An Inside Look At Wall Fountains

The wall fountain is much simpler and subtle than the big water features most people are familiar with. It is also far more elegant than the typical garden fountain that is used to distribute water to ponds and water gardens. Below are some things that make these fountains distinct, and why you should consider adding them to your property.

Wall Fountain Characteristics

Wall fountains are compact and powered by electricity. Whereas many fountains are designed for the exterior of the home, wall fountains are reserved for the interior. Rather than spraying or shooting out water, as is the case with classical fountains, wall fountains cascade the water downward along a surface which is flat. While the overall effect may not be as dramatic as traditional fountains which are kept outdoors, they bring about a relaxation and aesthetic appeal which has contributed to their growing popularity.

The typical wall fountain will be comprised of stone, fiberglass, resin and concrete. The resin costs the least while the stone is the costliest. Designs will range from contemporary to classical, and some of the most sophisticated have artwork embedded within the surface. The one thing that all these fountains have in common is the no frills method they use to move water. Traditional outdoor fountains usually require a lot of water, while wall fountains are plumbing free and utilize a combination of an impeller and pump for their operation.

How Wall Fountains Work

Wall fountains operate on water which is recirculated. This makes them easy to both install and maintain, which is one of their main upsides. The wall fountain will retain a reservoir near its base, and before it’s activated a specific amount of water will be present. This amount will determine how much noise it makes along with its splashing level.

Once the reservoir is full the pump will be submerged. The magnetic drive is the pump’s main mechanism, and differentiates it from pond pumps. It is powered through a normal connection of 110 volts. However, the power and size of the pump will depend on how large the fountain is. The pump may come with a fountain kit, but it may also be necessary to purchase it separately. Moderately sized wall fountains will need one hundred to two hundred gallons output per hour. Although these fountains are electrically powered, there is no danger with the electricity coming into contact with the water because the motor is sealed away from it.

Wall Fountain Installation

To correctly install a wall fountain you’ll need to locate the proper wall stud which it can be hung on. The majority of wall fountains are a bit heavy, especially those which are made of stone or concrete, so hanging them on sheetrock is a bad idea. Use a stud finder to locate a good place to attach it, and keep in mind that a wall fountain which weighs in excess of thirty pounds is best hung through brackets.