How To Choose a Solar Water Fountain or Water Feature Pump
We carry 15 different solar powered water fountain or water feature pumps, and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your application.
Types of Solar Pumps
We divide our solar pumps into two main categories: with or without a battery back-up system.
- Without battery back-up — these units only work when the solar panel is in full sunlight. This may be all you need in Queensland, but you may find the pump works intermittently in Victoria or Tasmania.
- With battery back-up — these either have a lithium battery mounted to the back of the solar panel, or a separate battery pack. Models with a separate battery pack also let you set when the unit turns on or off, and you can adjust the flow rate.
Sizing Your Solar Pump
We recommend calculating the water volume of your pond or water feature first, then choosing a solar pump that matches that volume.
If you’re trying to achieve a certain cascade effect, fill a known-size bucket with water and pour it out at the rate you’re aiming for. For example, if you empty a 10 litre bucket in 30 seconds, you’ll need something that moves 20 litres per minute, or 1,200 litres per hour.
If you want to push water up a few levels (e.g. 1.0m), add another 50% to the water volume. So if your upper level is 1.0m, you’ll really need equipment rated for a 2.0m head pressure to ensure adequate flow.
Quick Sizing Guide
- Small indoor wall or table fountains: 200–300 L/Hr
- Small–medium statue or multi-level features up to 800mm high: 400–750 L/Hr
- Larger features up to 2.0m high: 1,000–2,000 L/Hr
- Waterfalls and streams up to 0.5m wide: 3,000–4,000 L/Hr
Understanding Head Pressure
For head pressure, we usually supply two measurements.
Imagine a garden hose with no trigger device on the end. Aim it up vertically and turn it on — the water may spray straight up 2.0m. Now put your thumb over half the end of the hose, and it may spray 4.0m instead.
The same principle applies to your solar pump. If you use the fountain attachments with a perforated or spray top, the water will spray quite high. If you remove the fountain pipe and attach a plastic hose instead, the water won’t spray as high. Most water features use a hose attachment to direct water to the top of the feature.
Our listings show:
- A theoretical maximum lift height, achievable with the sprinkler and fountain pipe attachment.
- A minimum water lift height, achieved with a hose attachment.
Need Help Choosing?
If you have any questions about choosing the right solar pump, please call Andrew at the Water Pump Warehouse on 1300 607 429.
