Where did Fountains Begin?
Where did Fountains Begin? 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. The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating 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 models of 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 Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot 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. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Nowadays, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Pick from all Sorts of Outdoor Water Features
Pick from all Sorts of Outdoor Water Features Have you ever contemplated converting your garden into a haven of tranquility? Integrating a fountain into your yard provides tranquility as well as a variety of powerful effects that come with having a water feature. A dramatic impact is produced when a spouting fountain sends a shooting stream of water up into the air. Ample, preexisting ponds can effortlessly be fitted with one of these. You can find these in public parks or old mansions.
One of the myriad examples of an outdoor water feature is a stylish wall fountain. If you are eager to include a water feature, but are concerned because you have a small yard, do not hesitate to incorporate one of these. Spouting fountains usually make quite an impact whereas wall features are more of an understated kind of water feature. It is simple undertaking 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. If your bungalow or garden is styled in a rustic manner, you should consider adding a classic type of statue, such as a seraph holding the spout, to your fountain. Consider including something bolder and unique for a contemporary garden. Just allow your imagination to run loose.
The main trait of tiered fountains is the multiple levels spewing out water. Water flowing down multiple levels of this water feature is the chief characteristic of a cascading fountain.
The space necessary for an outdoor fountain can be vast, therefore, a better alternative is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Since the reservoirs required for these kinds of fountains are hidden below the ground, you can make the most of the space at your disposal.
Install a Japanese fountain if you are looking for a feeling of tranquility. The water flows through bamboo sticks in this kind of water feature. The cycle of water flowing into a rustic-styled bucket or a molded stone repeats itself again and again.
Fountains made of glass are another type available. Creating a more classical look are trellis-style fountains which showcase shaped metalwork. Gardens with numerous sharp edges as well as modern forms and designs are better for these types of water features. As the water moves over the top of the glass it produces a dazzling impact. LED lights are also used in some fountains to flash color across the water as it flows down on the glass sheet. With water softly running down its surface, rock waterfall fountains, often made of imitation rock, are a viable solution for your garden.
In a bubbling rock fountain, a big rock is drilled with openings and then filled in the center with tubes. The bubbling and gurgling at the uppermost part of this type of fountain are caused by the water being thrust upward at low pressure. Flowing towards the base of the fountain, the water comes back as a slow dribble down the sides of the rock. Little gardens are ideal for this kind of fountain. Water is moved at low pressure in this kind of fountain, so you can be assured knowing that it will not spray all over should the wind pick up.
Solar powered fountains have become more fashionable recently since they run on sunlight. The advantages of using this type of solar powered fountain is the lack of cables, lowered difficulty in installing them, the decrease in electricity bills, and the favorable effects they have on our ecosystem. It is not necessary to choose a specific model of outdoor solar-powered fountain because of the wide variety of designs available on the market.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains Appropriate care and regular cleaning are important to the longevity of water fountains. It is important to clean it out and remove any debris or foreign elements that might have fallen into or onto it. Another factor is that water that is exposed to sunlight is susceptible to growing algae. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be dissolved into the water to eliminate this problem. Bleach can also be put into the water, however this is not an ideal option as it can sicken birds or other animals. No more than three-four months should go by without an extensive maintaining of a fountain. The first step is to get rid of all the water. Then use gentle and a soft sponge to clean inside the reservoir. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any smaller crevasses. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the inside of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
It is highly suggested taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and eliminate any plankton or calcium. Soaking it in vinegar for a time will make it easier to scrub. Neither rain water nor mineral water contain ingredients that will accumulate inside the pump, so use either over tap water if possible.
And finally, make sure the water level is continuously full in order to keep your fountain working smoothly. Allowing the water to reach below the pump’s intake level, can cause major damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!