I can’t believe how easy this DIY solar fountain is to create! With all the beautiful pond and water plants, and the sweet bubbling sound of water, it makes us feel that we are sitting by a little creek in the mountains.
Everyone loves garden fountains and patio ponds. But they usually require lots of work to set up plumbing, electrical, etc. Made from an old galvanized tub and a simple solar fountain pump, this outdoor solar fountain ( birds love it too like a birdbath! ) is so easy to build and maintain. Enjoy it all year round, or in colder climates, move it easily to a protected location when the temperature drops below freezing.
So excited to share with you today how to create a simple solar fountain easily with or without water plants!
Don’t miss the Helpful Tips section at the end on choosing vessels, solar pumps, adding aquatic plants or fish, and how to keep your solar fountain water clean and free of mosquitoes. 🙂
Video tutorial below: Easy DIY outdoor solar fountain!
Materials needed to make an outdoor solar fountain or bird bath:
( Some of the helpful resources are affiliate links. Full disclosure here. )
- a vessel: we used a Behrens 15 Gallon Round Steel Tub, which measures 25″ diameter by 12″ tall.
- solar fountain pump: we used this 1.5w solar pump, here’s another one that is similar. They both have a 10 feet cord from the pump to the solar panel so you can have the solar fountain or birdbath in sun or shade as long as the panel is in the sun.
Step 1: start with water and plants
After selecting the location for your outdoor solar fountain or bird bath, it’s time to add water and aquatic plants. Pond and water plants are optional, but we added them because they are so beautiful. Plant roots also help keeping the water clean and free from algae.
Fill the tub halfway with water. You can add more water after all the plants are placed inside the tub.
In the Helpful Tips section at the end, I will share more about what type of soil or pots to use for pond and water plants. In short, use plastic nursery pots, and avoid rich potting soil. We also topped the pots with some rocks which looks pretty and prevents anything floating up through the soil.
There are many beautiful and easy to find water garden plants. Here we used Cyperus involucratus “Baby Tut”, Taro, Canna Lily, Siberian Iris, and Loriope. These are emergent type water plants.
We also added water lettuce, which is a floating type water garden plant. Its massive root can clean the water really effectively. We can stop at this point with our lovely mini patio pond! However, the sound of water is just too irresistible…
You may also love: 30+ colorful shade plant pots with designer planting list for each!
30+ colorful shade plant pots with planting list for each!
Step 2: Add solar fountain pump.
This 1.5w solar pump (here is another one that is similar ) has a 10 feet cord from the pump to the solar panel so you can place the panel in the sun but out of sight!
This pump does not store solar energy, which means the fountain will be off when the sun is not shinning on the solar panel.
Helpful Tips and FAQs
Solar fountain pump choices and considerations.
When creating an outdoor solar fountain, pay attention to water splash radius, which will affect where you place the fountain and other furniture and decor items.
IMPORTANT: always keep the pump submerged in water when its running. When making adjustments, face the panel away from the sun until you can keep the pump submerged in water. Otherwise the pump could burn out.This applies to both the solar pump we are using and the floating type solar pumps like these.
Solar fountain vessel choices and considerations.
In addition to galvanized steel tubs, you can also use a half barrel or any containers that hold at least 3″ deep (see solar pump) water and are designed for outdoor use. This vessel depth will accommodate most small pumps.
How to keep your solar fountain water clean and free of mosquitoes.
Algae grows where there’s lots of sun or nutrients in water. Place the fountain in shade, or use plants to shade the water. Plant roots will also use up nutrients. I will write more about water and aquatic plants in another post to give you all the details and variations!
Mosquito larvae can only survive in stagnant water. If the fountain is running often, it will deter mosquitoes. You can also introduce small fish, such as goldfish or mosquito fish, into your fountain to feed on any new mosquito larvae and remove algae as it forms.
Our reader Sue wrote me a really thoughtful note about how galvanized tanks can harm fish because the zinc in the coating can leash into the water. Zinc is good for plants, but can hurt fish. Here are a couple of solutions:
Fish often do better in old or aged galvanized tanks. Fill a new tank full of water, feel free to add plants, and let it sit for 6 month to a year before adding fish. Start with tiny fish like goldfish or mosquito fish, which are much tougher than Koi. Another way is to line the galvanized tub with pond liner if you want to have fish right away.
If you choose to have plants, here are some soil choices for pond and water garden plants: clay soil is best. Garden soil is fine too. Potting soil contains wood chips and perlite which may float on the water. Avoid rich soil with manure content, as they could cause the water to smell, or become too acidic.
Love backyard ponds and fountains? Here’ are 10+ more easy DIY pond and water feature ideas for you!
By the way, those lovely planter boxes you see in the background are so easy to make! Here’s the DIY planter boxes tutorial!
If you want to get started but are not ready yet for a large fountain, here’s a super fun and simple tutorial on growing plants in water indoors:
How to grow plants easily in water indoors!
Happy creating! See you next week!
Stephanie
This looks gorgeous! such a great idea! Now I want to make one of these for my backyard. I’ll have to share this with my husband and see what he thinks about it!
Kayla
These pond plants and flowers are so vivid and beautiful. I love the rustic look of the fountain too.
Fatima Torres
This is pretty genius! We would really love adding features like this one to our backyard. It brings it to life.
Barbara
Where do you get the solar pump from?
ananda
hi barbara, you can find them here- https://amzn.to/3fTt1JC 🙂
Crystal Mendez
OMG I love THIS!! and thanks for addressing the mosquitos – that’s what popped into my mind. And I really want to do this. We have a brand new house and I’m still trying to beautify my patio.
Jody
This is so darn pretty. I will be making one in August when the house is ours. Paying cash to buy this house is the bomb.
ananda
congrats jody! happy creating!
Kathy A
Your fountain is absolutely gorgeous! I smiled all the way through it. You see, as small kids, my Mom used a galvanized tub to bathe us (I’m now 66) in the summertime outdoors! Probably the next size up of tub! So it triggered fond memories! I can’t remember what else she used the tubs for’ I’m quite sure it wasn’t just for us kids!
ananda
oh kathy thank you so much for sharing your beautiful memories!! that must have been so fun! hugs!
Becca Wilson
This is such an awesome project. I would love to make something like this for my outside garden!
Chamoise
Oh lovely Ananda..I’ma so hapy to meet up you because since my move I did not have connexion,computer! And I love this nice idea to make a little water garden like you do it! It’s so lovely! I hope i could make one fitur summer on my terrace in a galvanized steel and solar pump if not too expensive for me ..because I love so much I wille telle you.. I move in mountains..In a appartment,so no garden and no more my house but with a large terrace and a appartment with +++++luminosity..and in the heart of nature…with my cpmoanions cats and my Dog Cybèle..my dog Iris dead ths 6 april miss me so much..I love her.. I hope you wille understand me because bad english!
I kiss you withe my heart.
ananda
hi chamoise, so happy to hear from you! your new apartment sounds lovely!! sorry you lost iris! good luck with your new home and new adventures! xoxo
Dave
Wow! I didn’t know about the solar fountain pump, thank you for sharing the post! Can’t wait to make one.
Robin
I live where it freezes in winter. You mentioned moving it in somewhere in colder climates. Could I just move it to my basement plants and all or will I need to purchase new plants each year.
ananda
hi robin, you could just empty the tub instead of moving it, and some of the water plants will even be ok through the winter just in soil. i will write more about different water plants and add a link in this post. 🙂
Glenda Hiddleson
Thanks for your post. I can’t wait to make one with gold fish for my granddaughter. Looks so easy and affordable. Thank you for sharing
ananda
thank you glenda! happy creating! 🙂
Corinne
A couple of questions pop into my mind… 1… the tub is small so what would keep the water fr getting too hot in the sun and burning out the plants?
2. I think water plants don’t like constant spray on them it they will rot. How do you deal with that?
ananda
hi corinne, the tub does not need to be in full sun, just the solar panel with extension cord needs sun. our tub is in 1/2 day sun, and the water never gets hot. also the pump would run for 4-6 hours daily, so the water is oxgenated, but it’s not spraying on plants 24/7. 🙂
Trudy Musgrove
Love all the tjings you do.Very creative and easy to do.Thank you so much for all your creative ideas.Love them All !!!!Trudy
ananda
thank you so much trudy for your sweet comment! 🙂
Diana
Wonderful idea, thanks for sharing I was looking for something different and cheap…. I’m on a fixed income and it’s funny I just found a tub was going to put pansies in it but will do your idea. God bless Diana
Donna Wilson
Good Afternoon!
I have purchased everything except the plants for my new water feature! I was just wondering if you had any issues with the plants because of using a metal tub? Did the galvanized tub rust? And do you think it would get too hot for fish? I absolutely love the rustic yet bright arrangement! I can’t wait to add this feature to my garden.
Thanks for sharing!
Donna
ananda
hi donna, thank you! 🙂 we don’t have any problems with rust or water getting hot. i think keeping the tub in part sun also helps, while solar panel can be in full sun all day.
LSUgal
So are the plants in their own containers planted in clay soil and then submerged in water? I know nothing about water plants. Would love to try this.
ananda
yes, in their own containers except for the floating plants 🙂
ANN
I just love this idea already have a tub like this i mainly just need the solar pump & plants.i am so excited to get started so thank you for sharing.ann daniel portland tn.
ananda
so excited for you! 🙂 happy creating Ann!
Kathy A
Just gorgeous! I had to smile; my mom used to bathe my brother and I in a similar galvanized tub outdoors in warm weather! We thought it was such a treat!
ananda
oh my, that sounds like perfect bliss! happy sweet summer days kathy!! 🙂
Ann
I love your solar water garden/fountain but wonder if you have to set the small fountain on a large stone or can it be totally submerged? I have a shallow tub but the water sprays outside the tub and evaporates quickly making it difficult to keep enough water in it. Thank you for the video. I look forward to enjoying this on my patio.
ananda
hi ann, yes the small spray nozzle can be submerged or just at the surface of water, this way the spray would be lower. enjoy your fountain! 🙂
Glenda Stevens
Your video is not working!!! I was wanting to see you doing it and hear you talk as you made the video.
ananda
hi glenda, it works as we checked. maybe there was a glitch. 🙂
Randy Chorvack
It’s such a good idea to have little fish to eat the mosquito larvae that end up getting laid in your fountain. It’s self-sustaining because the fish are kept fed naturally. I’ll definitely keep this in mind if I ever have a pond or fountain.
Dorothy
Beautiful I have a co trot has leaks can I put plastic liner in tub
norma
Does the water need to be changed after a while due to algae. Does it attract mosquitos?
ananda
hi! no mosquitos in moving water, no algea if it’s not in full sun 🙂
Margie
Can you use an electric pump instead of solar? I have several small pumps lying around at home. Thanks
ananda
yes you can use any kind of pump, just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions with anything electrical!
Terry
OMG, this is so great. Can’t wait! I love the idea of running it in the evening as well. I don’t know much about solar, but is there a way to use the panel to charge a battery that can then run the pump at night? Thank you for sharing so generously!
ananda
hi terry! yes there are solar pumps with battery backup , like these https://amzn.to/377qXKb on amazon 🙂
Terry McKinney
Absolutely perfect! Thank you.
gloria
Where can I purchase a solar pump kit? I’ve not found anything online that isn’t coming from China, and they give no specific date of delivery other than 2-4 months time and of course yas gots ta pay up front. . gurrr
ananda
hi gloria, here’s one similar to mine https://amzn.to/30TbZGM 🙂
Cynthia
I love this 😍. I went and got my galvanized container today. Now I am not for sure about the plant. So if I buy them from like Lowes they are in potting soil. So do I have to repot them in clay soil? This is absolutely beautiful. Excited to get mine done. Thank you
ananda
hi Cynthia! if you put a layer of small rocks to prevent the soil from floating up, you can just soak the potted plants then drop them into the tub. have fun! 🙂
Kathi Jenson
Dear Ananda,
I love your fountain idea and adding fish to help control the mosquitos. Do you keep your fish in the tub all year? Do you have to supplement the fishes diet or are they sustained in the pond ecosystem.
ananda
hi Kathi! the mosquito fish are small and don’t need feeding because of the plants and debris. it does not freeze here, but i would ask local pond experts if you live in a cold winter climate. 🙂
Pam
Love this! Does the water turn brown from the soil ?
ananda
hi pam, the water is pretty clear because of the plant roots taking up nutrients 🙂
Courtney
So cool! Ok not a gardener here… so for the plants you keep them in a pot with soil and submerge the pot under the water?? I don’t understand this part 🤣 Thank you for any help!!
ananda
hi Courtney! yes. it’s like in nature, these plants grow at the edge of ponds in shallow water! 🙂
Devit Clark
Yes, it is a great idea for natural gardening. I read and understand your idea and I will try it in my garden. Thanks
Lou-Ann
I would love to do this project! My concern is that there are feral cats in the area. They would probably drink out of the fountain, and if I put any fish in there, they would probably eat them too. Any suggestions?
Also, what plants do you recommend for the fountain?
ananda
hi Lou-Ann! you can plant some cat deterrent plants such as lavender, or thorny roses around the fountain base. we used we used water lettuce, Cyperus involucratus “Baby Tut”, Taro, Canna Lily, Siberian Iris, and Loriope in the fountain. many other pond plants should work too! 🙂
Freya
The iris planted isn’t a Dutch iris it is a bearded iris which definately won’t like bring submerged in water, in maybe you got a mislabeled one.
ananda
hi Freya! thank you for pointing that out! 🙂 this iris did quite well in the water but i did take switch it with another plant after it finished blooming, and it’s possible that it was mislabled! 🙂