Solar pond pumps are self-contained marvels that harness the sun’s power to help Australian pond enthusiasts solve several problems simultaneously.
Solar pond pumps are self-contained marvels that harness the sun’s power to help Australian pond enthusiasts solve several problems simultaneously.
First, solar-powered pumps eliminate the need to have electrical cables stretching to the far corners of your garden.
Second, they run entirely on the abundant sunlight we are so fortunate to enjoy. And finally, they are compact and quiet, giving you all the benefits of a pond fountain pump without sticking out like a sore thumb in your tranquil oasis.
However, choosing the right solar-powered pond pump can be tricky, given the wide range of sizes and features available under the Aquapro brand.
This guide simplifies the selection process, equipping you with the knowledge to find a solar-powered pond pump that suits your needs perfectly.
Understanding solar-powered pond pumps
Let’s skim the surface of solar pond pumps before diving into a detailed feature overview.
At their core, solar pond pumps convert sunlight into electrical energy which powers a submerged water circulation pump.
This circulation balances oxygen levels to prevent algae growth and promote a healthy environment for fish and aquatic plants.
Unlike their grid-powered counterparts, solar pond pumps do all this using only the sun’s energy. That means no wiring, no electricity bills, and easier maintenance.
Let’s get technical
Solar-powered pond pumps consist of two main components:
- Solar panel: A compact photovoltaic panel, a smaller and simpler version of the one you might have on your roof, converts photons of sunlight into electrical energy.
- Pump: A low-voltage DC motor powers the circulation pump, with a range of capacity options and maximum heights available to suit the volume ponds, water features and bird baths. Aquapro solar pond pumps feature brushless DC motors for longevity and reliability.
Finding your flow: How to choose the right solar-powered pond pump
Flow rate
The most important variable to understand is the pump’s flow rate.
This is how many litres of water the pump can circulate in one hour of operation.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a pump that can circulate your entire pond’s volume at least once every hour.
We have three capacity sizes available: 310 litres, 960 litres and 1360 litres.
A little excess capacity is not bad, so if your pond is on the cusp capacity-wise we recommend choosing the next model up.
Tip: Use our free pond volume calculator tool to choose the best pump for your water feature.
Fountain head heights
When browsing our solar pond pumps, you will see the “maximum head” metric in the list of specifications.
This indicates the maximum vertical distance the pump can push water.
It’s an important spec if you want to take advantage of the fountain kit that comes with every Aquapro solar-powered pond pump, including a daisy, double daisy and tulip nozzle.
Measure the distance between the water surface and water feature to ensure your pump has the power to achieve the desired effect.
Sizing up solar panels
The size of your solar panel is directly linked to its efficiency.
A panel’s wattage should exceed the pump’s power requirements to compensate for variability in sunlight.
The good news is you don’t need to worry about this calculation when you choose an Aquapro solar-powered pond pump kit because all our kits come with matched panels.
However, if you need to replace the panel a few years down the line, ensure you choose the right size to power your pump – and vice-versa when replacing the pump.
Battery backup
Most solar pond pumps operate directly from the panel, making them simple and affordable.
Functionality is limited on cloudy or overcast days, and they will not operate at all once the sun goes down so they are not suitable for ponds with fish that require 24/7 circulation for oxygenation. However, this can be solved by adding a battery backup allowing energy storage for continuous operation.
Solar pond pump installation tips
Panel placement
Choose a sunny spot for the panel, free from shade all day, facing north for optimal sun exposure.
If possible, position the pond in partial shade to control evaporation.
Assembly
Our solar-powered pond pump kits come with detailed instructions for assembling the pump and connecting it to the panel.
Follow these carefully to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Installation
Submerge the pump in your pond, bird bath or water feature at a depth that allows for efficient intake and circulation.
All our solar pond pumps feature a low water cutoff, so they will automatically pause if the water level drops too much.
Testing
Turn on the pump and ensure it operates correctly before standing back to appreciate your tranquil oasis.
If it’s not quite right, check the connections, panel placement and pump location one by one.
Step into the sunshine with Aquapro
With the right blend of technical understanding and practical considerations, that forgotten water feature at the back of your garden can become a sparkling sensation.
The range of Aquapro solar pond pumps means you can forget messy extension cords and expensive electricity bills and simply enjoy the benefits of beautiful water.