Where did Landscape Fountains Come From?
Where did Landscape Fountains Come From? The incredible architecture of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.
The main 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 vicinity. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains operated using the force of 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 excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. 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. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.
Keeping Your Water Wall Fountain Clean
Keeping Your Water Wall Fountain Clean Proper care and regular upkeep are important to the longevity of water fountains. A typical concern with fountains is that they tend to accumulate dirt and debris, so it is vital that you keep it free from this. On top of that, algae can be a concern, because sunshine hitting the water permits it to form quickly. To stay clear of this, take vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or sea salt and add right into the water. There are those who prefer to use bleach, but that is hazardous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. Experts advise that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every three-four months. The initial step is to empty out all the water. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a mild detergent. A useful tip is to use a toothbrush if there are small hard-to-reach spots. Be sure to carefully rinse the interior of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
It is highly recommended taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and remove any plankton or calcium. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it quicker to scrub. Build-up can be a big problem, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to eliminate this dilemma.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain daily and add water if you see that the level is too low. Allowing the water level to get too low can result in damage to the pump - and you certainly don't want that!