Where did Garden Water Fountains Come From?

Pure practicality was the original role of fountains. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used 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. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. 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. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.

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

The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Water fountains

Experts suggest that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every 3-4 months. Before you start cleaning, all the water must be taken out. Then use a soft towel and gentle cleanser to scrub the inside. A helpful tip is to use a toothbrush if there are small hard-to-reach spots. Make sure all the soap is totally washed off.

Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and washing the inside properly. To make it less difficult, soak it in vinegar for several hours before cleaning. If you want to minimize build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water versus tap water, as these don’t contain any elements that will stick to the inside of the pump.

One final trick for keeping your fountain in top working order is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. Permitting the water level to get too low can result in damage to the pump - and you certainly don't want that!

Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Numerous Styles Available

Mounted and free-standing fountains are readily available on the market. Mounted wall fountains are small and self-contained variations which can be displayed on a wall. Wall fountains made of resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass are usually light so they can be easily hung. Stand-alone fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are of considerable size, have a basin situated on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Typically made of cast stone, these water features have no weight restrictions.

Customized fountains which can be incorporated into a new or existing wall are often recommended by landscaping designers. Installing the basin against the wall and installing all the plumbing work needs a professional mason to do it properly. It is also necessary to include a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, buy a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the scenery rather than an afterthought.