Whether you’re looking for a respite from bustling city streets or want to enhance your already tranquil backyard, a fountain adds that spa-like atmosphere that’s available whenever you’re ready! It can be as simple or complex a project as you’d like it to be, and we’re laying out the basics for you below.
Location, location, location: Where do you like to relax? Do you use the space for other things like exercise, gardening, or entertaining? Be sure to consider all your lifestyle factors before deciding where to install your fountain (they’re not super hard to install, but you won’t want to move it when you’re done).
Unless, of course, it’s not. While you can use alternative sources to power your fountain, most are electric, which means you need to consider a power source when planning.
A smaller space calls for a smaller fountain. A fountain for a tabletop needs to be lighter weight than one you’re installing in your garden grounds. Be sure you’re choosing a fountain that fits!
Even with a pump, you’ll want to factor gravity into your fountain location. The water will naturally want to move downstream, so be sure to give yourself (and your fountain) enough room to breathe.
Think Italian squares with cheeky cupid statues
Think meditation zones, babbling brooks, wellness retreats
Again, we’re thinking about the ornate stone fountains with water spraying from multiple sources. These are often a pretty permanent fixture built into the surrounding landscape.
We recommend reserving wall fountains for exterior stone walls. With wall fountains you have to be careful of water damage and the structural integrity of the wall once the fountain is added to it.
Think hotel lobby or spa hallway; these are popular in public spaces because they can be moved and are easy to install. You can find a lot of kits for these!
Perfect for the home office or side table, especially in smaller spaces where every square inch counts!
Almost every fountain has a reservoir or a “pool” where the water collects. You can have multiple basins for a waterfall effect.
This goes into the reservoir (or the reservoir and the top basin if you’re doing more than one) to keep the water flowing.
Keeps debris and curious critters out of the pump (similar to a pool pump)
As stated above, you’ll need a power source of some kind.
Top it off: Once you’ve filled your fountain, most don’t need to be directly attached to a water source. Most fountains cycle through the same water, which is both cost effective and environmentally friendly. Just be sure to top it off (especially in the warmer months) as evaporation occurs.
