Installing a Fountain in a Garden Pond
Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2006
by Philip Swindells
http://www.internationalwatergardener.com
Installing a ready-made fountain is not difficult. The fountain jet is attached to a submersible pump that is placed in the pond so that the jet is showing just above the surface of the water. However, the correct positioning of the pump is vital, for the spray jet and the manner in which it ejects water can have a considerable bearing upon the success of the fountain as a garden feature.
It is important that the fountain is positioned so that the jet of water is not allowed to fall outside the pond or fountain bowl. It is all very well enjoying an attractive spray pattern on a still day, but jets of water, especially the more substantial ones can be blown around by a modest breeze.
Remember that the pump will require regular servicing. It will certainly need periodic cleaning of the inlet filter, so relatively easy access is required. If it is placed in the centre of the pond it can be tiresome to have to wade out in the water to reach it. An alternative is to place the pump close to the edge of the pond and lead an extended delivery pipe to the centre with a fountain spray jet attached. The only problem with this is that it reduces the water pressure and then a stronger pump has to be considered.
Most fountain installations benefit from a plinth on which to stand the pump or fountain ornament. A solid level structure that lifts a submersible pump to a position just beneath water level, with the fountain jet just exposed. With this arrangement, the head can be changed if required to give different spray patterns and the filter easily reached for cleaning. The disadvantage is that as the pump is just beneath the surface of the water, it is difficult to disguise, especially when the fountain is switched off.
When an ornament is being incorporated as part of the fountain, it is easier to disguise the pump. A simple purpose-built plinth can be constructed to hide the pump, although as there is then a greater lift of water required, the capacity of the pump necessary to ensure a satisfactory flow should be checked.
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