Just viewed on the surface, a fountain can be a wonderful addition to any pond or lake. Its dazzling aquatic display adds aesthetic flair, with designs that allow for everything from soaring jets to soothing laminar domes. Not only is it visually pleasing, but the gentle tinkle of its waters, as they return to the surface, adds a tranquil overtone to the soundtrack of your space.

But that’s just viewing it on the surface. Below the surface, the constant flow a fountain creates can have immense ecological benefits to your pond. By circulating water, it fights stagnation which can increase the risk of algae blooms and insect overpopulation. Plus, as the water returns to the surface and below, it carries oxygen that distributes nutrients, nurtures fish populations and aids in the breakdown of organic matter.

If you are considering the addition of a fountain to your pond or lake, Estate Management Services is here to help guide you. We offer a wealth of options and services that can create a beautiful and healthy aquascape for your property.

The Benefits of a Fountain

As we’ve mentioned, there are several benefits above and below the surface that a fountain adds to your lake or pond. Drilling down to specifics can highlight what a valuable addition this can be.

• Aesthetic Appeal: By creating a focal point, you add dazzling visual interest to your entire landscape with customized spray and lighting options, enhancing your property’s appeal and value.
• Calming Sound: The sound of bubbling water is naturally soothing, while helping drown out unwanted noise such as nearby traffic.
• Oxygenation: Sustained oxygen levels are vital to the health of a pond. While an aerator is more efficient at oxygenation, a fountain does help.
• Attracting Desirable Wildlife: Moving water attracts all manner of wildlife, drawn by the availability of drinking water and potential prey.
• Discouraging Undesirable Wildlife: Just as moving water attracts birds and other wildlife, it disrupts the life cycle of mosquitos by creating an unstable environment for their eggs.
• Water Quality: As a fountain moves the water, it helps prevent stagnation, fighting algae buildup while helping mix the different thermal layers of the pond for uniform temperature.
  

Types of Fountains

Beyond the almost infinite customization that different spray patterns and light displays add to a fountain, there are several different ways to customize the design of the fountain itself. These include:

• Floating Fountains: As the name implies, this style floats on the surface, pumping water upward through a nozzle in a variety of patterns. This style is highly popular for its ease of installation, effective aeration, and versatility.
• Statuary Fountains: As seen in many gardens and ponds of a more formal design, this style of fountain consists of an ornamental statue through which water is pumped.
• Jet Fountains: Great for larger ponds or lakes, this style sends a solid jet of water shooting straight skyward for a dramatic visual scene. The height of the jet can be adjusted to reduce water loss and aid in aeration.
• Spitter Fountains: A whimsical addition to a pond or lake’s edge, this style consists of a small ornamental statue that “spits” water in a solid stream toward the center.
• Cascading Fountains: Another sophisticated addition to a formal garden, this style mimics the gentle tinkling of a waterfall by providing the water with several levels to cascade over before returning to the lake or pond.
• Aerating Fountains: While every fountain serves to aerate the water to some extent, this style pushes as much oxygen into the water as possible by maximizing its exposure.

Fountains Vs. Aerators

Every fountain, regardless of its style, aerates the water to some extent. But an aerator is specifically designed to infuse oxygen into the water with far more efficiency than a fountain.

A fountain is primarily meant to beautify a pond or lake, adding a dazzling visual element that happens to aerate water. As it sprays water upward, it reduces the water to droplets that are able to easily exchange gases with the atmosphere, returning to the water infused with oxygen. This aeration is largely limited to the surface, however.

An aerator is specifically used to increase free oxygen in a pond or lake. Some aerators release oxygen in fine bubbles from the bed of the lake or pond, some agitate the surface to draw in oxygen, and some simply recirculate sub-surface waters. As they are more purpose-built, aerators are far more effective at addressing any issues with water quality caused by low oxygen circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

As we’ve seen, a fountain can play a significant role in aerating the water, helping to slow algae growth while adding to your pond or lake’s overall appeal. If you’re considering adding a fountain, you no doubt have several questions. We’ve answered a few below.

How Do I Know What Size Fountain I Need?

Fountains are measured by their horsepower, the same as an engine, to signify the amount of water they can move. The general rule of thumb for fountains is that you’ll need 1.5 hp for every acre of water.

Does a Fountain Require a Lot of Maintenance?

That will depend on the model of fountain and the condition of its environment, but a fountain does require regular maintenance – cleaning the pump, clearing nozzles of debris and checking on wear and tear of electrical and mechanical components.

Does A Fountain Need to Run All the Time?

Not necessarily constantly, but consistently if you want to get the most aeration possible. Some people will set their fountains to run during specific hours, or to run only at night if they have a light element to it. And while a fountain will run regardless of weather, shutting it down during periods of sub-freezing temperatures will prevent excessive wear and tear.

Do Fountains Use a Lot of Electricity?

Most modern fountain designs were created with energy efficiency in mind, but the overall energy efficiency will depend on the size and horsepower of the fountain’s pump. For those looking to reduce energy consumption, solar-powered models might be a good fit.

Is a Fountain Something I Can Install Myself?

While fountain installation can be as simple as anchoring the pump and fountain to the water and connecting it to power, fountain installation can be complicated. A professional firm like Estate Management Services can ensure that your fountain is installed safely and correctly.

Let Estate Management Services Create a Beautiful Fountain for You

As experts in pond and lake management, we employ a host of scientists and aquatic resource specialists who lead the industry in pond and lake management. Our installers are highly trained to the highest standards and certifications, knowledgably installing fountains and aerators to ensure stress-free operation and sparkling clean water. And our entire team shares in our commitment to community, and giving back to meaningful causes.

We proudly offer our customers exceptional support from award-winning customer service professionals, with an approach that stresses environmental friendliness and relationship-building with clients that empowers them to make decisions. Our customized monthly plans are tailored specifically to your pond or lake, letting you rest easy in the knowledge that you are only paying for what you need.

Call us today to schedule a free inspection of your lake or pond and learn how we can help create beautiful and healthy aquascapes for your property.