Kasco offers a wide selection of fountain display patterns, and most buyers make a selection based on the looks of such patterns. Kasco fountain patterns are available in all shapes and sizes. So, if you are confused about which pattern is right for you or right for your pond, you have reached the right place. Remember that the answer to these questions is influenced by visual appeal and the size of the pattern in question. Choosing the right spray pattern involves considering many factors.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Fountain Pattern
First of all, you need to know what you want from your fountain. Are you looking for an elegant focal point or want to clean up the water quality, or are you looking for something that screams for attention? Knowing this will help you choose the right Kasco fountain patterns to achieve what you desire.
The next important factor is the pattern size. You may be buying the fountain to beautify your pond. So remember that there are three main operational factors that you need to consider when choosing the fountain pattern. These factors are pattern size, flow, and power consumption, and they share a give-and-take relationship. Let us have a closer look at each factor.
- Flow: is the amount of water going through the opening in the fountain and is usually expressed in GPM or gallon per minute. It is directly related to the oxygen transfer rate or OTR achieved. The biological nature of the pond will demand Dissolved Oxygen, as well as the decomposition of fish, microorganisms, and organics.
- Pattern size: This is what attracts people to floating fountains. A good pattern will attract attention, create white noise to cover up the daily clatter from roads, equipment operation, etc., and distract from eyesores. Most ponds that use fountains are detention ponds with excess freeboard to handle rain events. If you have a 5-foot freeboard, a ten-foot-high pattern will only appear 5 feet above the crest and may not provide the desired display. It is suggested that you select a pattern when you look up to see the apex. However, remember that if you get a high pattern with little flow, you will only get a thin spray that easily gets blown over in heavy winds and falls.
- Power consumption: The Amp draw indicates how hard a motor is working and directly relates to the cost of operating the fountain. The more flow patterns you want, the bigger the motor and the greater the cost.
How Do They Work Together?
It would help if you had more pressure to get bigger patterns, but this may result in less flow. So, if you want more flow, you have to sacrifice some pattern size. These things are affected by the size of the motor, how hard the motor is working, and what it takes to get the desired pattern and flow. Aerating fountains typically have much less height than decorative fountains, but they provide much higher flow and therefore aeration.
To Conclude
Choosing the right fountain pattern requires a thorough understanding of these three factors so that you can maximize your flow and pattern and minimize power consumption. A perfect balance of these three can get you the desired results.