The fountain is used in landscape design in order to improve the attractiveness of the territory, refresh its microclimate and just to cheer up. Also, an artificial pond increases air humidity, facilitates breathing, and helps transfer summer heat. To build it at your cottage, you should consider in more detail the types of fountains, the principles of their work and installation features.
Features of architectural concrete
Architectural concrete is a type of material that is used to create decorative elements. Due to its strength, it is also called artificial stone. The composition of such concrete includes cement, sand, gravel, various additives, mineral powders and microorganisms.
By adding polymers and fiberglass to achieve tensile strength. Color is given to concrete with mineral powders. The most common are white and gray color material. Resistance to moisture is provided by the addition of microorganisms. The variety of components also affects the texture of the finished product.
- Main features of architectural concrete:
- high strength and frost resistance;
- ability to polish;
- manufacturability and plasticity;
- insignificant ability to absorb moisture;
- color fastness and the ability to paint.
In addition to the listed advantages, architectural concrete also has disadvantages. This is a durable and inexpensive material, but the finished elements from it are heavy, so their transportation and installation require special equipment and significant financial costs. On the other hand, the weight of the concrete bowl of the pool is much lower than the construction of natural stone. Concrete products cannot consist of such small parts as polyurethane, therefore their artistic expressiveness is lower, but much higher than stone ones.
In addition, if the installation involves fitting parts in place, then with ready-made concrete structures this is not possible. But the architectural elements can be given any shape. It is also necessary to take into account the time for the production of concrete parts with an individual order. The mixture in the form solidifies for about two days, which delays the installation process when the number of parts is large.
The principle of the fountain and its types
The flow of water that passes through the nozzle on the fountain pipe can create various water patterns from the jet. Each nozzle makes its own unique spray effect. Nozzles are made of stainless steel or other non-corrosive materials and have different designs. The following are the most popular types of fountains.
Did you know? The famous Trevi Roman Fountain resembles an amphitheater stage, in the center of which on the cart drawn by seahorses, the god Ocean is located. The majestic sculpture is made in the Baroque style and is considered an example of high architectural taste.
Cascading
The cascade creates a stream filled with large air bubbles. This type of fountain can work in two modes. If you fix the nozzle under water at a distance of 6 cm from the surface, it will create a foam pillar. The surface of the water in this mode remains untouched. If the narrowest part of the nozzle is located at a level with the water surface, a cascade type jet will be obtained. The nozzle is also used in designs with several small cups located at different heights. Water flowing down them forms a kind of waterfall.
Geyser
Geyser type fountain creates a high foamy stream of water with a contrast effect. The feed takes place under high pressure. The jets are thrown in the direction of the nozzle up or to the sides. The height of the water flow is regulated by a change in the pressure force.
Bell
It can be obtained by putting a special nozzle on the fountain pipe. It has an elongated shape, at the end of which there are two parallel disks. Water passes between them, forming a hemisphere. The size of the bell will depend on the height of the fountain pipe and the distance between the disks. The smaller they are, the further the flow is scattered.
Spray
A fountain spray is obtained by creating a large number of narrow water jets. They are directed at an angle of about 85 ° to the surface of the bowl and require high water pressure. Decorative effect is achieved by a significant jet height.
How to do it yourself
To make a fountain on the site with your own hands, you need to think through the stages of its construction, purchase equipment and determine the order of work. The project must begin with a choice of location. It is better to place the object on the leeward side, not very close to the buildings. It should be noted that as a result of high humidity, the likelihood of developing a fungus increases. Also, electricity is needed to install the equipment, so the structure should not be too far from the house. It is necessary to strictly monitor the sequence of work and take into account the advice of specialists.
Did you know? The tallest fountain in the world is located in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), reaching 152 m and only the fountain in Geneva (Switzerland) is 140 meters tall.
Choosing a place to install
The place for the fountain has an important role. Firstly, it should be even. If there is a slope on the site, then the structure should be installed at its lowest point. Secondly, illumination should be moderateotherwise the water will bloom quickly under the influence of the sun. To avoid this, the pump must be equipped with a filter. Thirdly, fountain is not recommended to be placed near trees, because the root system is capable of destroying its cup.
Necessary equipment
To build a fountain, you will need the following equipment:
- water pump;
- nozzles;
- water level control sensors;
- backlight;
- Filters
- additional items.
It is necessary to plan the supply and removal of water, its treatment and the fountain control system. You should also run the electric cable.Bowl preparation
Concrete structural elements of the fountain include the bowl and the decor object inside it. They can be made independently or purchased ready-made products in a variety of shapes and sizes.The most crucial step is preparing the bowl. For her, it is necessary to fill in a concrete pillow with a reinforced mesh. Its diameter should be 15–20 cm larger than the estimated diameter of the bowl, which is installed on the pillow using a crane, and for small objects - manually.
Important! If you fill the bowl yourself, then the construction work will take at least a month, because after them it takes about 28 days. Only then will the concrete gain maximum strength and completely dry.
To fill the bowl of the fountain, you must follow these steps:
- Mark the shape of the bowl at the chosen place and remove the layer of earth to a depth of 0.5 m.
- Dig a recess for the pump measuring 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.5 m at the location of the fountain nozzle.
- From the pit for the pump to mount drain pipes, electric cable.
- Cover the bottom of the recess for the bowl with sand 10 cm high.
- Reinforcing mesh size 30 × 30 cm to place in the sand and pour concrete to a height of 10 cm.
- Install the formwork for the walls of the bowl and pour concrete.
- Allow material to dry.
- Treat the surface of the bowl with a waterproofing solution several times.
Video: DIY fountain
Next, you need to start decorating. For this purpose, you can use natural stone, mosaics, ceramic tiles, special paints. Handwork will give the fountain originality and exclusivity.
Installing a fountain device
The work of the fountain is based on the circulation of water in a closed cycle with the help of a pump, therefore, it is necessary to approach this element selection responsibly.
Pumps for artificial reservoirs are divided into:
- Submersible. Work, being at the bottom of a reservoir, and have an easy installation method. Their superiority is silent mode. This type is used in the construction of fountains not exceeding 2 m in height. Water is drawn through the filter from the lower layers and is discharged passing through the nozzle. The pressure in such pumps depends on the cross-section of the pipes and power. The device is powered by electricity and requires mandatory grounding. In winter, water must be drained and the pump dismantled.
- Surface. They are installed on the shore and do not come into contact with water. They are used to create multi-level structures. This type of pump is less sensitive to water pollution and more convenient to use. Only a hose with an outlet pipe is lowered into the fountain. The disadvantage of this pump is its mandatory protection against precipitation, ultraviolet exposure, as well as a more noisy mode of operation. The power of the device is directly proportional to the distance to the pond.
If the fountain bowl is installed on a concrete pillow, then an electric cable for the pump and the backlight should be led to its edge. A groove should be cut out in the cushion for mounting this cable, and only then should the bowl and core be installed. You can also hold pipes to drain the water. Concrete elements of the fountain should be installed at different levels and fixed with glue for tiles. A pump and a hose with a nozzle are mounted in the core. A hole is made in the bowl with a drill. Next, they pull the wires for the pump and backlight through the ditch to the concrete pad. The hole is sealed, the joints are sanding. After that, the design will be ready for painting and decoration.
Important! The submersible type of pump has a more affordable cost and can work both from the mains and from the battery.
The fountain is a simple structure, but its creation should be approached professionally. It is necessary to study and plan in stages how all the stages of the process will be done: installing a bowl, supplying electricity, installing a pump with nozzles and a filtration system, mounting a drainage and water supply system. Decoration is also an important step in creating a fountain design. It helps to achieve the main goal - to create an attractive and unique atmosphere in the garden.
