A self-contained garden water feature is an unbeatable garden addition, and sphere water features really help boost the ambience of any outdoor space. The sight and sound of moving water are enchanting, and adding water features to your garden helps create a tranquil and relaxing space. Providing a valuable year-round water source for wildlife, it will also entice pollinators and feathered visitors to your plot, bringing endless amusement and a sense of wellbeing. Not only that, but a water feature can be de-stressing; there's nothing like the sound of water to help bring some zen into your life.
Best sphere water features at a glance
• Best overall: Primrose 28cm Brushed Stainless Steel Sphere Water Feature - View on Amazon UK
• Best stainless steel sphere water feature: 40cms Stainless Steel Sphere Mains Powered Water Feature - View on Amazon UK
• Best value sphere water feature: Lights4Fun Stone Sphere Water Feature Globe Bowl Garden Fountain - View on Amazon UK
Sphere water features are perfectly round and available in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from small tabletop versions to larger outdoor installations. There are plenty of materials to choose from, from cement and stone composite to galvanised stainless steel, each with its own design. All will feature a spout from which water flows out the top, but you can find 'floating spheres' and ones with intricate carvings for the water to trickle over.
The beauty of a spherical water feature is that it not only provides the soothing sound of flowing water but also serves as an eye-catching focal point in the garden. Whether that's tucked in the flower bed or centre-stage on the patio, it certainly sets the stage for a peaceful outdoor space. Here, at Modern Gardens, we've rounded up the best sphere garden water features and have included some tips and tricks to best maintain them and keep them looking their best.
Best sphere water feature
Best overall
This water feature is made from top-quality stainless steel and will be transformed at night time thanks to the LED lights. The Primrose has even been featured on the BBC's 'Digging Deep' garden design show and is completely self-contained, so can go almost anywhere in your home or garden without needing to buy or dig an external reservoir.
Customer review: "This is excellent for the garden and is just as I imagined it to be it lights up the garden."
Pros
- Featured on BBC show
- Top-quality stainless steel
- Great wedding or anniversary present
Cons
- Some reviews said the top is a little wobbly
| Dimensions: | 57D x 56W x 35Hcm |
| Cable length: | N/A |
Best value sphere water feature
This bold sphere will compliment your patio or make a great centrepiece for your flower beds. We love the discreetly placed warm white LED that gives the water a magical glow.
Customer review: "I'm delighted with the water feature, it’s perfect in my small garden. It was easy to assemble, it’s sturdy and makes a pleasing sound of water falling."
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Soft 'tinkle' - not too loud
Cons
- Some reviews say it is too quiet
| Dimensions: | 36L x 36W x 27H cm |
| Cable length: | 10m |
Best solar-powered sphere water feature
www.robertdyas.co.uk
If you don't have a power source in your garden, this solar water feature has no need for electricity and harnesses the natural power of the sun. This solar feature also comes with an impressive 7m long power lead, a ground spike for easy installation and positioning of the panel in a sunny spot and a built-in battery pack backup.
Pros
- Quiet
- Easy to assemble
- Great quality for the money
Cons
- Needs to come with more pebbles
| Dimensions: | 58.5 x W:27 x D:27 cm |
| Cable length: | 7m |
Best slate sphere water feature
www.diy.com
Make a statement in your garden with this stunning slate effect sphere water feature, and the sound of water will provide a soothing background to your garden. We love slate water features as they tend to adapt to the environment around them and weather over the years.
Pros
- LED lights included
- Fully self-contained
- Easy installation
Cons
- No reviews on this product yet
| Dimensions: | 62.5cm x 60cm |
| Cable length: | 1000 cm |
Best glass sphere water feature
www.outdoorheatingsales.com
Gorgeous and delicate, this glass translucent round water feature features beautiful colour-changing lights to brighten up your garden and has an integrated control so you can switch between colours at any time. The sphere also comes with a black reservoir, hose and fittings.
Pros
- Unique
- Integrated control
- Self-contained
Cons
- No reviews yet
| Dimensions: | Reservoir Height: 20cm<br>Sphere Diameter: 30cm |
| Cable length: | 32 ft 9 in |
Best stainless steel sphere water feature
www.manomano.co.uk
This self contained water feature requires no mains water feed or difficult wiring. Place the water feature in your garden, add water and switch it on. It really is that simple.
Pros
- Great for smaller gardens
- Sturdy
Cons
- Full dimensions not stated
| Dimensions: | 40cm circumference |
| Cable length: | 10m |
Best raised sphere water feature
www.waterfeatures2go.co.uk
If you're after a sphere water feature that has a stand, this solar-powered Aqua Moda Orba feature will help elevate your garden surroundings. As well as the gorgeous sparkly effect ball, it comes with battery backup and LED lighting.
Customer review: "Really pleased with this. It looks stylish and matches the shape of our pots. It springs into life at the same time every day no matter what the weather conditions are. I would recommend this solar water feature."
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lights are nice and bright
Cons
- The solar panel is a separate item
| Dimensions: | 25.4 x 25.4 x 61 cm |
| Cable length: | N/A |
Sphere water feature FAQs:
How do you look after a sphere water feature?
Whatever the material, sphere water features will all benefit from a quick wipe-over every couple of weeks - even if it's just with a damp cloth. If you've got a stainless steel water feature, you can buy stainless steel cleaner that will help keep the reflections looking beautiful and will also add to the longevity of the water feature. Algae and debris may interfere with the flow of the water.
What is a flow rate?
Before you shop, decide whether you want a noise-masking gush or a quietly soothing trickle. Taller features with multiple levels are always going to be louder than a low bubbling pool, so it's worth investing in a taller feature if you want to detract from noisy surroundings.
By looking at the water flow rate of a garden water feature, you will find out just how much water is pushed through it. Plus, you'll know how much noise it will make.
Luckily, water features typically come with a pump that is appropriate for the size and volume of their design. Usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM), this measurement defines the rate at which the pump can push water through the system; the higher the rate, the noisier it will be.
What to read next:
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.