3 Advantages of Installing a Solar-Powered Water Pump in Your Garden

The addition of a water feature, whether a tranquil fountain or a flashy waterfall, can truly elevate the look and feel of any garden or outdoor space. Not only can it create a feeling of spaciousness in smaller gardens, but it also reduces the amount of grass mowing and trimming needed. Additionally, if you live in an urban area with a lot of noise pollution, the sound of a fountain or waterfall can help to drown out this noise and create a more relaxing atmosphere.

Naturally, there are also some downsides to having a water fountain. It will require a pump to be running for a large portion of the day, which means that it will add to your energy consumption and boost your electricity expenses if you use an electric-powered water pump.

However, using a solar-powered water pump is a great way to conserve energy. These water pumps use the sun's energy or a backup battery, so you don't have to draw from the grid. Here are the top benefits of choosing a solar-powered water pump for an eco-friendly outdoor water feature.

Surprisingly, water features such as ponds, pools, and waterfalls can actually be beneficial to water conservation in the long run. Lawns often require a lot of water and can be quite costly in drier climates where supplemental watering is necessary. Although it may take a lot of water to initially set up a pond or reflecting pool, the average sprinkler system can output about 30 gallons of water per minute.

Additionally, cycling and recirculating water with a pump has many benefits in comparison to stagnant water. It is less likely to attract mosquitos and can prevent the development of algae in your pond or pool.

The typical electric water pump takes up energy from the grid. The energy it takes to run an electric water pump is approximately equivalent to that of an ordinary table lamp. Using a solar-powered water pump on a pond or swimming pool can reduce the carbon footprint of your yard. So not only will your backyard look great, it will be sustainable and environmentally friendly as well.

Electric pond pumps typically cost between $25-$50 a month to power. And with cost of electricity on the rise across the US and much of the world, this price is only expected to increase with time.

Conversely, a solar-powered pump is self-sufficient, so it won't cause a spike in your energy bill. Furthermore, many of these pumps are equipped with battery backups to allow for usage both during the day and at night.

Installing Solar Pumps is Simple

Setting up an electric pump outside can be a bit of a challenge. To provide power to the pump, you must run an electrical line across your lawn. To protect the cord and avoid any hazards, a lot of people cover it with PVC piping and bury it in a shallow trench in their yard. It is a lengthy process to get the pond water circulating!

Setting up a solar pump is relatively straightforward since there's no need to connect it to an electrical outlet. However, if the pump is going to be submerged in a pond or pool, then the wiring should be safeguarded from possible water damage.

To give a refined touch to any water feature, you can submerge water-resistant solar spotlights in the pond or pool. Several models come with a lithium ion battery that operates for a few hours even after the solar charge is depleted--just like your solar-powered water pump, they are driven solely by the energy from the sun. An alternate choice is solar-powered down lights. When hung in the trees around, they can create a beautiful moonlight ambiance for trickling waterfalls and tranquil pools.