QUICK LINKS TO OUR FOUNTAIN GUIDE:

1. What Are The Benefits Of A Pond Fountain?
2. Types Of Aeration To Consider
3. How To Choose The Best Aerator For Your Pond
4. How To Calculate Your Pond Size
5. LED Fountain Light Kits
6. Installation And Maintenance Tips
7. Our Top Brands Of Pond Aerators

What are the Benefits of a Pond Fountain?

• Aesthetic Appeal: Pond fountains are visually appealing and can become a focal point in a garden or outdoor space. They add an element of sophistication and beauty, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

• Improved Water Quality: Fountains help circulate water in the pond, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. This circulation helps oxygenate the water, reducing the buildup of algae and bacteria, and keeping the water clearer and cleaner.

• Enhanced Oxygen Levels: The constant movement of water in a fountain adds oxygen to the pond, which is beneficial for fish and other aquatic life. Increased oxygen levels can lead to healthier and more vibrant fish and plant life.

• Mosquito Control: The moving water of a fountain disrupts the still, stagnant water at the surface, making it less conducive for mosquitoes to breed. This can help reduce the mosquito population in your garden area.

• Versatility in Design: Pond and lake fountains come in various designs, sizes, and styles, allowing for customization to fit the specific aesthetic and functional needs of a garden or outdoor space.

• Increased Property Value: A well-maintained pond with a fountain can enhance the overall appeal of a property and potentially increase its market value.

• Ease of Installation and Maintenance: Many pond fountains are designed for easy installation and low maintenance, making them a convenient addition to a pond without requiring extensive upkeep.

• Natural Sound and Relaxation: The sound of flowing water from a fountain can be very soothing and create a relaxing environment. This can be particularly beneficial in urban or suburban areas where it can mask unwanted noise like traffic.

Pond Fountains versus Pond Aerators

One of the most common questions we get is, "should I use a fountain or aerator (sub-surface)?"  Here are some of the key benefits that a fountain can provide compared to a diffused aerator:

• Visual Appeal: Fountains are designed to be an attractive aesthetic focal point in the pond with their spraying water and lights. Sub-surface aerators mix in discreetly under the water.
• Ambiance: The sights and sounds of a fountain can enhance the overall sensory experience and tranquility of the pond area. Sub-surface aerators operate almost silently.
• Circulation: While both provide circulation, a fountain's design creates more dramatic surface movement and flow patterns that can be seen.  Sub-surface aeration is discreet in comparison.
• Aeration: For the purpose of aerating a pond, or increasing oxygen levels in the water, a fountain can be a particularly good choice in shallow ponds of 6' or less.  You can use them in deeper ponds, but generally, only the upper portion of the pond will be affected.
• Mosquito Deterrence: The spraying action and ripples of a fountain help disrupt mosquito breeding and activity on the water's surface.
• Winter Use:  Sub-surface aerators are typically a better choice for ice management.  A surface fountain could get damaged from ice buildup.
• Maintenance: Fountains allow for easier access to equipment for cleaning and maintenance compared to submerged units.

A fountain can be a great addition to any pond, however, sub-surface aerators usually offer more efficient and comprehensive aeration for overall pond health. The choice really depends on your goals - if aesthetics and appearance are most important, a fountain may be preferred. For purely functional aeration, a sub-surface aerator is likely the better option.

Choosing A Floating Fountain for Aeration 

When choosing a floating pond fountain, it is essential to consider a few vital factors to ensure its efficiency and longevity. This guide will help you understand the fundamentals you need to take into account before making your purchase.

Size of the pond: The size of your pond plays a significant role in determining the right floating fountain. Consider both the surface area and the depth of your pond. A Large pond requires a fountain with higher horsepower, while a small pond can accommodate a lower-powered motor. Be sure to accurately measure your pond to get the appropriate fountain.  We'll cover how to estimate your pond size in the next section.

Aeration: A well-designed aeration system is critical for maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. A pond fountain aids in circulating and oxygenating the water, which in turn helps keep the fish and desirable plants healthy and prevents algae from taking over.

Power: Choosing the right motor and horsepower is essential, as this will affect the fountain's performance. The higher the horsepower, the greater the water circulation and aeration provided. For proper sizing consult with one of our fountain advisors.  As a reference though,  a 1 HP aerating fountain will usually provide adequate aeration for about 1/2 to one acre of pond surface area.  Also note that a power cable will be required, with 115v being common for smaller fountains and 230v, or higher for larger devices.

Spray Patterns: Floating fountains come in a variety of spray patterns, including decorative fountains as well as aerating fountains. Aerating fountains provide better aeration and help maintain the pond's overall health, while decorative fountains add to the pond's esthetic appeal. Explore different spray patterns and pick one that caters to your specific needs.

• Aerating Fountains: Increased oxygenation and aeration
• Decorative Fountains: Visual appeal with unique spray patterns

Ease of Installation: Installing a floating pond fountain can often be a simple DIY project, depending on the size and complexity. Look for fountains with easy-to-follow installation instructions or consider hiring a professional if necessary.  Power cable length will vary and the longer the cable, the more it will cost.  Get an accurate measurement of the distance between your power source and your point of deployment in the pond.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of your floating pond fountain. Primary maintenance simply involves cleaning the fountain regularly and watching for any restrictions in the water flow, which might indicate a build-up on the intake screen.  For the best performance and longevity, this part of the fountain should be cleaned regularly.

Budget Considerations: Lastly, create a budget to narrow down your fountain options. The market offers a diverse range of fountains at various sizes and price points, so having a predetermined budget will help you find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

Calculating Your Pond's Size

When sizing a fountain to a pond properly the main consideration for coverage is the size of the surface area.  Depth is of less importance with fountains as most can work in just a few feet of water.  Here are the steps to calculate the surface area of a pond:

1. Determine the shape of the pond

Ponds can be different geometric shapes like rectangles, circles, ovals, etc. Identify the basic shape of your pond from above.

2. Measure key dimensions

For a rectangular or oval pond, measure the length and width. For a circular pond, measure the diameter. Make sure to measure across the longest lengths and widths of the pond.

3. Apply the appropriate area formula

• Rectangle: Area = Length x Width
• Circle: Area = π x (Diameter/2)2
• Oval: Area = π x (Average Length/2) x (Average Width/2)

4. Calculate the area

Plug the measurements into the formula and calculate the area for the shape of your pond.

5. Convert the units if needed

Make sure to use consistent units like feet or meters when measuring and calculating. Convert to acres or hectares if needed.

6. Adjust for irregular shapes

For odd, irregular shapes you may need to break the pond into separate regular shapes and calculate each area separately, then add them together. 

To make this calculation easier, you are also welcome to use our online pond calculator here.

Fountain LED Lighting Kits

LED light kits have become increasingly popular for their energy efficiency, durability, and versatility. These lighting systems enhance the aesthetic appeal of various water features and work particularly well on fountains as they illuminate the spray patterns for dramatic nighttime views.   Here are a couple of key features of our current fountain lights.

• Efficiency - LEDs use significantly less electricity than incandescent or halogen lighting, reducing energy costs. They also have long lifespans of up to 50,000 hours.
• Color Options - Many kits include lights of multiple colors that can switch between blue, green, red, and more for decorative effects. Standard white lights can be adjusted using colored filters, and RBG lights can be remote-controlled to change colors with the push of a button. 
• Waterproof - The LED fixtures are completely waterproof and weather-resistant so they can be installed in and around operational fountains.
• Easy Installation - Most kits are designed for quick DIY installation. They include lights, transformers, cables, and mounting accessories.
• Remote Control - Remotes allow you to control fountain lights from a distance to turn them on/off, adjust brightness, change colors, and set timers or schedules.
• Safety - All electrical components are low voltage for safety near water. The kits are UL listed when installed properly.
• Durability - Good quality kits use machined aluminum or durable composite housings and polycarbonate lenses to protect against corrosion and wear.
• Warranties - Our brands offer 1-3 year warranties against defects in materials and workmanship.

There is no doubt about it, if you're looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of a fountain, there is no better way to do that than by putting a light kit on it.  Many of our fountains are stunning when illuminated! 

Tips On Maintaining an Aerating Fountain

Maintenance with most pond fountains is pretty simple and straightforward.  They are basic things that anyone can do.  We'll use the Kasco J Series fountain maintenance program here as an example, but this will apply to most fountains on the market, especially sections 1, 3, and 5.

1. Regular Cleaning is Key:

• Frequency: Clean your fountain every couple of months (or more frequently if necessary). If you lack a power sprayer, use a strong brush and hose.
• Debris Management: Regularly inspect and remove debris like vegetation, leaves, or general build-up from the fountain's intake area. Proactively clear debris or trash to prevent clogging.
• Vegetation Control: Manage weeds and algae around your fountain.

2. Monitor the Sacrificial Anode: (with Kasco specifically)

• Function: The anode protects your fountain from corrosion.
• Maintenance Schedule: Inspect every 2-3 months and replace yearly, or if it's over 50% depleted.

3. Handle with Care and Check for Damage:

• Handling Tips: Avoid denting or displacing components. Limit frequent on/off cycles to reduce strain.
• Inspect the Power Cable: Inspect the power cable for any damage prior to seasonal installation.
• Storage Advice: Store the motor upside down when not in use for optimal lubrication.

4. Adhere to Routine Maintenance:

• 3-Year Maintenance: Follow your fountain's specific maintenance guidelines.
• Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with your fountain’s owner's manual for standard maintenance suggestions and for effective troubleshooting.

5. Test Your Ground Fault Regularly:

• Safety Measure: Conduct a ground fault test bi-monthly to ensure electrical safety.

Following these maintenance tips will not only prolong the fountain's life but also ensure its performance and safety are maintained as well. For more specific information on the maintenance of a fountain, it's best to contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer of the brand and model you have in your pond.

The Best Brands of Floating Pond Fountains - Including  Kasco, Airmax, and Scott

With all the fountains for sale these days, shopping for a good one is never easy.  Even with all these choices, you still need to get the size and feature set right for your needs.  Fortunately, we can be of help. With 20 years of experience in the aeration business, we know how to fit a fountain right.

We also like to keep things simple. While we could work with a lot of brands, we've purposely kept it to a few time-tested and reliable options.  Kasco would be one of our favorites and frankly, sometimes it's hard to choose between their VFX or J Series models.  Regardless of which one you go with you can rest assured in a solid, reliable, American-made fountain that will do its job well.  We also work with Scott and Airmax fountains, both of which are very popular and well-liked by our customers.

Finally, remember that we're always here to help. If you're not sure which fountain, or form of aeration might work best for your pond, be sure to get in touch with us. We can suggest or even design a system that will work wonderfully in any size of pond or lake.

About The Author: Mark Washburn is a 20-year veteran in the pond management industry with a primary focus on holistic water quality restoration and maintenance.  With expertise in a diverse range of aeration technologies and water treatment programs, his consultations have helped thousands of people improve the health and vitality of their ponds and lakes.