Garden Fountains That Run on Solar

Styles

• There are four different styles of solar fountains available on the market: birdbath, cascading, pond and bubbling. Birdbath fountains are great for enticing birds and other wildlife to your garden oasis. The sound created by this type of fountain is quiet, so as not to scare off the wildlife. A cascading fountain features various heights and boasts a louder, stream-like sound quality, which adds to a relaxing setting by blocking out exterior noises. Pond fountains add an element of excitement to a standard pond. These floating fountains often feature colorful lights and adjustable water heights. Pond fountains also help to aerate the water, thus keeping pond fish healthy. Finally, bubbling fountains are a contemporary design featuring a small, gurgling sputter of water, usually over a smooth stone surface. This type of fountain is normally seen in modern garden settings.

Rechargeable

• Many of today's solar fountains feature rechargeable batteries, for those folks who enjoy entertaining afterhours. The batteries are charged by the sun, and, once charged, a switch can be turned on that will allow the battery power to kick in. For this convenience, expect to pay a little more for "on demand" fountains than a standard solar-only fountain.

Shade-Functioning

• Solar fountains now feature separate solar panels, which allow an owner to place the panel in a sunny area, while placing the fountain in a shady spot. If you have a covered porch, yet you want a solar fountain on your porch, considering purchasing one of these fountains with a four- to six-foot cord attached to the panel. Place the panel in the sun and the fountain in the shade of the porch.

Ease of Maintenance

• Like all fountains, solar fountains need occasional maintenance, but they tend not to require as much cleaning as standard electric fountains. Drain the fountain monthly, and wipe it down with an old towel to remove any algae growth. This will keep the inner tubing from becoming clogged. Also, be sure to keep water in your fountain at all times, to prevent the pump from malfunctioning.