Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Water Features
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Water Features
Contemporary Garden Decor: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Roots

The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Residents of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or shoot high into the air. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for building it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. 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 restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Wall Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Wall Fountains To ensure that water fountains last a long time, it is important to practice regular maintenance. It is important to clean it out and remove any debris or foreign elements that might have gotten into or onto it. Also, algae tends to build up any place natural light meets water. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be dissolved into the water to prevent this issue.
Experts recommend that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months. The initial step is to empty out all the water. Then use a soft rag and gentle cleanser to scrub the inside. If there is intricate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Do not leave any soap deposits inside of or on the fountain.
Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and scrubbing the inside properly. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it quicker to wash. If you want to eliminate build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water rather than tap water, as these don’t contain any components that might stick to the inside of the pump.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain daily and add water if you see that the level is low. If the water level drops below the pump’s intake level, it can harm the pump and cause it to burn out - something you don't want to happen!
Your Outdoor Fountain: Upkeep & Routine Service

Most outside wall fountains are available in easy-to-use kits that will give you all you need to properly install it. The kit will include a submersible pump, the hoses and basin (or reservoir). The basin, if it's not too large, can easily be concealedin your garden among the plants. Other than the regular cleaning, little servicing is required once your outdoor wall fountain is fitted.
Change the water frequently so it is always clean. It is important to promptly clear away debris such as leaves, twigs or other dreck. Protecting your outdoor wall fountain from the freezing winter climate is vital. Bring your pump inside when the weather turns very cold and freezes the water so as to eliminate any possible harm, such as cracking. All in all, an outdoor wall fountain can last for any number of years with the right upkeep and cleaning.