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For 3 weeks, I put seven of the best solar bird bath fountains to the test, and while there were many good ones, one took top honors—the Smart Solar Acadia. This durably made bird bath fountain serves as a watering hole for songbirds and even offers a bit of ambience as well. Because it has a solar-powered fountain pump, it’s possible to place this pretty fountain in any spot that receives direct sunlight. Plus, its woodland motif can easily complement any garden or landscape.
This solar bird bath fountain ticked so many boxes in my hands-on testing that it deserved a closer look. This review highlights the Acadia’s best features, its performance, a couple of small considerations, and why it might deserve a special place in your garden.
Smart Solar Acadia Solar Bird Bath: At a Glance
Rating: 8.5/10
PROS
- Playful cattail motifs and frog figurines add charm and personality
- Lightweight construction allows for easy movement around the garden
- Concrete material reinforced with glass fiber for a sturdy and durable bird bath
- Tranquil sound of trickling water is soothing and adds ambience to any setting
- Reasonably deep bowl holds 1.5 gallons of water, allowing birds to drink and bathe
CONS
- Limited water pressure results in relatively low 3-inch water height
- Lacks the ability to store energy, so water flow stops when a cloud covers the sun
- Lightweight construction may make fountain unstable in windy conditions
- Requires frequent water-filling to maintain the constant supply necessary to run the pump
Get the Smart Solar Acadia Solar Bird Bath fountain at:
What is the Smart Solar Acadia Solar Bird Bath fountain?
Powered by a solar fountain pump, the Smart Solar Acadia harnesses the sun’s energy to create a gentle and soothing water flow. The solar panel, positioned on top of the fountain—just under the water—absorbs sunlight and converts it into energy that powers the pump and provides continuous water circulation. While the water flow doesn’t reach significant heights, it still creates a pleasant bubbling effect that attracts birds and adds a sense of serenity to the surroundings.
The bird bath fountain features a pedestal design with playful cattail motifs and frog figurines, adding a charming and whimsical element to its overall appeal. The figurines are delightful—one little frog perches on the fountain’s rim as if it’s ready to leap into the water, while a second little frog struggles to pull itself up to the edge. Made from glass fiber reinforced concrete, this bird bath offers durability and an enhanced structural quality that sets it apart from plastic and polyresin alternatives.
Unlike water fountains with electrical pumps that require positioning near an electrical outlet, the Acadia fountain can be located anywhere in the garden—even in a remote spot far away from any electrical outlets. But one caveat—this fountain must be placed in a sunny area.
How easy is it to set up and operate the solar bird bath fountain?
Setting up and operating the Smart Solar Acadia is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. The bird bath comes with clear instructions to guide you through the short process. Here’s how it’s done:
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden or yard where the solar panel can receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
- Assemble the bird bath: The Acadia includes the pedestal, bowl, and a solar panel/pump combo. Center the bowl on the pedestal and twist it clockwise to lock it in place. Then, position the solar panel/pump unit in the cutout at the bottom of the bowl.
- Fill the bird bath bowl with water.
Once sunlight strikes the solar panel, the pump will start; in fact, I could feel the pump vibrating in my hand before I ever placed it in the fountain bowl. It’s a good idea to turn the panel upside down while assembling the fountain to keep the pump from running without water, which could damage the pump.
How well does the solar fountain pump perform?
The fountain pump generates a steady and pleasing water flow, adding a delightful touch to the bird bath. It creates a gentle and tranquil ambience that’s almost hypnotic.
The water height produced by the fountain pump is moderate yet captivating. It forms a semicircular arc spray that rises to about 3 inches with a spread of about 6 inches, providing an attractive visual display. While it’s not going to win any awards for producing a tall plume of water, it strikes a nice balance; the water is uniformly distributed within the bird bath.
Using a decibel tester, I found that the sound of the water bubbling in the solar fountain registered 64 decibels when the tester was held 3 feet away. For perspective, 64 decibels is comparable to the sound of a calm conversation or the gentle rustling of leaves in a light breeze. It’s a peaceful sound that adds serenity to a favorite garden spot—it’s loud enough to create a relaxing atmosphere yet not too loud to be disruptive or intrusive. It allows the user to enjoy the melodic sounds of trickling water while still being able to engage in conversation or hear the songs of the birds that visit the fountain.
Is the Acadia solar bird bath fountain sturdy and durable?
Yes, the Smart Solar Acadia is designed with durability and sturdiness in mind. The solar bird bath fountain is made of glass fiber reinforced concrete, adding to its sturdiness and durability. This material combination provides excellent resistance to outdoor conditions, including sun exposure, rain, and temperature changes.
The glass fiber reinforced concrete construction of the bird bath bowl ensures its strength and resilience while reducing the weight of the fountain. A traditional concrete fountain of this size would weigh more than 100 pounds, but the Acadia weighs just 26 pounds. That’s enough to add stability but not so much that moving it from spot to spot is difficult.
Does this bird bath fountain attract birds?
The Acadia Solar Bird Bath has the potential to attract birds with its charming design and inviting water feature. During our testing period, we observed a conservative number of birds visiting the bird bath to drink and bathe. While the bird traffic was not as abundant as we had hoped, bird activity can vary depending on location, season, and local bird populations.
The gentle bubbling of the fountain can entice birds that are seeking a refreshing drink or bath, but it can take them a while to notice the fountain and make a habit of visiting it. At the end of our 3-week test, we saw more birds stopping by the fountain than at the beginning of the test. It’s important to note that in times of drought and heat, keeping a bird bath filled with water can be a lifesaver for our feathered friends.
Is the Smart Solar Acadia Solar Bird Bath fountain a good fit for your yard or garden?
The Acadia is a great addition to a yard or garden if you want a charming and tranquil water feature that does double duty as a valuable water source for songbirds.
However, it’s essential to consider a few factors before deciding. The bird bath does not store solar energy, so the water flow relies solely on direct sunlight. If you prefer a fountain that operates even when the sun is not shining, you might want to explore alternative options like a corded electric bird bath fountain or something like the Alukiki 4W solar bird bath fountain. The Alukiki comes with LED lights and turns on after dark to create a colorful fountain display.
The water pressure from the Acadia pump is relatively mild, providing a gentle spray rather than a strong water flow. I found it acceptable for my needs, but just be aware that it doesn’t come with a powerful water pump.
If you’re looking for understated elegance and are content with a solar fountain that requires direct sunlight for operation, this solar bird bath fountain could be a wonderful addition to your outdoor space. It creates a calming atmosphere and will likely attract birds to your yard.
However, you may want to explore other options if you prefer a fountain with stored power or a more vigorous water flow. Consider your preferences and the specific needs of your yard or garden to determine if the Acadia Solar Bird Bath fountain is the right fit for you.
Where to Buy the Smart Solar Acadia Solar Bird Bath
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.