Cool your Patio Area with a Fountain Mister

During the hot months of June, July and August, enjoying your outdoor space can become a little less comfortable. It's sweaty and sticky, even in the shade. While there are measures you can take to cool down your patio area such as outdoor fans, awnings, and expensive misting systems, you can also use something fun and unexpected - your garden fountain.

Fountain misters can be used in nearly any fountain, and use ultrasonic technology rather than heat or cold to produce swirling, atmospheric fog. The mist will cool the air around the fountain. You can capitalize on this effect by placing a fan behind the fountain, to direct the mist toward your seating area.

There are three important things to keep in mind when using a fountain fogger. The first: keep an eye on the water level. Misters can typically run for 4-5 hours while submerged in up to 8" of water - after that, the water will have evaporated. This will cause the fountain pump to run dry, which will damage it. Most of today's fountain foggers have low-water sensors which will automatically shut the unit off if the water gets too low, but you'll still have to replace the water for the pump's sake. The second: Use pure, clean water, but not distilled water. Distilled water doesn't contain the dissolved minerals that are required to activate the low water sensor. The third: the lower the water level, the more fog is created ' you want the fogger to be close to the surface. If the fogger is too far from the surface when placed on the bottom of the fountain basin, you can prop it up with river rocks.

You can purchase fountain misters in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your fountain. Many foggers come with attached halogen or LED lights, which add more interest and look great at night. Here are some of our top picks:

Best for tabletop and wall fountains: Fogger with LED Light Combo, Fogger with LED Lights and Wireless Remote or Fogger with Halogen Light Combo. These small fountain foggers can be used in any water fountain that has a space of at least 4" between the bottom of the basin and either the water surface or the lowest tier of the fountain. The Fogger with LED Lights and Wireless Remote is extra-convenient because you can use the little remote to control the mist and lights while staying comfortable in your chair.

Best for shallow fountain basins: Low Head Fountain Fogger. If your fountain basin is less than 4" deep, this low-profile fountain fogger will typically do the trick.

Best for large garden fountains and small ponds: Mini Pond Fogger with LED Lights. This fogger delivers 3-5 times as much fog as the single head foggers. It includes a floating ring to keep it at the correct level in the water for best fog output.

Best for cool nighttime effects: Fogger with LED Changing Color Lights. This fountain mister has 18 small LED lights that change color from blue to red to yellow, illuminating the fog.

You'll get a lot of use out of your fountain fogger as-is, but eventually, the ceramic disk will need to be replaced. Purchase a fogger maintenance kit the same time you purchase your fogger so you'll have it on hand when you need it - they include new disks and a tool for easy replacement. Check the kit descriptions to see which one goes with the fogger you want to purchase.