Traditionally, water fountains were regarded as art for the elite because they were usually placed in front of mansions or luxurious hotels. Today, most homeowners prefer having outdoor water fountains because they provide a lot of benefits. Outdoor water fountains are good noise barriers, give moisture that enriches your garden, promote good health, and provide a great focal point for outdoor décor.
Even better, you need to have an outdoor water fountain so that you can increase the value of your home. But before you decide to have an outdoor water fountain, you should consider several things. This article discusses the key things you should know before you decide to install an outdoor water fountain.
Installing an outdoor water fountain
You need to get a professional and qualified contractor to help you to install an outdoor water fountain. No doubt, the appeal of an outdoor water fountain can be awe-inspiring. In your back garden, a water fountain can be something that is more appealing than any other thing. It can transform your bland outdoor space into quite an attractive leisure area.
But it can be tricky to choose the right outdoor water fountain for your landscaping décor. This is because your choice can depend on a combination of practicality and your preference. Therefore, before you install an outdoor water fountain, you must consider the following factors:
A source of power
When choosing the type of outdoor water fountain you desire, it’s crucial to figure out the source of water. You should note that these water fountains have a wide range of options, though the most common ones are hardwired and solar powered.
With a hardwired water fountain, it requires an electric power source to work. In most areas, you need to have a licensed electrician to install your hardwired outdoor water fountain because it’s regarded as an addition to the electric grid of your home.
On the other hand, a solar-powered outdoor water fountain is popular as it doesn’t need hardwiring to electrical supply of your home. These water fountains have solar panels that give enough power for the pump to work in normal conditions.
A source of water
Many outdoor water fountains are usually connected to the water supply of your home and they tend to have a continuous water supply as long as you turn on the home water supply. But you can find some water fountains that you may fill using a hose and you don’t need a permanent connection.
A water fountain that doesn’t have a permanent connection can be filled with water using a hose. It uses a pump to recirculate water via the water fountain continuously. You just need to check it regularly to make sure that it has enough water.
Finishes
The finish of the water fountain can make a significant difference when it comes to how the product appears and the care it requires. For example, stone and concrete fountains often don’t need a lot of care compared to other materials.
You can also choose stone water fountains that look more natural and may blend well into the surroundings. Alternatively, you can opt for copper and bronze water fountains that offer a good contrast to natural outdoor settings, though they may need a lot more care than other finishes. You should remember that the finish of your outdoor water fountain is the main aesthetic consideration that needs you to take into account your landscape and surrounding area.
Lighting options
It’s a good idea to have a water fountain that is visible and enjoyable to see. Therefore, if you intend to spend some time in your backyard when it’s dark, then you need to consider several lighting options that may assist you to have a focus on this piece.
You can choose submersible lights that go directly into the water. You can opt for these types of lights if you have a large enough fountain. They can be white or colorful and offer a soft effect on the water and the surrounding landscape.
There are also external lights that you can install around the perimeter of your fountain and may include path lights, hanging lights, and spotlights. Alternatively, you can use solar lights which are quite easy to install and need no electrical outlet. These lights are suitable for areas where there is no power source.
Location
The place where you install a fountain is considered to be the most crucial decision you can make. You need to avoid placing a larger fountain against anything. This is because you need to have full access to the whole fountain.
You can place a smaller fountain in areas that have a lot of greenery or even where other items can block it. And, if a fountain needs a hardwired energy source or constant water supply, you must consider the location of electrical connections and water lines.
Water fountain materials
A granite fountain is extremely versatile and it can withstand cold temperatures, and fits in anywhere. You should note that these kinds of water fountains are quite heavy and tend to last a lifetime.
You can also find cast stone water fountains that are also heavy, but they usually have a short lifespan compared to granite water fountains which can last for many decades. Therefore, you need to make sure that you choose the right water fountain before you decide to install.
There are fiberglass water fountains that mimic the appearance of stone and granite, but are cheaper and lighter. The only problem with fiberglass is that it cannot last long because in the long run, the fiberglass often gets brittle due to UV damage. Also, the water fountain is lightweight, making it easy for a strong wind to blow it away.
Another option is to choose copper and bronze water fountains which add a little glimmer and stand out in lush gardens. But you need to be ready to do a little cleaning so that they can look their best. Therefore, these are suitable if you have enough time to take care of your water fountain.
