Water Features
Simple Water Features
If you don't have room for a pond in your garden, you can still enjoy the pleasant sound of water by installing a simple water feature. Kits for features like pebble pools are readily available or you can buy the components separately and construct one yourself. Small children and water features don't mix - so think about a plant feature instead if you have kids.
Basic Components
A water pump: The size of the water pump is determined by the proposed feature. Solar-powered pumps are available but may not pump enough water for your purposes. Mains-powered pumps should be fitted by a qualified electrician unless a low-voltage type is used and protected by a residual current device.
A sump: A sump is used to collect and hold all the water in the system. The collecting area to collect the splashing water should be as wide as the outlet is high.
A pipe: You will need to run a pipe from the pump to an outlet nozzle.
Position
A sunny position will bring out colours on wet stones and pebbles.
Try to locate your feature reasonably close to an electricity outlet.
Sample designs
Sink feature: An old enamelled sink can be very effective as a water feature. The pump sits inside the sink with the outlet pipe emerging through the plug hole (sealed to prevent leaks). The outlet could be the tap, or a plaque on an adjacent wall. Water then cascades into the sink.
Large pots: A similar arrangement could be constructed inside a large wide-brimmed pot with the outlet in the centre, creating a fountain or bubble effect.
A water pump: The size of the water pump is determined by the proposed feature. Solar-powered pumps are available but may not pump enough water for your purposes. Mains-powered pumps should be fitted by a qualified electrician unless a low-voltage type is used and protected by a residual current device.
A sump: A sump is used to collect and hold all the water in the system. The collecting area to collect the splashing water should be as wide as the outlet is high.
A pipe: You will need to run a pipe from the pump to an outlet nozzle.
Position
A sunny position will bring out colours on wet stones and pebbles.
Try to locate your feature reasonably close to an electricity outlet.
Sample designs
Sink feature: An old enamelled sink can be very effective as a water feature. The pump sits inside the sink with the outlet pipe emerging through the plug hole (sealed to prevent leaks). The outlet could be the tap, or a plaque on an adjacent wall. Water then cascades into the sink.
Large pots: A similar arrangement could be constructed inside a large wide-brimmed pot with the outlet in the centre, creating a fountain or bubble effect.
Your Comments
- Simple Water Features
Although somewhat late in this “debate” I have to agree with the author of this article, in comparison, solar pumps are no match for mains operated pumps. I have seen all sizes and types both solar and mains you really can not beat a mains operated pump for its flow, and being mains you can run them at dusk too. (Night time they can be considered “noisy” since the ambient noise level has dropped)
The main “problem” with solar operated fountains / water features is the cost of a reliable solar panel, its not cheap.
I would also like to point out that a solar panel works best if it is NOT integral to the feature / fountain, since the water will cool the solar panel, and overtime as the water turns green (no biological filter and UV) it will obscure the solar panel.
regards
martin - Something to say? Add a comment...
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