People are looking for ways to make their backyard a bit more relaxing and enjoyable. Many people are considering outdoor water fountains. Let’s discuss the highlights of using solar water fountains, how they work and the benefits that solar fountains provide.
How do solar powered fountains compare to regular water fountains? Standard outdoor water fountains require a power source for electricity (power outlet) and a power cable connected to it. A solar water fountain does not require any electricity and of course no cable running to an outlet. This makes solar fountains versatile as far as placement. What makes this so cool is that you can place a solar water fountain where you think you want it and if you change your mind later, you just move it. Nice idea.
Standard outdoor water fountains require close proximately to a power outlet and solar fountains require the sun to charge solar batteries within solar panels. Sounds like they both have stipulations, which is true to a point. There is another small advantage to solar fountains; they come in two types. One design for a solar fountain comes with an attached solar panel right on the fountain. On this model, the entire solar fountain would need to be placed in the sun all day long to charge the batteries.
Now, there is another solar fountain design that has a remote solar panel, which comes with the fountain when you buy it. You place the solar fountain where you want to view it and you place the remote solar panel in another location in the sunshine. In other words, the fountain and the solar panel do not have to be side by side. This gives you a great amount of flexibility as to where you really want your solar fountain regardless of where the panel is located.
Safety may be another consideration that many folks have. Because the water fountain is not connected to electricity, you will not have the same safety concerns for children and pets. If you enjoy watching birds in your backyard, you may be thrilled to know that outdoor water fountains usually attract them and even butterflies too. Generally, the batteries in solar fountains do not retain enough of the suns energy to be able to run solar fountains at night. If being able to run a fountain at night is your desire than a fountain running off power may be more suitable.
You probably have questions about maintenance on a piece of equipment you are not familiar with. Solar fountains do require some maintenance to keep them working well and looking beautiful. Water fountain pumps need to be cleaned out periodically. This means removing dirt and debris. The fountain itself should be kept free of dirt, leaves and sticks to prevent them from getting into the pump and keep your fountain looking good.
Algae can be a problem on some outdoor water fountains. Periodically scrubbing with a brush removes algae quickly. There are several products on the market that can be used in the water to prevent algae from forming. Overall, solar fountains do not require a lot of effort and more than pay for the little bit of work involved. Most people that purchase solar fountains are very pleased and enjoy the tranquil, relaxing atmosphere that is created with a backyard water fountain.
Sources:
http://www.kineticfountains.com/articles/different-types-of-solar-powered-fountains/
http://www.kineticfountains.com/articles/solar-fountains-offer-numerous-benefits/
