Solar Water Feature - Winter Care
As the days get shorter and colder, your solar water feature is likely to run less often. Before the first frosts arrive, it is worth giving it some attention. Draining, cleaning and protecting your feature now can help prevent damage and make it much easier to enjoy again in spring.
For most small, self-contained solar water features, the simplest approach is to switch off, drain, clean and store the feature somewhere frost-free if practical. There is also another option: some portable features can be brought indoors and enjoyed through winter with a suitable mains adapter.
A quick winter checklist
- Switch off the feature and disconnect the solar panel or other power supply.
- Remove and drain the pump, accessible tubing and reservoir.
- Clean away dirt and limescale; if possible, check the impeller.
- Gently clean the solar panel and inspect cables and connectors.
- Check the instructions for any rechargeable battery and control unit.
- Store vulnerable components somewhere frost-free, or fully drain and protect any feature left outdoors.
Why should I protect my solar water feature from frost?
Water expands when it freezes. If water is trapped in a reservoir, pump housing or pipework, freezing can lead to cracks, leaks or damaged components. Resin, ceramic and other decorative finishes may also be vulnerable, depending on their design and materials. Smart Solar advises protecting equipment that is not frost-proof and removing water from vulnerable systems before freezing weather.
Simply covering a feature may keep off leaves and some rain, but a cover does not guarantee frost protection. The important step is to empty places where water could remain trapped. If your feature is large or cannot be moved, follow its own instructions for draining and winter protection.
How do I clean the pump before putting it away?
A little cleaning now can save frustration when the warmer weather returns. Algae, dirt and mineral deposits can collect around the inlet and moving parts of a small fountain pump, reducing the water flow.
- Disconnect the power supply before handling or opening the pump.
- Remove any inlet cover and foam, then rinse away loose dirt.
- If the pump instructions permit, carefully remove the impeller and clean the accessible chamber. Do not force parts that are not designed to be removed.
- If limescale has built up, use a suitable cleaner in accordance with the features instructions. Rinse cleaned components as directed before reassembly.
- Check the housing, cable and seals for any signs of damage.
For compatible equipment, Oase AquaActiv PumpClean 500ml is designed to remove limescale and other deposits from pump housings and rotors. Oase specifies mixing 500ml with 9.5 litres of water to make 10 litres of cleaning solution. Always check the cleaner label and your pump instructions before use.
What about the solar panel and battery?
Gently remove dirt from the panel using the cleaning method specified by the manufacturer of the feature. Check that the panel, cable, plug and connections are in good condition and avoid abrasive cleaning materials that might scratch the surface.
Some solar water features run directly from sunlight, while others include a rechargeable battery or separate control unit. Battery care varies by model, so check the instructions for the appropriate storage temperature, charging requirements and any recommended periodic checks. Do not assume that all batteries should be stored or charged in the same way.
Can I bring my solar water feature indoors for winter?
Yes, many smaller, portable solar water features can make attractive indoor features. A conservatory, sunroom or other suitable room lets you enjoy the sound of running water even when it is cold outside.
Some Smart Solar models can operate from a compatible mains adaptor instead of their solar panel. Water Gardening Direct stocks a Smart Solar 6V mains adaptor for certain older models with a push-fit connection and a Smart Solar 7V threaded single-pin adaptor for compatible 2026-onwards models. These are not interchangeable, and other models may need a different adapter. Check the model, voltage and connection before ordering.
One small word of caution: a feature that splashes slightly outdoors can leave water on an indoor floor or nearby furniture. Position it on a stable, suitable surface and check for splashing during its first run. Keep the indoor mains transformer and electrical connections away from water, following the product instructions.
How should I store a feature that stays outdoors?
If the feature is too heavy or awkward to move, drain it as thoroughly as the design allows, including any accessible pipes and chambers. Remove portable pumps, solar panels and battery/control units if recommended by their manufacturers, then store those items in the appropriate conditions. The feature should then be covered to prevent rainwater building up inside the reservoir. A fitted cover can help reduce dirt and rain entering the feature, but it cannot replace draining or make a non-frost-proof feature frost-proof.
Restarting your solar water feature in spring
Once freezing weather is no longer expected, inspect the feature for any cracks or leaks, reinstall the cleaned pump and reconnect its tubing. Fill the reservoir to the recommended level, clean and position the panel, then start the pump and check the flow. Never run a submersible pump dry unless its instructions specifically allow it.
If the feature does not run properly, check for a blocked inlet or impeller, poor panel positioning, a loose connector or a battery issue before assuming the pump needs replacing. We also stock Smart Solar replacement pumps and panels for compatible models.
Keeping the water clean during the warmer months
Once the feature is back in use, regular cleaning and water changes help prevent dirt and deposits building up. In suitable ornamental decorative fountains, Oase AquaActiv AlGo Fountain 500ml can help control biological growth, odours and deposits.
This is a biocidal product, not a general treatment for every pond or fountain. The Oase bottle label states a dose of 50ml per 20 litres of fountain water, with a further dose recommended every four weeks, and states not to use it in biotopes or ponds containing fish. It is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Read and follow the full label, and do not assume it is suitable for water features used by birds or other animals for drinking or bathing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave water in my solar water feature over winter?
It is best to drain any part of a non-frost-proof feature where water could freeze and cause damage. Check the product instructions for the appropriate winter procedure.
Will putting a cover over the feature stop frost damage?
Not necessarily. A cover helps keep debris and rain out, but it does not guarantee that water inside the feature will not freeze.
Why is my solar fountain not working in spring?
Start with the straightforward checks: sunlight on the panel, clean connections, sufficient water and an unobstructed pump inlet. If the model has a battery, check its instructions too. Persistent problems may require a replacement component.
Need help with your water feature?
Not sure how to clean either your pump and panel or which Smart Solar adapter or spare part fits your feature? Our experienced team is happy to help. Ask our pond experts a question online or call 01778 341199.
Sources and further reading
Oase – AquaActiv PumpClean 500ml