Solar Water Pumps

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Solar powered water pumps for garden ponds and swimming pools

Looking out over your landscaping, you know you want to do the right thing for your yard as well as trying to do the right thing for the environment. However, what good is an environmentally friendly product if it doesn't get the job done? In particular, is investing in a solar powered water pump for your pond or pool a good idea, or is it just a waste of your time and money?

Solar water pumps have both advantages and disadvantages for you. There isn't a clear-cut answer as to whether or not a solar powered water pump will be the right choice for your situation. It all depends on how important the relative advantages are versus the disadvantages for your specific needs. Consider them carefully before making any purchase of solar equipment.

Advantages of solar powered pumps

Let's start with the advantages of solar powered pumps. Naturally, there is the ongoing cost factor. Solar water pumps require an initial investment, but cost next to nothing to run on an ongoing basis. With an electric, propane, or battery powered pump, you will need to pay regularly for the cost of providing a power source to the machine.

You may also be responsible for disposal of the powering materials depending on your HOA covenants. With a solar powered water pumps, this just isn't an issue. In fact, you can point to your solar pool pump as an example to others who may have more polluting systems in their backyards.

Depending where you live, you may also be eligible for tax credits for installing a solar pool pump. In Arizona, for example, the state offers tax credits of up to $1,000 for solar water pumps. It's worth considering as you prepare to make your choice.

However, even though it can reduce energy costs, help the environment, and earn you tax credits, a solar powered water pump does have certain disadvantages you will want to keep in mind.

Disadvantages of solar powered pumps

Solar water pumps that do not receive enough sun and run through all of their backup power will stop if you have not hard wired them into your electric grid. This counteracts the environmental principle, and also leaves you at risk. If you are using the pump to keep the pond from freezing in the wintertime or to maintain a certain oxygen level for expensive display fish, then this will be something to consider.

Also, some solar pool pump systems lack the power of traditional systems. If you are doing a swap out of your existing electric system for a solar water pump, you will want to be sure that the output and flow levels are the same to ensure that you don't have a loss of effectiveness. You don't want to buy a new set of equipment only to find that it works half as well as your old system.

With these advantages and disadvantages in mind, you will be able to make your choice. Making an informed decision will make you happier with your final decision about the solar pump for your garden pond. It will also ensure that if you choose solar power, you will have no buyer's remorse after it is in place.
To find out more about water garden maintenance, pumps, fountains, waterfalls, and much more, visit this garden pond guide with actual information about how to install a pond pump.