We were awarded Best of Houzz for our customer service for seven consecutive years!

More than 35 million Houzz users nominated the best home building, remodeling and design professionals around the world for the awards in three categories: design, customer service and photography.

The customer service award is based on several factors, including number and quality of client reviews on Houzz. We always strive to make the design and purchasing process as smooth as possible for our customers.

Houzz users had more than one million home building, remodeling and design industry professionals to choose from for the awards. We are honored to be one of the winners.

The Best of Houzz badge is placed on our Houzz profile as a sign of our commitment of excellence. The badge will help homeowners and other Houzz users find popular and top-rated home professionals in the Houzz community.

Houzz awards businesses who stand out from the rest to help homeowners easily find the best providers.

Anyone building, remodeling or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals, said Liza Hausman, vice president of industry marketing for Houzz.

What Is Houzz?

Houzz is an online platform for home remodeling and design. The website helps connect millions of homeowners and home improvement professionals all over the world. Houzz is a fast and easy way for homeowners to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire professionals for their home projects.

We thank all of our customers for leaving positive reviews on our Houzz page. Your reviews are a big reason why we received this award.

Are you new to Houzz? Check out our page to get inspired for your next home improvement project!

Outdoor fountains are perfect for circular driveways, courtyards, entry ways, gardens and patios because the sound of water trickling down them can provide a wonderful sense of tranquility.

Depending on their exact setting, there is an appropriate fountain material that you could implement into your cherished space.

A fountain is something that you will treasure for years to come, so it is important to use the proper material to extend its life span as long as possible.

While the array of fountain materials can be intimidating, we have created a guide that will allow you to choose the material that suits your fountain style best.

Acrylic/Glass/Resin

Glass fountains are gorgeous. They appear more like a work of art than a fountain. However, they are typically not practical for an outdoor setting because they break easily. Acrylic fountains could provide a similar artistic look and a little more durability, but tend to turn a yellowish shade and get brittle over time – the longer it’s left out in the sun year after year. Molded Resin fountains also tend to also get brittle over time, as well as are quite light, so they can blow away in a stiff wind.

Ceramic

When you hear ceramic fountain, think of a large terra cotta pot. These are great because they are relatively small compared to most fountains, and make great patio and deck fountains. Also, they can yield a handmade feel and a sense of tranquility to that smaller space. You can purchase a ceramic fountain or even buy a large piece of pottery and turn it into a fountain yourself for a fun DIY project. If you live in a location that has periodic freezes over the Winter though, make sure you buy a pot small enough to bring it inside for the Winter Season. If you do not do that, after a few short years your ceramic fountain will crack / fall apart, and you’ll have to make a new one.

Cast Stone / Concrete

Cast Stone fountains can be molded into virtually any design, and sometimes can have the appearance of real stone when they are first installed (before the patina coat of color on the surface is worn off or faded.) Cast stone fountains are quite heavy, and weigh almost as much as a real stone fountain. Also, cast stone fountains have particular cleaning needs, right up there with the most delicate and porous of natural stones. And, along with those delicate natural stones, the porous nature of cast or concrete fountains make them imminently unsuitable to be used in a climate that has freeze / thaw seasons throughout the year. If you have your heart set on getting a cast stone or concrete fountain, and live in a climate that freezes periodically…. Keep in mind that the whole fountain MUST covered with a tarp or cover every single Fall (before the Winter freezing temperatures arrive) or your fountain will only last a very few years. (Also, porous fountains need to be shut off and drained several weeks before granite fountains would need to, just to give the porous stone a chance to dry out – even below the surface of the stone.) Otherwise, if you cover a fountain that is actually still wet, you haven’t really protected it from the water freezing inside the stone – and the inevitable damage starting as that same water freezes and starts cracking the stone. (The bad news is, you can’t stop the moisture from coming up UNDERNEATH the fountain…)

Limestone or Marble

Did you know that limestone was used by the Greeks over 4,500 years ago to create statues? It was also used by the Egyptians to build the Great Pyramids. This is because limestone was easily accessible and very quick to carve, as it’s a softer stone. It tends to be a more of a solid color stone, with not a lot of varied colors on each specific block.

Marble fountains tend to have a variety of colors in them, with veins of contrasting color, or sometimes several contrasting colors. They are absolutely gorgeous and they can turn any garden into an outdoor oasis. In fact, they appear more like a work of art than a fountain.

Of course, both Limestone and Marble are more delicate, softer, more porous stones, so that means they need to be maintained with only specific cleaning products – that won’t actually eat away the stone itself while you are cleaning it. Also, they would be more susceptible to damage by hoodlums, as if they really wanted to carve into the stone with something hard, it would be relatively easy to carve their initials into the stone.

And lastly, because of that porous nature, these kinds of fountains will NOT stand up to a freeze/thaw climate indefinitely (the way granite would), even if you cover them each Fall for the whole winter. So, depending on the diameter / height of your fountain, that can make a very unsightly shape in front of your house for 4-6 months of the year during the winter season/holidays.

Travertine or Cantera

These types of stones tend to be unsuccessful as fountains. They are very porous and easy to carve, which tends to mean they are more economical than other types. But both of these kinds of stones tend to have large voids or air pockets in them, which over time can easily create places for the fountain to leak, once the stones break down from chemical attack. And in the instance of Cantera in particular, just from the chemicals you put in the water to keep algae out of the fountain can eat quite a bit of the stone away (in as short as 5-8 years.) And yet again, due to the porous nature of these stones, this kind of fountain would not stand up to a freeze/thaw climate for any more than likely a year or 2, if it’s uncovered during the winter and you get a lot of freeze/thaws that occur during that season. (For example, in some areas, you can get warmer temps during the day – then freeze again at night – so you may have as many as 50-60 times that it freezes and thaws that season…. ) And even if it is covered, they aren’t likely to last more than probably 5-8 years, as over time tarps or covers tend to get holes or sweat on the underside – and those droplets of moisture start the damage process as it infiltrates the stone and freezes over winter.)

Granite

The longevity of granite makes this type of fountain material ideal because it is a highly durable stone and it can be hand carved into virtually any design. Granite comes in many different colors, so you can choose a fountain that perfectly highlights your outdoor getaway. These fountains are not only quite elegant and make for a perfect centerpiece for your estate, but are also the easiest option you could ever imagine in terms of maintenance. Unlike the other softer stones mentioned above, granite is pretty much immune to chemical attack not only from cleaning products, but also the substances you put in the water to keep it clean. So, you can very quickly and easily remove iron stains or calcium scale with various acid solutions, and they won’t affect your stone at all. You just need to make sure you wear skin and eye protection while applying it on a non-windy day, then rinse liberally with water. Check this blog to learn more of the particulars on maintaining fountains. Your fountain pump and lights on the other hand (being made of metal and plastic) are NOT immune to chemical attack though, so make sure you keep that in mind when putting lots of chemicals in your pool.

Basalt

Are you looking for more rustic fountain option, to go in a more informal type area? Basalt fountains convey a lovely sense of tranquility and serenity. The way water accentuates a basalt fountain can make the stone come alive and really stand out in its atmosphere. Typically basalt fountains are installed in a disappearing water feature, which means (since there is no pool of water to accidentally fill with leaves in Fall) this kind of fountain is very well suited to a very wooded area, since the water reserve is actually contained in a pondless basin in the ground under the fountain.

Bronze

Bronze can create a very elegant fountain and its shine provides a classical appearance to any setting. This is a great option if you want to use the soft colors in the bronze to complement the color scheme in your garden. Although, keeping the original colors (for example) on a brown/gold colored bronze fountain is quite labor intensive each year, as the elements tend to always be working on the metal to create a more typical silvery grey / greenish patina. This means every year you’d need to scrub that coloration off the fountain, if you want the original brown / gold colors to remain. Best of all worlds would be if you’d put a 2 coat clear coat on the bronze before you even start the fountain up for the first time – as that will help keep your cleaning down to a minimum. Check out Sculpt Nouveau’s Website, who can explain the various methods to protect your valuable investment. Or, if you like the silvery/greenish color patina on the fountain, just let the process continue until the whole fountain is that same color. (Once that occurs, that means the metal underneath it is now protected – and you can enjoy the fountain for a very long time – with hardly any maintenance at all.)

Bronze is also a great material for your fountain because it allows for smaller details to be incorporated into the design. Your guests will be amazed when they see this work of art in your garden.

What Fountain Material Will You Choose?

Before purchasing your fountain, it is important to evaluate the setting that your fountain will reside. Is it outside in the middle of a circle drive, where it is susceptible to harsh weather? Opt for a durable fountain material such as granite or bronze. Or, if you want a fountain that will be the most easy care in terms of maintenance, a granite fountain will never disappoint you – and it’ll still be around for generations to come!

However, if you reside in a warmer climate (growing season zone 9 or higher) or want to place the fountain inside your home, you could really use any type of fountain you like, and you will have a beautiful piece of art for all of your visitors to admire. (Then you just have to review the different types, and see if the cleaning / chemical restrictions will work with your planned maintenance of the fountain.

Here at Carved Stone, we have fountain materials to fit everyone’s need. Take a look at our wide fountain selection to start your journey to find the perfect fountain for you.

How to Maintain, Care for, and Clean Your Outdoor Fountain

December 17, 2018

An outdoor fountain is a great centerpiece for any yard or garden. Water fountains also attract birds just by the sound of running water. It’s important to properly maintain your fountain for both aesthetics and health issues.

Cleaning garden fountains must be done with care and cover all aspects of the fountain. If you only clean off the surface, you’ll likely be cleaning again soon. To help get your fountain cleaned right, follow these steps outlined in our guide.

Scrubbing it Clean

The first thing you’ll want to do is go over your fountain with a textured cloth, a toothbrush, and some dish detergent. This should be routine maintenance done at least every other month, depending on surrounding trees. Tree pollen, dirt, and leaves can do a number on your fountain.

Depending on what your fountain is made out of (for example marble, travertine, limestone, Cantera, or concrete fountains), you may need to purchase special cleaner to avoid staining or damaging the surface. (And with those porous stones, more consistent cleaning is needed, as it’ll require a lot of elbow grease to take off any milky white calcium scale or iron stains.)

On the other hand, if you have a granite fountain, cleaning/maintenance is a much easier affair, as there isn’t much that can hurt granite. Using a solution of 50/50 muriatic acid/water will very quickly take off calcium scale, and 50/50 ferrous acid/water will take off iron stains without scrubbing. (Or, there is a product called RidORust that does a really great job as well, if you can’t find ferrous acid.) As long as the acid is bubbling, that means it’s still working. If it stops bubbling but the stain is still there, spray some more acid on until the stain is gone. Then, rinse liberally with water and your fountain will be sparkling clean again. (Whatever you do, please make sure you wear eye protection, protect your skin, and only spray acids on your fountain on a non-windy day!)

More modern fountain designs can reduce the amount of cleaning necessary, too. Please note, sealing your fountain with a quality sealer like Miracle 511 products will make it much harder for dirt/algae to stick to your stone, which will make cleaning much easier as well. Typically for our granite fountains we recommend Miracle 511 Impregnator Sealer, or for our marble fountains MIracle 511 Porous Plus Sealer or if you want to bring out the color in your stone the Miracle 511 Seal / Enhance sealer will really make the colors / veins much more visible. (Essentially, the same colors that the stone turns when it’s wet, but unsealed.)

Pump Maintenance and Water Levels

Keeping a consistent water level can go a long way in maintaining your pump. The water level of your fountain should be noted every day. You will need to keep adding water to your fountain if you live in a hot and dry climate, or if your fountain pool surround does not have an autofill in it to automatically re-fill the pool.

Every month, replace all of the water with fresh water, alternating with algae cleaner (more on that below). While replacing your water, you should be cleaning the pump. Carefully remove your pump and submerge it in a vinegar solution.

Mix roughly one-part vinegar with two parts water and run it for at least 15 minutes, then use a toothbrush if needed to take off calcium scale. (Take the pump impeller out, making sure not to lose small parts, and clean out that chamber as well.)

Cleaning and Preventing Algae

Algae will ruin a fountain’s water pump and cause your water to smell, as well as clogging your auto-fill, which causes it to stay in the open position and results in your fountain pool flooding over the top of the wall. It’s important to proactively clean your water to prevent algae every month. You can buy/make a special anti-algae cleaner that will kill off all living organisms on the surface of your fountain.

Another big contributor to algae growth is location. Direct sunlight allows algae to grow faster, which could allow it to outpace your cleaning efforts. Partial or full shade is best for fountains. This will also keep water from evaporating fast.

Also, if you keep as much water in your fountain pool as possible, it keeps the water colder which inhibits the growth of algae even more.

Outdoor Fountain Maintenance

We hope this guide helps save you some time and reveals the inner beauty of your outdoor fountain. We know it can be a lot of work maintaining a garden and all of the fixtures therein. If you would like some additional help caring for your garden fountain, we have experts that can tell you what to do.

We also offer replacement parts on our website. If you forget to drain your fountain during a freeze, the pump will need to be replaced. And your fountain will likely crack, and start leaking. On our site, you’ll find pumps to keep the water clear and the fountain clean.

If you have any special requests or don’t see the part you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us. (What

Why Are Granite Fountains Perfect For Every Season?

October 15, 2018

Outdoor fountains are perfect for circular driveways, courtyards, entry ways, gardens and patios because the sound of water trickling down them can provide a wonderful sense of tranquility.

Depending on their exact setting, there is an appropriate fountain material that you could implement into your cherished space.

A fountain is something that you will treasure for years to come, so it is important to use the proper material to extend its life span as long as possible.

While the array of fountain materials can be intimidating, we have created a guide that will allow you to choose the material that suits your fountain style best.

The Benefits of Granite Fountains

54" D x 108" Tall 3-tier Deep Relief Fountain in 14' Diameter Acanthus relief carved pool surround with copper spray ring

There are plenty of material options for fountains, so why choose granite? Here are the benefits you need to know about:

Durability

A fountain is an investment you want to last for a long time. Granite nails the longevity criteria because it will last for generations with very little care. As a hard stone, granite is difficult to chip or break.

High-End Look and Value

Granite is a great way to add a touch of luxury to the inside and outside of a home. It’s known as a high-end stone on a similar level to marble. However, granite is the more durable option.

Weather-Proof (Or Close To It)

Just because someone sells an outdoor fountain made with a certain material doesn’t mean that material will stand up to the elements. Cast stone, limestone, travertine, marble, and Cantera stone are much softer, more porous stones. If left uncovered in freezing weather, these types of stones will degrade and crack over time.

Depending on how many times they freeze and thaw over the course of a season, some porous fountains will not even last a year if left outside and unprotected from the elements. Granite, on the other hand, is far more durable against changing weather. It maintains its strength over time, and it will always look brand new.

In addition, granite is not affected by caustic water or water conditioning treatments. More porous stones can start to wear away and crack simply from the solutions you need to use to keep algae from making your fountain green.

Aesthetic That Matches Any Season

Most people buy their fountains during the spring and summer. This is deceptive because almost anything will look great on a bright, sunny day. In gray winter weather though, an uncovered cast stone fountain looks downright dreary. Considering that you have to cover it with a bulky and unsightly cover or tarp to protect it from the weather, the visual look is even worse.

Unlike other stones, granite looks great in any season. It has a wonderful way of glinting in the sun, with a mischievously beautiful form that peeks in and out from under the snow as it melts.

Considering that a granite fountain never needs to be covered in winter, you can also enjoy its pleasing carved stone shape all year round. The only thing you need to remember is to drain your fountain each fall and pull all plugs out of the pool or tiers. This prevents the water from freezing inside of it over the winter because even one inch of water freezing in an enclosed space is intensely strong and can break even the hardest of materials.

Easy Maintenance

The last thing you want is a fountain that takes up all your time to maintain. Many fountain materials don’t react well to cleaning materials, which means they need quite a bit of elbow grease to keep them clean.

Granite holds its own against cleaning chemicals. You can use bleach, a solution of muriatic acid or ferrous acid, and other cleaners to maintain your fountain and help it keep its luster without scrubbing it every week.

If your fountain gets a dull look with a white scum, this comes from calcium in your water or from the chlorine treatments you use to keep the green out. You can address this by spraying on a 50/50 solution of muriatic acid and water, which takes off that scum like magic with no effort at all. Be careful to protect your skin and eyes, though, as the mixture is quite caustic. After this, just rinse the fountain liberally with water and fill it back up to see it looking brand new again.

Color Selection

Fountains aren’t one-size-fits-all. You need a style and a color that fits your home’s aesthetic. Part of the beauty of granite is that it comes in countless colors and varieties. You can have your pick of great fountains that accent your house’s appeal.

Choosing the Perfect Fountain for Your Home

A fountain is a fast way to add value to your home and create a high-end look. Of course, that’s only true if you find the right fountain to perpetuate your chosen style. Narrowing it down to granite is a great way to start.

To find the perfect granite fountains for your home, shop for fountains online in our digital store.

What To Expect During The Custom Stone Fountain Design Process

January 8, 2017

Custom stone fountain design is our speciality. The design options are virtually endless. If you can imagine it, we can probably create it!

The photos in this blog are from a project we worked on from start to finish for Pinelawn Memorial Park on Long Island. The process outlined is typical for most custom fountain projects.

1. The process typically starts with the customer sharing a photo of a fountain they would like replaced or replicated. You can find your inspiration in our idea galleries or from photos of classical fountains from around the world.

The photos below are of a deteriorating concrete fountain. Pinelawn Memorial Park asked us to replicate this fountain in durable granite. Granite is the best option for outdoor fountains, especially in climates with a freeze/thaw cycle, but we can create fountains from a variety of stones. The before picture shows the concrete fountains wear and crumbling details.

2. After taking measurements, we put together a rough sketch of the new fountain and provide initial cost estimates.

3. To help us determine the appropriate scale for the fountain design, we request that customers send us a recent photo of the proposed fountain site. By giving us a known height or distance of an object in the photo and using a little Photoshop magic, we are able to place the proposed fountain design in the photo. At this stage, it is easier to determine if the custom stone fountain will be too large or too small for the area and scale it appropriately.

This is also the time where we play with stone color tones in the rendering to give a better representation of how different colors will look in relation to the home or other landscape elements. We can even show the customer physical stone samples to aid in color selection.

4. Once the design, size and stone color is finalized, the bid is reviewed for any significant changes from the original scope of work. Then we write up a formal sales order. If time or budget are an issue, we may suggest one of our in-stock fountain creations as an alternative.

5. When the order is confirmed and down payment received, we begin our CAD process to model the fountain from the ground up. We use 3-D engineering software to create a 3-D rendering of the fountain design. We submit the design for review before continuing.

For many fountain design companies, this is where their design process ends. For us, the 3-D rendering is just the beginning. After the overall design is approved, we break it down even further into individual parts. We create drawings for each piece to ensure the carving features are exactly where you want them and all functionality, including plumbing and drains, is in the proper spots.

Some stone fountains can weigh several thousand pounds. As a result, we’ve developed a unique lifting system designed right into each of the larger parts to make lifting the heavy fountain with the appropriate equipment easier.

6. Depending on the client and contractor’s involvement in the design process, we submit all detailed part drawings or just the main assembly drawing with dimensions for approval.

7. The approved drawings are then passed off to our skilled artisans who secure quarried blocks of stone, cut them to size, carve and hand finish the fountain’s details.

8. While carving is in progress, we follow up with additional drawings for the fountain’s plumbing, lighting and concrete slab layouts. Following this set of plans ensures the custom fountain will function as intended when it is installed.

9. We can also add additional fountain accessories to the design, including remote pump vaults, autofill systems, water treatment systems, nozzles, spray rings and lighting assemblies.

10. After the fountain is complete, final payment is due. Then, we arrange to have all of the fountain pieces delivered to the fountain site and install it.

After installation is complete, a granite fountain can be enjoyed for generations to come! If you are interested in learning more about our custom design process, please contact us.

Before

After

3 Benefits of Granite Fountains

April 20, 2016

There are many benefits to having a granite fountain. Granite has been used for home design and landscaping features for decades. Compared to other fountain types, such as cast stone, granite is the way to go. Here are a few benefits of having granite fountains:

1. Durability

Granite is one of the most durable stones. Warm or cold, granite fountains will not crack like many limestones, Cantera, marble or cast stone fountains tend to do during a freeze and thaw cycles. If you live in a warm climate, a major advantage of these fountains is low maintenance. People often use chlorine or bleach to clean their fountains. These chemicals can cause a great deal of damage to fountains made from calcium-based stone types. For example, chlorine has been eat away limestone, which causes fountains to crack and break. These chemicals can’t damage the granite fountains. It’s longlasting, remain functional and appealing to the eye for years. Not only durability there are also more benefits of granite.

2. Beauty

Not only are granite fountains incredibly durable, but they are also very unique. One downfall of cast stone is that they all look similar and don’t have that special quality granite has. Cast stone water fountains are made of concrete poured into a mold. Every inch of granite has different patterns and qualities, which make our granite fountains a piece of art! As you can see in the photos below, both granite fountains are beautiful in their own way.

3. Color

Every piece of granite is one of a kind piece with its many eye-catching colors that shine. Take this granite twist fountain, for example. It is hand carved stone creation from our earth-tone Giallo Fantasia granite and serves as a beautiful addition to your landscaping.

While cast stone fountain colors fade over time, granite never loses its bright coloration and does not deteriorate as quickly. Granite’s beauty is endless!

If you are interested in a durable, unique granite fountain just Contact us and make your home more beautiful.

Pondless Water Feature Installation

March 16, 2016

Pondless water feature fountains are a wonderful addition to any landscape. They dont require a visible pond or basin, but instead recirculates water through a hidden basin. The tranquil sound of water trickling down the fountain is relaxing as well as elegant. The process of installing a pondless water feature fountain is not as difficult as you may think when you have Carved Stone Creations at your side. We divide the process into a number of steps that are easy to follow and completed in a timely manner. The project were highlighting was one done in less than a day. We arrived for installation in the morning and were finished by the afternoon. Here are the steps to our pondless water feature fountain installation process:

First, you pick the location of where you want your beautiful pondless water feature to be installed. We begin by digging a hole for the basin to sit in. The hole has to be wide and deep enough to hold the vast supply of water.

Once the hole for the pondless water feature is dug, we make sure the base of the hole is flat to ensure the basin sits level. After this is completed, we place the pondless basin into the hole. The basin and the pump get installed along with the base of the outdoor fountain.

Then, we drape the outdoor granite fountain in a rubber fabric. The fabric is then spread out over the area of the fountain. The purpose of the fabric is to catch the overflowing water from the three-tiered outdoor granite fountain.

Once these steps are completed, a lift is used to place the first tier of the fountain onto the base. This is a very important step to ensure that the tier is placed level onto the granite base. To check for level, fill the bowl with water. Once water begins to flow over the scalloped edges, check to see that the water flows over all sides evenly. This can be adjusted by placing rigid plastic shims under the side where there is greatest water flow. This should be completed for each tier.

Once all of the tiers are put together, we turn on the fountain and let the water run for a while. This allows us to test the fountain to make sure the pondless basin returned the water correctly and everything is going according to plan.

After the fountain is tested, we begin the next step of adding stones around the fountain’s base to hide the rubber fabric. Once we finish this step, the intricate fountain is ready to use and show! As seen in the picture below, this was our completed project. Not only is the architecture of the three-tiered fountain beautiful, it adds elegance to the landscape! There are many benefits of pondless water fountains, such as saving space from creating a pond and minimal maintenance requirements. The beauty and the benefits of pondless water fountains make it difficult to turn one down for your own home.

Are you interested in a pondless water feature installation for your home? Contact us today!

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.

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.