Mineral deposits from tap water cause lime to build up in, on and around your indoor water fountain and will cause problems for you. The problem is that the mineral concentration increases over time because the old minerals don’t go away when you add more minerals with each water refill, so at first nothing seem to be amiss. However, when the concentration starts to build, the problem worsens rapidly. When minerals accumulate, you will notice white streaks or spots on and around your indoor water fountain. Let’s look at how to avoid, or at least minimize, the problem.
The very best choice for your indoor water fountain is to fill (and re-fill) its reservoir with de-ionized water (99+% free of all minerals). Most natural food stores and other outlets where you can re-fill your own water container have machines that dispense de-ionized water. Some stores only dispense “purified or “distilled” waters, so look mover your choices before filling. The local natural foods grocery charges only $0.39 to fill a gallon container with de-ionized water-- really affordable, and a “green” solution, since I keep refilling the same bottles. Best of all, constant use of de-ionized water virtually eliminates the need to get rid of mineral build-up.
I keep a supply of de-ionized water on hand in lightweight plastic one-gallon containers, so I don’t have to run to the store for water re-fills very often. How much water you’ll need for your backup supply depends on the rate of evaporation in your area, this will relate to a combination the dryness of your local climate & the type of heating system in your home, and how often you are in the area of the store that dispenses de-ionized water.
My next blog will review the cleaning process with an older fountain.
In the meantime, enjoy your indoor water fountain.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Considerations Regarding Outdoor Fountains
I really like this video because it give a good sense of what its like to have a water fountain nearby. Go ahead & turn up the volume for full effect as you read this post:
A water fountain in your environment will provide many benefits to your mind, body, and soul – water fountains are aesthetically pleasing, they enhance physical well being, and they improve ones mental state. By browsing these posts, you will find that you become knowledgeable about your water fountain, and you will be able to share what you’ve learned about your water fountain with friends, when they notice your water fountain perhaps comment on the ways your life has gotten better. This post will continue with the focus on the decorative/aesthetic aspect of water fountains.
As the summer months call to us to spend more time in our outdoor spaces, this is the time to consider making your patio or yard the spot for your water fountain. Much less expensive than a trip to a tourist destination, re-designing your space as a relaxing & visually satisfying area is an effort worth making, and it will continue to give you a “great escape” for years for little additional expense. A water fountain is an important part of transforming any ordinary area into a special place where you go to relax and spend time, by yourself or with family & friends.
Adding a water fountain to your yard or patio entails the same considerations as with inside placement: should the fountain be a focal point, or blended into the scenery? A tabletop water fountain (perhaps more intimate), or freestanding water fountain (usually more dramatic)? Materials are one consideration. Outdoor models are usually quite sturdy and, of course, constructed of materials, real or faux, designed to withstand the elements. In choosing what your fountain is made of, your style and taste are the most important guidelines to the overall effect of your water fountain.
Power source also needs to be considered in terms of distance to your water fountain; if the outlet is not right by the fountain, you will need to figure out how to hide or disguise the power cord. A solar-powered water fountain is one possibility, but as it solves one problem, it creates another. A small solar panel just needs exposure to light to keep your water fountain operating; it may be placed close to the water fountain and fairly easily hidden. The problem it creates is that after dark, the fountain stops running. That may or may not be an issue for you, depending on whether you spend time outdoors during the day or at night. If you’re a sun worshipper, problem solved. If you’re outside a lot after dark, you may put solar panels near an artificial light source but then hiding or disguising the solar cord becomes an issue. The energy saved with a solar powered water fountain is not substantial, but a kilowatt saved is a lower carbon footprint, and it will make a difference if you feel that it’s important to go green. For me, I feel a sense of sadness when I see an idle water fountain; I miss watching the water’s activity, but even when the fountain is out of view, I miss the sound of the water. Again, the sight and sound of your water fountain may not matter to you at night, in which case the solar solution is recommended. If you feel as I do about fountains, you may find it worth the trouble and creative effort to figure out a way place the solar panel near a lihjt source & to hide the solar cord so you can enjoy all aspects of your water fountain 24/7.
With the previous guidelines in mind, I wish you much enjoyment in the course of choosing your water fountain, indoors or out, and in making it a part of your environment.
In the meantime, enjoy this outdoor water fountain video:
A water fountain in your environment will provide many benefits to your mind, body, and soul – water fountains are aesthetically pleasing, they enhance physical well being, and they improve ones mental state. By browsing these posts, you will find that you become knowledgeable about your water fountain, and you will be able to share what you’ve learned about your water fountain with friends, when they notice your water fountain perhaps comment on the ways your life has gotten better. This post will continue with the focus on the decorative/aesthetic aspect of water fountains.
As the summer months call to us to spend more time in our outdoor spaces, this is the time to consider making your patio or yard the spot for your water fountain. Much less expensive than a trip to a tourist destination, re-designing your space as a relaxing & visually satisfying area is an effort worth making, and it will continue to give you a “great escape” for years for little additional expense. A water fountain is an important part of transforming any ordinary area into a special place where you go to relax and spend time, by yourself or with family & friends.
Adding a water fountain to your yard or patio entails the same considerations as with inside placement: should the fountain be a focal point, or blended into the scenery? A tabletop water fountain (perhaps more intimate), or freestanding water fountain (usually more dramatic)? Materials are one consideration. Outdoor models are usually quite sturdy and, of course, constructed of materials, real or faux, designed to withstand the elements. In choosing what your fountain is made of, your style and taste are the most important guidelines to the overall effect of your water fountain.
Power source also needs to be considered in terms of distance to your water fountain; if the outlet is not right by the fountain, you will need to figure out how to hide or disguise the power cord. A solar-powered water fountain is one possibility, but as it solves one problem, it creates another. A small solar panel just needs exposure to light to keep your water fountain operating; it may be placed close to the water fountain and fairly easily hidden. The problem it creates is that after dark, the fountain stops running. That may or may not be an issue for you, depending on whether you spend time outdoors during the day or at night. If you’re a sun worshipper, problem solved. If you’re outside a lot after dark, you may put solar panels near an artificial light source but then hiding or disguising the solar cord becomes an issue. The energy saved with a solar powered water fountain is not substantial, but a kilowatt saved is a lower carbon footprint, and it will make a difference if you feel that it’s important to go green. For me, I feel a sense of sadness when I see an idle water fountain; I miss watching the water’s activity, but even when the fountain is out of view, I miss the sound of the water. Again, the sight and sound of your water fountain may not matter to you at night, in which case the solar solution is recommended. If you feel as I do about fountains, you may find it worth the trouble and creative effort to figure out a way place the solar panel near a lihjt source & to hide the solar cord so you can enjoy all aspects of your water fountain 24/7.
With the previous guidelines in mind, I wish you much enjoyment in the course of choosing your water fountain, indoors or out, and in making it a part of your environment.
In the meantime, enjoy this outdoor water fountain video:
More Considerations Regarding Your New Water Fountain
A water fountain in your environment will provide many benefits to your mind, body, and soul – water fountains are aesthetically pleasing, they enhance physical well being, and they improve ones mental state. By browsing these posts, you will find that you become knowledgeable about your water fountain, and you will be able to share what you’ve learned about water fountains with your friends, when they notice and comment on the ways your life has gotten better. This post will continue with the focus on the decorative/aesthetic aspect of water fountains.
So, a battery operated or other smaller water fountain is usually the easiest way to move into water fountain ownership. I can almost guarantee that when you discover how wonderful it is to have a fountain in a certain area, say around a grouping of live plants, you will want a more permanently placed water fountain in your world. Using the live plant example, smaller plants on a shelf or table will require a tabletop model. Larger plants on the floor will likely need a taller freestanding style, but a tabletop water fountain on a small table or stand may well work amid a grouping of large plants. Once again, your choice in design, modern, contemporary, classical or whimsical is a reflection of your personality and will set the visual mood of your space.
When you decide to make your water fountain the focal point of a room, patio, or garden, a wall-mounted model is likely to be your choice. Instead of a wall mount, you may prefer a very tall (four-five foot) free-standing unit placed against the wall. A high ceiling frequently calls for a vertical design, while a lower overhead space generally calls for a more horizontal look. However, rules are made to be broken, and you must always keep your own tastes in mind, rather than some abstract theory of interior design. Your wall fountain will dictate furniture placement to some extent, as you will want to take into account both the visual consideration and assuring adequate room to walk through the area without bumping into/ disturbing your water fountain. Similar considerations also apply to a tall, free-standing unit within a room. The free-standing type of unit tends to be significantly more expensive; it is usually associated with a much larger space, but its your fountain and your space—again no hard and fast rules.
So, a battery operated or other smaller water fountain is usually the easiest way to move into water fountain ownership. I can almost guarantee that when you discover how wonderful it is to have a fountain in a certain area, say around a grouping of live plants, you will want a more permanently placed water fountain in your world. Using the live plant example, smaller plants on a shelf or table will require a tabletop model. Larger plants on the floor will likely need a taller freestanding style, but a tabletop water fountain on a small table or stand may well work amid a grouping of large plants. Once again, your choice in design, modern, contemporary, classical or whimsical is a reflection of your personality and will set the visual mood of your space.
When you decide to make your water fountain the focal point of a room, patio, or garden, a wall-mounted model is likely to be your choice. Instead of a wall mount, you may prefer a very tall (four-five foot) free-standing unit placed against the wall. A high ceiling frequently calls for a vertical design, while a lower overhead space generally calls for a more horizontal look. However, rules are made to be broken, and you must always keep your own tastes in mind, rather than some abstract theory of interior design. Your wall fountain will dictate furniture placement to some extent, as you will want to take into account both the visual consideration and assuring adequate room to walk through the area without bumping into/ disturbing your water fountain. Similar considerations also apply to a tall, free-standing unit within a room. The free-standing type of unit tends to be significantly more expensive; it is usually associated with a much larger space, but its your fountain and your space—again no hard and fast rules.
Considerations Regarding Choosing Your Water Fountain
A water fountain in your environment will provide many benefits to your mind, body, and soul – water fountains are aesthetically pleasing, they enhance physical well being, and they improve ones mental state. By browsing these posts, you will find that you become knowledgeable about your water fountain, and you will be able to share what you’ve learned about water fountains with your friends, when they notice and comment on your water fountain and even the ways your life has gotten better. This post will focus on the decorative/aesthetic aspect of water fountains, and on how to get started.
Water Fountains blend in with virtually any surroundings; they can enhance an area of a room, or be its focal point. They express you in terms of decorative style, what they’re made of, and thematic statement.
Water fountain styles may be classic, romantic, ultra-modern, minimalist-- whatever you want your environment to say about you and to you—whether you want to place yourself in an ancient Roman villa, a Greenwich Village loft, or a Japanese meditation garden. They are made from a huge range of materials from rare and exotic to funky and commonplace, from man-made (polyresin or metals) to natural wood, stone or shell. Themes cover the gamut from historical to contemporary events, people, and places; ancient mythological or modern cartoon characters; nature-themed to industrial. And on & on—you get the picture.
The cost of a water fountain is generally determined by its component materials, size, style, and theme. A first acquisition needs to be a no-brainer in terms of easy maintenance, cost, and flexibility. A man-made material, like polyresin, is a good option, as it is easy to clean, difficult to break if an accident does occur, lightweight and not least of all - relatively inexpensive.
Smaller portable battery operated water fountains are the most flexible; they allow for instant placement and can be moved to suit your whim of the moment. For a first-time acquisition, this type is ideal, because it allows you to experiment with where it looks and feels best, as well as giving you an idea of how it changes its surroundings. This is a great way to educate yourself while you consider larger, more permanently placed water fountains you will almost certainly envision for your future.
Tabletop, free-standing, wall-mounted, indoor, outdoor, battery operated, electric/plug-in, and solar powered are the most commonly available types from which to choose. Whatever water fountain you get for starters will certainly fit into and enhance your current surroundings, and it may well inspire you to make it the focal point of a newly imagined environment. Your fountain will ultimately reflect your personality and the sort of environment in which you feel most comfortable or wish to create for effect, and hopefully this commentary has given you the basis for making the best choice for you.
More to come. In the meantime, enjoy this water fountain video:
Water Fountains blend in with virtually any surroundings; they can enhance an area of a room, or be its focal point. They express you in terms of decorative style, what they’re made of, and thematic statement.
Water fountain styles may be classic, romantic, ultra-modern, minimalist-- whatever you want your environment to say about you and to you—whether you want to place yourself in an ancient Roman villa, a Greenwich Village loft, or a Japanese meditation garden. They are made from a huge range of materials from rare and exotic to funky and commonplace, from man-made (polyresin or metals) to natural wood, stone or shell. Themes cover the gamut from historical to contemporary events, people, and places; ancient mythological or modern cartoon characters; nature-themed to industrial. And on & on—you get the picture.
The cost of a water fountain is generally determined by its component materials, size, style, and theme. A first acquisition needs to be a no-brainer in terms of easy maintenance, cost, and flexibility. A man-made material, like polyresin, is a good option, as it is easy to clean, difficult to break if an accident does occur, lightweight and not least of all - relatively inexpensive.
Smaller portable battery operated water fountains are the most flexible; they allow for instant placement and can be moved to suit your whim of the moment. For a first-time acquisition, this type is ideal, because it allows you to experiment with where it looks and feels best, as well as giving you an idea of how it changes its surroundings. This is a great way to educate yourself while you consider larger, more permanently placed water fountains you will almost certainly envision for your future.
Tabletop, free-standing, wall-mounted, indoor, outdoor, battery operated, electric/plug-in, and solar powered are the most commonly available types from which to choose. Whatever water fountain you get for starters will certainly fit into and enhance your current surroundings, and it may well inspire you to make it the focal point of a newly imagined environment. Your fountain will ultimately reflect your personality and the sort of environment in which you feel most comfortable or wish to create for effect, and hopefully this commentary has given you the basis for making the best choice for you.
More to come. In the meantime, enjoy this water fountain video:
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Importance Of Water Fountains In My Life
Hello to all.....This site is dedicated to all things WATER FOUNTAIN; I will be sharing my personal experiences & perspectives. You may agree or disagree with my opinions. Either way, I welcome your thoughts and comments.
I've lived most of my life near water-- the Great Lakes in my youth and the Pacific Ocean in my middle years. Today I live in a desert community, and my relationship with water is more important than ever. Absence DOES make the heart grow fonder.
As a child, my family frequently vacationed in the Rockies where I discovered the delightful babbling of brooks & streams winding their way down mountainsides or meandering through meadows. Those memories were apparently deeply imprinted onto my core, for as I grew older I began to seek out the sound of water wherever I traveled or lived.
I can't remember exactly when I got my first home water fountain, but I do remember how familiar and 'right' it felt in my environment, and since then I have always had at least one water fountain in my home, office reception, and in my office itself.
This connection with water fountains appears to be quite universal rather than just limited to a personal preference of mine. Visitors to my office or home often commented on the pleasure they found in the sounds of my fountains. Today, one thing my wife & I enjoy daily is the wedding present we gave to each other, a patio water fountain/waterfall.
In future blogs I will share the presence & importance of water fountains throughout history and across many cultures. For example, can you think of any motion picture depicting ancient life in Italy or Greece in which a water fountain was not present? And that's just the European aspect.....
Today, scientific research has been able to identify emotional, physical, and environmental benefits of water fountains; I'll be sharing research article conclusions and my personal experience of those benefits.
Some people stay away from having a water fountain because they believe that the care and maintenance is complicated and time consuming. This may be true in very elaborate systems that include plants, animals, and/or fish, but for the average person the opposite is true. A few minutes a week or month will keep your fountain running smoothly and beautifully for many years by following a few easy guidelines that will appear in future postings.
And what type water fountain to choose, if you do want one? This is ultimately a personal question, the answer to which will depend on your unique needs, personality, preferences, enviroment and resources. I'll be offering some perspectives and guidelines on this issue.
I'll also share my perspectives on the social benefits of water fountains, such as the presence of a water fountain in most town squares-important meeting & social gathering places before the advent of mass communication.
All this plus the technology that produces small, affordable fountains makes the water fountain and its many benefits available to all who desire water fountains as part of their environment. Witihin most people's budget and easy to maintain, small portable water fountains, tabletop water fountains, free standing indoor or outdoor water fountains and wall-mounted water fountains offer a wonderful way to experience the many rewards of a making a personal water fountain part of your life.
I look forward to interacting with you about my passion, water fountains.
Until then, check out this video of an amazing Japanese water fountain:
I've lived most of my life near water-- the Great Lakes in my youth and the Pacific Ocean in my middle years. Today I live in a desert community, and my relationship with water is more important than ever. Absence DOES make the heart grow fonder.
As a child, my family frequently vacationed in the Rockies where I discovered the delightful babbling of brooks & streams winding their way down mountainsides or meandering through meadows. Those memories were apparently deeply imprinted onto my core, for as I grew older I began to seek out the sound of water wherever I traveled or lived.
I can't remember exactly when I got my first home water fountain, but I do remember how familiar and 'right' it felt in my environment, and since then I have always had at least one water fountain in my home, office reception, and in my office itself.
This connection with water fountains appears to be quite universal rather than just limited to a personal preference of mine. Visitors to my office or home often commented on the pleasure they found in the sounds of my fountains. Today, one thing my wife & I enjoy daily is the wedding present we gave to each other, a patio water fountain/waterfall.
In future blogs I will share the presence & importance of water fountains throughout history and across many cultures. For example, can you think of any motion picture depicting ancient life in Italy or Greece in which a water fountain was not present? And that's just the European aspect.....
Today, scientific research has been able to identify emotional, physical, and environmental benefits of water fountains; I'll be sharing research article conclusions and my personal experience of those benefits.
Some people stay away from having a water fountain because they believe that the care and maintenance is complicated and time consuming. This may be true in very elaborate systems that include plants, animals, and/or fish, but for the average person the opposite is true. A few minutes a week or month will keep your fountain running smoothly and beautifully for many years by following a few easy guidelines that will appear in future postings.
And what type water fountain to choose, if you do want one? This is ultimately a personal question, the answer to which will depend on your unique needs, personality, preferences, enviroment and resources. I'll be offering some perspectives and guidelines on this issue.
I'll also share my perspectives on the social benefits of water fountains, such as the presence of a water fountain in most town squares-important meeting & social gathering places before the advent of mass communication.
All this plus the technology that produces small, affordable fountains makes the water fountain and its many benefits available to all who desire water fountains as part of their environment. Witihin most people's budget and easy to maintain, small portable water fountains, tabletop water fountains, free standing indoor or outdoor water fountains and wall-mounted water fountains offer a wonderful way to experience the many rewards of a making a personal water fountain part of your life.
I look forward to interacting with you about my passion, water fountains.
Until then, check out this video of an amazing Japanese water fountain:
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