Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin?

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. 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. 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 the power of gravity. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome

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. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.

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

What Are Outdoor Fountains Manufactured From?

A prevalent choice today is copper, and it is used in the designing of many sculptural garden fountains. Copper is common for both inside and outside use and is commonly found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Copper fountains also come in a vast array of styles - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.

Also common, brass fountains often have a more old-fashioned style to them versus their copper counterpart. Brass fountains are commonly designed with interesting artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.

The most contemporary metal right now is probably stainless steel. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and enhance the overall mood. As with all fountains, you can find any size you choose.

For people who want the appearance of a metal fountain but want a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. Caring for a fiberglass water fountain is relatively easy, another benefit that consumers seek.

The Countless Styles of Exterior Fountains

The beauty of a spouting fountain can be observed when it propels a stream of shooting water into the air. It is feasible to have one of these installed into an existing, large pond. Parks and traditional stately homes often have one these water features.

One of the many examples of an outdoor water feature is a chic wall fountain. If you are keen on include a water feature, but are concerned because you have a small yard, do not hesitate to install one of these. Wall fountains are not flashy water features as compared to a spouting fountain. It is straightforward process wherein a small jet of water propels outwards in front of a splendidly textured wall and then flows down only to be pumped up again.

Dependent on the look you have chosen for the garden, you could think about a themed fountain. A cherub grasping a spout is one of the possible types of classical-styled statues you can use if you want your fountain to compliment a rustically themed cottage or garden. Consider installing something bolder and distinctive for a modern-day garden. Just allow your imagination to run loose.

Tiered fountains are unique because the water moves down multiple levels. Due to the water moving down its multiple levels, these are also called cascading fountains.

Due to the fact that outdoor fountains can take up a lot of room, fit in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain if the space you have is minimal. Due to the fact that the reservoirs necessary for these kinds of fountains are hidden underground, you can make the most of the room at your disposal.

Japanese fountains are believed to lend a feeling of tranquility and wellness. Bamboo sticks serve as the tubing from which water flows in these kinds of water features. The cycle of water flowing into a rustic-styled recipient or a molded stone repeats itself again and again.

Glass fountains make up another group of fountain. Featuring shaped metalwork, trellis-style fountains of this type have a more traditional feel. Water features such as these are best suited to gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern forms and designs. The flowing water produces a striking effect as it moves down the glass sheets. Colorful LED lights are also included in some fountains to illuminate the water as it down down the sheet of glass. A rock waterfall fountain (often made of imitation rock) shows off water slowly cascading down its façade.

The characteristic which distinguishes a bubbling rock fountain is a large rock drilled with holes where pipes can be inserted into its middle. Low pressure is used to push up the water which then bubbles and gurgles at the top. Downward flowing water appears as gentle trickle as it moves down the sides of the rock to go back to its base. This is yet another possibility for gardens with limited space. This sort of fountain, which uses low pressure to move water, is perfect because it stops water from being sprayed around in windy weather.

Solar fountains have recently gained in popularity because they are powered by the sun. The advantages of using this type of solar powered fountain is the lack of cables, lowered difficulty in installing them, the decrease in electric bills, and the positive effects they have on our environment. You will not have to concede on style since there is a wide array of designs to pick from in outdoor solar-powered fountains.

The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Large Garden Fountains

No more than 3-4 months should go by without an extensive cleansing of a fountain. The first step is to get rid of all the water. Then use a soft cloth and gentle cleanser to scrub the inside. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any smaller crevasses. Any soap residue that remains on your fountain can harm it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.

Various organisms and calcium deposits may get inside the pump, so it is advised to take it apart and clean it thoroughly. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it much less difficult to wash. If you want to eliminate build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water versus tap water, as these don’t contain any components that will stick to the inside of the pump.

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 go below the pump’s intake level, can cause severe damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!