Archive for the ‘Fountain Installation’ Category

Make Your Own Tabletop Fountain with Bamboo

Did you know that you can make tabletop fountains out of bamboo? Bamboo is one of the most popular materials during this green-friendly new era. It is technically a grass and grows at a much faster rate than trees. Now, you can make your own tabletop fountain using bamboo.

You can buy prepackaged bamboo spout kits as well as related accessories like bowls and river rocks from an online store. You can start the process of creating a bamboo fountain by buying a watertight container, which will act as your basin. Naturally, the container must be close in size to the spout that you will choose. The container must be able to contain the fast flow of water with only minimal dripping.

The best thing to do is to find a spout that rests on top of the bamboo fountain container. It shouldn’t be too wide or else it will fall inside the water. You can also think about lotus pots or buckets (galvanized) for this project. The container must be 100% waterproof. You can’t take chances with this step. Line the inside of the container with pond liner if there are any doubts. You can also spray watertight sealant in order to ensure no water seeps through.

At this point you put the pump that comes with the bamboo tabletop fountain kit inside the container. You are not supposed to plug it in yet. In fact, it’s always a bad idea to run the pump outside of the water. You want to position the pump so that you can run the cord out from the edge of the bowl. If you don’t want the pump to show you can put a decorative cover over it or cover the appearance up with rocks.

Now it’s time to put the spout over the bowl of the tabletop fountain. You can put it inside or outside of the bowl, depending on the size you are using. Fill the container with water and when you can submerse the pump completely plug it in.

Bamboo fountains are already an attractive water feature but you can enhance the appearance all the more so with a water wheel or plants. Though it’s hard not to imagine liking bamboo, you can always take the spout out and just use the extra pump to create an effervescent effect.

Tabletop fountains, like all fountains, do require additional water on a regular basis. You should also treat the water for algae and white scale. Bamboo fountains are a visual delight and make a great relaxing sound all year round!

How to Turn a Birdbath into a Fountain

A birdbath is a fun distraction and a wonderful attraction for your garden area. What if you could make your bird fountain even more interesting? What if you could add a waterfall or water fountain effect in addition to the birdbath? It won’t scare the birds away…in fact, it will probably bring more animal life to the attraction. How can you create a birdbath fountain step by step?

First of all, make sure that the basin you use is deep enough to keep the pump fully covered with water. You don’t want the pump to circulate air or else it could ruin the operation. You will need an outdoor outlet to power the pump. Resist the urge to be cheap and use an extension cord. The best thing to do is to hire an electrician to create an outdoor power outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter safety device.

Try and find a spout that can rest on top of the bath. This way, you don’t have to worry about taking up too much room in the bath itself. Use a spout of subtle shape so that you don’t scare away any animals. One option to consider is that of a dripper type fountain. Instead of a powerful spray, usually associated with larger fountains, you can install a lighter spout for your birdbath fountain. You can keep the stream of water rain-line and trickling from the pump and to the basin. This light flow also creates a quieter sound.

After you choose your spout and put it in a comfortable position, most of the work is done. The only remaining step is to put the pump in the bath basin and plug in the cord. Bamboo fountains are a popular feature for birth baths because of bamboo’s natural and attractive properties. Bamboo is also considered a green-friendly material, much more preferable than trees.

When installing birdbath fountains or any type of bamboo fountains (including interior or exterior) make sure to check the water on a regular basis. The pump should always be submersed in the water, meaning totally covered. If the pump attempts to re-circulate then air damage could result.

In addition to bamboo fountains and birdbath fountains there are also pumps and spouts powered by solar power. You certainly have a great deal of variety when constructing a bamboo fountain with a birdbath. This is a nice way to become attuned to nature and invite the smallest of creatures over for a “drink.”

How to Install an Outdoor Fountain

Installing an outdoor water fountain is much more difficult than installing a small interior fountain, right? Yes, but it may not be as difficult as you anticipate. It will take a weekend’s amount of time and you may need some help from friends and family. Nevertheless, it is doable. Here are a few steps involved in the process.

Outdoor fountains that are built directly into the ground have a natural appearance and, by nature, an unstructured feel to them. One of the most challenging aspects of this assignment will be in gathering up materials. You will need a main stone feature to create the waterfall element, as well as a re-circulating pump, which moves the water and keeps it fresh. Ordinary land areas cannot hold water so you will need plastic tubing and pond liner to create the pond. Other items may include river rocks, a metal grate and a container. Some stores will sell all material together as a kit, though you can also buy your own materials and get your choice of products.  There are fountain reservoirs that can be buried in the ground instead of using pond liner and wooden kits.  Some of these reservoir kits include a top screen which can hold rocks or river stones to decorate the fountain.  These units allow the option of using above or below ground for a unique installation.

Before installing anything you will have to dig a hole inside the ground. The hole must be large enough for the pond liner and the wooden frame. When you are finished digging and measuring put the frame and liner inside the hole. The next step in building an outdoor fountain is to connect the pump to the water feature. This is where the tubing comes in. The pump goes inside the hole. The feature must go on the concrete pedestal and then topped with a galvanized grate. Now you can fill the hole with water. The grate sticks out so cover it over with some rocks.

When building your own outdoor fountain remember that the fountain must be level in order to work correctly. What you do want to avoid is putting the fountain anywhere near a wood or carpet surface (such as you might find indoors or in a patio area) You will need an outdoor power socket along with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for protection. You should have a hole sticking out in the bottom pond area, close by the tube. Push the cord through until it exits on the backside. You want to make sure and plug the pump into the outlet only after you add the water and it is completely submerged.

When building outdoor water fountains, be careful to not overflow the pond area. You will occasionally need to refill the pond because of evaporation. Always keep the pump under the water. Outdoor water fountains are a great deal of fun, especially when you start experimenting with LED lights and foggers!

How to Install an In-Ground Garden Fountain

Is it hard to install a garden water fountain? That is, a fountain that is actually inside the ground? It does take a little bit of effort, but the result is magical: just imagine sitting back and relaxing while streams of water splash over river rocks! As a built-in water feature, this type of fountain is indeed a popular choice.

How can you go about creating garden water fountains with limited manpower and resources? You don’t have to customize…you can actually create your garden fountain using just a basin and a few extra supplies. First, think about the weight of the fountain and the size. The larger your selection is, the more equipment you will need. If you’re thinking big then hiring a contractor may actually save you money. As far as material goes, there really isn’t a lot of restriction; many use granite, steel or fiberglass material for their garden water feature.

Your first assignment will be to buy the main feature, whether it be a fountain or a waterfall simulation. This piece will include a pump, the submersible electric object that re-circulates the water, and tubing which protects the electric charge from the water. The basin is the part of your garden water feature that will hold the water. The size should be relative with the size of the feature. It must support the weight as well as contain the stream of water so that splashing is minimal.

Some basins for new and attractive garden water features are actually buried in the ground, as with a pond. If this is your plan then you will also need to buy pond liner, so you can keep all the water in one place. If you want to cover the appearance of the pump and the base then you can use river rocks or plants. The base of your waterfall should be buried in the ground and the basin should be on the surface, carefully hidden.

The water stream will seemingly disappear from the rocks, when in actuality it is being re-circulated with help from columns and the pump. This operation is simple and relies on electricity. This will save you from having to buy an expensive dedicated water resource. Most kits for garden water fountains do not include rocks so factor in this extra expense.

Always remember to add water to garden water features on a regular basis. Evaporation will reduce your water level and a pump without full water can be easily damaged. A garden water fountain will make a lively addition to your garden area!

How to Install a Wall Fountain

Is it hard to install a wall fountain? It’s not as hard as you may have heard, though it is an operation that is slightly more difficult than just hanging a painting on wall brackets. Most fountain projects do require a two-person team for installation. It is ideal that you install a GFI electric outlet in the wall where you are going to house the fountain. The outlet should be right behind the fountain center. If you do not have such an outlet ready to go you might want to hire an electrician in order to avoid injury. Hiring a professional will also get you a much neater area, since the electrician will know how to get rid of those distracting hanging cords.

Keep in mind that the outlet for the hanging wall fountain should be behind the center of the piece, not the basic towards the bottom or the hood. If you have a double or triple panel style fountain then try and put the outlet behind the stone farther to the left. If you decide to install an outlet behind a stone then it’s best to also install an extra wall switch so that you can turn the stone off without having to physically pull the plug from the outlet every time.

What if you cannot afford to do electrical work? One way to hide those unsightly wires is to put a plant right by the wall fountain. You can disguise the cord in this manner and still avoid cluttering up the area. As far as the type of wall goes, there really are no limitations. Fountains can be easily installed on cinder block walls or even metal walls. If the feature is heavier, then you will need some additional studs mounted on the wall for safe holding. Do not try and hang a hanging wall fountain using just sheet rock or plaster.

Usually, smaller hanging wall fountains do not require any special installation. Only larger fountains require assembly, though it is not as complex as say, building your own outdoor garden. Some of these wall fountains will actually come pre-assembled. All you will have to do for these pre-assembled models is nail up the brackets evenly.

When you are ready to hang your wall fountain make sure you have these tools on hand: a Phillips standard screwdriver, a hammer, masking tape, a cordless drill, a pencil, a stud finder and a level.

A fountain is a great way to increase the aesthetic value and financial value of your home, not to mention improve your health!

How to Install a Pond Spitter Fountain

A pond spitter is an add-on to a water fountain attraction. These items can definitely improve the appearance and sound of your water feature. Spitters are essentially sculptures and come in a variety of shapes from something as simple as a garden spitter to a lavishly decorated sculpture.

Pond water spitters have fountain tubing inside of them. Once installed, the water will come from your pump into the inside of these sculptures and out from a “spout” location. Aesthetically, it should be appropriate to the type of scene you are creating; for example, an angel or a stone animal sculpture usually works in a garden.

Some pond spitters are very large and others are unassuming. You have to balance the size of the statuary with the size of your pond. Smaller ponds work better with smaller spitters, such as wildflower sculptures. Compact spitters are appropriate for miniature water gardens.

After choosing the right shape you will need a pump package to go along with the piece. Such a kit will include a re-circulating fountain pump( suitable for outdoor use) and tubing that connects to the spitter. These are altogether different accessories from your regular pump that powers the fountain.

The next step is to attach the tube to the pond spitter. If you are using an especially large spitter then you will have to hold the piece in place using concrete or at least some strong bolts. This part of the installation you may want to delegate to a contractor if you can afford it. When you install small or medium size pond water spitters the process is usually easy and can be performed by a couple of able-bodied helpers.

You want to make sure that the pond spitter is put in such a way so that the spray is contained within the pond area. Run the tubing area around the side and then put the pump completely in the water. If the pump showing is an issue for you then try covering is with terracotta pots, plants or rocks.

You will be taking the tubing at the bottom and running it through the drainage hole. The pond spitters pump goes inside the pot. This only works if your pond area has a deep volume. You will have to run an electric cord to a nearby outlet. Only use a specially made outdoor power socket and make sure it has GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) capability to protect you from injury. The cord will actually be traveling underneath the water.

Once the pump to the pond water spitter is plugged in you are ready to spray!

Easy Instructions for Installing a Pond Fountain

Is installing a pond fountain complicated? It may not be as difficult as you think, but rest assured it is an involved project. Some people are satisfied with wall hanging fountains and they get an easy assembly job for their simple vision. You though have your work cut out for you…and with good reason. Because there is nothing as beautiful as a full and flowing pond fountain on a spring day!

Let’s consider the installation of a pond fountain one step at a time. First, understand the process that causes the water to circulate. In order for an artificial waterfall or a fountain to circulate water it must have a submersible pump. If the pond doesn’t circulate water then your pond will become stagnant. It is still capable of supporting aquatic life, but probably not the plant and fish life you’re thinking about!

A pond water fountain will require a fountain jet that creates the spray. There are a variety of spray sizes to choose from. In general, you will choose a size of spray that will fit the size of your pound. In addition to the pump and jet, you will need a terracotta pot, concrete blocks and some source of electricity which will power the pump. The larger aerating pond fountains come with a float mechanism so the unit does not have to placed onto a pot or blocks.  You should check the description of the pond fountain that you are ordering for any needed accessories such as a pump, lights, or base to hold the unit in place in your pond or lake.

Pond fountains should be situated in a place that you can easily access. You will need to regularly maintenance the feature. A larger pond demands a position closer to the edge. You must ensure that the pump is raised up from the pond floor. The pump is not responsible for collecting debris. Therefore, you want to put it above ground level (since the debris travels towards the bottom). In doing so, you will also make the fountain head rise up. Turn your terracotta pot upside down and put the pump on top of it. If the pot isn’t large enough, you can use concrete blocks to make up for the extra height. The smaller the pot is, the more likely you will have to tie it down to keep it in place. In the meantime, the fountain jet should be facing up.

When installing pond water fountains, always have a professional electrician help you. The electrician will have to install an outdoor power socket. (Unless of course you already have one installed) For safety reasons it’s best to install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, since technically the cord will be under the water and is thus potentially dangerous. After this stage you plug the pump into the socket. Some units have built-in ground fault interrupters, where others the GFI is an option.

Finally, you will adjust the water flow of your pond fountain by manipulating the switch or the screw that it is showing on the pump. Start low and move up slowly, deciding what is appropriate. If the unit comes with mutiple nozzles then the water flow can be determined by the size of the nozzle.  Some of the nozzles produce a taller thinner spray where as other produce a shorter wider spray pattern.  It is an involved task but in the end when you have beautiful pond fountains, it will be worth the effort!

Splash Prevention for Your Indoor Fountain

Preventing splashes with your indoor fountain is a very important precaution. Splashes can create water damage, harm furniture, create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, and even pose a risk of fire if the fountain is kept near electrical outlets. Taking the necessary precautions to prevent splashes in your indoor fountains is an excellent way to help keep your home beautiful while still being able to retain your decorative fountain.

With many fountains, preventing splashes is quite easy. Always ensuring that you never add more water than is required to run the fountain is an excellent step towards preventing splashes. Ensuring that water is not falling onto bare rocks or glass from a high distance is also important, as this will certainly create a large splash.  Most indoor fountains should retain all water within the basin itself and your furniture and surroundings should never be damp.


Indoor wall fountains
should be especially monitored for splashing, as moisture on the walls is the primary cause of mold development in your home. Most fountains are equipped with controls that allow you to adjust the flow of water, and setting your fountain to the ideal blend of relaxing sounds and splash free movement is the best way to prevent moisture loss. Wall fountains should also be maintained for splashing due to the risk of water seeping into outlets or onto the carpet.

Preventing splashes can be as simple as adjusting a switch or control on your fountain. If you find that this is not enough, using decorative stones or items can help shorten the length of waterfalls in your fountain and reduce splashing as well. Taking the time to inspect your fountain periodically for splashes is certainly an important thing to do and can help you prevent many potential complications.

Note that a properly installed and designed fountain is not likely to splash and cause damage. The largest problems are usually found when too much or too little water has been used or when the water flow is simply set too high. Regular maintenance and proper checking of water levels are the most important tools you will need when ensuring that your indoor wall fountain is not splashing its surroundings. By taking the time needed to perform these simple steps, you can prevent damage to your walls, carpet, and furniture while also serving to help eliminate any risk of fire and electrocution caused by water leaving your fountain through splashes.

Electrical Safety for Water Feature Installation

Adding a fountain to your home, business, or garden can be a wonderful way to improve air quality while increasing the aesthetic qualities of a space. Fountains are relaxing and can cleanse the air and remove odors. Because these fountains operate on electricity, however, there are certainly safeguards and precautions that you will want to take before installing water features on your property.

When installing an outdoor water fountain, it is always important to contact the zoning department where you live. There are often laws governing the installation of outdoor fountains, and understanding these laws is crucial. When you are ready to install your fountain, take the time to read all instructions provided by the manufacturer very carefully. Ensuring that you have created the proper electrical connections and that you have safely concealed all electrical components is important. Exposed electrical connections pose dangers to people and animals as well as a fire risk. Improper connections can also create an electrocution hazard within the fountain itself.

Indoor fountains should also be installed with great care and diligence. Water features are certainly beautiful and relaxing, but when improperly installed, the mixture of water and electricity can spell disaster for your home. Always ensure that your fountain is connected to a grounded outlet so that the electricity can be shut down immediately if there is a short or other electrical problem. When your fountain is not grounded, a short or other problem could result in electrocution, which can be fatal for humans or animals that come in contact with the water.

As with any electrical device, be certain to read and follow all instructions carefully. Your indoor fountain will explain in detail how the machine should be set up as well as how to safely plug in and conceal cords and electrical parts. Your water fountains should be able to provide your home with a great deal of aesthetic and physical benefit without posing a potential health or safety risk to anyone inside.

Ensuring that all of your plugs are grounded and that all outdoor water fountains are connected to cords and outlets that are designed for outdoor use is very important. Water and electricity are a very deadly combination, and safety should always be your top priority. When properly installed, indoor and outdoor water features are remarkably safe, but taking the time to ensure that you have performed every step as directed is certainly crucial. With the right precautions and care, your fountains will be safe, beautiful, and long lasting.