Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Basic Methods For Installing Disappearing Garden Fountains As A Yard Feature

By Dawn Williams


Adding those disappearing garden fountains to a yard is a classic way to add the mystical and the relaxing sound of water moving to make a relaxing place to dwell over things. Generally water is stored in the hidden reservoir that is buried underground. From underground it is pumped up the fountain to where it hits the ground and looks like it disappears.

Almost all disappearing fountains are even safe for very young children and pets because there is no open standing water for them to get into. They can also be a safe source of water for wildlife that is around your home. Birds often love stopping by them just to get a little wet in the summer heat.

When building these for the first time, many people choose to use premolded reservoirs filled with gravel or small rocks. Remember though that gravel will hold about 2.2 cubic feet of water in it per cubic foot versus an empty container holding 7.4 gallons per cubic foot. Almost any sealable container with a lid or grate can be used for a reservoir. Try to size it for your application though so it is not to big or to small.

The fountain can be made from common everyday materials. From old flower pots and big clay pots or just different rocks piled up on each other. The material it is made from does not matter so much as long as it blocks the view from the water line to the reservoir tank.

The pumps are a little trickier because there are different types that can be used. Some people like using inexpensive pumps that just move the water. Other people go all out and use pumps that have built in filters to stop bacteria and algae from growing. Whatever you decide make sure it is plugged into a GFI outlet so there is no possible shock hazards.

Dig the hole just a little bigger than you really need for the tank to sit inside without it being covered. Place the tank in the hole and pack the dirt around it snugly. Place the pump in the reservoir tank and block off a tiny area for it without any rock. If you will be adding any gravel, fill it to around 2 inches from the top of the reservoir.

Put the grate onto the tank and cover it completely with large rocks until you cannot see the tank. Pull up the supply line for water and place it inside the feature you will be using. This can be rocks piled up nicely, a clay pot or whatever you are using. Check that the power cord is free enough to be plugged into a working GFI outlet. Fill the tank up with the water and plug the pump in.

Using a larger reservoir for your disappearing garden fountains means you will need to fill it less and can add on to it in the future. They also allow for greater flow. Do not forget to add a shut off valve from the pump so you can control the volume of water flowing.




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