| If you can harness the sun's energy to give you | | | | backyard pond and are especially essential if you |
| free power, why not do it. This is the case with | | | | have fish or aquatic life within as this keeps the |
| many water features, as not all are designed to | | | | pond circulating with oxygen. It also helps to keep |
| be plugged in, many are solar powered. Solar | | | | algae from growing. |
| powered pumps for ponds or solar garden | | | | If you like bird life, there are solar bird baths, |
| fountains aren't a new phenomenon. It's just that | | | | which essentially are outdoor fountains, but your |
| the wares are growing and so is selection. | | | | neighborhood birds will like them. Most bird bath |
| Solar Water Features | | | | fountains are designed with a shallow bowl which |
| This year, 2009, you can buy a number of solar | | | | gets set on a raised pedestal. Both of these |
| run water features. A popular one is just a basic | | | | features are desirable to birds as they like to |
| solar garden fountain. For homeowners, these | | | | bathe in not too-deep water and need to keep a |
| don't have to be huge chateaux fountains, but | | | | watchful eye on potential predators. Bird bath |
| something that is affordable and will add a | | | | fountains operate with a low voltage pump and a |
| charming focal point along with the sound of | | | | solar panel. |
| cascading water. What makes the fountain run is | | | | Advantages to solar water features |
| the solar panel which runs the pump. If you have | | | | Besides the free operating costs, you don't need |
| a sunny spot, this is a perfect spot; shady | | | | to concern yourself with electricity at all. For |
| gardens and patios are tough and this may not be | | | | outdoor run electrical, a special GFI outlet is |
| a good option for you. | | | | required by building code. With a solar fountain, |
| If you have a small backyard pond, and good | | | | pump or bird bath you don't have to be near any |
| sunlight, you may want to invest in a solar | | | | outlet, nor do you have to have to hire an |
| powered pump. Pumps are an important part of a | | | | electrician to install a GFI. |