How Do Outdoor Fountains Work?
Water features transform your landscaping, taking it from beautiful to spectacular. Outdoor water fountains can liven up a backyard garden or patio area, giving you relaxing sounds of running water without requiring a ton of maintenance or making you worry about the water bill! How do outdoor fountains work, exactly? This is a common question amongst homeowners who want their home to look amazing but aren’t super familiar with what having a water feature requires.
Today, we’re answering the question, “how do outdoor water fountains work?” as well as exploring why installation is best left to the pros. Read on, and see why these water features are perfect for your yard.
How Do Water Fountains Work?
You’ve considered different kinds of water features available like backyard pond installation ideas or pondless waterfalls and decided that a backyard fountain suits your vision best. That’s great! Not only do water features add value to a home, but they provide a calming, relaxing atmosphere with the sounds of natural running water.
There are tons of backyard water fountain ideas to choose from, but how do outdoor fountains work, exactly? Part of learning proper upkeep for water features means understanding how they function. This makes it easier for homeowners to determine what needs to be done to keep your water feature operating smoothly year after year. Answering the question, “how do outdoor fountains work?” means exploring the different parts of your fountain to see how they work together:
- Water source for backyard fountains
- Outdoor water fountain reservoir
- Water fountain pumps
- Outdoor fountain tubing
- Water fountain power supply
Water Source for Backyard Fountains
First up, as we answer the common question, “how do outdoor fountains work?” we’re taking a look at the water source for backyard fountains. While there are many different types of fountains to choose from, most of today’s backyard fountains are recirculating. This means that instead of requiring that they be attached to a constant water source, they’re able to reuse the same water over and over.
This evolution in water feature designs means they significantly cut down on previous operating costs, making them stunning additions to your landscaping that won’t break the bank!
Outdoor Water Fountain Reservoir
Next up as we explore the answer to the question, “how do outdoor fountains work?” let’s look at the outdoor water fountain reservoir. If today’s fountains are recirculating, that means they have to hold water, right? Water fountain reservoirs allow your newest water feature installation to hold plenty of water to keep your fountain operating without needing a constant supply of new water.
The outdoor water fountain reservoir capacity will vary based on the size of the fountain. Reservoirs make it easier to maintain a water feature after installation, letting homeowners simply check the water levels on a regular basis (once a week is often sufficient) to account for any evaporation or splashing beyond the basin that occurred.
Water Fountain Pumps
We can’t answer the question, “how do outdoor fountains work?” without exploring the powerhouse of today’s features: water fountain pumps. Your water fountain pump is what moves the water upward through the fountain, expelling it in a shower or trickling effect back into the basin and reservoir below. It’s the source of recirculation for today’s backyard fountains.
Choosing the right size water fountain pump is crucial to the overall operation of your water feature. Too small a pump won’t create the effect you want. Water feature installation professionals (like us👋) will know which pump is right for your water fountain to keep it operating smoothly at all times. In addition to choosing the right pump, you’ll also want to check it at least once a week to keep it clear of any debris that may have fallen into your backyard fountain.
For water feature installations in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and the Capital Region, knowing how to winterize your backyard fountains properly is also important for protecting your water pump. The harsh Upstate NY winters could easily damage your water fountain pump if left outside in the elements. Most often, water feature pumps should be removed for the winter months to avoid freezing. These pumps need to remain submerged, however, to stay in top condition. The opening and closing of your water fountain is a relatively easy task, but if you prefer, you can always call on the professionals to assist.
Outdoor Fountain Tubing
The answer to, “how do outdoor fountains work?” doesn’t stop with the water fountain pump, however. To deliver the water upward through the fountain for the final effect, you need outdoor fountain tubing. Easy enough to understand, outdoor fountain tubing acts as a delivery system for recirculating fountains. As the pump pushes water from the reservoir back to the top of the water feature, it’s pushing that water through the tubing.
Tubing is especially important for water fountains. The water pressure from the impellers in the pump gives the final spouting effect at the top of the fountain. Larger fountains may actually use multiple tubes to create the larger effect of water shooting from the top instead of just one.
Water Fountain Power Supply
Last, but not least, as we answer the question, “how do outdoor fountains work?” let’s talk about the water fountain power supply. As you might’ve suspected, your water pump will most likely need to be plugged in to function. This could affect where to put a water feature in your yard and the ease with which it can be installed. A professional will be able to provide you with different options and explanations of how your water feature placement will affect installation to help you choose what works best.
Outdoor Water Fountain Installation
Installing a backyard fountain may sound easy, but the truth is there are so many potential downsides of DIY outdoor water features that it’s best left to the professionals. While your vision may be clear, DIY outdoor water features don’t always work out the way you’d hoped. Some of the most common issues with installing a water fountain yourself include:
- Making incorrect measurements
- Choosing the wrong water fountain pump
- Issues setting up water fountains to blend with landscaping
- Common installation problems (identifying electrical, etc.)
- Local regulations, permitting, and more that you’re unfamiliar with
Don’t let your relaxing water fountain become your biggest headache. Give the professionals a call and make sure you have the best water feature installation in Upstate NY!
Water features make incredible additions to almost any size yard. Whether it’s an accent piece or the main focal point of your landscaping, they add value and will have you falling in love with your backyard all over again. Answering the question, “how do outdoor fountains work?” is part of making sure you’re on top of their upkeep and keeping your fountain in top shape. Ready to get started? Contact the NVS Waterscapes team and make your backyard into some place truly special.
For more inspiration and information on backyard water features, check out these additional guides:
