into your own particular circumstances.
Best solar pond pump for a water feature
Best for a basic water feature
Amazon/AistinThis Aisitin solar water pump comes with a combination of nozzles to provide a selection of different effects. Its appeal lies in its budget price and ease of use. It can be used in a pond, but it's small enough to fit into a birdbath or pot to provide a small stand-alone water feature. It's easy to put together, and after a charge in the sunshine, it can be used straight away.
This is an Amazon's Choice recommended product with over 7,370 reviews rating it 4.0 out of 5. Customers are impressed by the fountain, but a few have found that it doesn't last over winter. In direct sunlight it provides a relatively powerful fountain that will make a relaxing and reoxygenating water feature in the summer.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Multiple spray patterns for different effects
- Powerful little pump, very effective in direct sunlight
Cons
- Not supplied with fittings for external features
Best for multiple features
Amazon/AnkwaySimilar to our first product, but you get two independent solar pumps and panels to give you extra flexibility in your water display. You could connect one to a water feature while the other provides a gentle fountain, or use both in tandem for a more impressive display. Once again, these pumps are so easy to put together, and as long as you make sure the panels get plenty of sunshine, they'll run without any fuss.
Customers praise this set for their performance even when the sun is not so brilliant. The solar pumps are good value for money too. Bear in mind, that the solar panels do not store energy, so these won't work at night. Also, it's best to store them away in the colder months of the year.
Pros
- Seven nozzles for a range of water effects that create different spray heights and shapes
- With the addition of a long tube it can be used in tall water features
- Amazon's Choice recommended
- Two solar pumps is great value for money
Cons
- Tubing needs to be purchased separately
Best for illumination
UK Waterfeatureswww.ukwaterfeatures.com
For a more powerful solar pump, that stores energy so it can work in the dusk or night, consider UK Waterfeatures Solar Pump. Liven up your water feature with this solar-powered pump, which comes with a ring of four white LEDs which illuminate automatically at night. The system runs from a solar panel which charges a lithium battery during the daytime, which can then provide power for the pump and the lights for up to six hours at night. The ground spike allows you to install the solar panel in a suitable position; you can then connect directly to your water feature or utilise one of the fountain spray heads.
Customers praise the quality of the water pumps that they've purchased from UK Waterfeatures. Also, there's FAQs and customer support should you need it.
Pros
- LED illumination to create a night-time garden feature
- Battery back up works in low light and at night
- Oxygenates a pond and costs nothing to run
Cons
- No fixings supplied for the lights
Best for adjustable flow
Water Gardening Directwww.watergardeningdirect.com
The Pontec Pondosolar 150 is a solar fountain pump kit which is perfect for use in a garden pot, bowl, water feature or pond. There's a 5m cable on the solar panel, which gives you greater flexibility over its positioning so that it can be 'hidden' whilst accessing the most sunshine. There are four different fountain heads and various extension tubes, and the fountain spray will rise to just under half a metre. The water flow can be adjusted to suit via the rotary dial on the front of the pump.
Customers say this is a very effective solar pump, albeit one comments that it's sensitive to light levels. If you're looking to create a bespoke water feature, it's a good option as it contains an assortment of fountain heads. With a flow rate of 150 LPH it provides a powerful enough jet for a small pond or freestanding water feature.
Pros
- Customers impressed by the power of this fountain
- Long cable offers more scope for positioning the solar panel
- Compete kit contains everything you need to make a bespoke water fountain
Cons
- Spray height is not very high
Best solar pond pump for timer control
Amazon/BlagdonFor a solar pump that gives you timer control amongst other features, this is a top pick. The Blagdon Liberty is another easy-to-install and use system which will help liven up your water feature. It has an LED light ring and intelligent timer control, giving you the flexibility to choose when the pump and lights operate. Once again, it's suitable for placement in a pot or bowl or to power a pond feature; and the selection of fittings gives you multiple fountain styles. The internal battery will charge during daylight, which allows the pump and lights to operate for about four hours at night.
Customers praise how lovely it looks at night, plus they like the additional features, such as the removable filter, LED lights and ability to change the settings. Whilst a few comments say they're have problems with the battery not charging and the solar operation needing strong direct sunlight.
All-in-all this solar pump offers some mid-range features and the flexibility to be wall-mounted, placed in a pond or a ground-based water feature.
Customer comments that the battery did not charge up on theirs, so it only works in sunshine.
Pros
- LED light ring to illuminate your water feature at night
- Battery back up so it will still run in dull conditions
- Customers say it's ideal for a small pond or water feature
Cons
- Smaller fountain height
Best for purification
Pondkeeper/PondXpertwww.pondkeeper.co.uk
Looking for a serious pond pump that costs nothing to run? This high-end solar pump has advanced filters and a UVC light to reduce to sterilise and clean your pond water by reducing algae and waterborne pathogens. PondXpert TripleAction 1600 is wire-free solution for keeping ponds and large water features clean and oxygenated. There's a 5-metre cable so that you have good flexibility over the positioning of the solar panel. The kit is also supplied with an adaptor, which allows you to give a full charge from an indoor mains supply.
Of the customer reviews, comments are polarised as to this pump meeting expectations and not. But a customer does comment that the customer support is great, in the event this is not the right purchase for your requirements.
Pros
- Filters and cleans water
- Optional mains recharge
- Timers to set when it comes on
Cons
- Not so good for larger ponds
Best for power
Pondkeeper/PondXpert www.pondkeeper.co.uk
This is PondXpert's most powerful solar-powered pump. Additionally, it comes with a battery pack and mains adapter, so the pump can run in cloud or at night, as well as sunny conditions. As with the others, this is easy to install and operate and comes with 5m of cable on the solar panel and it does have a high flow rate (3,000 LPH), so it's worth ensuring there is enough water to allow it to operate correctly. Additionally, for a large aquatic garden feature, there is a matching submersible pond filter available.
PondXpert have a range of solar pumps that have different water flow rates. Customer reviews say that the pumps perform very well, albeit it takes a bit of research to work out which one is best for your water feature requirements.
Pros
- Powerful output
- Back-up power sources
- Suitable for larger ponds
Cons
- Requires a larger amount of water to function
How we chose the best solar pond pump
All of these solar pond pumps have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered ease of use, cost and additional features in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching solar pond pumps to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQs: Solar pond pump for a water feature
What should I consider when buying solar pump for a water feature?
When purchasing a solar pump for your water feature, you'll want to consider various factors to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively. Solar pumps are an eco-friendly and energy-efficient choice for powering water features, but they do have specific requirements and limitations. Here are some things to consider before making your selection:
Sunlight availability: Solar pumps depend on sunlight to work. Assess the amount of sunlight your location receives throughout the day, as this will impact the pump's performance. Make sure your water feature's location receives adequate sunlight for the pump to function as well as possible.
Solar panel type and size: Choose the appropriate solar panel size and type based on your water feature's energy requirements. The panel should be capable of generating enough electricity to power the pump while also being compatible with your water feature's design.
Pump capacity (flow rate and head height): Determine the flow rate (LPH) and head height required for your water feature. Select a solar pump with the capacity to meet these requirements. Some solar pumps come with adjustable settings to control flow rates.
Battery backup (optional): Consider whether you want a solar pump with a built-in battery backup for your solar-powered water feature. Batteries store excess energy during sunny periods and release it when sunlight is insufficient. This feature ensures continuous operation, even on cloudy days or at night.
Pump type and installation: Solar pumps can be submersible or external, similar to traditional pumps. Choose the type that suits your water feature design and installation preferences. Ensure the pump is easy to install and maintain.
Control options: Some solar pumps come with remote control options, allowing you to adjust flow rates and settings from a distance. This can be useful for fine-tuning your water feature's performance.
Safety: Ensure that the solar panel and wiring are installed safely, and consider safety features for the pump itself, especially if your water feature is accessible to children or pets.
Can you use a solar pump for a fountain?
Yes, a solar-powered pump is a wire-free solution to creating a fountain water feature. Depending on the size of your pond or freestanding water feature, you need to have a pump that has the right flow rate. Flow rate is the measure of water that is circulated by the pump once per hour and is measured in litres per minute (LPM). Anchor Pumps has a simple calculation that helps you work out what size pump you need. Divide the total capacity of your pond or water feature by 60 (i.e. one hour) and this gives you the minimum flow rate required to circulate water.
So, if your pond has a capacity of 5,000 litres, divided by 60, equals 83.3/LPM.
Also, you need to work out the right head height, which is the distance between the water level and the fountain head. This needs to be less than the 'max head' figure, which is the height the fountain can push water upwards. Anchor Pumps explains that if the max head is less than the head height, the pump won't be able to push water out of the fountain head.
If the distance between the water level and the fountain head was two metres and the max head was four metres, than is fine and the pump will work correctly.
What is the weakness of a solar water pump?
Whilst solar water pumps are wireless, sustainable and have zero running costs, they rely on exposure to sunlight in order to work. Some models have built-in batteries that charge up in daylight, however the capacity is limited. But, if you're looking for a modest decorative water feature, a solar pond pump is ample.
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Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in Power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music.