Creating a 5-Gallon Solar Water Fountain
- Pete Rizzo
- Jul 23, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Off the Grid Solar Water Fountain
Creating a solar water fountain is not only a fulfilling DIY project but also an excellent way to contribute to the local ecosystem. We will walk you through the process of building a 5-gallon solar water fountain that serves as a refreshing oasis for bees and other wildlife in your garden.
Essential Materials
Before diving into the construction process, gather the following materials:
Plastic Planter Bottom: This will form the top of your fountain where water flows. Look for one at Lowe's or similar home improvement stores. Ensure it fits snugly on your 5-gallon bucket to prevent shifting.
5-Gallon Bucket: This serves as the water reservoir. You can easily find one at Lowe's or any large retail store. Don't pay extra for a lid as you won't use it.
Hot Poker or Drill: You'll use this to create holes for water drainage and the pump hose. If using a hot poker, ensure it's thoroughly heated for clean cuts.
Solar Fountain Water Pump: This is the heart of your fountain, circulating water to create the desired effect. Various models are available on Amazon, with cost-effective options around $15. They are a pump with no adjustable settings for flow rate and water height. Set it and forget it.
Clip or Zip Ties: These will secure the hose in place, preventing it from falling into the bucket. Use a waterproof clip or zip ties for durability. We use clips.
Assorted Rocks: These provide landing spots for bees and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your fountain. Select rocks of varying sizes to create different levels.
Step-by-Step Construction
Preparing the Planter Bottom
Begin by using your hot poker or drill to create 15-20 small drainage holes in the planter bottom.
These holes allow excess water to flow back into the bucket, preventing overflow.
Next, make a larger central hole for the pump hose, ensuring a snug fit. You don't want extra gaps so keep it tight or bees will get inside the bucket and drown.
Assembling the Fountain
Thread the pump hose through the central hole and connect it to the solar fountain pump. Place the prepared planter bottom securely on top of the 5-gallon bucket, ensuring it's level.
Securing the Hose
Use your clip or zip ties to fasten the hose to the planter bottom. This step is crucial as it prevents the hose from slipping back into the bucket and ensures consistent water flow.
Adding Aesthetic and Functional Elements
Arrange your collected rocks around the fountain. Position them so they're barely submerged, creating easy landing spots for bees while adding visual interest to your creation.
Setting Up the Pump
Place the solar fountain pump inside the bucket. No need to adjust the pump's settings to achieve your desired water flow and height - it is already set.
Place the Solar Cell
Place the solar cell on a flat surface to maximize sun exposure. We use a concrete block and secure the solar cell to the top. See Picture.
Our Real-World Applications
In our little city of Las vegas, our gardener friend and neighbor with limited space implemented this 5-gallon solar fountain in her backyard. The result was transformative.
The fountain became the garden's centerpiece, attracting bees and an array of pollinators and birds. She now has more bees and finches than ever.
This small addition significantly increased the biodiversity of her yard, creating a unique feature to her garden and yard.
Enhancing Backyard Beekeeping
We're backyard beekeepers and placed the solar fountain into our apiary setup with remarkable results.
The constant source of fresh water we're sure improved the bees' health and productivity. We observed increased activity in the hives, likely due to improved hydration. They also need water desperately in the summer to keep their hives cooled down. The best part is that they didn't have to travel far to find water.
Maintenance and Tips for Long-Term Success
Algae Control: Regular cleaning is key to preventing algae buildup. We usually clean the pump, hose, and bucket every 2 weeks in the summer. In the winter, once a month.
Seasonal Considerations: In colder climates, bring your fountain indoors during winter months to prevent freezing and potential damage to the pump.
Regular Maintenance: Expect to clean the bucket every two weeks. Use mild soap and water, and don't forget to scrub the planter bottom to remove any buildup.
Following this guide will create more than just a water feature, you'll be a hero to the bees, local wildlife, and have a pretty focal point for your outdoor space.
Enjoy the soothing sounds of your fountain and the delightful buzz of bees visiting your garden!
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We’re Betsy and Pete - Beekeepers on a Mission in Las Vegas
We’re not just in the bee business, we’re in the bee-saving business. Trained by a master beekeeper and backed by hundreds of successful removals, we are dedicated to rescuing and relocating honey bees with care and precision.
Every swarm we save and every hive we manage reflects our deep love for the bees.
At our Joshua Tree Preserve in Arizona, we care for dozens of thriving hives. Some wild, some honey-bearing, and all are part of our commitment to ethical, sustainable beekeeping.
Why Vegas Bees? Because We Never Stop Learning or Caring
Beekeeping is always evolving, and so are we. We stay on the cutting edge by continuing our education, connecting with fellow beekeepers, and refining our beekeeping practices and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for both bees and people.
Whether it’s advanced bee removal strategies or the latest natural methods, we’re always one step ahead.
We’re also proud to support the beekeeping community with high-quality beekeeping supplies for everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned pros. If you’re ready to suit up and start your journey, we’ve got what you need.
