Keep Your Large Garden Fountains Tidy

Every three-four months, garden fountains should go through a good cleaning. The first task is to empty out all the water. When you have done this, scour inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. If there is delicate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the inner surface of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.

Various organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is best to take it apart and clean it thoroughly. Soaking it in vinegar for a bit will make it easier to wash. Build-up can be a big headache, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to reduce this dilemma.

Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top condition. Allowing the water to go below the pump’s intake level, can cause severe damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!

Modern Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.

Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.

Taking Care Of Outdoor Wall Fountains

Generally, when you purchase an outdoor wall fountain, it will come in an easy-to-use kit that will include all the information needed to install it correctly. The kit provides a submersible pump, hoses as well as the basin, or reservoir. The basin can usually be concealed among your garden plants if it is not too large. Once your wall fountain is in place, all that is needed is consistent cleaning and some light maintenance.

Replenishing and cleaning the water on a regular basis is very important. Remember to get rid of debris like leaves, twigs or dirt as quickly as possible. In addition, your outdoor wall fountain should not be subjected to freezing winter weather. In order to avoid any damage, such as cracking, from freezing water during the cold winter season, move your pump indoors. All in all, an outdoor wall fountain can last for any number of years with proper upkeep and care.