Can I Use Outdoor String Lights To Power My Water Fountain?

You can use outdoor string lights for solar-powered fountains. It is especially applicable for long solar fountains because you can add external solar panels and batteries to use them at night, which is not possible for mini solar fountains. In this article, I am going to tell you about different lighting positions and how to install solar string lights to enhance the beauty of your premises. Before that, it is also important to understand how you can set solar string lights to decorate the fountain.

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How to Set Solar String Lights around the Pond?

Indeed, the answer is complicated, so you may need to read it twice. First, you have to connect the solar lights to the batteries to use them at night because the solar panels which are connected to the batteries store energy during the daytime. The batteries are connected to solar panels, fountains, and lights. Batteries receive energy from solar panels and supply the energy to fountains and lights in the absence of sunlight.

How to Use Regular Solar Lights for Lighting up a Water Feature?

Understanding the significance of solar string lights in decorating the fountain is important. You can consider the following aspects to set solar lights appropriately around the pond/fountain.

Suggestion 1: Right Lighting Angle

You must choose the best angle for lighting. Your lighting should highlight your water feature. I hope you know that too much direct lighting can reduce the aesthetic quality of the fountain.

To get the best results, angle your lights away from the main viewing points of the feature. For example, you might not want the light to shine in an outdoor area. If you have trouble finding an angle that does not directly hit a viewing position, you can always block some of the light with plants and rocks. This can add dimension and visual appeal.

Suggestion2: Location of the Lights

Another important aspect is the location of your outdoor lighting. Generally, the hardware should be hidden while the light source is visible. However, it is important to ensure that the fountain can be easily cleaned and maintained when you choose a location. To help you make the best lighting choices for your home, consider the pros and cons of each type of lighting.

Type 1: Downlighting

You can hide downlights within water features to cast light onto larger fountains or ponds. These lights produce a beautiful glow that reflects off the water. Indeed, it creates an eye-catching effect around the fountain.

Type 2: Spotlights

Spotlights have the advantage of being high enough to be visible from the water feature. Spotlights can also create a mesmerizing effect on the water.

Type 3: Up lighting

Up lighting can be a great way of creating a spectacular effect if you have a fountain or waterfall on your property. This lighting works well for waterfalls as it increases visibility and diffuses light, creating a unique effect. You might consider adding colored lights to this area for more visual interest.

Suggestion 3: Use of Submersible Lights

Submersible lights can be a good option if you have ponds or fountains on your property. These lights can make your pond or fountain visible at night. Submersible lights must be bright to be effective. Please remember that submersible lights are susceptible to corrosion and should be maintained properly.

Submersible lights can be dangerous for fish because they heat the water. Make sure there is enough darkness for the fish to hide from the lights.

Suggestion 4: Less Light is Better

Excessive lighting does not look good around the fountain because too much light can distract your guests. You can decrease the amount of lights and keep your water fountain in the middle to make it look better. In this way, you can use different colors and angles of lights to decorate the fountain or waterfall.

Can I Use a Solar Panel that Comes with String Lights on Fountain Pump?

Solar panels that come with string lights are not appropriate for fountain pumps. Did you know that pumps need a sufficient power supply to maintain the flow rate (around 500 GPH-2500 GPH) that is not possible for regular panels. For example, you may have used an electric fountain pump and LED lights, and you know that a fountain pump needs more power than LED lights. It is also similar to solar items, so you cannot use the regular solar panels that come with string lights to run a fountain pump.

What Should be the Ideal Distance between a Solar Fountain and the Panels?

The solar fountain and panels are connected with a cord which can be 16 feet or 32 feet. Generally, the shorter distance is better. Many people have a question regarding solar panels installation.

You should not keep the solar panels under the shade because they need direct sunlight. However, you can install a solar fountain under a shade and decorate it with LED lights.

Can I Use Electric String Lights to Decorate the Fountain?

You can use electric string lights to decorate the fountain. In this article, I’m discussing solar fountains, so I would prefer if you bought solar string lights and solar batteries to install the system separately from the on-grid electric supply. However, you can also use regular LED lights with solar batteries, but it is not recommended.

Solar Outdoor String Lights vs. Electric Lights: Which is Better?

Solar string lights are better because you can use batteries to run the system at night, and it saves electricity costs in the long run, especially for restaurants and lodgings where solar fountains need to run 24/7 to decorate the premises.

An electric fountain is suitable for winter and cloudy locations because solar panels cannot charge the batteries properly during the daytime in the absence of direct sunlight.

Is There Any Risk of Electrocution?

There is a risk of electrocution because you have to set the solar string lights around the water. You must take the guidance of an expert to install solar string lights, batteries, panels, and fountains on your premises.

Can I Use Outdoor String Lights to Power My Water Fountain?

How to Set Solar String Lights around the Pond?