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 provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. 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 had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a considerable 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 glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm 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. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Decorating 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 Outdoor Water fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Water fountains
Appropriate care and regular cleaning are important to the longevity of water fountains. It is easy for foreign objects to find their way into outdoor fountains, so keeping it clean is important. Also, algae is likely to build up any place natural light meets water. Mix hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular problem. Another option is to blend bleach into the water, but this action can sicken wild animals and so should really be avoided. No more than three-four months should go by without an extensive cleansing of a fountain. Before you start cleaning, all of the water must be removed. Once it is empty, scrub inside the reservoir with a gentle cleanser. If there are any small grooves, work with a toothbrush to get each and every spot. Make sure all the soap is properly cleaned off.
Various organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is best to take it apart and clean it completely. Soaking it in vinegar for a time will make it easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to eliminate any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
And finally, make sure the water level is always full in order to keep your fountain working optimally. Allowing the water level to get too low can cause damage to the pump - and you certainly do not want that!