Upgrading Your Water Fountain

Once they’ve been built, ponds generally tend to enjoy a fairly long life and form permanent features in the garden. Although garden fashions don’t tend to change with anything like the relentless certainty of the clothing business, change they do – and often how a pond is used alters over its lifespan too. The upshot of this is that, even if the rigours of standing out in all weathers, year after year haven’t made replacing it inevitable, sooner or later there will probably come a time when you’ll want to upgrade your fountain.

Depending on the type of feature you had originally, ringing the changes can often be a simple replacement, involving a minimum of disruption – but since it’s not a job you’re going to be doing very often, it’s worth considering using the opportunity to do something more radical. Although a big upgrade will obviously be a much larger undertaking, the end result will be with you for years to come – so you might as well have what you want – and with a little carefully planning, even major changes shouldn’t cause too much upheaval for long.

Dynamic Displays

Everybody knows that having moving water in the garden adds a whole new dimension, which is, of course, why most fountains were built in the first place. Until recently, unless you were landscaping something the size of a stately home – and with a budget to match – all fountains were largely restricted to a set spray pattern. While this kind of arrangement certainly fulfilled the need for the sight and sound of flowing water, being fixed, it could never allow much in the way of variety. However, increasingly some very “showy” new systems are becoming available for home use at a price which won’t break the bank – and one of the most exciting is “fluidic control”.

Fluidics is a branch of technology all of its own, which – in a nut-shell – involves control systems which are non-electric, have no moving parts and are designed for use in difficult places, all of which makes it ideal for producing some amazingly dynamic fountain displays. These types of systems can control the water flow with great precision, allowing spray patterns from the simplest to the most sophisticated and complex to be achieved, with the added advantage that with no moving parts, maintenance is minimal. It is even possible to operate a fluidic fountain by remote control letting you – or your admiring guests – vary the display as you watch.

Whether you’re after a peaceful cycle of elegant spray-patterns or all-out water fireworks, your pond will never be the same again – but be warned, fluidics can be addictive and the only real limit to combining lots of units is your own imagination.

Water Sculptures

High-tech water displays are not, of course, to everyone’s taste. For many, the centre-piece of the fountain can be as important as the flow of water itself and one of the best ways to give your own fountain a very effective upgrade is to either change it, or give it a make-over. We often forget how much of a toll the weather takes on garden features, but there are now many purpose made cleaning products on the market which can soon revitalise even the most tired statue or ornament.

On the other hand, if your tastes have changed and you want a complete replacement, as well as the obvious sources such as garden centres and pond suppliers, it might be worth looking a little further a-field. The growing popularity of salvage and reclamation yards, for instance, means that many interesting old features which might once have simply been abandoned or ended up in a skip are able to get a new lease of life. If you have one of these architectural Aladdin’s caves nearby, it is certainly worth a quick visit if you’re after something a little more unusual for the middle of your pond.

The sight and sound of moving water adds so much to a garden, so it is important to make the most of it. Whether it involves no more than a bit of renovation or calls for much larger changes – with a little care and imagination you can revitalise your pond and change the whole feel of your garden. Upgrading your fountain is definitely one of those jobs that, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

Pond Water Fountain FAQs

Is a fountain good for a pond?

A pond fountain is an excellent addition to any pond as it adds value by keeping the water clean and fresh. It does this by adding oxygen to the water, which minimises the growth of surface vegetation. Additionally, installing a fountain can increase the value of commercial properties, such as apartment complexes, business parks, and universities, making them more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

Should I leave my pond fountain on in winter?

If you have fish in your pond, it is recommended to keep your pond fountain on during the winter to prevent the water from freezing. This will ensure that the fish have a continuous supply of oxygen, minimising the risk of death due to lack of oxygen. However, if there is no livestock, the only reason to keep the fountain running would be for its aesthetic value, such as a waterfall or fountain.

How often should you run a pond fountain?

It is recommended to run a pond fountain for 12 to 14 hours per day to achieve the necessary water aeration while also prolonging the life of the equipment. The installation of a fountain also helps aerate the pond, keeping the water oxygenated and the fish and plant life healthy.

Do fish like water fountains?

Fish enjoy living in fountains as they are interesting to watch and can provide a healthy environment. Fish produce carbon dioxide, which is then taken in by the plants and converted into oxygen. This creates a symbiotic relationship where the plants and fish help keep each other healthy.

Should a water fountain be in the sun or shade?

It is advisable to place a water fountain in a shaded area to prevent excessive water evaporation caused by direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can also cause problems with the fountain’s pump and increase the risk of algae growth. Placing a water fountain in the shade will help it to run smoothly while minimising maintenance and cleaning.

Can you leave water in a fountain in winter?

To winterise a fountain, it is recommended to remove all water from the fountain. It is also best to remove the pump from the fountain and store it indoors if possible. However, if your fountain is too large or it is not safe to remove the pump, you can leave it in the fountain as long as the fountain is covered. This will prevent the water from freezing and protect the fountain from damage.

Should I turn my water fountain off at night?

It is best to leave a fountain running constantly as fountain pumps are designed to run this way. Turning the fountain on and off repeatedly can damage the pump. The only times you should turn off the fountain pump is when cleaning it or when you will be away from it for several days.

Will a fountain keep my pond clear?

Yes, a fountain can help improve water clarity by continuously breaking up algae on the surface, preventing growth. Additionally, ponds with low oxygen levels may have excessive carbon dioxide levels, providing the perfect growing conditions for algae. A fountain will help oxygenate the pond, promoting a healthier environment for fish and plants.

How do I keep my fountain water clean and algae-free?

One way to remove algae from a garden fountain is by using white vinegar. Additionally, installing a higher quality pump can help keep the fountain water clean and free from algae. Changing the fountain water at least once a month is also recommended. It is also essential to clean and replace the pump filters regularly. During summer, adding a small amount of chlorine can help keep the water clean and free from algae.

Will a small fountain oxygenate a pond?

Yes, adding a pond fountain or aerator to a pond is highly beneficial for the overall health and beauty of the pond. A fountain or aerator circulates the water in the pond, increasing the level of dissolved oxygen. A decorative pond fountain also adds an attractive and dynamic water feature, enhancing the beauty of the pond. An oxygenated pond creates a healthy environment for fish and plant life while preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

What is the minimum depth of a pond for a fountain?

The depth of water in a pond is an essential factor when installing a fountain. While some ponds can be quite deep, the best location for a fountain is in water that is no deeper than six feet, especially for an aeration fountain. A shallow water fountain will be more effective in circulating the water, aerating the pond, and preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria. Additionally, a shallower pond fountain will be easier to maintain and clean, making it a more practical and attractive water feature.