If you want to add a bird bath to your pond or are simply looking for a zero-cost solution for running a small water feature in your pond, you need to purchase a solar pond pump. These items come with both advantages and advantages, but the best solar pond pump only requires energy from the sun to work and will bring you a lot of benefits without any monthly running costs. All you need to do for a solar pond pump to run is a sufficient amount of sunlight every day.
We had a look at 17 solar pond pumps and concluded that the AQUAPLANCTON MNP SP50 is currently the best choice available on the market and this is why we featured it as our editor’s choice. Besides being well-built, this pump is also very easy to maintain and clean, which is very important for those who are looking for a pump that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Moreover, this pump can switch to panels, which means that you can use it to catch both the morning and afternoon sun. We also included other four solar pond pump in our review so you can choose the best to suit your needs.
When reviewing the best solar pond pumps, we looked at some important features such as type, power, material, dimensions, flow rate and warranty and included all these elements in the comparison table below. You will also find in-depth reviews of each of the pond pumps, together with a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best choice for your garden.
More features: Perfect for large ponds, 16 ft electric cable, very easy to clean
We chose the AQUAPLANCTON MNP SP50 as the best solar pond pump on the market not only because it is an ideal choice for those who are looking for an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for an existing pond set up, but also because it is very easy to install and is virtually maintenance free.
This pump comes with two panels that you can place up to 16 feet away from the pump, and which allow you to catch both the morning and afternoon sun. The AQUAPLANCTON MNP SP50 also comes with two sensors that you can submerge and that allow for smooth operation. The pond pump comes with everything you need to be started quickly, including a 16 feet plastic hose and all instructions required for easy installation.
Many of the users who tested and reviewed the AQUAPLANCTON MNP SP50 mentioned that you can basically use it straight out of the box, because all you need to do is connect it by following the instructions. The total weight of the pump is only 5 pounds, which makes it very easy to handle. We also liked that the pump comes with a maintenance-free brush-less DC motor that is highly reliable. This solar powered pond pump is large enough for the vast majority of fountains and water features and has a total power of 50W. It comes with all the elements you need to be started quickly, so you don’t need to purchase any other accessories.
More features: Perfect for large fountains, water features, ponds, streams, waterfalls, hydroponics, aquaponics, greenhouses, rainwater collection, animal troughs, natural pools, durability 20.000+ hours
One of the most powerful solar pond pumps we reviewed, the Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit comes complete with a 16 feet cord and you can also purchase an extension cord of the same length if you need it. This pump can supply 400 GPH when you use it at maximum voltage. It is also designed to move water quickly and efficiently and we like that you can use it for virtually any number of applications such as waterfalls, ponds, large fountains, rainwater collection, streams, and more.
The Solariver Solar Water Pump kit comes with a removable prefilter that prevents clogging and has a very durable life of up to 20,000 hours. Many of the users who reviewed it mentioned that this is a pump that is safe to use in any environment, as it is non-toxic to aquatic life, including fish and frogs.
What we liked most about this solar pond pump is the fact that it is very well constructed, featuring an aluminum frame that most users have found very sturdy. You also get a longer life with this pump than you would with brushless motors and brushed pumps. You can also use the power cord to place the panel after 16 feet away from the pump. The maintenance for the Solariver Solar Water Pump is very easy, as all you need to do is wipe out the dust and remove the filter to clean it.
More features: 20.000 hours lifespan, pump restarts within 3 seconds once the sunlight re-appears
If you are looking for a solar pond pump that is very easy to install and can provide you with various custom features, the PowerEZ Solar Water Pump Kit is one of the best choices out there. This pond pump is ideal for fish tanks, birdbaths, small ponds, and garden decorations and it provides a very good degree of water circulation. With a lifespan of more than 20,000 hours, this pump provides a long service life while also being environmentally friendly and consuming low amount of energy.
What we liked most about the PowerEZ Solar Water Pump Kit is the fact that it can be connected to a solar panel, but also comes with optional rechargeable batteries so you can use it even when the sunlight is not powerful enough. The customizable features of the pond pump allow you to select from multiple designs thanks to the inclusion of two spray head options.
The PowerEZ Solar Water Pump Kit is backed by a one-year warranty, and the manufacturer guarantees that you will get your money back if you’re not completely satisfied with the product’s pumping capabilities. This pump comes with all the attachments you need to start quickly as well as a user manual that makes everything straightforward. It only has one solar panel and will only work in sunlight.
More features: 9.5’ cord, 20,000 hours lifespan, four spray patterns
The problem with using a pond pump in a bird bath is that they are usually a bit too powerful for the amount of water present. In fact, larger models will usually just scare the birds away because they make too much of a racket. This is, thankfully, not the issue with this particular model. Though it can only pump through 53 GPH, this is more than enough for a bird bath. In fact, this flow level is perfectly suited to this type of application, as it will keep the water moving without creating too much of a disturbance so that the birds will feel comfortable visiting the bath.
As is the case with most submersible pumps, this one has a brushless magnetic motor. This means that it will keep on working smoothly for a good long time. In fact, you should expect this device to last about 20,000 total hours before it needs to be replaced. To put that into context, that means this machine can last 833 days of continuous use before it breaks down. This makes this an excellent overall value. This pump also can be used in four different spray patterns to best suit your needs. The provided 9.5-foot cord is also quite handy, as the solar panels will need to be in complete sunlight to work effectively.
More features: batteries run the pump for up to 4 hours, LED light works only at night and turns on/off automatically, four 3-inch extension tubes and two different fountain spray heads
An excellent option for those who are looking for a pump that is suitable for small ponds, the Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump and Panel Fountain Kit comes complete with two solar panels and extension that allows you to reach the middle of a pond. This pump can spray water up to 120 inches high, and it can move up to 369 gallons of water per hour.
We liked that the Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump and Panel Fountain Kit comes complete with two solar panels and to panel brackets, as well as a 16-foot cable that allows you to connect the pump to the solar panel. An extra 24-inch cable allows you to connect the panels together, and you also get to find and spray heads in the kit that allow for extra customization. This kit requires direct sunlight, which means that you can only operate it during the day, and the panel is not able to store any solar power.
Most of the users who reviewed these kids like that the operation is hassle free and it only takes under half an hour to install it by following the instructions provided in the manual. The pond pump comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for extra peace of mind and is one of the best choices on the market for those who are looking to add a touch of elegance to their landscape without breaking the bank.
More features: Build-in battery backup, 5 LED lights, remote control, 16 hours working time
The Lewisia Battery Backup Solar Fountain Pump is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a solar pond pump that they can also use on a cloudy day. This is because it comes with a backup battery, which means that you are not dependent on daylight to operate it. Because it also works on battery, the Lewisia Battery Backup Solar Fountain Pump has the capability of working at night, which comes in very handy for those who are looking for a pump that can power various lightning effects.
This solar pond pump is less expensive than some of the other models we reviewed, and it also offers a reduced noise and a longer life than some other budget models.
The Lewisia Battery Backup Solar Fountain Pump requires at least eight hours of charging for the batteries if you want to be able to use it at night or on cloudy days. The package contains all the pieces you need to setup your solar pond pump in under half an hour, including a stake mount, nozzle adapter and solar panel.
We liked that this pump comes complete with an easy-to-understand diagram that makes it very easy to install even if you haven’t used a pond pump before. Because it can also function at night, this pump features an LED that catches the streams of water to create a glowing effect.
A solar pond pump is an ideal choice for those who want to be able to add movement and oxygen to their pond with the help of a device that is very easy to install and good for the environment as well. Because it is powered by the sun, such a pump is ideal for those who have a pond that is too far from the property to run a cable. This buying guide will help you find the best solar pond bond for your needs, allowing you to create an elegant environment for the outdoors.
A pond pump can provide water circulation for outdoor water features, while also providing oxygen and operating the filter. It is also the main requirement for providing sights and sounds of moving water, so choosing the correct type of pump will allow you to get the most of your water feature. Moreover, a high-quality pump is important for any aquatic inhabitants you might have.
Solar powered pumps and often preferred because they don’t require any type of connection to the mains electricity panel. This means that you can place them further away from your house, and become with the added bonus of not requiring any electricity that might increase your bill. Because they are solar powered, these pumps only require daylight function, and some of them even come with spare batteries that allow them to work on cloudy days or even at night. However, if you are looking for a pond pump that you can use without having to rely on the weather, a regular model might be a better option for you.
The main benefits of having a solar pond pump including no monthly running costs and the fact that they are environmentally friendly while also being ideal for small fountains. They are also small and discreet, and they operate quietly. Their main drawbacks however are the lack of head height and water flow, as well as the limited operation when there is no sunlight.
There are a lot of features to consider when choosing a solar pond pump, with some of the most important being type of pump, power, flow rate, lift height, material and dimensions. You should also make sure that the solar bond pump you are buying has all the features you need to make your outdoor water feature shine.
There are multiple types of solar powered pumps, with the main two being submersible and external pumps. Submersible pumps are the most common type, and they usually come with both the pump and the fountain head included. They are designed to be placed on the floor of the pond with the fountain head above the surface of the water. You will then connect the solar panels to the pump so they can pound the fountain using sunlight.
On the other hand, external tanks can provide extra oxygenation to the water in your pond, and they basically function the same way, but they also act as a straightforward method of adding much needed oxygen to your water. This is especially important if you have a pond with fish and frogs, because extra oxygen will improve their life quality.
The power of a solar pond pump is especially important because it determines whether the pump is powerful enough for the type of intended use. Most of the models available on the market are designed for ponds that have a maximum capacity of 1000 gallons. Their power ranges from 5 to 50 watts, with our editor’s choice, the AQUAPLANCTON MNP SP50, for example, having a total power of 50 watts.
The flow rate of a solid pond pump refers to the volume of water the pump can move in a specific unit of time. In general, you will notice that manufacturers give the flow rate in gallons per hours (GPH), but others may also include the flow rate in liters per hour (LPH).
As a rule of thumb, the more energy a pump is able to supply, the more water it will be able to move. You can determine what flow rate you need by taking into account the size of your pond and how much water you need to go through the head per unit of time.
The lift height refers to the height that a pump is able to lift water about the surface of the pond. The flow rate generally decreases as the lift height increases, which is a result of the gravity and friction required when water travels high. If you want to be able to get higher amounts of head, you will need a stronger pump that can supply larger flow rates.
| Size of Pond (gallons) | Minimum Pump Size (GPH) |
| 100 | 50 |
| 250 | 125 |
| 400 | 200 |
Plastic and aluminium are two of the main materials used for the panel frame of your pump. Others, such as the Lewisia Battery Backup Solar Fountain Pump, have panels made of ABS. It is important to look for a sturdy and durable material because those made of flimsy or cheap materials are not going to last for years, especially when it comes to surviving the elements.
The size of the solar pond pump you choose is important especially if you don’t have too much room to begin with. You should look at both the dimensions of the panel and those of the pump itself to make sure they fit your environment.
If you don’t want to be completely reliant on daylight when using your solid pond pump, you should look for a model that comes with an extra power cord that allows you to plug it into the mains for continuous use. An example is the Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit.
You should generally expect to get a one-year warranty for a solar pond pump, which covers any defects but will not cover those situations where it is evident that you misused the product.
Some solar pond pumps come with extra batteries that you can recharge during daylight so you can power on your pump on cloudy days or even at night.
The price of a solar pond pump ranges from a couple dozen dollars to a couple hundred, depending on features and power. Before spending too much, make sure that you will actually use the power and features of the pump if you decide to go for a more expensive model.
After carefully reviewing many of the solar pound pumps available on the market, we concluded that the AQUAPLANCTON MNP SP50 is the best solar pond pump out there. The reason we featured it as our editor’s choice is the fact that it is a powerful pump that is also very easy to install and requires very little maintenance. Basically, you install it quickly and you can forget about it for weeks, while being able to enjoy the best power from all the models we reviewed. The Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit comes a close second, allowing you to get lots of power and sturdy build-quality at a more friendly price. Finally, if you’re looking for a budget friendly option, the Lewisia Battery Backup Solar Fountain Pump is an excellent choice and comes with the added advantage of having a battery backup for those cloudy days.
