The One Stop Indoor Fountain Guide

Informative articles and information about purchasing, installing and maintaining indoor water fountains.

Until recently, indoor waterfalls, or wall fountains, were typically found in places such as posh hotels and trendy Asian restaurants.

Wall fountains are manufactured by several specialty companies. Available in a variety of styles, colors, materials and price ranges. The cost for a wall fountain ranges from approximately $100 for a 16 inch by 24 inch arched fountain to $1300 for a 24 inch by 61 inch copper and slate work of art.

The materials commonly used to make the fountains include: copper, stainless steel, slate, pebbles, aluminum and resin. Fountains generally have a loudness rating. This rating will help prospective buyers to determine in advance whether the sound will be relaxing or annoying. Although modern fountains require very little maintenance, they do require some attention. You must be sure to properly maintain your fountain since the level of maintenance will directly impact the length of the life of the fountain. The amount of maintenance that is required to run your fountain is determined by the material of which the fountain is constructed.

Fountains that are made of copper are the ones that require the most upkeep. Some fountains made of copper have been covered with a “powder coating” which is a heat baked enamel finish applied to the surface of the metal. The terms powder coat and clear coat mean the same thing. The purpose for the coating is to protect the copper from turning green. If you have a copper fountain, you can maintain it by waxing it with commercial car wax every two to three months. Keep in mind that all copper will turn green eventually, even the clear coated copper. Both the coat and the wax will only slow the inevitable process.

Choose a fountain with a clear coat if you happen to be fond of the copper patina. If you choose this type of fountain, do not use copper polish. It will, as expected, remove the patina. If you leave copper unattended, it will eventually take on the verdigris quality of an old copper roof. The climate and the water used in the fountain both determine how quickly this will happen. Another thing to keep in mind about copper is that it will darken when it is exposed to the sun. Because it is, of course stainless, stainless steel is virtually maintenance free.   The non porous surface from which it is made makes it difficult for bacteria and other micro organisms to adhere and to survive. Thus, the stainless steel will not corrode.

You can remove fingerprints by using a damp sponge of micro fiber cloth. Do not use bleach on stainless steel. Also, do not use abrasive cleaners because they will leave scratches. Acrylic fountains can be a bit of a challenge. Acrylic can scratch, as can wood or silver. Unlike those materials, however, a scratch in an acrylic fountain can be easily removed. Most scratches can be removed by using plastic polishes. Deeper scratches can be removed by using restoration kits. Before cleaning the fountain, be sure to remove the water from it.



 

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