Fountains History
The history of fountains is not found in the Western culture. The importance of water was needed for survival of households and livestock, not for decorative uses in the gardens. However elaborate the fountains were, one thing was important. The owners wanted their fountain to have uncomplicated mechanics and simple treatments to keep them clean.

Most of the European fountains were influenced by the architecture from the ancient Greeks and Romans. This was considered a golden age of fountains in which the fountains had wonderful tiers of basins and magnificent sculptured walls. In the Medieval time period, in Europe, gardens were divided into four areas: herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The gardens of this time, especially in the monasteries, were centered around the fountains in the middle of the four different areas of the garden. The monasteries were influenced by the Persians of earlier centuries who used the fountains in their gardens to enhance meditation.

In the non-Western world, the use of fountains has been in place for centuries. The Muslims were inspired by their hot and dry climate to center their gardens around the use of water fountains. These gardens had enclosed courts surrounded by water. They were enhanced with colored tiles, fountains, and pools. Japan has also been influenced by the use of fountains from some of their neighboring countries, such as China and Korea. Kyoto, Japan, which uses fountains to create the effect of peace and harmony, is famous for its gardens.

In the first half of the twentieth century in America, architecture has tried to include the outside surroundings of the house to enhance the interior of the house. More and more homes, especially those with mild climates, have extended their gardens into the house and this includes the use of fountains as part of the decorating. However, there is a trend of making table top fountains for indoor use so that the home can experience the tranquility of calming water that has been used for outdoor decorating. Fountains are also becoming more popular in decorating malls, office complexes, and homes, which offers a sense of peacefulness that people can experience.

Purposes of a Fountain
Religious
The use of fountains in monasteries and abbeys were a way for people to feel peace and be able to meditate on their life. Most were placed in the center of a courtyard where anyone could come, sit, and think about their life with God. In ancient Greece, fountains were a place where social gatherings occurred between friends, family, or acquaintances.
Decor
In the early centuries of Ancient Greece and Rome, fountains have been used for decoration of the outdoor courtyards and in the plush gardens in Italy. Only the wealthiest people with grand homes would have such exotic displays of water. Now, most anyone can have a fountain installed to enhance the outdoor or indoor appearance of a home. Malls, office buildings with large lobbies, and hotels are just a few places that use fountains throughout their respective businesses to entice people with calming waters. More and more homes are putting tabletop fountains to accent different rooms in a home. Outdoor fountains continue to be a growing feature used to enhance a beautifully landscaped area either in the backyard or front yard. Wherever these water features are placed they can add a relaxing oasis for anyone to enjoy.
Irrigation
Fountains in America were used mostly for irrigation of crops and their animals. They were not used for the beauty they provided in Europe, but for their usefulness. The fountain was a source of survival, not beauty. The owner's most important concern was for the farm. The fountains were made for their usefulness, not their display of trickling water for others to enjoy. However, if the landowner was wealthy enough to have decorative fountains, he still wanted his fountains to be easy to clean and operate.
Air Quality
Many people have tried ways to bring tranquility to their lives. In ancient times, the sound made by running water has been known to have healing power.
The air is filled with ions that are charged either positively or negatively. Positive ions are given off by microwaves, computers, heaters, televisions, and other electrical devices. The effect of breathing in these positive ions is mental or physical exhaustion, which affects our health.
It has been said the movement of water releases negative ions. The releasing of the negative ions brings peace to both the body and soul. Negative ions attract the airborne particles in the air. Water fountains pull the particles out of the air making the air people breathe purified and fresher.

Ambience
Ambience is important to consider when adding any water feature to an existing space whether inside or outside. That is, what type of mood or atmosphere will the water feature add to the area. It is important to look at the existing accents or surroundings the water feature will be added to. Also, take into consideration the type of lifestyle that takes place in the house.

Any water feature can be used as the centerpiece of the room or garden area. Using a fountain in this way will set the tone for choices that are made using accent pieces in a room or the type of flowers or shrubbery planted in the garden. This can be helpful if the yard needs to be separated. Choosing to use a fountain that can divide the yard into two different useful areas can be beneficial, especially to those who have a large yard and need the yard to be a multipurpose area. Using a fountain in this way will set the tone for choices that are made using accent pieces in a room or the type of flowers or shrubbery planted in the garden.

Table top fountains are a great choice for an indoor fountain. It is an ideal fountain for those who have a busy lifestyle because they are easy to maintain. These fountains are perfect for adding a little accent to a room that needs an improvement and if the budget is limited. These fountains can add a sense of calmness to room that will relax anyone who visits the room. Make sure to look at the material it is made in order for the room to coordinate well. For example, if an Asian decorating design were being used, a fountain made of bamboo would give the room a similar look.

Decorative fountains, such as sculptural fountains, can be the center of a garden or room. A classical look, such as a concrete basin with a Greek or Roman statue, will give the area or room a more formal feel. These can be used either outside or inside the home. However, be careful when considering this type of fountain, especially if the design of the house or garden is not a formal setting. Also, this type of fountain can be big in size. If a foyer or lobby is being considered for a fountain of this type, make sure the size of the fountain does not overpower the room. Choose a size that will enhance the garden or room.

Wall fountains can enhance a room or the patio area of the house. When using wall fountains, the wall must have enough support for the plumbing and the weight of the basin that is used. Choosing the right style will depend on the style of the home.

Types of Fountains
Indoor Fountains
Indoor fountains add a unique touch to the decor of a home. Indoor fountains also add a touch of relaxation and peacefulness as the water trickles down the wall or over rocks. Indoor fountains are great accent pieces and work well with other natural accents in the house such as plants. One needs to consider the decorating scheme and the size of the fountain when choosing one for the home. There are three types of indoor fountains: table fountains, wall fountains, and larger fountains (found in large office complexes for an entryway). Indoor fountains require less maintenance than outdoor fountains.
Outdoor Fountains
An outdoor fountain can add a calming affect to the already natural surroundings. Consider where the fountain needs to be, such as the deck, the patio, or on the lawn. Choose a fountain that will keep the same style of the garden or home. Freestanding fountains make a focal point for a patio, flowerbed, or lawn. Statuary fountains can be placed near or in a pond or pool. Large outdoor fountains must have a firm and level foundation. If the fountain is placed in a pond or pool, a pedestal can be built out of stone or brick to keep it level.
Wall Fountains
Wall fountains are perfect for use in gardens or seating areas with little space or in homes or businesses. There are many ways to design a wall fountain, but most wall fountains need a large surface for support. The wall houses the pipes and carry the weight of the basin. The water may flow into a basin or through a decorative mask. These add to the visual appeal, but also hide the plumbing materials of the fountain. Wall fountains are powered by a pump submersed into water that continually circulates water from the basin through a pipe to the spout. Plumbing for wall fountains require the piping to run behind the wall. However, there are easy-to-install preformed kits for wall fountains with one cord running from the wall fountain.
Tabletop Fountains
Tabletop fountains are small fountains that are used as a decorative piece in a room. They are designed to sit on top of a table. Most tabletop fountains use decorative rocks so the water will spill down them and into a small pool. The tabletop fountain continuously recycles the water to produce a constant flow of water. Other styles of tabletop fountains use figurines or other decorative pieces. The water can flow out through the figurine and trickle into the pond.
Pond Fountains
Pond fountains are easy to install if a flexible liner and submersible pump is used. When choosing the style of pond fountain consider the pond size and landscape that surrounds it. There are many style choices of pond fountains to consider, such as gentle bubblers, bell shaped sprays, geysers, or upright jet sprays. Each type needs the same basic fountain equipment: a pump, pipes, a liner, and an electrical outlet that has a ground fault circuit interrupter. Set the pond fountain on concrete blocks or bricks to raise it to the surface. Use clamps to make a seal that is watertight between the hose ends and the pump and pond fountain. Depending on the water pressure, there may be a need to have a flow control valve. Always connect electrical plugs that have a fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). A filter may be added to the fountain pump to extend the life and keep the pond fountain nozzles clean of any type of debris.

Fountain Materials
Fountains can be made from many different types of materials. It is important to consider whether the fountain will be placed indoors or outdoors. Some materials are better used for indoor fountains rather than outdoor fountains.

The most common outdoor fountains can be made out of concrete, limestone, marble, or bronze. Any type of stone or concrete fountain used as an outdoor fountain will need special care during the cold months of winter. Winterizing concrete or stone fountains with a sealer is important because the cold temperatures can cause the fountain to crack. Bronze is the best material to use for an outdoor fountain because it can withstand extreme temperatures. Any repairs, because of leaks, can be patched with clear silicone caulk.

Wood is becoming a popular material to use to build water fountains because it is easy to cut and join together. However, the wood must be protected from the water. When using ceramic or ceramic tile, make sure there is no water leakage. If it sweats water or leaks, use a silicone caulk or concrete waterproofing solution. However, ceramic and ceramic tile allows for an unlimited range of color.

Parts of a Fountain
The mechanics of any type of fountain are narrowed down to a few necessary parts: the pump, the pipes, the water basin, water, and liners. Anything else that is used is to cover the parts or add to the overall design and aesthetic appeal of the fountain.
Pumps
A pump is the very beginning to any and every fountain. Submersible pumps are easy, small, and reasonably priced. The pump pulls water in through a filter and pumps it out of an opening using electricity as an energy source.

There are three factors to consider when looking for a submersible fountain pump. First, how high will the water spray? The higher the spray of water, the more expensive the pump because of the power needed to pump the water. For an indoor fountain the smallest pump available will work perfectly. Second, look at the length of the cord. If the cord is short, 12 inches, it will limit where the fountain can be displayed. A length of three to five feet is more versatile. Finally, look for where the water pressure switch is located. There are some cords that have the switch on the cord itself instead of the pump. If the fountain's pump is difficult or impossible to reach, having a switch on the cord would be a helpful feature.
Pipes
Plastic tubing is used to move the water and protect electric cables. The tubing can be found where the pumps are sold, in larger pet stores with aquarium supplies and hardware stores. The tubing is inexpensive and can be cut to any length with ease.
Different widths of tubing can be used, depending on the amount of water needed to be delivered to the spout. The more narrow the tubing the higher the stream of water will be sprayed. The wider the tubing the more water delivered through the fountain. Adapter can be purchased at auto supply stores to connect two pieces of different sized tubing together.
Basins
A basin is the part of the fountain that will collect and store water. It is also where the fountain's pump and fountain element is placed. For an outdoor fountain, a large container or pond can be the basin. For smaller fountains, such as tabletop fountains, the basin must be large and deep enough to house the pump and plenty of water so that the pump does not run dry. The basin must also be waterproof.
Large garden stores offer a wide selection of different basins and containers to use in a fountain. Many of these containers come with predrilled hole especially made for fountains. If a basin is chosen that is not waterproof, do not eliminate it as a possibility for the fountain. Find a protective liner that fits. If a proper liner cannot be found, clear plastic salad bowls and other serving dishes also make great liners.
Water
The final part needed to make a fountain complete is the water. Tap water, if it isn's too hard, or bottled or distilled water is the best choice to use in the fountain. Other liquids may be used, but check the pH levels need before putting them in the fountain. If the liquid is too acidic or too basic it can weaken the fountain pump's seals and ruin the pump.
Liners
Pond fountains need to have a liner put on the bottom before adding water. The fountain liners are usually made of black PVC material. The greater the thickness, the better endurance the liner will have. The thicker, more expensive liners have less chance of sun deterioration, tearing, and puncturing of the liner. A flexible liner will allow pond fountains to be made in any shape or size.

Designing a Fountain
When designing any type of fountain, the main goal is to make the fountain look as if the flow of water is completely natural. Any object that can withstand a hole being drilled into it, or won't melt away in the water can be used for a fountain.

Depending on the size of the fountain being designed, a fountain pattern needs to be considered. That is, the way the water is being sprayed from the piping of the fountain. There are several different types of fountain patterns that allow the water to spring. Some of these fountain patterns are better for outdoor fountains where there is more area for the water to spring from the fountain, such as a geyser flow or a single spray. The geyser pattern is excellent for an open, breezy site and has an exciting and unplanned spray. The single spray gives a bold effect for larger fountains or pond fountains. One fountain pattern, fountain jet, is simple, low cost, and looks great in any pond fountain. If a more structured look is desired, then the bell shaped fountain pattern should be used. This pattern works well in smaller fountains either outside or inside. The overall fountain will be controlled by the power of the pump that is used.

Any fountain would not be complete without some type of other decorative object accents to conceal any hardware or enhance the beauty of the fountain. Stones and rocks can be used as an accent or a concealer. Because there are many shapes and sizes, stones and rocks can be easily moved around the fountain. When choosing a rock, consider the natural formation of the rock or any crystal formations found in the rock. Also, look at the shininess or glimmer effect as the water runs over it.

Marbles and other glass gems can have the same effect as rocks in a fountain. However, the marbles and glass gems are more colorful, reflective, and glimmer like real jewels. Like stones and rocks, marbles and glass gems can also conceal the pump or other piping, or can accent the finished product, especially tabletop fountains. Most any craft store or the aquarium section of a pet store will carry the marbles or glass gems.

Plants and water go hand and hand. Air plants add natural greenery to any fountain. They do not require soil, so the pump will not get clogged, nor will the water fountain be clouded with pieces of floating soil.

Fountain Placement
Whether the desire is to make the backyard into a calming oasis or adding a fountain to enhance the inside of your house, size doesn's matter. A water fountain can accommodate any space. The secret of building a beautiful water feature is the careful planning needed before enjoying the tranquility of a trickling water fountain.

When looking at placement of the fountain, there are several questions that need to be asked:
1. How much space should the fountain take?
2. Should the fountain be indoors or outdoors?
3. Where is the closest power source to plug any electrical pumps or lighting used for the fountain?
4. Where and how will the cables or cords that come from the fountain be hidden?
5. Are children and pets going to be playing around the area where the fountain is to be placed?
6. Is there easy access to the fountain to clean it out, winterize it, or make any repairs?
7. What other features are desired to put in or around the fountain (fish, plants, sidewalk, bridge, lighting)?
8. If an indoor fountain, will it be on the floor or on the table?
9. Can the floor or table tolerate any spill the fountain may make?

Once the decision has been made as to where the fountain will be placed, it is a good idea to measure the area and sketch showing the possible placement and size of the fountain. Before you start making any more plans for the fountain, such as what materials need to be purchased, make a scale model of the area where the fountain is to be placed. To do this, set the measurements of the project on the ground using pegs and string. Cover the site with a tarp and leave it there for a few days to ascertain what the space will look like with the fountain in place. If the area is too much, the placement is not what is desired, or other electrical problems present themselves, then change the position, make the area smaller, or consider a different site.

Maintaining the Water Fountain
Basic Cleaning
For outdoor fountains, the best time to clean is in the spring before the new growth begins. Use a net to skim the top layer of the water to clean off any dead leaves or sticks. Pull any dead or damaged leaves off the plants. Be careful to not injure any living animals, such as fish, snails, or frogs that are living in the mud.
Winterizing
To prepare concrete fountains for winter apply a concrete sealer to prevent moisture getting inside the concrete and expanding and cracking it when the water freezes. Drain the fountain's basin before a freeze to prevent ice from forming on the pump. The ice could cause the pump to crack and the seals to fail. The basin in the fountain may also crack. If possible, drain the fountain's basin by tipping it on its side. Otherwise, pump the water out. For fountain pumps, the water needs to be between 32 and 98 degrees. This will ensure proper flow. Extreme temperatures can break down the seals in the pump. Water below 32 degrees can cause the pump's motor to burn out. To store the pump, place the fountain's pump in a bucket of water in a basement or heated garage. This will keep the pump from drying out, and causing the seals to shrink. Also, make sure the cord does not dry out which could cause the cord to crack or short out.
Algae
Chlorine bleach added in small amounts, kills the bacteria in the fountain. One drop of bleach per pint of water should kill the bacteria which causes algae. If the bacteria is in larger amounts, it could affect the fountain's pump and pipes. If there are plants in the fountain, let the plant's roots purify the water. Wash the fountain parts every month if there are no plants.
Ph Levels
To test the chosen liquid for the fountain, purchase a pH test kit (usually found where pool supplies are sold. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Liquids with a pH reading between 5 and 9 are safe to use in the fountain. Adding food coloring does not change the pH level of the liquid and can be used safely. This test is easy to perform and will save person extra expense of the damages made to the fountain.