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Thinking of adding a fountain to your
pond? Installing a pond fountain is simple, and it will
add both visual interest and the benefit of oxygenation to
your pond.
A pond fountain is generally made up of a recirculating
submersible electric pump with a fountain jet attached to it
(also called a spray fountain).
There are many different sizes and styles of pond fountains
available; the style of the spray is a matter of preference,
but the size depends upon how large your pond is. Your
preferred fountain retailer can help you choose the pond
fountain that is right for your pond. You’ll need to have
the pump and fountain jet combo, a large terracotta pot,
some concrete blocks, and a nearby source of electricity. |
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There are four easy steps to install a pond fountain:
1. The pond fountain must be placed where you can easily
get to it for maintenance. If you have a small pond,
this is not an issue. If the fountain is going into a large
pond, you may want to position it so that it is close to the
edge.
2. The pump must be raised up from the floor of the pond
in order to reduce the amount of debris sucked into it.
This also ensures that the fountain head will be above the
water. This is where your terracotta pot comes in – turn it
upside down and place the pump on top. If it’s not the right
height, use concrete blocks to raise it. If your pump is
small and lightweight, you may need to tie it to the pot to
prevent it from floating away. Make sure it is situated so
that the fountain jet is facing up.
3. You must have an electrician install an outdoor power
socket, if you don’t already have one. This socket
should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GCFI, known
as a Residual Current Device outside the U.S. and Canada)
protecting it, since the cord will be under the water. This
device helps prevent electric shock. Plug your pump into the
socket. If there is excess cable, bind it together under the
water where it won’t be noticed. If the cord must cross a
lawn, use a square-tipped shovel to cut and pry open the sod
about 6 inches deep, push the cord down with a stick, and
then press the slot closed with your foot.
4. Now, adjust the flow of the water using the switch or
screw on the pump. Start with it in the ‘low’ or ‘down’
position, and slowly move it up. Ask a friend or family
member to watch from the sidelines, so they can tell you if
the water spray is all going back into the pond. Once you’ve
found the perfect level, you’re done! Now you and your
family can relax and enjoy your new pond fountain.
Stephanie Gottschalk writes the blogs 'Picnic
Fun - Tips and Recipes' and 'The
Joy of Water Fountains' for Specialty Living Inc.,
an Asheville, North Carolina-based company that aims to
share their love of people, nature and life through high
quality water fountains and outdoor living products.
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