Basic Fountain Info

The following information is a combination of info from statuary manufactures and our own experience here at The Great Outdoors. No info contained in this article is meant to supersede or conflict with manufacturers information. Adding a fountain to your garden is a great way to introduce sound and texture to your landscape. But fountains can be a bit of work, so we have prepared this article to help guide you through the decision process and prepare you for some of the issues you may encounter. Choosing a Fountain There are several different styles of fountains available these days, but here are some of the biggest issues to keep in mind. First is sound. High quality fountains can be expensive, so we have seen people attempt to save money by buying smaller fountains. Many of these small fountains do not have a large “drop”, where the water falls. This is generally what makes sound. A small fountain with a trickle just will not make much noise. If the sound is what you are after, choose a fountain with a significant drop. Second, you do not need a water connection nearby, just hose access. You will need a power outlet with GFCI plugs nearby (most fountain pumps have a 6’-10’ cord). Finally, keep in mind that concrete fountains can be very heavy. A good solid base is the best way to start. Over time, a fountain may warp or even break boards of decks. Soft ground can shift or give, allowing the fountain to be off level and even fall. We try to keep a good selection of fountains most of the year, but there are so many options available, we simply cannot have everything in stock. Here are the web sites for some of our fountain vendors. You can go to these sites and see all the styles they have available and all your color options. We will gladly special order a fountain for you, but keep in mind, it may take a while. We have to place a $5000 + order to receive “free freight”, a crucial aspect in the price of a fountain. Depending on the season, statuary orders are placed between 2-5 months apart. If you are willing to pay the extra freight, most fountains can be manufactured and finished in about 2 weeks, but expect several hundred dollars extra to cover the freight charges. Al’s Garden Art www.alsgardenart.com Campania www.campaniainternational.com These are our two main suppliers , and we order from them most often. The following two are ordered less often, so there may be additional time between orders. Kansas City Art Statuary www.kcart.com Henri Studios www.henristudio.com Caring for your Fountain Once you’ve gotten your fountain home and set up, there are a few very important factors to keep in mind and a few rules to follow. #1– A fountain is not a “Plug and Play” device. It will require regular maintenance to keep it working properly. If a fountain is run for more than 8 hours straight, it will need more water added. This number could be even less in very hot or windy conditions. Fountains should be turned off if they are to be left unattended for any period of time, including overnight. #2– Rarely do fountains “leak”. More often water evaporates or is blown out of the pool of the fountain and gives the appearance of leakage. Here is a good test. First, unplug the fountain and fill the basin. Be sure any sprinklers are turned off for at least 24 hours. If there is a leak, the water level will drop fairly quickly and a wet spot should be seen on the ground around the base of the fountain. If the basin is still full 24 hours later (with the exception of a little evaporation), there is no leak. Water is being lost to evaporation, wind blow, or even pet drinking. #3– The manufactures warranty only cover defects in the materials of the fountain. The pump is not covered by any warranty, as even a perfectly good, brand new pump can be burned out in a few minutes, if allowed to run dry. Setup Most fountains come with instructions on how to set them up. Some are good, some are not. Instructions can also be found at all the websites mentioned earlier. The Great Outdoors does offer fountain setup. The fee for this service is 1/3 the price of the fountain (original price, not sale price, if fountain is discounted). Included will be a basic leveling of the area, setup, and check before leaving. You will also get ONE free follow up, if a problem arises. After that, there will be a charge for any return visits. Again, pumps are not covered by any warranty. This assumes relatively easy access to the install area. If the area is deemed inaccessible, other arrangements may be made. If you have any further questions, please let us know, as serving our customer is our #1 priority at The Great Outdoors. A few things you definitely need to know.

2009-06-27T00:00:00Z

Here are a few things you definitely need to know when choosing a fountain. Follow these simple instructions and your fountain will give you years of enjoyment. Basic Fountain Info

2009-06-27T21:01:41Z