The 5 Best Solar Pond Fountains in 2021

Solar pond fountains are a great cost-effective way to have a relaxing water feature, and keep water moving to prevent algae and mosquitos. Not to mention saves on energy bills and runs quietly. Unfortunately quality varies widely. I'll help you figure out what type of fountain you need, and pick a solar fountain that works best for your situation.

Do Solar Pond Fountains Actually Work?

If you've ever used a cheap solar light, you might think there's no way a solar pond fountain can be reliable. But luckily there are ways to find ones that really can work even on cloudy days.

It's important to judge the amount of sunlight that will reach your pond. Depending on the length of the cord from the fountain to the solar panel will determine where you can place it. If you have sunlight all day long, any solar-powered fountain will work.

If you have partial shade or a lot of cloudy days, you can still use a solar-powered fountain! Many have battery backups. This will store the extra energy from the solar panel so the pump will run continuously even when cloudy. Another option is fountains that are made with a large solar panel. These larger panels can get enough solar energy even if not in direct light.

Solar fountains do have limitations. If you are looking for a water show like the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, solar fountains will not get the job done. Or if you want a solar-powered pump to run your main filtration system. But they do an amazing job as small water features. If you're wondering how many gallons per hour (GPH) your main pump should give it's (length of pond x average depth x 7.5) 

What do you need in a Solar Pond Fountain?

Along with checking how much sunlight your pond or pool gets there are a few other things to keep in mind. How many gallons a minute do you need, and the durability of each pump. When it comes to mechanical parts that have to withstand large amounts of water, trying to play it cheap on quality will always result in you losing money, in the long run, having to buy new parts.

The Best Solar Fountains for Ponds

Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit 900 GPH  (Most Powerful)

Many solar fountains max out at 200 GPH, but Solariver's can go up to 900 GPH and shoot water 10 feet in the air! Unlike most solar powered fountains it can power a waterfall. It also provides a 16-foot extension cord to allow you to place the solar panel wherever it can get the most direct light.

It's fully submersible and is non-toxic to fish, unlike some pumps that contain oil that can potentially leak out. The downsides are that it does not have a backup battery and the amount of water flow depends on the amount of sunlight the panel receives. It comes with a 1-year warranty and is rated to run for over 20,000 hours!

PowerEZ Solar Water Pump Kit-410GPH Submersible Pump

This pump is incredibly versatile, it can be connected to a backup battery, AC power, or the solar panel. With a 410 GPH flow rate, it's one of the stronger solar-powered pond fountains. The 20-watt solar panel is able to produce power even on somewhat cloudy days. While it can't power a waterfall it does well for a fountain in your pond or aquarium. It is nontoxic and rated for over 20,000 hours of use.

AISITIN 5.5W Solar Fountain for Ponds, Pools, and Bird Baths (Best for Bird Baths)

Though on the smaller size with only a 5.5-watt solar panel, its 6 different nozzles and affordable price make it a perfect way to add small water features to birdbaths or use a series of them to decorate an entire pond.