Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin? The amazing or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, as well as supplying drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be linked 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. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points 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. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational events.
The Source of Modern Wall Fountains
The Source of Modern Wall Fountains
Himself a highly educated man, Pope Nicholas V headed the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 till 1455 and was responsible for the translation of hundreds of ancient documents from their original Greek into Latin. He undertook the beautification of Rome to make it into the worthy capital of the Christian world. Starting in 1453, the ruined ancient Roman aqueduct known as the Aqua Vergine which had brought fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, underwent reconstruction at the behest of the Pope. The ancient Roman tradition of building an imposing commemorative fountain at the point where an aqueduct arrived, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was commissioned by the Pope to put up a wall fountain where we now see the Trevi Fountain. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually allowed it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains
Water fountains will last a very long time with scheduled cleaning and maintenance. A common issue with fountains is that they tend to accumulate dirt and debris, so it is vital that you keep it free from this. Additionally, anywhere light from the sun combines with still water, algae can develop. In order to stay clear of this, there are some simple ingredients that can be mixed into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. Another option is to mix bleach into the water, but this action can hurt wild animals and so should really be avoided. A complete cleaning every 3-4 months is best for garden fountains. Before cleaning, all the water must be removed. Once it is empty, wash inside the reservoir with a mild cleanser. If there is detailed artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Do not leave any soap residue in or on the fountain.
Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and cleaning the inside properly. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it easier to wash. 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 working optimally. Low water levels can ruin the pump - and you do not want that!