DIY Solar Fountain: Floating Fountain vs. Solar Pump (Why I’m Loving This Upgrade)
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A few years ago, I shared an easy DIY solar fountain post that quickly became a reader favorite. It featured floating solar fountains. The kind you simply drop into a birdbath or container and let the sun do its thing.
If you missed that post, you can find it here:
Easy DIY Solar Water Fountain (3 Ways)
I still think those floating fountains are a great option. But recently, I wanted something that felt a little more permanent, a little more designed, and less like it might drift around every time the wind kicked up. Colorado can be very windy! So today I’m sharing a new DIY solar fountain setup using a solar fountain pump (not floating) tucked into a large blue and white planter complete with a copper pipe water feature. And spoiler alert: I may never go back.
A Quick Recap: The Floating Solar Fountain I Used Before
Floating solar fountains are exactly what they sound like a self-contained fountain that floats on the surface of the water.
I’ve used them in:
- Bird baths
- Large bowls
- Containers filled with water
They’re incredibly easy and beginner-friendly.
Why I Loved Them
- No installation
- Affordable
- Just drop it in and go
- Great for quick garden refreshes
The Downsides (From Real Life Use)
- They float and move around
- Spray height changes constantly
- They stop quickly if a cloud passes
- Water can splash out of shallow containers & once water is gone pump stops
Which is totally fine… until you want something that feels more intentional.
Why I Wanted to Try a Solar Fountain Pump Instead
This year, I wanted a fountain that:
- Stayed put
- Felt more like a “feature” than an accessory
- Could live in a beautiful planter
- Looked good even when it wasn’t running
I had this large blue and white planter that a friend gifted me years ago. It’s been everywhere — holding our mini Christmas tree during the holidays, a faux tree in our family room, and now… it finally found its garden purpose.
That’s when I decided to turn it into a DIY solar fountain planter.
The Solar Fountain Pump I’m Using
For this project, I used the POPOSOAP 6.5W Solar Fountain Pump with tubing and multiple nozzles.
What I like about it:
- It’s not floating
- Comes with tubing for custom setups
- Dry-run protection (huge win)
- Designed for ponds, bird baths, and DIY water features
You can find the exact pump I used here:
https://urlgeni.us/amzn/solarfountain3
This is a solar-only pump, so it still relies on sunlight but the water flow feels much more controlled and consistent than the floating version.
Supplies for This DIY Solar Fountain
Here’s what I used:
- Large planter (mine is blue & white ceramic)
- Solar fountain pump with tubing
- 1/2 in Copper pipe (water flows through it) I found mine at Home Depot and had a neighbor help me cut)
- River rocks or decorative stones
- Water
- Pipe Cutter (if you don’t have a neighbor willing to cut it down to the size you want)
That’s it. No tools. No digging. Very lazy-girl approved.
Step-by-Step: How I Made This Solar Fountain
Step 1: Place the Pump
Set the solar pump at the bottom of the planter. Make sure it’s flat and stable.
Step 2: Attach the Tubing
Connect the tubing to the pump outlet and feed it up toward where you want the water to exit.
Step 3: Add the Copper Pipe
Slide the copper pipe over the tubing so the water flows up and out through the pipe. This is what gives it that elevated, custom look.
Step 4: Hide the Pump
Cover the pump and tubing with rocks until everything feels secure and hidden. This is where it really starts to look polished. The rocks help hold it up. I used one bag of Mexican Beach Pebbles from Home Depot.
Step 5: Fill with Water & Test
Fill the planter with water, place the solar panel in full sun, and adjust the flow as needed. That’s it. Truly. The sun does its thing and the water recycles itself through the pump. I could sit and listen to this all day!
The only thing that bothers me a bit is the that the cord hangs out. So I might paint it to hide it. We shall see. I did hide most of it in the mulch which as nice and moved the solar panel behind the bush.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose a floating solar fountain if:
- You want the fastest setup possible
- You’re using a bird bath
- You like to move things around often
Choose a solar fountain pump if:
- You want something that feels permanent
- You love a styled garden moment
- You’re using a planter or vessel
- You want more control over the look
For me? This pump version just feels more “me” right now.
DIY Solar Fountain: Floating Fountain vs. Solar Pump
I still love the floating solar fountain and I’ll absolutely keep using them in bird baths and smaller spaces. But this solar pump DIY feels like a true upgrade. It’s stable, customizable, and turns an already-beautiful planter into a statement piece in the garden. And I can move it around as long as I find it a sunny spot!
If you’re deciding between the two, hopefully this comparison helps you choose what fits your space and style best.
And now I’m curious , would you rather drop it in and be done or DIY it into something special?
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