Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin? The incredible architecture of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complete your home.Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the area. 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 move down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise.
King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Nowadays, fountains adorn public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains To ensure that water fountains last a while, it is vital to practice regular maintenance. It is easy for foreign items to find their way into open-air fountains, so keeping it clean is essential. Additionally, anywhere light from the sun combines with still water, algae can develop. Mix hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular dilemma.
There are those who like to use bleach, but that is dangerous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. A thorough cleaning every 3-4 months is recommended for garden fountains. The initial step is to empty out all the water. Then use a soft rag and mild cleanser to scrub the inside. If there is detailed artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Do not leave any soap residue inside or on the fountain.
Some organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is recommended to take it apart and clean it completely. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to avoid any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
And finally, make sure the water level is consistently full in order to keep your fountain running smoothly. Allowing the water to drop below the pump’s intake level, can cause severe damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!