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Outdoor Fountains for the Water Garden

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Choosing and Using Outdoor Fountains

Fountains add a lot to a water garden. They add the sound and sight of falling water to an otherwise still pond, or they can be used on their own. In a pond, they will move and aerate the water. This makes the pond healthier for fish as well as being prettier to look at.

The most impressive fountains are usually not privately owned except by the very wealthy. Some of these are centuries old and are powered by falling water rather than by electricity. Some particularly spectacular examples can be found at Versailles. Since such fountains are far beyond the means of most, they won't be discussed further here.

There are many different types of fountains available - this page will help you sort out what will work best for you.

All photos used under Morguefile license

Pond fountains

Small outdoor fountainsIt is easy to find fountains that are intended for use in ponds. Generally, the larger and more powerful they are, the more expensive they will be. Shop carefully, because some of the large ones are intended for small lakes and can set you back over $5000. Small spitter fountains, where a statue shoots a jet of water into the pond, can be found for under $100.

Solar Fountains
While all the fountains you are likely to be able to buy use electricity, these days it is easy to find solar-powered models. These are good from several viewpoints:

  • you can put them wherever you like, so long as it is sunny

  • you don't need to worry about getting electricity from the house to your fountain

  • using solar is better for the environment

  • you will save on electricity costs over time.

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Free-standing fountains

Fountain into dry pondMany fountains are available that are not intended to be placed in a pond. They are often tiered tiny pools on a pedestal, with the water falling from tier to tier. There are also wall-mounted fountains, and fountains intended for use on tabletops. Some these are under $100. Some smaller fountains are orientally inspired, and involve bamboo pipes which may or may not move as the water hits or fills them.

Many of the tabletop and small oriental fountains are intended more for indoor use than outdoor, but others are dual use. Fountains intended mainly for indoor use are likely to be less sturdily built and have less resistance to harsh weather.
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Outdoor Fountain videos

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Fountains in winter

Since fountains involve water and plumbing, they can be damaged by frost. Ideally, pumps and statuary should be moved inside if your winter gets below freezing, perhaps to be stored in the garage. Pumps are best stored in water, as that reduces problems with cracking rubber due to drying out. Concrete is affected by freeze-thaw expansion and contraction and can be damaged by it. Assuming your fountain can't be moved, then it is best to drain it and cover concrete parts with a fountain cover.

Do not add antifreeze to your fountain water. It is poisonous, and you could end up killing birds, cats or other animals that come to drink at the fountain.

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robingray

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