Keep Your Large Outdoor Fountain Tidy
Keep Your Large Outdoor Fountain Tidy Water fountains will keep working a very long time with regular cleaning and maintenance. It is essential to clean it out and take out any debris or foreign objects that might have fallen into or onto it. On top of that, algae can be a challenge, as sunshine hitting the water allows it to form easily. To prevent this, take vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or sea salt and add directly into the water. There are those who choose to use bleach, but that is dangerous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. Experts recommend that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every 3-4 months. First you must empty the water. As soon as it is empty, clean inside the reservoir with a gentle cleanser. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any tiny crevasses. Be sure to completely rinse the inner surface of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
Various organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is advised to take it apart and clean it completely. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it alot easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to avoid any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by looking at it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Allowing the water level to get too low can result in damage to the pump - and you certainly don't want that!
Bernini's First Showpieces
Bernini's First Showpieces The Barcaccia, Bernini's very first fountain, is a magnificent chef d'oeuvre built at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this area is flooded with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy debate and each other's company. Bernini would without a doubt have been happy to know that people still flock to what has become one the city's most fashionable areas, that surrounding his amazing water fountain.
In about 1630, the great artist designed the first water fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. A massive ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's central theme. Period reports dating back to the 16th century show that the fountain was built as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. In 1665 Bernini journeyed to France, in what was to be his only prolonged absence from Italy.
Where did Garden Water Fountains Come From?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Come From? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.
Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or jet high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
These days, fountains decorate public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.