2. Outdoor Garden Fountain Height
Large outdoor water fountains weigh more. However, the taller your fountain is, the more beautiful its cascade effect will be. If you are getting a large outdoor fountain, make sure you have sufficient space in your yard. A professional installer can visit your property to take measurements and recommend the ideal fountain dimensions.
Large fountains make excellent centerpieces in yards because their weight keeps them grounded against strong wind. If your yard is small, you can get a wall-mounted fountain. Alternately, you could install an accent fountain (such as a ceramic pot fountain) in a corner. What if all you have is a patio or deck? Go for a small, lightweight fountain, such as a fiberglass or resin tabletop fountain.
3. Outdoor Garden Fountain Features
Garden fountains come with several features that boost their beauty and functionality. These include:
· Lighted Outdoor Fountains: An outdoor fountain with lights looks good during the day and even better at dark. You can install the lights underwater or around the fountain to accent its design and illuminate your yard.
· Adjustable Flow Control: Adjustable flow allows you to control how fast your fountain is pumping water. If the setting is too high, excessive splashing and evaporation may occur, leading to your fountain needing frequent refills. If the flow is too low, algae and other organisms can start flourishing in the water.
· Solar Outdoor Garden Fountains: Solar outdoor fountains reduce your power bills since they keep running even when the power is out. Adding a solar battery ensures a fully functional fountain even after night falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should I Place Outdoor Water Fountains?
The best place to install an outdoor fountain depends on its size, material, and design. Large fountains are better off in the center of your yard, but this is only possible if your yard is large enough to contain the fountain.
If you buy a small or lightweight fountain, it’s safer to place it close to a wall or on your patio or deck. Do not install your small fountain in a dark corner. Otherwise, splashing water from the feature may render the area around the fountain unpleasantly moist. Placing your fountain where sunlight will reach it is especially important if the system runs on solar.
Non-solar fountains need to be close to electrical outlets so you can plug them in and keep the wires hidden. Other factors that determine the best place to install your fountain are:
· Sound: To enjoy the soothing sound of running water, install the fountain as close as possible to your most-used room. If you need fountain sounds to cover traffic noises or other nuisances, install the feature between your home and the source of the racket.
· Pets or Kids: Pets and children may attempt to play in or drink from fountains. Reduce the risk of this happening by installing a wall-mounted fountain that’s out of the reach of vulnerable little ones.
How Do You Maintain an Outdoor Fountain?
Follow these tips to keep your fountain and its water clean:
· Regularly Clean the Fountain and Water Pump: Outdoor fountains tend to accumulate leaves and other debris. Every couple of weeks, scoop out any visible debris and check the fountain pump. You can clean the pump’s inside with a brush and moist cloth. Don’t forget to scrub and rinse the inside of the fountain to eliminate accumulated algae.
· Keep Your Fountain Pump Submerged: Water fountains lose their water over time and need a refill. If the water level falls below the pump while it’s running, it can damage the system.
· Keep Your Water Fountains Running: Stagnant water in a fountain creates a breeding ground for algae and other organisms that can spoil your water feature.
· Use Distilled Water: Distilled water in a fountain reduces the risk of algae buildup. Alternatively, you can use animal-friendly water treatments for algae and white scale control. It’s important to use animal-safe products. Otherwise, you may poison wildlife that drink from your fountain.
· Winterize Your Fountain: Freezing weather can damage a fountain’s body, hose, and pump. Avoid such problems by storing your fountain before winter starts. If your fountain is too heavy to move, winterize it by draining its water, disconnecting its pumps and hoses, and storing them indoors. Fill the emptied basin with burlap bags or hay and cover the feature with a tarp.
Do Garden Fountains Need Electricity?
Fountains need electricity to power the pumps that keep the water flowing. You also need electricity if your fountain has lights. Most modern fountains don’t consume a lot of electricity. However, large fountains with high-end pumps consume more electricity because they generate lots of water pressure.
Whether you have a high or low-end pump, you can reduce the cost of running your outdoor fountain by switching to solar. Installing a solar fountain costs more than regular fountains, but since you won’t have to pay for electricity, the system ultimately pays for itself.
Plus, you can use a solar system 24/7 without worrying about how much power you are consuming. For the best results, get a solar fountain with a battery pack. The battery stores energy, so you can use the fountain even after dark.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Outdoor Fountain?
If you have a small or medium-sized water fountain and use it several hours a day, you may pay less than $50 a month, depending on electricity rates in your area. The cost of running a low-end fountain pump is close to the cost of using a small lamp.
You can reduce the cost of running your water fountain by running it only when you need it. However, note that frequently turning your fountain on and off wears out the pump more quickly. Also, stagnant water in a fountain breeds algae and other unsightly organisms.
Should I Leave My Water Fountain On All the Time?
If possible, you should leave your outdoor water fountain running around the clock. Doing so has several benefits. It will:
· Extend Pump’s Lifespan: Replacing a fountain pump can be pricey, so the less frequently you have to do it, the better. Switching a pump on and off shortens its lifespan. If you want your pump to last for three to four years, you need to leave it running as much as possible and service it often.
· Keep the Water Cleaner: Stagnant water accumulates algae, bacteria, and debris quickly. If your pump is constantly running, the water stays clean longer.
· Reduce Your Water Bill: You have to change dirty fountain water. If you have a large fountain and the water gets dirty quickly, the cost of refilling your fountain may become costly. Reduce how often you need to change your fountain’s water by running it as often as possible.
· Prevent Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are disease-carrying insects that breed in stagnant water. If you live in the warmer parts of the U.S., turning off your fountain for long periods can turn it into a mosquito nursery and make your premises unsafe.
· Improve Humidity: If you live in the drier parts of the U.S., installing a water fountain close to your window can improve the moisture content of your indoor air. Humidified air prevents dry skin, breathing issues, and cracked lips.
What Is the Best Outdoor Water Fountain?
The perfect outdoor fountain for your premises depends on your budget, available space, preferred style, and other factors. If you need help picking the right water feature for your home or business, get in touch with us.
At Red Earth Shop, in Boulder City, Nevada, we have several years of experience supplying and installing the best outdoor garden fountains. Let our experts guide you towards the best option to boost your property’s attractiveness, comfort, and value. Give us a call today to find your dream outdoor water fountain.