Bernini: The Genius Behind Italy's Most Impressive Fountains

The Origins Of Fountains

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for building it. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create smaller variations of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

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 decorative. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.

Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.

The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Water Wall Fountains

Experts suggest that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every three-four months. Prior to cleaning, all the water must be eliminated. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a mild detergent. Feel free to use a toothbrush if helpful for any smaller crevasses. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the interior of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.

It is highly suggested taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and get rid of any plankton or calcium. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it much easier to clean. Neither rain water nor mineral water contain ingredients that will collect inside the pump, so use either over tap water if possible.

Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Allowing the water to drop below the pump’s intake level, can cause serious damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!

Choose from Many Outdoor Wall Fountain Styles

Depending on your wishes, you can choose from mounted or freestanding types. Small, self-contained mounted wall fountains can be hung on any surface. Normally made of resin (to look like stone) or fiber glass, these types of fountains are lightweight and easy to hang. Stand-alone fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are of considerable size, have a basin located on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Water features such as these are ordinarily manufactured of cast stone and have no weight limitations.

Many skilled landscapers favor custom-built fountains which can be incorporated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. A professional mason is required to place the water basin against the wall and correctly install all the plumbing inside or behind the wall. The wall will have to have a spout or fountain mask built into it. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, buy a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the panorama rather than a later addition.