Customer Reviews

Smart Solar Portsmouth Birdbath

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I received the bird bath in a timely manner. BUT-the directions for the solar panel are unclear, need larger illustrations and do not show all parts. After much "tweaking" I finally got it up and running. It works now. Also, you must use distilled water, rainwater or filtered water. That info was not online. LATER review, I cannot change my stars to none. After the fountain was in the garden the gray coating peeled off in spots. I would not buy this product.

I bought this item a couple of years ago. The company that makes it is very good about backing up their warranty and sending replacement parts. The problem is the birdbath constantly has parts breaking so after awhile you just give up. Either the motor gives out, or the solar panel (I've replaced each 2-3 times) or the coating on the bowl starts flaking off. Another problem is unless there is direct, full sun the unit shuts off. A cloud passing by shuts it off, your shadow shuts it off, etc.
It's a great idea but poorly executed.

I just received this solar birdbath and am very pleased! It arrived quickly and in excellent shape. All parts were present including the instructions for installation- as well as for storage over the winter months.
It took about 5 minutes to install and is now running happily in my garden.

We received shipment within 5 days of placing order. Upon opening the box we saw that the inside box was crushed but the outside box that it was shipped in was in perfect condition so we know that the damage was not done by shiping.
Solar panel was totally smashed along with conections for the pump were cracked off. I called customer service and was told that a replacement would be sent within 10 working days. It is now almost 4 weeks and we still have not recieved anything. Very disapointed. Beware!!

We received the birdbath and it worked OK for two days, then the pump stopped working entirely. Like the other reviewer below, we tried "tweaking" for hours on end, but to no avail.

I attempted to contact the manufacturer (STI Group) directly but their phone number is disconnected. I am now returning the item to Amazon as I have no other choice. BEWARE OF THIS ITEM AND COMPANY!!!

This birdbath/fountain is very pretty and was simple to set up. It looks great in our garden and makes a pleasant "running water" sound. The quality of the materials, both the bath and the solar pannel and pump unit, seems high. However, you should be aware that the unit really is solar powered and unlike typical solar garden lights, does not have battery back up. This means that the fountain runs when the sun is out. It does not run when there is not enough sun. As soon as the sun comes back out, the fountain will immediately restart. My family is amused to see it start and stop as the clouds reveal or obscure the sun, but you should be aware that the fountain will stop if clouds block the sun. It must be placed in direct sunlight. If I were going to improve this fountain, I would include batteries so that passing clouds do not affect its operation. (This is the reason why I am giving 4 stars instead of 5). Nonetheless, the birdbath is still pretty even when the fountain is off. If you really want birds to use it, you can take slip the head off of the fountain and you then have a gentle "bubbler" that will attract birds.

The solar fountain pump only works in full sun. The "resin" finish looks like plastic. Would not reccomend it. The pump does work well, when the sun is shining right on the solar panel. I was looking for something a little more elegant.

During ther first year of use the paint in the bowl came off. After 10 calls to the company, and receiving 10 promises that someone would call us back to resolve the problem, we have given up and will not use this company agian.

This is a great choice if your looking for a small/mid-sized birdbath for less than $100. Less than 30#, so it's easy to move around until you find the perfect spot for it. No electricity required. Solar-powered fountain won't work 24/7, true, but it's really not necessary. It arrived just as promised and I put it together myself in less than 1/2 hour. It's been a perfect addition to our garden and a big hit with my hummingbirds already.

These things last about a year or two, then they expect you to keep buying motors or solar panels. In the 3 years we've had this, we've gone through 2 motors, and now the solar panel is no longer working. It only works in DIRECT, and I mean DIRECT sunlight, and as for the fountain itself, it cracked and now water is sloshing around inside. Poorly made garbage. This company should be forced to change their name to Stupid Solar