4 Accessories For Your Fountain

August 5, 2015

Fountains can be transformed with a few different accessories. Some accessories are necessary for running the fountain, while others are an add-ons that can take your fountain to the next level. Learn more about a few popular fountain accessories:

Pumps

A fountain pump is an essential part of a fountain. Fountains come in many shapes, styles and sizes. The pump you choose depends on the desired height of the water in your fountain and the amount of water flow, size and type of nozzles installed in the fountain.

Spray Rings

A spray ring is a great way to draw attention to your fountain. A spray ring sits around the base of the fountain and sprays water into the basin from adjustable spray nozzles. Adding a spray ring to your fountain is a great way to make a grand look while adding the soothing sound of falling water. Spray rings work best on fountains with a larger basin to contain the splashing.

Pondless Basins

Some fountain styles don’t have a basin included in the design. Pondless basins are a great option for fountain styles that don’t have a basin or for a more natural look. Pondless basins, also called disappearing fountains, allow the water to appear like it is flowing up out of the ground and cascading down the sides of the feature back into the gravel below. The pump and basin are completely hidden from view.

Underwater Lights

Underwater lights make the fountain water appear to glow at night. There are white lights and colorful lights available to install in the fountain basin for a customized look. Honestly, we recommend the more classic warm white LED light look, rather than color-changing LED lights. (The reason for that is that though they start OUT all the same color, over time the lights tend to get out of sync, and then one is green while another is red, etc – so they start to look bad.) We have both larger 9 Watt Underwater LED lights (to use in the deeper water of a fountain pool) as well as smaller 3 Watt LED lights (which are better for the shallower water bowls of a centerpiece.)

Consider adding one or all of these accessories to your fountain. If you need help choosing the right accessories for your fountain, please contact us.

How to Maintain Your Fountain Pump

May 15, 2015

The fountain pump is what keeps your fountain going and water flowing. It is important to maintain your fountain pump regularly to keep it working properly. Below are some quick tips on how to maintain your fountain pump.

1. Clear Debris

The first and easiest way to keep your fountain pump running is to make sure there isn’t debris blocking the pump. Pollen, dirt and leaves are just a few of the items that can block your fountain pump. Eventually if there is too much debris, the pump will slow down or maybe even stop working altogether if it gets too bad. One simple thing you can do to maintain your fountain pump in great condition is to check the pump every so often and clear any debris before it starts to build up.

2. Clean Pump

If you weren’t able to catch the debris before it builds up in your fountain pump, use an old toothbrush or cloth to gently wipe out the pump and clear it of debris. Typically the build-up wipes clean easily, but if you have tougher stains you can soak the fountain pump to loosen up and stubborn debris.

3. Mineral Build-up

Something important to note is if you have particularly hard water in your fountain, you may need to clean it more frequently. Hard water leaves mineral build-up on the pump which is just as damaging as debris stuck in the pump. Use the same cleaning method mentioned above to remove mineral deposits on the pump. You may need to scrub a little harder to remove the mineral stains. Soaking the fountain pump in a diluted vinegar solution is another option for removing these tough mineral deposits.

Maintaining your fountain pump is crucial to keeping your fountain running properly. Also Learn some tips to choose right fountain pump

Need a new fountain pump? Shop our large selection here.

5 Questions You Need to Ask to Choose the Right Water Fountain Pump

April 1, 2015

There is no denying the beauty and elegance a fountain brings to a landscape. However, when it comes to the technicalities of choosing and installing the right water fountain pump, many find themselves in unfamiliar territory. With so many fountain pumps to choose from, how do you know you are choosing the right one?

When determining what fountain pump you will need, there are 5 questions to ask:

1. How large is the fountain you want to run (Total Height & Bowl Diameter) and how high do you want your fountain to spray?

There are 3 main factors that determine fountain pump output: the water volume, the height of the water spray and the water pressure needed to accomplish that height. By finding a pump that will work in its peak efficiency curve while simultaneously meeting the fountain’s operating criteria will help to extend the life of the fountain pump.

2. How far will the water drop from its maximum spray height to the pool below?

Any spray or spillage is a byproduct of the distance the waterfalls to return to the pool. The longer the distance, the more likely water will spray or spill over the side. At first glance, a surround may seem large enough to contain spillage, but in reality, it still might not be an adequate size. You must consider the fountain’s Splash Factor, which, luckily, is easy to calculate.

To determine the Splash Factor, measure the distance which water will fall to return to the pool. Compare this to the distance from the water to the edge of the fountain surround. The distance to the pool surround should be greater than the height of the drop to the pool.

You can also minimize spray is by angling spitters toward the pool. This will cause falling water to hit the pool at an angle rather than vertically, reducing splashing. So select a water fountain pump according to water spray size.

3. Will your fountain contain multiple spitters, tiers or bowls?

Some fountains require additional water lines to feed water to features. If a fountain has multiple water features, it may require additional pumps.

4. Do you want to include multiple spray nozzles or a spray ring?

Spray rings are a fantastic way to draw attention to your fountain. You can accent your fountain by adding a custom copper spray ring that uses adjustable brass spray nozzles. If you are considering a spray ring, it’s important to note that large spray rings may require multiple water inlets and pumps to properly modulate the pressure in the ring.

5. How will your pump be powered?

There are 3 ways a pump can be connected:

With plugging directly into a nearby external GFI outlet or timer.
By a traditional 120v power cord run up through the bottom of the fountain slab and coupled to the pump with an underwater disconnect waterproof power cord coupler.
Use hard-wiring into an underwater junction box.

Only the first two options allow you to remove the pump without first having to drain the water out of the fountain.

It’s also possible to connect your pump to a breaker. This gives you the ability to connect an on/off switch or even a timer for your fountain. In order to do this, we typically consult an electrician at the fountain installation.

Once these 5 questions have been answered, you will be another step closer to choosing the perfect pump for your fountain.

If you have detailed questions about choosing the perfect pump for your fountain, feel free to contact us. We carry a selection of commonly used fountain pumps, or, if you’ve determined you will need a specific kind of pump, we can also source other pumps. Just contact us.

How to Ready Your Stone Fountain for Spring?

March 18, 2015

As the harsh winter winds give way to the warm spring weather, it’s virtually impossible not to get excited about switching out heavy coats for light jackets. Many cannot wait to spend time outside in their own little oasis once again. However, it’s important to remember that, although you may be eager to get your stone fountain running, it was exposed to the icy weather for several months and needs to be prepared for use throughout the warm season. Here are some tips to get your stone fountain ready for spring once freezing weather has passed.

Free Your Fountain of Debris

The absolute first thing to do after winter has passed is clean your fountain. Remove all organic matter and debris, including: leaves, twigs, and dirt. This is an extremely important step. Leaving organic materials (especially leaves) in your fountain can cause staining or possibly damage the pump.

Clean Plant Life

Any plants that are in or around your fountain should be cleaned and properly pruned for spring. Remove the dead material and make sure nothing is decomposing in your fountain’s water by checking roots, leaves and inside pots. For health, safety and aesthetic purposes, you want to make sure you have clean fountain water.

Clean and Test Your Pump

Your fountain pump needs to be cleared of any pollen, leaves, dirt and other debris. Remove the pump cover to clean the filter (and impeller if it is accessible). Use an old toothbrush or cloth to gently remove any of these materials. Then, once it’s free of any obstructions, test to make sure your pump is functioning properly.

These tips will help get your stone fountain ready use after a long winter. However, to keep your fountain running smoothly throughout the season, you must clean and care for it properly. For insight on how to do this, see our article 10 Fountain Care Tips You Should Know.

By following these steps, you will have a beautiful bubbling fountain that you can enjoy all season long.

Granite vs. Other Types of Stone Fountains

March 11, 2015

Granite is one of the most durable stone types around. If you are considering installing a fountain in your landscape, consider choosing granite. This article explains why granite fountains are superior to fountains made from other materials.

Note that if you live in a warmer climate stone fountains made of a different material such as limestone or sandstone can be used outdoors without wear for a fairly long time. If you live in one of the following climates, granite is the best choice for your outdoor fountain:

Cold Climate
Northern Climate
The area with a freeze/thaw cycle

Even if you do live in a warmer climate, a granite fountain still may be the best choice for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Granite

Granite is one of the densest stones available. Given that this material is dense, it is very porous, meaning having very small holes or gaps that could trap water and eventually freeze and expand causing cracks. Granite fountains can stay uncovered outdoors year-round, giving you a chance to enjoy your stone investment through all seasons. All granite countertops are not affected by acid. Which means you can effortlessly clean up algae stains or hard water deposits with a dilute solution of muriatic acid without fear of damaging your granite fountain.

Cast Stone

Cast stone is a man-made material from limestone cement. This is made with a mix of pigments and crushed stone that is molded into a form to make it look like a natural stone fountain. Although cast stone is often less expensive than natural stone fountains, it is much less durable. Cast stone wears down much quicker than granite because it is a porous material. As water seeps into the gaps in the stone and then freezes, it expands resulting in cracks and crumbling. This has been shown to happen in as little as only 1-3 seasons making the total cost of ownership for a granite fountain much more economical over time.

Another downside to cast stone is that you don’t get a one-of-a-kind look. Cast stone is made by a limited set of existing mold forms. You don’t get the ability to personalize a one-off fountain like you can with natural stone. Unlike the veining and natural textures in granite, where no two fountains are exactly alike, the painted finish on many cast stone fountains looks similar; at least until they start to fade, chip and peel.

Other Stone Types

Other stone types like limestone, travertine or sandstone may be used for fountains too; however, they aren’t always the best material choice. Some types of stones are not as dense as granite and they are of more porous material that can absorb water. You should not use these types of stone in fountains. The softer and more porous nature of these stones causes them to show wear quicker than a granite fountain.

For further details just contact us.

See your granite fountain in front of your home before you purchase with our free Photoshop presentation.

Why You Should Install a Granite Fountain?

December 1, 2014

Over the years, people have debated over using cast stone or natural stone for their outdoor decorations, specifically fountains. Although each has their advantages, we believe that the cons of using cast stone far outweigh the few advantages. In fact, many of the advantages of using cast stone can also be achieved using natural granite fountain.

First, what is cast stone? Cast stone is a man-made material from cement. Pigments and crushed stone are molded into a form to make it look like a natural stone fountain (or any other shape you desire).

Natural stone is any stone that is found naturally in the earth; such as, granite. It is quarried and then processed and carved into the shape you choose.
Below are the reasons you should choose to install a granite fountain instead of a cast stone fountain.

1.Granite is More Durable

Hands down, granite is the most durable choice of material for your fountain. A granite fountain will last forever, regardless of the conditions it endures. Cast stone, however, will wear down over time. Cast stone is a more porous material and over time, through several freeze and thaw cycles, it will start to crumble. Many cast stone manufactures and sales reps will tell you their fountains are just as durable as granite, but that just isn’t true. If you look at the facts you will know that granite is the most durable fountain option. Although a granite fountain may cost a bit more than a cast stone fountain, your investment will last decades longer.

2.Granite is More Unique

Although you can achieve different looks with cast stone and it can be customized because it is a man-made product, nothing can match the natural look granite gives. With granite, each piece has its own unique veining, pattern and texture which makes your fountain truly one-of-a-kind.

3.Cast Stone Looks Fabricated

As stated previously, cast stone can be made to suit the colors you want, but in the end it will still look like a man-made stone. Granite is a natural stone and you won’t ever have to doubt if it looks natural.

4.Cast Stone’s Colors Fade

Since cast stone receives most of its coloring from faux finishing and staining, over time, through the elements, the colors will start to fade. In the end you will end up with a faded fountain that you will have to replace. Granite fountains keep their color and won’t fade over time.

Overall, if you are choosing to install a fountain choose a granite fountain that will stand the test of time. Invest in a granite fountain to enjoy with your family for years to come.

Check out some of our unique fountains here.

Just Contact us to start the process and get your favorite water fountain.

5 Famous Fountains Around the World

August 29, 2014

Whether constructed hundreds of years ago or decades ago, these fountains are visions worth seeing. Here’s a list of the top 5 most breathtaking famous fountains in the world.

Trevi Fountain

Rome, Italy

The Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly one of the most famous and beautiful fountains in the world. Its popularity stems from both its timeless elegance as well as its appearances in movies such as Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita.

Designed in 1732, the Trevi Fountain depicts the God of the Sea, Neptune. At his side are two Tritons, each with a sea horse. While one of the sea horses is wild, the other is tame. This is meant to represent the erratic moods of the sea.

The Trevi Fountain continues to get its water supply from the Roman aqueduct Acqua Virgine which dates back to the 1st century B.C.

It is also believed that by throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you are ensured to return to the Eternal City of Rome.

Fountains of Bellagio

Las Vegas, Nevada

The famous fountains of Bellagio can definitely be described as monumental. At 8.5 acres in size, these fountains are extremely hard to miss.

The Fountains of Bellagio have a tremendous amount of Las Vegas flair. The water jets shoot water up to 460 ft. in the air. The fountain also puts on several shows daily where the colorful lights and powerful jets are choreographed to music, including songs from Michael Jackson, Elvis, Frank Sinatra and the Beatles, among others.

King Fahd’s Fountain

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

King Fahd’s Fountain is the tallest of its kind in the world. Sitting on the Red Sea, the maximum height of this fountain ranges between 853 and 1,024 feet. To put it in perspective, that is about as tall as Paris Eiffel Tower, which stands at 986 feet.

King Fahd’s Fountain began operating in 1985. It uses over 500 spotlights to light up the spectacular stream of Red Sea salt water that is shot into the air.

The Montjuic Magic Fountain

Barcelona, Spain

The Montjuic Magic Fountain was constructed in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition (aka the 1929 World’s Fair). This fountain truly is magic with 1,620 water jets and 4,760 lights incorporated in the design.

In the 1980’s music was introduced in the fountain’s show. Today, the Montjuic Magic fountain is choreographed to a wealth of classical, film and modern music.

The Fountain of Wealth

Suntec City, Singapore
The Fountain of Wealth is Earth’s largest fountain. Its base is 1,683 square meters, or around 18,115 square feet, in size. It is also located underground, where the only visible feature from ground level is the enormous bronze ring from which the water flows.

The bronze ring of the Fountain of Wealth was designed based off the Hindu mandala. The mandala is symbolic for oneness and unity. For Singapore, it represents equality and harmony of all races and religion in the country.

Surrounding the Fountain are 5 towers. These are meant to represent the fingers of a hand, making the Fountain of Wealth the palm.

These 5 famous fountains are beautiful pieces of art. To see more stunning fountains, check out our gallery.

10 Fountain Care Tips You Should Know

June 9, 2014

Fountain care can be confusing, but it is crucial to keeping your fountain in mint condition for years to come. There are several tips out there, but we’ve compiled the 10 fountain care tips you need to know. Keep reading to find out the top fountain care tips.

1. Keep your pump clean

One of the most important steps in fountain care is keeping your pump cleaned out and free of debris. Pollen, leaves, dirt, and other debris can build up in the fountain pump eventually causing it to slow down or even stop working. To clean it, unplug the pump, pull it out, and clean it out with an old toothbrush or cloth. Cleaning the pump every so often will help to keep your fountain running great. If you have very hard water, you may need to clean your pump more frequently to remove calcium from the moving parts.

2. Clean out the fountain basin debris

You should be cleaning out the fountain basin itself regularly too. Pick out any leaves, sticks, or other debris on a regular basis to avoid blockages of the water pump. Placing a screen over your pump will help to keep debris from entering the pump

3. Use water treatments

Using a water treatment is one of the most important steps to caring for a fountain. Water treatments help to prevent the growth of algae and other buildup in the fountain. If you leave the algae or mineral deposits sitting in the fountain they can grow to become difficult to remove. Use a pH Down product to drop the pH in your water and to help reduce the rate of calcium build-up on your pump. If you are concerned about the water quality, you can take a sample to be tested at a pool store.

4. Replace water in the fountain

Many people think that if there is water in the fountain it is good to go. Actually, water in the fountain can be replaced if necessary. You may need to perform water changes at least a couple of times per year to achieve better water quality if treatment is unsuccessful.

5. Maintain the proper water levels

Make sure that when you are replacing the water in the fountain to fill it to the proper levels. Water should be covering the pump at all times to keep it from burning out. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your fountain too high either. A good rule of thumb is to keep water about two inches below the edge of the fountain base. Check on your fountain every so often to make sure the water levels are adequate, especially if there have been several very hot days in a row. With a properly operating auto-fill, your water level can be maintained automatically.

6. Clean the surface of your fountain

Make sure to clean the surface of your fountain every so often. Some of the things that can build up on your fountain surface are algae, animal waste, and mineral deposits. Keep an eye on your fountain to make sure it isn’t getting too dirty. For a granite fountain, you can wash down the fountain with a dilute solution of Muratic Acid.

7. Run the fountain pump as much as you can

By running the fountain pump you are able to keep the water moving, reducing the chances of any buildup. Also, the life of the water pump can be extended if you aren’t always turning it off and on. However, don’t run your fountain 24/7 either. Fountains that run all the time are more susceptible to water loss unless you have an auto-fill unit installed.

8. Avoid using harsh cleansers

Avoid using concentrated chlorine bleach to treat algae while running your pump as it is corrosive to the pump. Unless you are treating a granite fountain, it can damage your fountain too.

9. Inspect mechanical parts regularly

It is important to inspect the mechanical parts of your fountain to keep it running smoothly. Clean the mechanical parts just like you clean the fountain pump, with a cloth or toothbrush.

10. Inspect pump and power supply regularly

Regularly check to make sure the water pump and pump hoses don’t have any cracks in them. Also make sure that the power supply is working properly by checking the power cord for any cracks.

By following these fountain care tips, your fountain is sure to stay in great condition for years to come!

Thinking of installing a fountain at your home? See it in your landscape before you purchase it with our free fountain Photoshop presentation.

Visualize Your Fountain

April 16, 2014

Have You Ever Dreamed of Having a Fountain on Your Property?

Designing a fountain is much like creating a work of art. Outdoor fountains make a graceful statement about a home by creating a pleasing and welcoming ambiance. They enhance the landscaping style of any property. Outdoor fountains are especially beneficial serving as camouflage for traffic noise and other nuances. They can be designed to swim in which can provide relief on a hot day.

Do you stand out from the rest of your friends? Does your landscaping?

We offer a wide variety of styles which will be sure to impress anyone who enters your yard. Whether you are interested in grand scale models or water fountains for smaller areas, we have the ability to customize many of our water fountain designs to meet your specific needs.

We have CAD modeling and photo-editing capabilities to show you exactly what your fountain will look like before it’s produced. Our friendly, informed staff is ready and willing to help you create your fountain dream from start to finish. Designing custom water fountains is our specialty!

We Will Assist You Through

Design

Design ideas for using tiered fountains as a focal point in a courtyard or formal garden.

Size

Selecting the right size for your fountain so it will be proportionate to its surroundings and your home.

Location And Style

The main factors to consider when choosing the best location for a fountain, including the style of the property, whether you want to use your fountain as an accent or a focal point, and the proximity to electricity for operating a water pump.

Maintenance

Important questions to ask before installing a water fountain, such as how much maintenance will be required and how much sound does it produce.

Depending on the size, complexity and nature of the project, we work directly with architects,engineers, contractors and home owners. You give us your ideas, and together we design a fountain especially to suit your taste and needs.

We encourage you to send in photos of your property arrangement to help us best help you choose a water fountain design which best suits your current landscape and architecture. When taking the photo, please try to keep the following things in mind:

Try to get your whole property in the frame, so we can see the ground, the building, and above your roof. Please place an item within the center of the area where you would like the fountain shown, and measure it’s height to give us a sense of scale. (It can be as simple as just pushing a shovel into the ground at that location, then telling us how tall the top of the handle is.)

1. Please fill out the form with the information mentioned below so we can contact you once your presentation is ready.

2. Take a photo of your proposed fountain location with a digital camera set on a fine resolution setting, so that you end up with a 1-2MB size file and send it to us at sales@carvedstonecreations.com, referencing your name/project information.

Click Here To Fill Out Our Form

Drawings or image files can be submitted as email attachments to sales@carvedstonecreations.com. Please specify a title for your job in the inquiry field on the form, in your email subject, and in the file name for clarity and keep attachments less than 15MB if possible. *Accepted file formats: CAD files, image files, Word, and PDF.

The Final Stages of the Water Fountain Design

When all of the pieces are fabricated, they are transported to the job site and assembled. During the assembly process the pumps, lights, drains, and electrical connections are installed. Upon completion the water fountain is tested for proper operation.

Whatever your challenge may be, we can help you turn your idea into the fountain of your dreams.

All of the outdoor fountains from CSC are created with superior workmanship and weatherized materials, so that your outdoor work of art can last a lifetime without a need for expensive repairs or replacement parts; all you have to do is enjoy it, while we handle the full management process.

An outdoor water fountain adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to any space. Give your guests an amazing first impression. The outdoor fountains available at Carved Stone Creations come in a wide variety of themes, colors, and sizes. Take your backyard up a notch by designing outside of the box.

Why should you use Granite Fountains rather than cast stone or other types?

February 2, 2014

Why Should you use Granite Fountains?

If you live in the northern climates or an area with a freeze/thaw cycle, there is one large reason to use granite fountains or natural stone fountains. It’s a lot easier on you over the years, not having to disassemble your fountain to store it indoors over the winter, or worry about covering it so water doesn’t sit in the basin, or trying to fill/fix cracks that occur as you do with a concrete/cast stone or limestone fountain like this one.

DrawBacks of Limestone

In warmer locations, limestone fountains like that shown above can be used with no appreciable ill effects for a fairly long time. That being said, granite still may be a better choice for you, as stones like limestone and sandstone inherently do not last as long as granite. It will also be based on the porosity of the stone itself, and how it will eventually wear away with the damage from the elements.

Our granite fountains can remain outdoors year-round to give you the inherent beauty of your fountain, even if it’s not actually running during the really cold part of the year.

As you can see, we keep our fountains running deep into the Wisconsin winters, and it results in some spectacular ice formations with no harm to the fountain itself!

Winter Weatherizing your Natural Stone Fountain is easy!

1. Just take the pump out of it, and drain/clean it so it’s ready for next years to use.
2. Drain your basin(s) and take the plugs out of them.
3. Depending on the kind of stone you have, you can either seal it whenever it needs it (typically once every year or two) or, you can just let it remain natural. (Sealing helps keep stains from occurring if you are in an area with high chemical concentrations in your water or natural elements like clay that could stain the stone.)

It’s that easy for you to have an object of beauty that will last for generations!

The only hard part will be deciding who to “will” your fountain to when the time comes…

So please contact us, so we can help you design a fountain to fit your budget, your decor, your style, and your life!