Outdoor fountains are an effective solution to add life to your outdoors. These structures can easily make a space inviting and relaxing. But it is crucial that you choose the right type of fountain and a suitable outdoor fountain pump to make it work smoothly. Remember that selecting the right components for your outdoor space needs to consider your personal preferences and practicality. Here are some essential things to consider for outdoor fountains if you want to purchase one.
Source of power
Outdoor fountains run on a power source, mostly an outdoor fountain pump. They have various options, the most common being solar-powered and hardwired. The former does not require any hardwiring to your home’s electrical supply since the solar panels on them are enough to provide power for the pump to function in normal conditions. But be informed that plenty of sunlight is required for them to work, and even with battery backup, the number of hours per day they will operate it limited by available sunlight. A hardwired pump will draw power from an electrical source so you will need an outdoor outlet, and because it’s outdoors, it needs to have a GFCI for safety.
Source of water
Outdoor fountains are filled with a garden hose. It’s that simple. But it is essential that your pump never runs dry. Though the fountain pump re-circulates water through the fountain continuously, many fountains have a lot of splash and there is too much evaporation. If the fountain bowl runs out of water the pump will burn out rapidly. It is recommended, when possible, to install a fountain float valve kit to keep water in your fountain replenished so it doesn’t run dry. These work just like the float valves in toilets, filling the fountain until a designated water level is reached. If you have a fountain in a pond, you can usually just add water when the level gets low. However, if the pond has fish, careful not to add too much water all at once or your fish could die from rapid change in water’s minerals, chlorine, or other chemistry.
Different finishes
This greatly affects how the product looks and the care it needs. So when deciding on the finish of your fountain, consider things like concrete and stone fountains that do not require much maintenance. Stone fountains look more natural and blend well into the surroundings, though many concrete fountains can be created with the look of stone. If you have an unpainted concrete fountain, do keep in mind that most of them, especially imports from Mexico, contain rebar, which will rust over time unless the fountain is sealed, either by paint or a clear sealant. Resin fountains are lightweight and can include more detail than stone or concrete. Copper and bronze fountains can provide a contrast to natural outdoor settings, but they do develop a patina over time, and you will need to consider whether you would like the “antiqued” look patina affords or not. Also keep in mind that the fountain’s finish is an aesthetic consideration and requires you to consider the surrounding area and landscape.
Lighting options
There is a wide range of options available when it comes to lighting up your outdoor fountain. You can talk to your electrician about the lighting options and choose from external, submersible, and solar lights. Submersible lights go directly into the water and dramatically affect large fountains and ponds. These lights may be white or colorful and soften the water and the surrounding landscape. So if you love spending time outdoors, you should focus on this component of your outdoor fountain.
External lights are installed around the fountain’s perimeter, including path lights, spotlights, and hanging lights. Solar lights have easy installation and do not require any electrical outlet; thus are suitable for areas that do not have readily available power sources.
To sum up
Contacting outdoor fountain pump providers can help you determine the best size of fountain pump for your fountain. But a lot depends on your personal preference and the surrounding landscape of your fountain or pond.