How To Choose A Solar Garden Pond Pump For Your Garden Fish Pond
Solar Garden Pond Pump Guide
Traditionally, garden pond owners have always used mains powered electricity as the power source to power their garden pond equipment; whether that is a pond pump, pond filter, pond skimmer or pond UV sterilizer etc. In recent years however many manufacturers are producing water gardening equipment that utilizes the sun’s natural energy as a power source.
This is especially the case when it comes to choosing a garden pond pump. As energy prices rise and people are becoming more frugal with their hard earned money there has been a dramatic rise in the numbers of solar garden pond pumps on the market; especially in the UK, where I live.
Yes I know what you are thinking “surely the UK doesn’t get enough sunshine to make a solar pond pump a viable option – wrong!). Believe it or not many of the leading solar pond pumps available to the UK water gardening market function very well, given the UK’s climate.
In fact there is quite a vast array of “All in One” solar pond pump kits that include a solar garden pond pump and all the necessary components needed for your very own complete solar powered pond pump system. As with anything else the sophistication, size and power of the solar pond kits determine the price. Cheaper complete solar pond pump kits start at a few hundred pounds (£). More expensive solar pond pump kits can go up to several thousand pounds (£).
The ability to purchase individual parts, such as: the solar panel array, a solar panel mounting kit, required electric cables and of course the actual 12 volt garden pond pump is also easily possible.
In fact solar powered pond pumps are an eco friendly and “green ready” water gardening addition. They can quite easily be a money saving solution for some water garden ponds. Initially they cost more than their mains powered peers but over a couple of years they more than make the initial outlay worth the while.
To ascertain whether or not a solar pond pump is a good choice for your pond you need to be able to calculate the volume of your pond and also know the distance and height to which the solar pond pump needs to push the water to.
Take a look at my Pond Calculators ...
The majority of solar power pond pumps are 12 volt; significantly less than your typical mains powered pond pump. For this reason it is important to make sure that the solar pond pump is powerful enough for your needs. In general solar powered garden pond pumps are better suited to small garden ponds and water features. If you are planning on having a large koi pond with a large waterfall then I’m afraid you are going to need mains powered equipment.
The choice of location for your water garden pond is an important consideration prior to buying a solar garden pump. Ideally you want to select a location that offers as much daylight sunshine as possible. Choosing a sheltered area is not a good ideal, if you want to take full advantage of your purchase. A sheltered or dark area of your garden will prevent the solar array (solar panels) of your pond pump from receiving direct and strong sunlight. This is especially the case on an overcast or winter day.
Choosing A Solar Garden Pond Pump Considerations:
- A solar pond pump is not able to charge itself at night and may need to be turned off at night. If you want to prevent this from happening then you will need to store the energy harnessed during sunlight hours. You can do this by purchasing a battery.
- A garden pond pump supplying a biological pond filter needs to run 24/7/365 so that the nitrifying bacteria don’t die off. These bacteria break down ammonia and other toxic chemicals.
If you already have a water garden pond but simply want to add some decoration or colour to your pond then why not choose a solar powered water feature or solar powered fountain? Completely self-powered floating water fountains and similar items are popular and cost relatively little to buy. They cost even less to run!
For a full list of quality branded products reviewed on this site click Pond Water Pump Reviews for further information.