Indoor Water Fountains and Negative Ions

January 22nd, 2010

An indoor water fountain can bring homeowners or business owners many benefits. Most people tend to think that indoor water fountains are only useful because of their aesthetic value. However, these fountains provided many health benefits, in addition to relaxing sounds. A water fountain can help to improve the quality of the air in your room.

You may have heard a bit about an “ionic craze” that is commonly heard in electronics and decorations industries. This is in reference to ionic air purifiers. (There are also other ionic products, like hairdryers and such) However, though the idea of an ionic air cleanser sounds all well and good, not everyone fully understands the process of how it works.

Consider how exactly indoor fountains work when it comes to an ionic process. The air is being electrically charged with both positive and negative ions at all times. Usually, positive ions are emitted from regular appliances in your home. This means objects like microwave ovens, PCs, TV sets and refrigerators. Every time you breathe in these positive ions, you decrease in energy and compromise your health. Of course, few people think about these things. All you know is that you sometimes feel tired or have a generally unpleasant feeling. This is directly resulting from the unclear air of your home.

What the indoor fountain provides is a source of negative ions. These are the same ions found in fresh mountain air, breezy beaches, running streams, and natural bodies of river water. Whenever negative ions reach your bloodstream they cause certain biochemical reactions. These reactions increase your body’s supply of serotonin which can alter mood.

When you increase serotonin, you can alleviate negative ion symptoms such as stress, depression and fatigue. Indoor water fountains can help you do this. These fountains enrich your home or office’s air supply with these all important negative ions. Not only do these fountains help you to feel better but you can also reduce the amount of air pollution.

Whenever the water molecule is ruptured (as in a water splash) you release negative ion charges into the air. What better way to battle the effects of airborne pollutants than with beautiful, aesthetically pleasing indoor water fountains? These indoor fountains can relax you with their negative ion effects, their relaxing sounds and their peaceful appearance. This is a less expensive device than an ionic air purifier. You can even custom design your indoor fountain to fit your home! Remember, you can shop for fountains according to cost, material used to create the piece or a unique style.

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How to Shop for Fountains Online

January 22nd, 2010

There sure are a lot of water fountain retailers online! How can you possibly decide what type of fountain to get and what type of company to buy it from? Consider some of the most important factors involved in choosing a fountain.

First of all, buy within your budget. This doesn’t mean just looking for the cheapest listed price. Take into consideration price matching guarantees. Be sure to compare online sales with retail store prices. Don’t take for granted the price match guarantee. What if you can get the same price on a water fountain but from a better quality company?

You also have to consider shipping costs when ordering fountains online. Some retailers may show a low price on their website but charge unusually high shipping costs. When cost-feasible, try and go with the company that offers flat-rate shipping or free shipping. As you can probably guess, large water fountains can be a expensive when it comes to shipping.

Make sure the company selling the water fountains has a return policy. The company should be flexible in their policy and offer a “no hassle” type of return contract. If the product in unsatisfying you don’t want to spend time on the phone arguing with employees! Just remember to return the product within 30 days. (Note that clearance items and custom-orders are usually not eligible for returns)

You want to make sure the company you work with is trustworthiness and has good communication. Make sure that you can reach an employee by phone if you have to. You might try talking to someone in person before you buy. Be wary of any companies that do not provide contact information like an address or a phone number.  Ask the company’s representative how long the company has been in business, the longer the company has been business usually the more knowledgeable about the products and the industry.

Lastly, when purchasing a water fountain make sure that the source knows what it’s talking about. Pay attention to the web copy and verify that the customer representatives can answer technical questions about their products. Look for companies that have detailed FAQ pages. The more helpful the company is, the more likely they are to sell you a quality product.

Water fountains have many health benefits and are of great aesthetic interest. Not only do they attract attention (from customers, clients and the general public) but they also help to circulate the air and increase the humidity. They also provide a nice sound of flowing water that can easily lull a person to sleep. Fountains make for a friendlier and far more enjoyable environment!

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How to Determine the Right Size for Your Water Fountain

January 22nd, 2010

Are you interested in a wall fountain for your home or office? Whether you want a fountain for your wall, tabletop or courtyard, you will enjoy the prestige and comfort this device brings you. Wall fountains are especially popular, considering that they can adapt to almost any living situation. However, right about now you may be wondering just what size of wall hanging fountain do you need. How can you tell? After all, you certainly do not want to order the wrong size of wall fountain, put it up and realize that it doesn’t fit your wall!

For starters, before buying any selection of wall fountains make sure to check your living area (or work office) for available space. Pay close attention to the wall length and the height of the ceiling. If you have a high ceiling then ideally, you are looking for a fountain that is tall or vertical size wall fountain.   If the wall is long and has an average height for the ceiling, or perhaps smaller than average height, then your best bet is a horizontal wall fountain.

You want to avoid a tall vertical fountain for a wide wall, unless you have other plans for filling up the sides. You also have to give some attention to the depth of space. If the fountain will be situated in a hallway, for example, then the average depth you are looking for would have to be relatively small. Some people might say six inches is a good figure, but remember you don’t want the fountain to jut out too far. This could cause your guests to run into the fountain or get themselves wet by brushing up against it.

In general, a wall fountain is supposed to open up a space, not crowd it. An ideal place for a fountain would be an empty wall, not a cluttered wall. What you might try is getting the measurements of the fountain you like and then measuring your wall beforehand. You could keep track of these measurements by using tacks, tape or even post it notes. These will act as your reference. Create four corners using these objects that will represent the four corners of the fountain. Now that you have these measurements in place you can back up and observe what looks acceptable. Some users will actually go so far as to create a template fountain using poster board. (You simply cut them into measurable pieces)

In any event, a wall hanging fountain will provide you a great deal of comfort and excitement, whether you welcome clients or guests. Using these tips you can decide the best place to put your wall hanging fountains so they will attract attention!

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How to Choose the Right Waterfall for your Garden

January 22nd, 2010

There is no question that a waterfall fountain can do wonders for a lush, green garden. It can create an ambiance of peacefulness and positive energy. Some people love the aesthetic value of a garden fountain while others like the relaxing sound of flowing water. Just picture the serene scene as the water flows down rocks and stones. Whereas other scenarios are ideal for water fountains, a garden demands a natural-looking waterfall fountain. It’s a glimpse of paradise! You can achieve this paradise by purchasing a preformed synthetic stone or fiberglass waterfall which can be found in a variety of widths and heights. The various colors of the garden waterfalls will allow you to coordinate with your garden and  landscaping, creating a natural waterfall.

What should you know if you are looking to create your own garden waterfall? This is a slightly different process than simply installing a wall mounted fountain or a tabletop fountain. In this scenario, you have to carefully consider size, placement and water containment. The design of the fountain will be of importance. Naturally, you are not creating a true waterfall, but a fountain simulation of a natural waterfall.

You have to take into account the size of your yard, your own personal taste, and how much you can afford to spend. Garden waterfalls are usually thought of as big, but you are not required to build a giant waterfall to get the point across. Building a grand waterfall fountain is going to be much different than creating a smaller slope waterfall made of pebbles. The larger the waterfall, the more expensive the operation will be.

You will also need some manpower in order to lift large rocks to accommodate your fountain. Smaller waterfalls can be built in a single say. Larger waterfalls may take several days. When considering placement, it does help if you already have a pond in your garden area. This way, you know exactly where you want to put the garden waterfall.

If you haven’t considered where exactly you want you waterfall fountain, then try and visualize the layout of the yard. Usually, contractors and landscapers recommend you start building right on a pre-existing slope. You may consider creating an artificial slope if you don’t already have one. Basically, garden waterfalls are put wherever they can be the focal point of the garden. You want to be able to enjoy the sight of this site from inside looking out as well as from the outside.

You have to give thought to water containment. Some unit come standard with their own pond or pool for the water to re-circulate and other will need a container.  If you do not have a pool or pond already then you will need such a container where the water can fall. In this case, it might be best to purchase pre-fabricated resin pond forms. Waterfall fountains can transform a pretty garden into a beautiful piece of land!

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How to Choose the Right Water Fountain

January 22nd, 2010

Are you interested in wall water fountains? These are truly enjoyable and health-promoting devices. They can liven up an office, a bedroom or a living room. However, how can you be sure which fountain is best for you? Before you start considering different types of fountains, give some thought to where you want to put the fountain. Will it be an interior fountain or will it be placed outdoors? What are your reasons for deciding as such? Once you know these specifics you can narrow down your choices.

You also have to consider how much room you have, particularly when planning an interior wall fountain. Buying a fountain that is too large or wide would clutter a small, studio apartment. On the other hand, if you have a huge, empty wall than a small fountain might be underwhelming. Remember that a fountain is a decorative piece (health benefits aside) and it does attract attention. Your goal should be to create a warm environment. There are a variety of wall fountains to choose from, including garden fountains, balcony fountains and even porch fountains. These smaller fountains can easily adapt into an already existing theme. However, larger tiered garden wall fountains fit in with landscaped grounds.

Another issue to consider when buying a wall water fountain is the traffic you anticipate. If you are adding wall water fountains to a large public space (and anticipate a lot of traffic) then the bigger the better. However, if you are putting a fountain in a small hallway area, you want to make sure the fountain doesn’t protrude outward too much. Otherwise, people will be bumping into it constantly.

For the best results, look at the dimensions for your anticipated fountain. Take down the length, height and depth. You can even use tacks or tape to keep track of the measurements. Be careful not to put the fountain too close to children, as they may be tempted to play with the device.

How will the weather influence your wall water fountain? Will cold temperatures cause more dryness or will there be a high amount of humidity? Lastly, pay attention to the wall fountain’s surroundings. Take into consideration the paint color of the room (if any), the fabric, the patterns and other stylistic factors. Consider whether the area has a rustic feel or urban feel. You might also consider how the material will fit in with your room or outside patio; what about copper, steel or slate? Remember there are hundreds of choices of materials for a wall fountain and dependent upon the material the fountain can weigh as little as eight pounds in a resin garden wall fountain  and go up to over five hundred pounds for a marble wall fountain.

A wall water fountain will definitely make your home or garden area come to life!

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Fountain Water Evaporation Rates

January 22nd, 2010

How much are you supposed to fill your garden water feature? As you probably know, all water fountains are prone to evaporation. You are required to re-fill your fountain in order to prevent problems with water flow. However, how much is too much? There is actually no set guide to work with here. There is no particular amount of water that must be added to a fountain, nor is there a predetermined schedule for doing so.

Many variables have to be taken into account when considering the rate of garden water features and evaporation. For example, you have to consider the type of heating and cooling systems that you use inside your house. You have to consider the size of the outdoor fountain as well as the wind speed. What is the climate like and what season are you currently in?

Usually, the highest rates for replacing or adding to outdoor water features are found in areas like Arizona. That is, arid and desert-like territories. On the other hand, when you are working in coastal areas or in other areas known to have high humidity and cool weather (as opposed to cold or hot), then you have a much lower evaporation rate.

Maine is a good example of a cool state with high humidity—and not coincidentally a low evaporation rate for garden water features. An average day in Tucson, Arizona however, usually delivers an annual evaporation rate of 100 inches. If you were to divide this figure by 365 days, you would get about one third of an inch every single day. This tells us immediately that outdoor fountains in low humidity territories would need to be refilled a great deal more than the typical indoor fountain.

This is true all the more so if the outdoor water feature is placed in direct contact with the sun. On the other hand, if the feature gets a lot of rainwater, or if it is kept covered by walls and a ceiling, then it would only need about a cup or so of water added every two days.

What you do want to make sure of is that the water is being pumped at all times. If the fountain is empty then you could easily burn out the motor and ruin the fountain. Try and get into a regular habit of adding water to your outdoor garden water feature. Add water to the outdoor water feature while you water your plants. Exterior water fountains add a great deal of life and beauty to your home!

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Eco-Friendly Water Fountain Options

January 22nd, 2010

Are you looking for eco-friendly fountain options? What exactly does an eco-friendly fountain do? It’s mainly in what it doesn’t do—the benefits that come from using this unique technology. In recent years, more emphasis has been put on green living options. Recycling, energy saving, pollution reduction and planet conversation are all “in”…and not a moment too soon!

One of the most exciting developments in eco-friendly fountains is that of the solar water fountain. These types of fountains do not use electricity of any kind. These fountains are powered exclusively by sunlight. These fountains make use of special panels that are able to convert sunlight into energy. There is a major misconception out there that suggests solar fountains (or any solar product) are expensive. Not so…in fact, these fountains are affordable and very adaptable.

You can adapt them to various yard conditions. These fountains are also available in a variety of colors and styles. Some fountains attract birds while others are very colorful in nature. Besides solar water fountains there are also bamboo fountains. Like solar fountains these are environmentally friendly. Bamboo grows very rapidly, unlike most trees, since it is actually a grass. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials one can use in construction. There are a variety of outdoor and indoor bamboo fountains, in tabletop variety, floor, garden or wall-mounted style.

Of course, one should realize that a solar fountain and bamboo fountain (and really any other type of wall-mounted fountain) is an eco-friendly creation in its own right. These fountains usually use minimal energy—about as much as it takes to power up a table lamp. These fountains have the ability to re-circulate the water repeatedly and need more water only on a periodic basis. (This is due to the effects of evaporation)

Using solar water fountains or bamboo fountains is a great way to feel close to nature and to minimize pollution. Remember, when you use solar fountains you improve the quality of your air, increase the humidity in the room and provide a nice, soothing environment for yourself and your guests.

The best fountains to buy, if ecology is your main concern, are solar water fountains that re-circulate their water. The dedicated fountains get their water from a pipeline and this can be seen as a bit wasteful by environmental activists. Getting a re-circulation type fountain carries no disadvantages.

Buying a solar water fountain and other eco-friendly systems is a nice way to improve the look and feel of your home.

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Choices in Custom Fountains

January 22nd, 2010

You may have noticed many fountains situated in public places and even in the offices of some businesses. There is a good reason for this—fountains attraction attention. Have you ever considered designing your own fountain for your home or office?

You will have a large selection to choose from when shopping for a custom water fountain. You also have the option of custom designing a fountain for a specific area. Whether you want to work with a design you have already come up with or simply want to use a modern design standard for today’s fountains, you can find your selection online.

One idea you might think about is putting your business logo on the slate by way of engraving. You could also use glass in the design, and have water running over it for aesthetic purposes. There are custom water fountains available for all areas of your home, from your lobby to your courtyard. Options are available inside or outside. Remember also the option of floor fountains and tabletop fountains.

Just imagine what a courtyard would look like if you included a custom water fountain as part of the planning. It can make a home appear stately and definitely spruce up a business office. Custom water fountains can be made from any number of materials. Some homeowners have used glass, while others have made selections in stainless steel, fiberglass, copper, brass, ceramic and stone. It really depends on the skill level of the artist who designs the fountain. No wonder then that hotel companies, art galleries and even retail stores make use of these client-drawing attractions.

What is your first step in choosing a custom fountain? Determine what type of fountain you want (as in where you want it placed) as well as the materials you desire, and any other specific information that a designer would need to know. Remember, there are fountains for gardens, ponds and even solar fountains. Fountains are works of art in their own right, and also bring psychological benefits to any environment. They give off soothing noise which can be relaxing. You can shop for custom water fountains online and talk to someone about the custom-designing process before you place a final order.

If you have always envisioned a fountain inside or outside your home and want your guests to feel invited, then consider installing a fountain. It will help your home or office to give off an air of tranquility and prosperity to your invited guests.

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Beat the Winter Blues with an Indoor Water Fountain

January 22nd, 2010

The winter season is upon us and there’s no question that in the coldest days of the year nothing is more comfortable than curling up in a blanket inside of a warm, clean home. Unfortunately for many residents, not everyone understands just how unhealthy their home conditions are. The winter season is the worst in terms of unbalanced humidity. The lack of air circulation and humidity can cause various negative health effects.

When you buy indoor fountains however, you can alleviate many of these affects. A water fountain can humidify the air via a negative ion increase. Such a device can also help to circulate the air and bring these healthier negative ions into the room. Fountains are also highly regarded for their comforting sounds of flowing water, their aesthetic beauty and their relaxing effects.

An indoor fountain is capable of humidifying the room regardless of how much heat your house generates. Whether you use gas, oil or electricity to power up your heaters, an indoor water fountain will fit right in. Remember that not using any humidifying device can cause problems. Dry air can cause cracks to develop in floorboards, trim, and drywall. Dry air can damage delicate finishes on wooden furniture. It can also cause adverse physical effects like dry hair, dry skin and irritated eyes.

Some people will go out of their way to buy a commercial humidifier just to address this problem. However, these devices actually provide too much humidity. They can actually cause dangerous mold to develop in a house. Whereas humidifiers are a risk, indoor water fountains give precisely the right amount of humidity you need in the winter season. Indoor fountains are easy to use and economical in price. What this device does is put humidity back in the air (even after cold temperatures reduce it) but not at the rate that will cause mold and other condensation damage.

You could set up a fountain inside a floor, on a tabletop or even on the wall. An indoor fountain lets you pull water molecules from the air and also provides an additional source of water. This device will help your health, the health of your pets and even your plants. Another benefit of the indoor water fountain is that it is quiet and soothing in sound, unlike commercial humidifiers, which carry a sour “hum.”

Imagine the thrill of having fresh mountain air or ocean breezes in your home. Fill your room with negative ions using indoor water fountains and you will breathe much easier.

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Answers to Your Top 10 Water Fountain Questions

January 22nd, 2010

There are quite a few commonly asked questions when discussing the subject of water fountains. Let’s consider 10 frequently asked questions. These answers can help you make an educated decision when you’re ready to buy.

1. Does running a water fountain require a lot of work?
Not as much as you might think. In fact, a good comparison is a house plant. All you have to do is “water” the fountain; you add water to the basin on occasion to make up for evaporation. Once in a while you will also have to clean the fountain. As you can see, not much effort is required!

2. My pump makes too much noise. How can I make it quiet?
Water fountains operate at a minimal amount of noise, much less than the average appliance. However, there are ways to make it quiet if the water pump is become a nuisance. First, make sure the water level is covering the pump. Next, make sure the pump isn’t vibrating against one or the other side. (If so, put a cloth in between the pump and fountain) The fountain should operate quietly after this.

3. Don’t water fountains use a lot of electricity?
Your fountain shouldn’t use more electricity than an average size lamp. You will not notice any significant difference in your electric bill just because you are using a fountain. Remember, some fountains have energy saving options and can turn themselves off automatically.

4. How do I stop algae and other mineral deposits from developing?
The best way to keep all these pests out is to put a few drops of anti-algae water treatment into the fountain on a weekly basis. These drops will not only destroy algae already present but will also prevent the formation of new growth.

5. Can I adjust the volume of the water fountain’s flow?
Water fountains can be adjusted for noise level by manipulating the flow adjustor switch. This feature is available on most modern fountains.

6. How hard is it to install a fountain?
Most water fountains are easy to install. You simply take the two brackets on the back and place them to a wall. (Like a picture frame)

7. How do fountain foggers operate?
Fountain foggers do not use fog juice or anything of that sort. They operate via ultrasonic technology; this is used to create high-frequency vibrations, which turn into mist.

8. What is the right type of fountain light?
You are looking for submersible fountain lights. These specially made lights are placed in the basin of the fountain and can create various light patterns using the reflections on the water flow. Smaller lights (5 watt) can be used in any fountain. Brighter illumination requires at least a 10 watt light.

9. Are there any battery-powered water fountains?
Yes, but they don’t seem to work very well. Few if any seem to provide enough water flow.

10. How can I make my fountain pump last longer? Perform regular pump maintenance as directed, keep enough water inside the system at all times, clean the pump and fountain occasionally, and try to avoid turning the pump on and off on a regular basis.

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