Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin?

The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the area. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the designer. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Urban fountains made at the end of the nineteenth functioned only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

Modern fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.

Keeping Your Outdoor Garden Fountain Tidy

Every three-four months, garden fountains should undergo a good cleaning. Before you can start cleaning it you must empty out all of the water. Next use gentle and a soft sponge to clean the innner part of the reservoir. If there is detailed artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Make sure all the soap is completely rinsed off.

Some organisms and calcium deposits may get inside the pump, so it is recommended to take it apart and clean it completely. To make it less challenging, soak it in vinegar for a while before cleaning. If you want to eliminate build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water versus tap water, as these don’t contain any ingredients that will stick to the inside of the pump.

Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top condition. 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!