Lakes, ponds and fountains can be an excellent addition to any backyard or landscape. They take little effort to maintain and are sure to provide a great deal of enjoyment.
Landscapers usually place water fountains in a location that will best accent the fountain and landscape as a whole. However, in some cases it is still perplexing to know why they chose a specific location for the fountain.
When landscapers install water fountains in a location that is not by the water, it should raise some questions. Generally speaking, the reason why they are located around the bathroom and lavatory areas is because of the existing plumbing work and large water lines that can easily feed a fountain.
Homes that are built in areas that already have water lines installed do not require landscapers to install new plumbing lines for water fountains.
This saves the homeowner construction time and money, as they will not have to pay someone else extra to install the plumbing system.
The plumbing work in this area will also be less extensive, with smaller or shorter lines than other areas that lead to the water fountains.
The landscaper can simply hook into the existing plumbing lines and have all the water and water pressure needed for the fountain.
In addition, it may be easier for homeowners if they do not have to drill new holes in their yard or landscape.
In this blog post, you’ll find more information about why water fountains by the bathroom are a good idea.
How water fountains work
Sculptures that involve water, such as a fountain, are very artistic and visually striking.
A fountain is usually made from stone and features ornaments, plants or even small fish.
The fountain usually has a basin that contains water and is powered by an underwater pump. Of course, the pump is usually connected to plumbing and water lines for easy access.
The pressure of the water that feeds a fountain can come from a number of different sources.
A lot of water fountains have a stream that feeds the fountain and cascades down into it. The pressure can come from a large body of water far from the fountain, such as a lake or pond.
The pressure can also be generated by a running tap nearby.
Water fountains can be placed in numerous areas of a garden or landscape.
In some instances, it is placed in the center of the landscape. In other cases, it may be situated off to the side so that it can add an aesthetic value to the landscape and does not interfere with walkways.
In some cases, water fountains can be out of place if they are near a swimming pool or feature large bodies of water.
It may seem like an odd combination, as a fountain will run dry if the swimming pool is drained or the body of water near it is completely emptied.
When a landscaper installs a garden fountain, they usually try to integrate its placement with the overall design of the landscape to create a nice balance.
Why are there water fountains placed by the bathroom?
Homes that have water lines installed that run to the bathroom are usually where landscapers will install fountains.
It is much easier for them, as they do not have to run additional plumbing lines and the water pressure is already at a desirable level.
Consequently, homeowners will also save a lot of time and money.
Walls can also block the water supply to a fountain.
In some cases, landscapers will simply run the plumbing lines around the bathroom walls. A lot of landscapers will also place the water fountain near a window to add ambiance to an indoor area.
If there is enough space, the landscaper can also place the water fountain near a mirror to create an additional focal point.
Placing fountains by bathroom areas is also a great idea because of the sound created by the water.
The running water can help mask or create a barrier to sounds coming from other areas of the home, such as children playing or pets running around.
When the home is quiet, homeowners can sit back and relax by listening to the sound of water and watch the water rise and fall.
They can also use the fountain to set a mood or atmosphere while they are entertaining guests.
For example, if the homeowner is hosting a dinner party, they can run the water fountain for an hour or so before their guests arrive.
The sound of running water may help wash away their tiredness of being cooped up in the office all day.
It will also give the homeowners time to set up the dining table and other things before the guests arrive.
Can passersby know that the water fountain is there?
Easily.
The pathway to a water fountain is identifiable by the telltale signs of visible water lines and water meter covers.
Homeowners can also tell passersby the location of a water fountain by walking them over to it and showing them where the pipes are located under the ground.
Landscapers can also add a point of interest marker or sign near the water fountain so that passersby know that it is there and what type of water source is used to power the fountain.
Oftentimes, passersby can also see water flowing to the fountain.
Additionally, homeowners can install lighting near the water fountain to enhance the nighttime ambiance.
Garden fountains should be placed in open areas of the landscape and not hidden behind other landscaping designs.
Landscapers also prefer that homeowners allow fountains a straight line of sight from various vantage points on the property.
Noise from the water fountain may disturb neighbors
Maintaining privacy is one of the most important factors to consider when a homeowner installs a water fountain.
Landscapers follow standard procedures for laying out water lines, and as a result, they will usually place the water fountain in an open space where it can be seen by passersby.
This is also true for garden fountains that are placed near the swimming pool, as they can be seen through windows.
In some cases, neighbors may also be able to hear the sound of water falling from a fountain.
The sound of splashing water is not able to penetrate through walls, but if a neighbor is outside, or the windows in the home are open, he may be able to hear water from a fountain.
However, the noise of splashing water from a fountain is nothing compared to sounds created by the normal activities in an active household.
Landscapers can also create barriers to muffle the sound of running water.
For example, if there is a busy road nearby, landscapers can place bushes along the sides of the fountain to block the sound.
They can also build structures around a water fountain to reduce noise transmission, such as placing stones around it.
To reduce the sound of splashing water, landscapers can change the angle of the fountain, because it is a common complaint that water splashing against hard surfaces creates more sound.
Mosquitoes can breed in backyard pond
Birds, butterflies and other insects may use the water fountain as a source of food by drinking from it.
Ducks and other water birds are known to use water fountains as bathing places.
They will swim in the fountain, and when they exit out, they leave a trail of bird droppings.
Worms and other insects may also be present in the ground beneath the water fountain.
In addition, mosquitoes are not known to breed in water fountains, but they love the shade of plants that grow near water fountains.
Fountain pumps and filters can help to keep water flowing, and this will also discourage mosquito breeding.
When using a fountain pump or filter that produces strong currents, mosquitoes will not usually breed in it since they cannot lay their eggs on the surface of a moving water.
Algaecide is another way that will help to control mosquitoes by killing algae that mosquito larvae feed on.
Use water fountains effectively for your benefit
Rural landscapes are well-suited to the traditional water fountain because they have large open spaces and wide views for people to enjoy.
Landscapers ensure that homeowners have privacy by keeping the water fountain in an open space.
Homes in suburban neighborhoods are often surrounded by other houses, and as a result, landscapers should ensure that the water fountain is not disruptive to neighbors.
Landscapers should also ensure that the water fountain is not obstructed when it is viewed from a window.
In addition, homeowners should only install water fountains that have powerful pumps and filters to keep mosquitos away.
