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February 25, 2008
Installation Of Outdoor Fountains - The Ground Below
Installation of an outdoor fountain is quite simple. The fountains available in our catalog are all self contained which means that you will not require a special plumbing or electrical source. Most fountains on the market today are constructed in this manner so that operation is simple. You do however need to prepare the area where you plan to place the fountain before you begin the assembly process.
First you need to decide where you wish to place the fountain. Popular areas for outdoor fountains are entrances to homes or businesses, just outside of a picture window or patio door or within a garden where you may enjoy the soothing sound of the water flow. You will want the fountain to be placed where it will look beautiful as well as be functional. The area will need to be close enough to an electrical outlet so that you will be able to plug the pump into the outlet for operation. You will also need a water source close enough for a garden hose to reach the fountain.
Second you will need to prepare the ground below where you will be placing the fountain. Whether the fountain you purchase is large or small the ground upon which the fountain sits must be level and solid. The ground beneath the fountain does not require a concrete pad but it is recommended for large heavy fountains. Concrete pads are definitely recommended for large fountains in areas that freeze to avoid ground heave. To avoid ground heave you will need to place the pad so that it will extend below the frost line. We do offer several precast concrete pads to place under your fountain or outdoor furniture that may be ordered with the fountain. The ground where the pad is placed should not be newly excavated or should be given time to settle. It is imperative that the ground be level as the pump will not move the water properly if the fountain is tilted in any manner.
If the look of concrete below the fountain does not compliment your landscape plan you may cover the pad with natural stone, landscape mulch or paving brick. The precast concrete pads available in our catalog may be colored to fit the color scheme of your garden. After the fountain is set up properly it will offer many years of enjoyment with little maintenance.
Please visit the links below to view the precast concrete fountain pads as well as our fountain catalog and information.
Precast Concrete Fountain Pad
Outdoor Fountain Catalog
Spring and Fall Water Fountain Cleaning and Water Treatment (Full Article)
Fountain Maintenance and Cleaning
April 4, 2008
Simple Guide to Fountain Setup
When your fountain is delivered you will receive detailed instructions to set up the fountain. We receive many questions regarding fountain setup from customers who have not yet received their fountain so we thought it might be helpful to post a summary of steps to setup your fountain when it arrives.
Single Tier Fountain Setup.
1. Place the fountain on a solid or firm and level surface. Level in both directions - left to right and front to back. Shim as need to make fountain completely level. Place the shell or bowl on top of the pedestal.
2. Attach the clear tubing to the pump with the clamp provided. Place the pump inside of the pumphouse and place the electrical cord in the grove provided in the back of the shell or bowl.
3. Position the shell or bowl on the pedestal and level from front to back and left to right. Shim as needed.
4. If the pump kit includes a restrictor clamp then attach to the clear tubing. Most pumps include a dial flow control. The pump that you receive is designed to work with the fountain that you purchase.
5. Remove any excess tape or concrete around the copper tubing in the statue or fountain finial.
6. Cut the clear tubing to the correct length. Tubing that is too long will cause it to kink and not restrict the flow of water. Tubing that is too short may hold the pump above the water and limit the volume of water that the pump can access.
7. Attach the clear tubing to the fountain top and place the top on the fountain.
8. Fill shell with water and plug the pump into a 110 VAC GFCI protected outlet.
9. If the fountain needs adjustment unplug the pump and adjust the flow dial control or the restrictor clamp until the desired result is achieved.
Multi tier fountain setup is basically the same process as the single tier however you have more tiers to stack on top of the other. Fountains with round bowls will have rubber stoppers in the bottom of the bowl for easy draining.
Please click on the link below to view our fountain catalog.
Fountains- Outdoor and Indoor
February 4, 2008
Spring and Fall Water Fountain Cleaning and Water Treatment
Seasonal cleaning and monthly maintenance is important to keep your fountain beautiful and functioning properly. Over time algae growth will occur due to the water and light combination associated with outdoor or indoor fountain use. You will also experience some mineral deposit buildup due to minerals found in the water. Algae growth and mineral buildup will occur in all fountains including concrete, cast stone, resin, brass or copper.
We do recommend that you use a water clarifier to help slow the growth of algae and keep mineral deposit build up to a minimum between cleaning and maintenance. You may purchase water clarifier by clicking on the following link. Follow directions on the bottle for proper use.
Fountain Water Clarifier - Click Here to View Product
Every spring and fall you may wish to seal your concrete fountain with a sealer to help preserve the finish. The finish will age over time however sealer will add a protective layer to delay the process. Fountains age at different rates depending the climate and sun exposure of the area where the fountain is located. To purchase sealer simply click on the following link. Follow the directions on the sealer can for proper use. Fountain
Fountain Sealer - Click Here to View Product
Visit us today for the perfect lawn ornament or fountain for your home or commercial business.
Fountains
Please click on the links below to view more articles regarding fountains.
How To Choose a Fountain
Fountain Maintenance and Cleaning
Resin Fountain and Statue Maintenance
Spring and Fall Water Fountain Cleaning and Water Treatment (Full Article)
February 10, 2008
New Line of Memorial Statues
We receive numerous calls from family members searching for the perfect statue, bench or garden stone to place in a garden, cemetery or at a grave site to remember a special friend or family member. A favorite statue to place on a grave is a guardian angel or madonna statue. A religious statue of this sort serves as a guardian of the grave and often offers comfort to the family. Please keep in mind that in a public cemetery depending on the traffic and climate it is probably best to choose a concrete or cast stone statue as it will be heavier in weight in case it is accidentally bumped. Please click on the following links to view some of our most popular religious statues used for this particular purpose.
Angel -
Madonna or Blessed Mother -
Religious Statues -
We also just introduced a new line of memorial statues, benches and garden stones constructed of resin. Many of the statues in the new line are inscribed with prayer or inspirational statements. This particular line is designed to capture the perfect words to honor the person that you wish to remember. This particular line of statues are simply lovely in person. They are constructed of a resin stone mix and may be used in an outdoor garden, cemetery or an indoor setting. Please click on the following link to view our resin memorial statues.
Memorial Statues, Garden Stones and Benches -
We also receive numerous calls for statues and grave markers for family pets. We offer concrete and a new line of resin grave stones and markers for cat and dog owners. It brings great comfort to see a memorial stone in your garden which will evoke fond memories of a best friend that has passed. Please click on the following links to view some of our most popular memorial statues and grave stones for cats and dogs.
Pet Memorial Statues and Grave Stones -
Cat Memorial Statue -
Dog Memorial Statue -
February 12, 2008
Beagle Top Breed at Westminster Dog Show -
Uno the Beagle won best of breed at the Westminster dog show today. Uno is the first Beagle to win the best in breed at the Westminster show since 1939. The USA Network is offering full opening night coverage at 8 PM tonight. You can also view the Westminster 2008 Dog Show on CNBC.
We are receiving many calls for information on dog statues that resemble the top competitors in the Westminster dog show. We offer concrete and resin dog statues that closely resemble many breeds such as the Beagle, Poodle, Schnauzer, Labrador, Boxer as well as one of the newest breeds to the show the Mastiff.
Many dog lovers like to feature their favorite breed in their garden or landscape plans. Concrete animal statues hold up better in areas where temperatures are below freezing much of the winter months. Resin statues may be used in any climate however they do have a tendency to crack easier if they are in temperatures that are below freezing for long periods of time. It is always a pleasure to catch a glimpse of your best friend in your garden. Dog statues are detailed in finish to appear as lifelike as possible.
Please click on the links below to view some of our favorite dog statues. Tune into the above stations to follow the delightful Westminster show.
Beagle Statue -
Poodle Statue -
Labrador Statue -
Hound Statue -
Schnauzer Statue -
Dog Statues -
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