The Top 6 Best Fountains for Ponds of All Sizes

Although aquariums remain the most popular home environment for fish, fish owners are increasingly opting to house their fish in outdoor ponds. 

A pond is likely to be the best environment for your fish’s physical and mental health. This is because ponds are larger than aquariums, on average, and are able to more closely mimic their natural habitat. 

However, making a fish pond look appealing can be more difficult than decorating the inside of an aquarium. You’ll have a larger area to work with for a start, and choosing decorative features that stand out can be a challenge. 

One of the most visually striking and functional centerpieces you can choose for your fish pond is a fountain. 

Not only will a fountain look elegant and eye-catching, but fountains can actually be beneficial for any aquatic life living in the pond. This is because fountains help to aerate pond water, ensuring that all your fish are getting enough oxygen to promote healthy growth.

You can find fountains on the market for both small and large ponds, and we’re going to be sharing our top 6 pond fountains with you today! 

Best Fountains for Small and Large Ponds Buying Guide

Head Type 

The type of fountainhead(s) included with your pond fountain will determine the appearance and spray function of your fountain while it’s in operation.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to understand which heads or nozzles come with your fountain before you purchase it so that you can have an accurate picture of what your fountain will look like once it has been installed. 

Common head types included with pond fountains are 1-tier, 2-tier, 3-tier, trumpet, froth (foam), blossom, and mushroom water action. Bubble action can also be created with some nozzles. 

One important thing to bear in mind is that while some fountains operate on a 4-in-1 basis, meaning that a single nozzle or fountainhead can produce several spray patterns. 

Alternatively, other fountains require a change of nozzle to alter the spray pattern. The latter will definitely require more effort to switch between patterns. However, most high-quality designs will allow for a relatively easy changeover. 

When choosing a fountain, make sure that you know how far the fountainhead(s) extend from the pump.

This will determine the minimum operational depth, although this should be stated in the product guidelines. Speaking of minimum depth, let’s move on to our next key feature for consideration… 

Size 

Before purchasing a fountain for your fish pond, you’ll need to take some measurements so that you know what size fountain will be compatible with your pond. 

The minimum recommended depth for a fish pond is 2 feet, so any fountain that is exclusively operational at depths shallower than this will not be suitable for your fish pond - and if it is suitable, then your fish pond is most likely too small. 

Your fountain’s head will need to rise above the surface of the pond water in order to produce the desired effect.

Therefore, you’ll need to add a couple of inches to the measurement from the bottom of your pond to the water’s surface in order to determine the appropriate fountain height for your pond. 

The fountain’s diameter will also be instrumental in determining whether it will be suitable for small, medium, or large ponds.

For example, a circular fountainhead with a diameter of 6 inches is unlikely to provide enough water power for a large pond - although, of course, part of this comes down to the wattage produced by the motor. 

Power 

Whilst we’re on the subject of fountain motors, this is a good time to discuss the aspect of power. 

First and foremost, the amount of power you will require from your fountain depends on the kind of effect you want to produce in your pond as well as its size. 

Therefore, before you begin your search for the perfect pond fountain, it’s best to have an idea in your mind of how substantial you want your fountain’s spray action to be.

This also pertains to the size of your pond, which is another reason why it’s important to have a solid understanding of the size of your pond prior to purchase. 

Setting your expectations for fountain power alongside the size of your pond before you start your product research is also helpful. This is because it allows you to rule out certain types of fountains early on in the process. 

For example, solar fountains typically generate the least power, which means that the resultant spray action is less substantial. There are 2 solar-powered fountains on our list of top 6 products with wattages of 2.2 and 5.5.

While the latter is certainly impressive for a solar-powered fountain, it is still unlikely to produce the effect that you’re looking for if your pond is on the larger side. The former rating is definitely only suitable for small-scale ponds. 

Now, if your priority is energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, and you have a relatively small pond, then a solar-powered fountain could be absolutely perfect for you.

However, if you own a larger pond and want a very striking water feature, then you are likely to struggle with solar-powered units. 

With all of that being said, you can’t simply rely on wattage to give you an accurate indication of how powerful the spray function(s) will be. To get a clear picture of this aspect of your new fountain’s functionality, you will also need to look at gallons per hour. 

Gallons per hour, or GPH in its abbreviated form, is a measurement of how many gallons of water pass through the fountain’s filter every hour. The higher the number, the more powerful the fountain is.

If you have a larger pond, we recommend a GPH rating of at least 1,500 to 2,000, although some fountains built specifically for large ponds can have GPH ratings of 3,000. 

Please bear in mind that the water flow rating stated in the product guidelines may not always be accurate representations of the power of the unit because water flow is reduced according to spray height. 

To get a more accurate picture of how your fountain will perform once in operation, seek out a flow rate to spray height chart on the manufacturer’s website or contact the manufacturer for further clarification.

Durability/Longevity 

If you want your pond fountain to last you several years (which we assume that you do), you’ll need to prioritize certain features. 

Namely, you’ll want to ensure that the materials that your fountain is made of are strong enough to withstand the test of time and that there is a filtration system to prevent clogging. 

In terms of materials, you will want to avoid plastic components because these are unlikely to be durable enough for long-term, intensive use. 

Therefore, the primary materials you should be looking for are metals and ceramic. If you choose a metal fountain, however, please make sure that all components are rust-resistant for prolonged pond use. Both ceramic and metal are durable and, when properly treated, corrosion-resistant. 

A simple sponge-based filtration system will also go a long way towards keeping your fountain operational for as long as possible. 

Because water has to pass through the rotator inside the fountain in order to come out through the fountainhead, any debris, dirt, dust, or other contaminants in the water can present a clogging hazard.

In serious cases, a blockage can cause irreversible damage to the internal mechanics of your pond fountain. 

It is important to remember that not all filters are created equal, so while some filtration systems will be able to run for weeks or even months at a time without needing to be cleared out, others will become clogged much more quickly.

Therefore, before you purchase a fountain, we always recommend reading reviews like the ones we have provided above for information regarding the efficiency of individual built-in fountain filters. 

After you first install your new fountain, you should keep checking it regularly to make sure that it is not clogged.

If you notice that your fountain’s filter has become blocked, you will need to clean it as soon as possible, both to ensure its continued longevity and clear away any debris that could eventually present a hazard to your fish. 

For more information on how to maintain a pond fountain’s filter, see our FAQ section below!

Energy Consumption 

All pond fountains use energy in one form or another to work. Because some fountain systems use more energy than others, you’ll need to think about efficiency and affordability before you commit to a fountain unit. 

If you’re concerned about the impact of your energy or electricity consumption on the environment, we recommend opting for a solar-powered pond fountain.

You can get these compact, eco-friendly fountain units for very affordable prices through online retailers, as showcased in our review section above. 

Remember to check the rated wattage of your chosen fountain to get an estimate of how your energy bills will be impacted by your purchase. 

Installation

By far the easiest types of fountains to install in ponds are floating and suction cup units. 

Floating fountains only require the use of power cords, which will usually be included with the purchase of the fountain. 

There is normally no other mounting process to complete. We would recommend checking the lengths of the included power cords before you complete your purchase, however.

Suction cup installation is most common in solar fountains. You might need to do some very minor threading using a fishing line or similar material, but detailed instructions on the correct process should be provided in your user manual.

Lighting 

Having a lighting system working in conjunction with your fountain is totally optional, but if you want your fountain to be visible at night, built-in or attachable lighting is definitely a feature to consider. 

Most pond fountains that include lighting use LED lights because this type of lighting is highly energy-efficient and long-lasting. 

If you have a solar-powered fountain, please be aware that any built-in lighting may only be visible during the daytime, when the fountain collects its energy from the sun. The same goes for the actual operation of the fountain itself. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does a water fountain work?

Water fountains work using two key components: a pump and a fountainhead (nozzle). 

The pump channels the water up through the nozzle so that the spray comes through the surface of the water, creating a fountain effect. 

When the water comes back down, it should fall back into the pond so that the water levels are not diminished. If your pond loses water, it may eventually incur a water shortage, which is obviously very dangerous for your fish but may also damage your fountain. 

For this reason, we recommend choosing fountains with built-in water shortage protection.

Are electric water fountains safe?

While the idea of submerging an electrical unit into a pond may sound counterintuitive, rest assured that fountains produced by reputable manufacturers are totally safe to use. 

This is because any electrical wiring will usually have watertight protection in the form of epoxy. 

Pumps for pond fountains can produce anywhere between 12 and 120 volts, but no matter what your fountain’s voltage rating is, a block of epoxy should make it completely safe when used correctly and under the right conditions. 

Please refer to the safety guidelines provided with your fountain for unit-specific instructions on how to use the fountain safely. The main things to remember are not to let the power outlet get exposed to water and not to touch any live wiring. 

How can I build a platform for my pump?

If the bottom of your pond is uneven or you need to raise your pump to prevent clogging, you can construct a platform for your pump. 

The best material for this is red brick (specifically, clay brick). Stack the bricks at the bottom of the pond so that they form a stable and level surface for your pump. Remember to keep submerged pumps at least 12 inches under the surface. 

How can I maintain my pond fountain?

No matter how high-quality your fountain is, you’ll need to do some maintenance now and again to keep it running smoothly. 

The most important thing is to check your pond regularly and try to fish out any debris or algae that might clog your filter. You should also be checking your filter to make sure that it isn’t blocked or about to become blocked. 

If you notice any clogging, take your fountain apart and clean it thoroughly using a small cleaning brush (if you have a spare, soft-bristled toothbrush, this could also work) and running water.

Don’t introduce any harsh chemicals into the filter since any residue could impact the quality of the water in your pond. 

Remember to take your fountain out of the pond as the weather gets colder to prevent any damage as a result of freezing temperatures. 

Final Thoughts 

Remember, the key features to consider before purchasing a fountain for your fish pond are fountain type, nozzle/fountainhead type, size, power, durability, energy consumption, and installation. If you want nighttime visibility, you’ll also need to think about LED lighting. 

To keep your fountain in good working order for years to come, remember to check it frequently for clogging and clean it thoroughly when required. Don’t leave the fountain exposed to freezing temperatures, and always read the provided electrical safety instructions.