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Courtyard Fountains And Ponds: Make Your Custom Version

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Written by Herb Daniels

Friday, 18 July 2008

by HerbDaniels

Over 5,000 years ago, people started building lovely palaces and other homes with beautiful courtyard fountains and ponds. Many of these decorative showpieces were the pride of kings and queens of Europe and Asia, as well as the aristocracies of those societies.

These days, such handsome attractions are not used by just the upper levels of society. Although they may seem somewhat costly to build, courtyard fountains and ponds are now available at prices that more enthusiasts can afford. As a result, lots of people are beautifying their domiciles with these additions. Happily these enviable showpieces can add value to a home.

Courtyard fountains and ponds can be found in many shapes and sizes. The choices go from the simple to the complex, and a large number of materials are available. Nowadays, cast stone is the material of choice. This derivitive of concrete can form practically any custom shape. Still very popular are courtyard fountains and ponds made out of granite or different kinds of concrete and marble.

Installing Courtyard Fountains and Ponds

It is very possible to install your own courtyard fountains and ponds, but it is recommended that you don't do this work yourself. Instead, hire a professional for this detailed kind of work. If you should decide that this is a project you wish to attempt on your own, you will find that kits for smaller fountains and ponds are quite easy to install. Also, they are usually available at home improvement stores. To be sure of a quality installation for your own fountain or pond, it is suggested that you do a few basic things.

If you are planning to install your own courtyard fountain and pond, an essential first step is for you to contact your local electric utility company. It cannot be stressed enough just how important this is. Unless you will be using a fountain running on solar power, fountains require electricity; and, their wires will need to be buried for safety and for aesthetics. Also, since you may not know what is buried in that area already, it is imperative to protect yourself by calling to find out.

Next, you will need to clear out the area to be improved. The installation of a courtyard fountain and pond will be most successful if large rocks, plants and any debris is removed. Since the pond liner that you use may be somewhat fragile, you will help to ensure its integrity by getting these possible hazards out of the way ahead of time. You definitely don't want anything falling into the hole and damaging the liner.

Such fountains need to be level for them to function properly. Therefore, you will need to level any holes for your courtyard fountain and pond. Sidewall stones should not be positioned until the leveling process is completed. The system will operate its best if the water is level. This ensures that the pump will operate properly. It is a simple operation to level the holes. Just fill up a hole with sand. Then, place a board on the sand and a level on the board. Until the the board is level at all angles, keep tamping down.

Usually, instructions will be included in your courtyard fountain and pond kit. Be sure to read them. By doing so, you will have the attraction you desire - a lovely courtyard fountain and pond.

About the Author:

Herb Daniels is a gardener living in Florida. Herb has posted an informative article about Outdoor Fountain site for more details.

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