Make the Most Out of Your Fountain Water Pump
A water feature is a huge plus for the serenity of a place, whether it’s a meditation center or a clubhouse. Constantly flowing water is also symbolic of wealth in Chinese culture, which is why many people install a water feature in their home for Feng Shui.
With the abundance of pre-made construction pieces available on the market, creating a water feature in your home is much easier than you think. However, one crucial aspect that requires the most attention is the only working component in the water feature — the water pump.
Despite being categorized as fountain water pumps, these submersible pumps are highly versatile for all forms of water features, including fountains, water streams, or water feature walls. All the garden pond and fountain water pumps from Australian Water Pump Warehouse are solar-powered for carbon-zero operation.
Selecting Your Fountain Water Pump
Once you’ve decided on your water feature, its specifications will determine which pump you choose. These include the height you need, the flow required, and whether a filter is needed.
Lighting conditions. Because these pumps run on solar panels, power output is entirely reliant on the intensity of available light. On cloudy or overcast days, reduced solar output might not allow the water pump to work at its maximum, which could affect the pressure your water feature needs.
That’s why it’s essential to account for extra headroom when choosing your solar-powered fountain water pump — to keep your water feature working flawlessly even on gloomy days.
Pump power. The height required and flow needed for your water feature are the main factors here.
- Pump head (measured in meters) is how high the water from the pump can reach.
- Maximum flow rate (measured in litres per hour or gallons per hour) is how much water the pump can supply.
Notice the word “maximum” before flow rate? That’s because flow rate is influenced by both the solar panel’s output and the height required — the higher you need the water to reach, the lower the flow rate will be.
We recommend a 10-15% leeway for your pump, to account for both solar panel variability and overall system maintenance. Keeping a water pump under its maximum operating stress helps it run for longer.
Debris and dry running. If you’re installing your water feature outdoors, falling leaves or insects could block water from entering your pump. Insufficient water — or dry running — is critical to avoid, as the motor relies on water for cooling.
If a filter is needed, the flow rate required for it to work effectively should also factor into your decision. Inadequate or excessive flow through the filter can lead to poor filtering or filter damage.
Other Handy Features
There are a few additional features on solar-powered fountain water pumps that could add real value:
- Adjustable flow rate — great for controlling the height of your fountain’s water. Run it lower during the day and max it out when hosting guests.
- LED lights and a backup battery — ideal for lighting up your fountain and keeping it running at night, perfect for a party.
Still Have Questions?
Having supported and supplied fellow Australians with thousands of water pumps, we mean business. If you’re still figuring out which fountain water pump to buy, don’t hesitate to call us on 0412 548 609. Our friendly staff is happy to help at any time.
