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The short answer on submersible vs floating solar fountain pump choice: a submersible pump sits under the water and pushes it up through a nozzle, while a floating pump rides on the surface and sprays from where it sits. We compared listings on each side on placement, flow, power, spray height and warranty terms. The submersible examples here include a mains pump and a solar filter kit, and the floating examples run on small solar panels with no wiring.
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Submersible vs floating solar fountain pump: side by side
| Submersible vs Floating Solar Fountain Pump | NFESOLAR 20W Solar Pond Kit | Yzert 3.5W Floating Fountain | GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible | LAWOHO 3.5W Floating Fountain | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placement | Submersible | Floating | Submersible | Floating | |
| Flow rate | 160 GPH | Not stated | 550 GPH | Not stated | |
| Power | 20W solar panel | 3.5W solar panel, 2200mAh battery | 30W, 5.9 ft power cord | 3.5W solar panel, no battery | |
| Spray or lift height | Not stated | 12-20 inches, 12 inches at night | 7.2 ft lift | Up to 23 inches | |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Figures in this table are the manufacturer’s ratings as listed, captured 10 November 2026.
Placement and power
Placement is the real split. The GROWNEER and NFESOLAR examples sit under the water: the GROWNEER example uses 4 suction cups to hold its place, and the NFESOLAR example sits inside a filter box. The LAWOHO and Yzert examples float on the surface, with fixing rods to hold them in place.
Power is where the sides blur. The NFESOLAR example runs on a 20W solar panel. The LAWOHO example runs on a 3.5W solar panel. The Yzert example runs on a 3.5W solar panel with a 2200mAh battery. The GROWNEER example runs on mains power through a 5.9 ft cord, with a 30W motor.
Flow and spray height
Only the submersible examples state a flow rate. The GROWNEER example states 550 GPH, also given as 2000 L/H. The NFESOLAR example states 160 GPH. The floating examples state spray height instead of flow: the LAWOHO example sprays up to 23 inches, and the Yzert example sprays 12-20 inches in normal use.
Lift is stated for one example only. The GROWNEER example states a maximum lift of 7.2 ft. The NFESOLAR example states adjustable flow control but no lift figure. The Yzert example states a night height of 12 inches/30 cm.
Batteries and night use
Only one example here carries a battery. The Yzert example carries a 2200mAh battery, and the listing states about 3-4 hours of running at night when fully charged. The Yzert example also carries 6 LEDs that light up at night. The LAWOHO example carries no battery and does not store energy, so it works in direct sunlight only. The NFESOLAR example states no battery. The GROWNEER example runs on mains power, so night use needs the outlet, not the sun.
What the listings leave unclear
The GROWNEER example is a submersible pump but not a solar pump: it runs on mains power, so buyers shopping for solar power should read the power line first. The LAWOHO listing states no flow rate and no warranty term. The NFESOLAR listing states no fountain height figure. The Yzert listing gives two spray heights, 12-20 inches in normal use and 12 inches at night, so the height depends on the light.
Four examples
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  NFESOLAR 20W Solar Pond Kit | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Yzert 3.5W Floating Fountain | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  LAWOHO 3.5W Floating Fountain | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
NFESOLAR 20W Solar Pond Kit
A 20W solar pond filter kit with a 160 GPH submersible pump, a filter box and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- 20W solar panel powers the pump with no mains wiring
- 3-stage filtration with sponges, bio balls and ceramic rings stated
- Diverter valve splits flow for fountain and waterfall use
- Dry-run protection stated, plus a 1-year warranty
Cons
- No fountain height figure is stated
- Needs direct sunlight to run
- No battery is stated
- 160 GPH is the lower flow figure here
Detailed Review
The listing states a 20W solar panel powering a 160 GPH submersible pump, a filter box with sponges, bio balls and ceramic rings, a 16.5FT cable and 6.6FT tubing, a diverter valve for fountain and waterfall use, adjustable flow control and dry-run protection. The kit includes the solar panel, pump, filter box with filter media, fountain nozzles and 6.6FT tubing, and the warranty is 1 year. No fountain height figure is stated.
Who it's for: pond owners who want filtration and a fountain from one solar kit with a stated warranty. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a stated fountain height or a battery for cloudy spells.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 1/5: 83 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 20W solar panel |
|---|---|
| Flow | 160 GPH |
| Cable and tubing | 16.5FT cable, 6.6FT tubing |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Built-in dry-run protection stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 1-year warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 1 of 5. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Yzert 3.5W Floating Fountain
A 3.5W floating solar fountain with a glass panel, a 2200mAh battery and colorful LED lights.
Pros
- 2200mAh battery runs the fountain for about 3-4 hours at night
- 6 LEDs light up at night, per the listing
- 8 nozzles, 4 fixed rods and 3 filter sponges included
- Run dry protection and anti-clogging technology stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Stops working in shade or cloud, per the listing
- The listing cautions that the glass panel can be hot to touch in direct sunlight
- Spray height drops to 12 inches at night
Detailed Review
The listing states a 3.5W floating solar fountain with a glass panel, a 2200mAh battery, 6 LEDs that light up at night, 8 nozzles, 4 fixed rods and 3 filter sponges. The normal spray height is 12-20 inches, and the height adjusts to 12 inches/30 cm at night, with about 3-4 hours of night running when fully charged. Run dry protection and anti-clogging technology are stated, and the listing cautions that the glass panel can be hot to touch in direct sunlight.
Who it's for: bird bath and small pond owners who want night lights and a battery for evening use. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty or a fountain that keeps running in shade.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 0/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 3.5W solar panel, 2200mAh battery |
|---|---|
| Spray height | 12-20 inches, 12 inches at night |
| Nozzles | 8 nozzles |
| Size | 6.3 x 6.3 x 1.0 in |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Run dry protection system and anti-clogging technology stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible
A 550 GPH submersible pump with a 30W motor, a 7.2 ft lift and 3 nozzles.
Pros
- 550 GPH flow, the highest flow figure here
- 7.2 ft maximum lift stated
- Flow control knob adjusts the water flow, per the listing
- 3 nozzles in 0.51, 0.62 and 0.75 inch sizes
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Needs mains power through a 5.9 ft cord, not solar
- Outdoor use calls for a residual current protection socket, per the listing
- No battery or solar panel is included
Detailed Review
The listing states a 550 GPH submersible pump with a 30W motor, a maximum lift of 7.2 ft, a flow control knob, 3 nozzles in 0.51, 0.62 and 0.75 inch sizes, 4 suction cups and a 5.9 ft power cord. The flow rate is also given as 2000 L/H. The listing recommends a residual current protection socket or circuit breaker for outdoor use. No warranty term is stated, and the pump runs on mains power rather than solar.
Who it's for: pond and aquarium owners with a nearby outlet who want the strongest flow and lift here. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a solar-powered pump with no cord.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 71 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Flow | 550 GPH (2000 L/H) |
|---|---|
| Lift | 7.2 ft |
| Power | 30W |
| Nozzles | 3 nozzles, 0.51, 0.62 and 0.75 inch sizes |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No weather rating or protection feature is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
LAWOHO 3.5W Floating Fountain
A 3.5W floating solar fountain with 6 nozzles and 4 anti-drift fixing rods.
Pros
- Spray goes up to 23 inches, per the listing
- 6 interchangeable nozzles for different spray patterns
- 4 anti-drift fixing rods keep it centered, per the listing
- Runs on solar power alone with no wiring
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No battery: it does not store energy, per the listing
- No flow rate in GPH is stated
- Must stay fully submerged before use, per the listing
Detailed Review
The listing states a 3.5W floating solar fountain with 6 interchangeable nozzles, a spray height of up to 23 inches and 4 anti-drift fixing rods. It runs entirely on solar energy in direct sunlight, and the listing states it does not store energy. No flow rate, battery or warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: bird bath owners who want a simple solar fountain with no wiring and a tall spray. Who should skip it: anyone who wants night running, a battery or a stated flow rate.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 70 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 3.5W solar panel |
|---|---|
| Spray height | Up to 23 inches |
| Nozzles | 6 nozzles |
| Size | 6.69 x 6.49 x 1.81 in |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No weather rating or protection feature is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For fountain pumps, safety means dry-run protection, anti-clogging protection or another protection the listing names. The NFESOLAR and Yzert listings state dry-run protection, and neither the GROWNEER nor the LAWOHO listing names a protection feature. Only the NFESOLAR states a warranty term, with a 1-year warranty. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFESOLAR 20W Solar Pond Kit | 9.7 | 32 | 22 | 21 | 7 | 1 |
| Yzert 3.5W Floating Fountain | 9.6 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 0 |
| GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible | 9.5 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| LAWOHO 3.5W Floating Fountain | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
The Solar Score runs on a 9.2 minimum and a 9.8 maximum, and the weighted point total is placed on that line in proportion, so more points can only raise it.
Submersible vs floating solar fountain pump: which should you choose?
Choose a submersible pump if you want filtration or the strongest flow. The NFESOLAR example pairs a filter box with a 160 GPH pump. The GROWNEER example gives 550 GPH with a 7.2 ft lift. Choose a floating pump if you want a cord-free fountain on a bird bath or small pond. The Yzert example adds a battery and night lights. The LAWOHO example gives the tallest spray here at up to 23 inches. For the wider solar against mains question, see the solar vs electric pond pump comparison.
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| Strongest flow | GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible, 550 GPH |
| Filter box included | NFESOLAR 20W Solar Pond Kit |
| Night running | Yzert 3.5W Floating Fountain, about 3-4 hours |
| Tallest spray | LAWOHO 3.5W Floating Fountain, up to 23 inches |
| Stated warranty | NFESOLAR 20W Solar Pond Kit, 1-year warranty |
Sizing Notes
- Match the flow to the pond: the examples here state 160 GPH and 550 GPH.
- Check the power source: the GROWNEER example needs mains power through a 5.9 ft cord, while the other three run on solar panels.
- Size the panel to the light: the NFESOLAR example uses a 20W panel, and the floating examples use 3.5W panels.
- The LAWOHO example sprays up to 23 inches.
- The Yzert example sprays 12-20 inches in normal use and 12 inches at night.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Does a floating solar fountain need a battery to run at night?
Only the Yzert example here carries a battery. The Yzert example lists a 2200mAh battery with about 3-4 hours of running at night. The LAWOHO example carries no battery and does not store energy.
Which pump here has the highest flow rate?
The GROWNEER example states 550 GPH, also given as 2000 L/H. The NFESOLAR example states 160 GPH. The floating examples state no flow rate.
Do these pumps need mains power?
Three of the four run on solar power. The GROWNEER example runs on mains power through a 5.9 ft cord. The NFESOLAR example runs on a 20W solar panel. The floating examples run on 3.5W solar panels.
Which pump here states a warranty?
The NFESOLAR example states a 1-year warranty. No other example here states a warranty term.
Can a floating fountain drift across the bird bath?
The listings address that with fixing rods. The LAWOHO example includes 4 anti-drift fixing rods. The Yzert example includes 4 fixed rods.
Related solar guides
See every Solar Fans and Pumps guide and all Solar Lights, Cameras and Fans guides. For the pump side, see the best solar fountain pump picks, the best 12 volt submersible water pump for fountain picks, the best solar bird bath fountain for hummingbirds picks and the solar pool pump vs solar pond pump comparison.
More picks: best solar fountain pump, best 12 volt submersible water pump for fountain, solar pool pump vs solar pond pump.
