Do Garden Fountains Need Electricity?

A garden fountain can transform your space and give your yard added appeal. You might wonder if a garden fountain requires electricity to function. We have researched this concern, and here's what we found. 

You need to supply electricity to your garden fountain in order for it to operate. Hardwired and solar power are the two methods you can use to generate electricity for your fountain. 

You can use different methods to get electricity to your garden fountain. Choosing a method depends on your preference and what you think may benefit you. In this post, we will discuss in detail if it's necessary for a garden fountain to have electricity and how to maintain your fountain. Keep scrolling to learn important information. 

Stone fountain photographed in a huge gorgeous garden, Do Garden Fountains Need Electricity?

Stone fountain photographed in a huge gorgeous garden, Do Garden Fountains Need Electricity?

Stone fountain photographed in a huge gorgeous garden, Do Garden Fountains Need Electricity?

Do You Need To Supply A Garden Fountain With Electricity?

Garden fountains require electricity to function. You can choose between hardwired and solar as the source of electricity.

Beautiful flowers surrounding the fountain

Hardwired requires a power source to generate electricity, so you will need to plug your garden fountain into your home's electrical system.

On the other hand, a solar-powered garden fountain only needs solar panels, so sunlight is its main energy source. This method is environmentally friendly and best if the desired location for your garden fountain is far from your house.

Some solar panels automatically rotate depending on where the sun shines. The panels are more efficient and can gather greater solar energy than stationary ones.

Also, a solar-powered garden fountain will not add to your electricity bill since it isn't hooked up to your home's electrical system.

Do Solar-Powered Garden Fountains Have Batteries?

A solar panel on the grass

A solar-powered garden fountain can continuously operate in the morning due to the generated electricity from the solar panels. It may stop running if the only power source is sunlight and it has no storage for excess energy. 

With batteries, you can operate your garden fountain at night as they have stored enough solar energy. Batteries can store the gathered energy from sunlight. 

How To Run Electrical Wire To A Garden Fountain

Installing electrical wire instead of solar panels is a good idea if your garden fountain is near your house and the electrical source. This setup affords easier installation of your electrical cables.

Measure the length of electrical wiring needed. During installation, bury the wires underground to have a clean, nonhazardous setup.

Installing ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) outlets is advisable to avoid electric shock. The GFCI will automatically turn off when there is a short circuit. This installation can help prevent hazardous accidents and possible fire.

Click here to see this GFCI outlet on Amazon.

How Does A Garden Fountain Work?

There must be a supply of water, typically from your house, for your garden fountain to function. You must turn on the valve for your garden fountain's constant supply.

The system contains a pump that serves as the bridge to circulate the water. Circulating water prevents wastage and protects against increasing water bills. However, you should check to ensure enough water is circulating. 

Should You Run Your Garden Fountain All Day?

It is up to you to decide if you want to run your garden fountain all day.

The benefit of running your fountain all day is that it avoids the production of mosquitoes, as they exist where there is stagnant water. Just be aware of the expenses and maintenance due to the continuous running of your garden fountain.

Should A Garden Fountain Be In The Sun Or Shade?

If your garden fountain is solar-powered, it is advantageous to have sunlight to gain solar energy. However, the presence of algae can be an issue since they grow profusely in sunlight. You may apply an algaecide to prevent the production of algae.

Click here to see this algaecide on Amazon.

How To Maintain A Garden Fountain

A gorgeous stone fountain with grass hedges surrounding it

Maintaining and caring for your garden fountain is essential to make it last longer. Below are some ways to maintain your garden fountain: 

1. Clean the Water

Cleaning the water of your garden fountain once a week can stop mosquito breeding. Make sure to remove the plug first if you are utilizing a hard wire.

Drain the water and apply a mixture of chlorine bleach and water to the surface. 

Click here to see this bleach on Amazon.

Use a nonabrasive brush to get rid of any dirt on the surface. Make sure to rinse completely afterward.

Click here to see this soft brush on Amazon.

Add enough water to your garden fountain so that it can smoothly circulate. You can add an anti-mosquito solution to the water to prevent mosquito breeding.

Click here to see this mosquito barrier on Amazon.

You can also use a natural cleaner like vinegar and baking soda for your garden fountain.

Click here to see this baking soda on Amazon.

Additionally, make sure that your pump is free of obstructions. Check the pump to see if it's clogged with leaves. Remove them to produce a smooth circulation of water.

2. Monitor the Water 

Up close photo of a fountain

Ensure that your garden fountain is working because static water is the primary cause of mosquitoes.

Also, make sure that there is enough water running through your garden fountain because it evaporates over time. Not enough water can cause the malfunctioning of the pump. Immediately add water if it is not enough.

3. Clean the Solar Panels

Regularly clean your solar panels as they are exposed outside every day. Dirt and debris may get into them and hinder their potential to gather solar energy.

Use a soft cloth so as not to cause any damage, and gently wipe the solar panels.

4. Add LightsA gorgeous fountain with lights

You can add warm lights to your garden fountain so that you can enjoy it at night. Also, you can immediately take action against any malfunctions that may happen to your garden fountain at night.

Click here to see this underwater light on Amazon.

5. Remove Unnecessary Objects

Remove objects that can damage your garden fountain, such as low-hanging branches. They may scratch its surface. 

6. Install the Shutoff Valve

You should turn off your garden fountain during winter. A shutoff valve is beneficial to avoid frozen water in the pipes during winter, which can cause damage.

Click here to see this shutoff valve on Amazon.

How Much Does Running A Garden Fountain Cost?

Garden fountains use less power compared to appliances. When you use your home electrical system as the source, the cost usually depends on the size of your pump. The bigger the size, the higher the wattage and the energy used.

Stone fountain photographed in a huge gorgeous garden, Do Garden Fountains Need Electricity?

The average cost of a garden fountain is $3-$25 a year. Also, if you opt for solar panels, there will be no electricity cost, but you have an upfront investment in the solar panels. 

Additional expenses may add to your bills if you use lights for your garden fountain.

In Closing

Electricity is essential for the operation of your garden fountain. The electricity source can be solar panels or your home's electrical system. It is up to you what source to choose for your garden fountain.

Regular maintenance for your garden fountain is necessary to preserve its appearance and to make it last. It's a good idea to hire an electrician to make the wiring connections, whether you install solar-powered or hardwiring.

We hope this post has answered your questions about garden fountains. Before you leave, check out the gardening articles below:

Ornamental Grasses For Full Sun In Pots [15 Ideas For Your Landscaping]

30 Moss Garden Ideas That Will Inspire You [Both Indoor and Outdoor]

6 Landscaping Garden Ideas For Where Many Leaves Fall [With Pictures To Inspire You!]

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