Fountains

Fountains

Elegant splashes. Add a touch of sophistication or fun with a self-contained fountain feature.

A fountain is the fastest way to add the sound and sparkle of water without committing to a pond or stream. Nearly all of ours are self-contained: a hidden basin, usually a buried polymer reservoir topped with a sturdy grate and river stone, holds the water while a small pump lifts it up through an urn, bubbling boulder, spillway bowl, or wall spout to spill back over. That recirculating design means no plumbing to the house and no standing water at the surface, which keeps the feature safe around children and pets and leaves nowhere for mosquitoes to breed. The details that matter are a level, well-supported base, a correctly sized pump so the spill is even rather than gulping, and easy access to the reservoir for topping up.

Vancouver’s climate is kind to fountains for most of the year, but the same wet, shaded conditions that grow moss on a north-facing patio will film a fountain too. Choose a spot with some light and air movement, wipe the bowl periodically, and a splash of the right treatment keeps stone and glaze clear.

Winterizing

During a hard freeze, water expanding in a basin or hollow urn can crack it. Drain the reservoir and pump, and either cover the feature or move a small urn indoors until the cold snap passes.