Choosing a Garden Fountain



Posted: Thursday, July 20, 2006

by lorien1973
Online Discount Mart Home & Garden Decor

Water fountains are always an elegant addition to any garden. The soothing sound of flowing water will add a tranquil effect to your yard and the peaceful atmosphere will help complete your garden.

There are many different types of garden fountains to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find one suitable to your taste. Brass, bronze, resin, stone, copper – garden fountains are made from all these materials. And you can even have one custom made if you’re willing to spend the money. Prices of garden fountains range from 200 to several thousands dollars each, with resin fountains being the least expensive, and bronze and “cave" style waterfalls being the most.

Designs for fountains are plentiful as well. The more popular motifs are angels, dolphins and mythical Gods. But there are also bird bath style fountains with fairies at the top, various jug and pail designs that fill with water and pour out when they reach a certain level there are fountains with lights so you can see the water at night there are fountains adorned with married couples and children, and fountains with birds and animals of all shapes and sizes. They can come with one, two, three tiers, and even more – the larger amount of tiers, the more water trickle you will hear. Some fountains jet water into the air through pressure. There are also rock fountains in various styles with the water cascading down in sheets that would make any garden look stunning there are also waterfall type fountains with small ponds at the bottom – these are usually the most expensive, costing thousands of dollars for the larger types. You can choose modern or old fashioned styles of fountains, or spiritual and humorous designs. But no matter what type you choose, the flowing water will surely add a soothing effect to your garden space.

A fountain is basically a source of water, a basin or bowl that fills up, and a drain. Most fountains come with everything you need to get set up and running quickly. They usually require only filling with a hose and an electrical outlet for the pump. No plumbing is involved since the water merely recirculates in the fountain. Most often you simply add water, plug them in, and the fountain is ready.

Although your fountain won’t require much maintenance, there are a few things you need to know to keep it functioning properly.

Wipe out the bowl about once a week. Start using a water treatment or algaecide as soon as possible. Algae will start forming on the bowl whenever sunlight shines on it. If you don’t want to use an algaecide, use a little bleach once a week to disinfect the bowl, and give it a quick scrub with a brush to remove any film. Use household vinegar if you think bleach is too harsh. About every four to six months, you should change the water and clean the entire pump.

Make sure the water level is high enough so the pump doesn’t burn up. The water in all fountains eventually evaporates, so it’s important to add water each day to keep it at the proper level. It’s also better to add a small amount each day than a lot every week or more. Depending on your local climate, the water will evaporate at different rates. Arizona residents will need to add water more frequently, for example.

The pump should be completely submerged in water at all times. If the pump ever gets noisy, simply place an old sponge around it to keep it from vibrating against other parts of the fountain. Try not to turn the pump on and off too much as it will cause it to wear out faster. Placing the pump inside sheer pantyhose and tying off the ends will prevent excessive dirt and animal hair from clogging it and shortening its life. About once a month you should clean the pump with household vinegar. Add two cups of vinegar to one gallon of water, then soak the pump for ten minutes. Next, turn on the pump and run it for thirty minutes while immersed in the solution.

If your fountain is made out of concrete, you will need to bring it indoors during periods of freezing weather. Because all concrete has small pours that absorb moisture, the fountain is susceptible to cracking if the moisture inside it freezes.

Most people like the way concrete fountains naturally age and weather. But if you don’t desire this effect you can apply a sealer found in any hardware store to the concrete, which will slow the aging process. If any white residue builds up on your fountain you can use a lime remover to clean it.

Keep leaves, twigs and any other debris out of your fountain. It will cause the tubing and pump to clog, so avoid placing the fountain under a tree with many falling leaves. You can flush the pump out with a garden hose if necessary.

Garden fountains are usually delivered by truck and arrive on a pallet. The driver is responsible for placing the fountain somewhere on your property, usually in the drive way, but the driver will not be able to help you set up or install the pump.

The history of fountains is fascinating. In ancient times they were originally installed in cities as vital necessities for poorer citizens of the towns. Drinking water could be obtained, along with water for cooking or washing clothes. Only the more affluent citizens had fountains solely for decoration.

Concerning garden fountains, the ancient Egyptians were some of the first people to use them. Drawings found in ancient tombs showed garden fountains similar to small fish ponds. The Mesopotamians and Persians also used garden fountains extensively, and the ancient Romans are well known for incorporating fountains in their gardening areas, which they also used for their public bathing rituals. Monasteries in the 9th and 10th centuries used garden fountains. The monks considered flowing water in a garden an ideal environment for meditation.

Install a fountain today to add a peaceful atmosphere to your garden.
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