If you have the DIY know-how or the determination to take on such a project, constructing a water wheel for your pond can be both fun and rewarding. The designs of wooden wheels have been refined over the years, but the basic construction remains fairly similar – consisting of the wooden wheel, blades, support, and metal axis and bearings. On one of the halves of the water wheel, use the protractor to mark the placement of the paddles at about 40 ° intervals. Angle the paddles toward the center of the wheel like the spokes of a bicycle. In the UK and US, waterwheels are commonly mounted vertically on a horizontal axis (pictured), but can also be constructed on a vertical axis with the wheel horizontal. In regards to power generation, the energy of water is transmitted through a special axle or gear located in the center of the wheel, which is then converted into electricity via a generator. Overall, a great hassle-free water wheel kit crafted from high quality wood, non-toxic materials, and with the addition of a water pump ready for operation. Although you have less flexibility in terms of design, the water wheel is a good choice if you just want a fancy decoration without the added fuss of construction. Many manufacturers who specialise in wooden waterwheels optimize their designs for low water flow conditions, and not electricity production, so you’ll often find your wheel starts turning even with minimal currents.

For the budget consensus or for smaller sized water gardens as décor, this 12″ diameter decorative wooden water wheel is a great choice of entry-level wheel. Hand-crafted from high quality pine wood, the wheel features a 12 inch (30 cm) diameter design with a popular overshot movement type. Unlike undershoot wheels, this wheel requires water flow coming from overhead for the best operation. Water which hits the wheel will be collected in the blades, and the wheel will turn on it’s shaft and axle as water builds to the correct capacity. Use glue or pins to attach the short end of the paddles so that they line up on the markings on the wheel. Attach the other half of the water wheel to the paddles. They’re still used today in developing countries and communities that shun technological advancements.)

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The wheels are crafted by an expert Amish craftsman specialising in decorative water wheels, and are available in a range of impressive colors. The colors used are natural and non-toxic, with the pine wood material also coated in natural soy bean extract to keep moisture from damaging the wood. Both coating and colors are 100% safe for fish and wildlife. The wheels are all overshot designs, so will require water flow to enter from the top of the wheel for best operation. The smallest wheels (15″) can be powered easily with solar pumps, small submersible pumps, or even a garden hose. The large wheels, such as the 48″ wheel, would require a stronger pump which can maintain higher water pressures at up to 1 foot of head height (height of water wheel). Although these are approximate values, we’d recommend a pump ranging from 400-600 GPH for the largest wheels to ensure smooth movement and the best aesthetic. Water wheels can still technically be used in ponds to power electrical equipment, such as low-wattage pumps, but there are downsides, such as their dependence on constantly flowing water and need for frequent maintenance (i.e., bearing replacement). To just see the general principal of a water wheel at work with a one time experiment, you can use cardboard and white glue. If you would like your water wheel to last under numerous experiments in the water, go for the more water proof option by using foam board and pins. Hot glue is waterproof and can be used in place of the pins if making the foam board water wheel.) What You Do: For overshot designs, or very tall water wheels, solar powered pond pumps may not be suitable as you’ll need to lift water to the top of the water wheel. In this instance a quality submersible pump or an external pump would be a better choice, as both would provide higher head height values compared to solar powered pumps. To work out exactly what size pump youneed will depend on the height of the waterwheel and how much flow is required to turn the blades and create movement.

Overshot wheels are another common type of pond waterwheel design, being more efficient than undershot but more difficult to install and get moving. These wheels can achieve up to an 80% efficiency with specialist design, but the height of the wheel and diameter of the blades are directly proportional to power generation. This means you often need to go BIG to achieve decent power generation, making them sometimes non-practical compared to other eco-power methods. For decorative purposes, overshot wheels can look great and will have plenty of movement if installed with a quality pump with decent flow rate and head height values. Most water wheel kits will be an overshot type as they’re easier to keep moving when the water framework is installed correctly.

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How Do Pond Water Wheels Work? (Best Types for Ponds) Waterwheel diagram showing an “overshot” design where water flows over the top of the wheel blades. Public domain.