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Solar powered fountains are gaining in popularity as the sun-powered technology continues to improve. For small ponds they may be the best way to economically run a fountain throughout the summer. The following article explores what you’ll need to know before buying one.
Enhancing your garden, patio or backyard does not have to be expensive. Solar powered fountains offer an alternative for those who want an environmentally friendly way to complete their landscaping. Even though they cost much less to maintain than a traditional fountain, they provide the same type of elegance and style you desire. However, solar powered fountains have unique needs for their care and maintenance, so you have to know how to keep your fountain beautiful and functional.
Unlike solar powered lights, fountains do not store solar energy so that they are powered at night. Instead, these fountains will only run while the sun is out. If you want the fountain to work during those nighttime festivities, you need to get a battery. You may have to buy the battery separately since most fountains do not come with one. Needless to say, you will need to position the solar panel so that it receives the maximum amount of sunlight possible during the daylight. You can also get multiple panels, but this may not be necessary.
You should also not be alarmed if the fountain does not always run at its full capacity. As with all solar powered items, the water flow will be contingent upon the amount of sunlight it gets. The more light available the more powerful the flow. Many solar powered fountains do not have the solar panel attached, so you can place it anywhere as long as the panel receives sunlight. The lack of an external power cord also gives you leverage in where you want to place the fountain since it does not need to be near an outlet. Some also use a solar pump. These pumps help keep water circulating smoothly.
You have many options in deciding how to use your fountain since many of them are standalone. These types may come with a pedestal or they may be placed on any surface. Another benefit to finding a solar fountain is that there are many meant specifically as floating pieces in a pond or pool. With no electrical outlet connecting the fountain, they are safe for this type of aquatic decoration. You can even use them as an alternative for a birdhouse although there are special pieces specifically for this purpose. Most of these fountains are typically small in size, especially the cascading designs, but they should be appropriate for smaller ponds if this is your intention.
Choosing your fountain will depend upon a number of factors, but the cost of running it should not be one. Instead, you can consider the added charm and serenity you can get from the soothing sounds of your fountain. The largest drawback is that you may need a battery to run the fountain at night, so it is important to find out if the piece has a battery backup. Otherwise, the difficult decision is whether you want an animal shaped, birdbath, cascading, glass, floating lily, Japanese tea, slate stepped, two-tiered, water fountain or other design for your fountain.
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