Is It Expensive To Run a Water Feature?

How much electricity does a garden water feature use?

Pumping systems are normally the main source of electricity used by water features, so it is important to first check the wattage of the pump. The higher the wattage, the more electricity will be used. Generally speaking, a pump will usually use anywhere in the range of 75-400 watts of power an hour. This means that running one for 8 hours a day would amount to 600-3200 watts of power over the course of a month. 

However, this can be reduced significantly with the installation of energy-saving pumps and LED lights. They work to reduce the total energy use of the water feature, which means that they only use a fraction of what normal pumps do. In fact, some of the more advanced model pumps use as little as 25 watts of electricity an hour. Therefore, by replacing the energy-consuming pump with a more efficient model, it is possible to keep your monthly electricity bill low. 

How to reduce the cost of running a water feature

Many people consider installing a water feature in their garden to increase its aesthetic appeal. However, one of the main questions that usually arises is, “Is it expensive to run a water feature?” By looking at the cost of electricity, construction and water usage that comes with running a garden water feature, it is possible to estimate how much running the feature will ultimately cost you. 
Aside from using energy-saving pumps, there are other ways of cutting down on the costs of running a garden water feature. One of the most effective methods is to install a timer. This enables you to program the pump to run only when necessary, such as in the hottest parts of the day when the heat evaporates most of the water in the feature. In this way, running time is cut down, thus reducing the overall electricity consumption of the feature. 

Solar-powered pumps are also a great way to keep your cost of running a water feature low. By harnessing solar energy from the sun, these pumps use no electricity at all and, as such, are very cost-effective. Other methods of reducing costs include using recirculating pumps, using lower-wattage pumps, and making sure the feature is not too deep. 

Construction costs

If you decide to build a water feature from scratch, then you need to factor in the construction costs as well. In most cases, the cost of purchasing the materials and tools, and hiring the services of a professional builder can add up to a significant sum. Thus, it is essential to plan out the cost of construction carefully before beginning the project. We recommend contacting your local professionals at a garden store or exterior design parlour, and they might be able to provide you with accurate quotes on the expenses. Get many quotes and compare them, so that you get the most suitable and cost-effective for your budget and landscape plans. 

Water costs

Another important cost to consider when running a water feature is that of the water itself. Of course, water needs to be regularly replaced in order to maintain the feature's aesthetic appeal and to prevent any pests from occupying the area. To avoid diseases, grime, or algae, we encourage you to frequently change the water, otherwise, it could lead to further costly repairs or replacements. On average, it costs about 3 pence per litre to replace the water, and this cost can quickly add up if you have a large feature. 

Will running a water fountain cost you much?

In short, it does not have to cost you much to run a water feature. By taking into consideration factors such as the wattage of the pump, construction costs, water costs and efficiency measures, it is possible to estimate the cost of running a garden water feature. If managed properly, it should not be too expensive to run a water fountain, allowing you to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of a beautiful water feature without breaking the bank.