A solar birdbath fountain has been one of the best additions to my yard's bird habitat, attracting birds of all kinds. They drink and bathe, and watching them in the bath is great fun to watch. Here's some hints on how to operate your solar fountain.
1. Keep the pump clean.
Pumps can clog from bird and organic debris. Most pumps have a plastic sponge-like filter inside that can be cleaned with a good blast of the hose. If it is particularly scummy, use a weak bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) to clean, rinse well, then let air dry. The housing can get scummy so make sure you clean the housing as well.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a self-cleaning pump, but a quick clean up now and then will keep the fountain flowing nicely.
2. Keep the water clean.
Don't let the water become filled with bird waste and debris. This is not good for the birds or for the pump.
Clean the birdbath often with a stiff-bristled brush that is used only for birdbath or feeder cleaning. If the bath is really dirty, clean it with a weak bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach), rinse well, and let air dry before refilling.
3. Don't let the water get too low.
Pumps that run dry will burn out and kill the pump.
4. Use a sufficiently deep birdbath.
Running a fountain will increase the rate of evaporation of the water in the bath. Having a deeper bath with a higher volume of water will help.
At a minimum, the birdbath should be able to hold enough water to cover the pump.
5. Put it where you can enjoy the show.
Moving water is like a bird magnet and you wouldn't want to miss the show!
Besides your regular yard and feeder birds that could use the fountain, the moving water might attract other birds like tanagers, warblers, and more.
I love my solar-powered birdbath fountain. Follow these tips and your fountain can provide years of bird enjoyment!
Thank you for this council about operating a solar powered birdbath fountain. I did not realize the importance of keeping the pump clean. It is interesting to know that there is no such thing as a self-cleaning pump so cleaning by hand is the method to choose. Something else to consider would be to use proper cleaning supplies while carrying out this project.
Posted by: Jade Brunet | September 26, 2016 at 06:49 PM
Rima, I think the casing is just taller. Their newer model has a lower pump.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | March 15, 2016 at 02:26 PM
Greetings. Tip #4 says water should be at least deep enough to cover the pump. But in the sparrow pool party photo, isn't that the pump sticking up out of the water? I'm confused. (But then, I'm easily confused.)
Posted by: rima | February 27, 2016 at 03:21 PM
Judith, the one shown pumps the water in the bath, so you do have to just keep an eye on water level so the pump doesn't run dry.
You could check your local Wild Birds Unlimited to see if they carry it. If they need more information on the model, they can call our store at 518-226-0071.
Or you could call our store to purchase one and we'll ship it to you.
We LOVE ours!!!!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | August 03, 2015 at 08:16 PM
I have a cement bird bath and would like to add a small solar powered water pump/fountain which I hope will recycle water (vs it being connected to a faucet). Where can I purchase one? Thank you so much.
Posted by: Judith | July 28, 2015 at 02:52 PM
Kathy, check the pump unit itself. There is usually an flow adjustment wheel. Hopefully that helps!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 20, 2015 at 01:52 PM
Good morning, your information was very informative but didn't cover my problem. I bought a solar bird bath new, solar panel on top with 4 in water spigot in the middle , allowing water to fall onto the panel , filling the panel depth and then trickling down to large water basin . My question, the water has always barely trickled from the spigot from the first time I set it up........ suppose to flow freely like a mild spray, to make soft water sounds to attract birds. I live in Virginia, clear sky, and full sun on solar panel.
I hope you can suggest some remedies . Thank you
Posted by: Kathy | May 20, 2015 at 08:59 AM
Pat, that is the wire from the pump to the solar panel. The panel is staked in the yard, about 8' away.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | August 31, 2014 at 09:32 PM
Just curious - what is the cord/wire shown in the photo that appears to be coming from the fountain and over the side of the bath?
Posted by: Pat | August 31, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Michelle, the solar fountain is available at Wild Birds Unlimited Saratoga Springs NY http://www.saratogasprings.wbu.com
or try checking the Wild Birds Unlimited shop nearest you https://maps.wbu.com/
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 11, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Where did you get this fountain from? The manufacturer etc. I would love to get one for my birdbath.
Thank you for this information here!
(*_*)
Chelle
Posted by: michelle | May 10, 2013 at 03:45 PM
Brad, thanks and good luck with that new solar fountain!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | March 11, 2013 at 12:48 PM
Hey, thanks! I was just looking into getting a few solar fountains for the garden. I'm hoping that the birds that enjoy flying around my house will enjoy what I have to give them.
Posted by: Brad Hoss | February 13, 2013 at 08:02 PM
SLE - thanks much.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | September 10, 2012 at 08:21 PM
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Posted by: Sugar Land electrician | September 01, 2012 at 07:07 AM
Solar, thank you!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 10, 2012 at 03:35 PM
Fantastic as always, keep up the radical work!
Posted by: solar | July 06, 2012 at 02:41 AM
Marlene, good to hear you have a dripper to provide moving water. I'm sure your birds appreciate it!
ps, the sound of the solar fountain IS calming for me and also attracts the birds. A win-win!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | June 22, 2012 at 07:49 AM
My birdbath has a dripper. There is no pump with this set-up. It is connected to the faucet and constantly provides fresh water to the birds. Sometimes they drink right from the dripper! I still have to scrub the bath though - about once a week. More in hot weather.
Posted by: Marlene | June 21, 2012 at 10:43 PM
These solar birdbath fountains are a great add on to your house. The tranquil aura would reflect the water gushing through the fountain.
Posted by: p.s. | June 21, 2012 at 08:53 AM