The Best Ceramic Water Fountains Buyer Guide
Fountains have been around for a very long time and this piece of art comes in various shapes, designs and materials.
Ceramic water fountains are just like your typical water fountain but in this case, it is made out of ceramic. Still a bit confused, this article is a complete guide on all you need to know about ceramic water fountains.
Something is soothing and magical about the sound of trickling water, it has a relaxing effect on its environment. They are also great ornaments that give your space an antique or Victorian feel.
They are quick to catch to the attention of the eye and are of great value in visual aesthetics and also great conversation starters.
Fountains are a great addition to any landscape, gardens or patios. It isn’t only restricted to outdoor use. Fountains can be a great addition to your dining space, table stand and even in your room.
The use of fountains as ornamental dates as far back as ancient times and is seen in the history of Romans, Greeks and the Chinese. They come in different forms, ranging from plastic, ceramic to stainless and come in a variety of styles.
Ceramic water fountains are great for transforming spaces. Need a gift for a house warming? A tabletop fountain makes a great gift for a new apartment.
Ceramic water fountains are an amazing addition to either outdoor or indoor space. They immediately add a sense of style and sophistication to your space without you breaking the bank.
Water patterns of ceramic water fountains
- Pouring
Water runs from one level of tier to another in streams till it gets to the open pool. The downside of this pattern is that its prone to debris fall out such as leaves.
- Running
Here, water slips down a surface of an object like a sculpture or an urn into the main pond, thus creating a running sound.
- Cascading
In this type of water fountain, water spills from the top level of the pool into the next level of tiers. This creates a symphonic splashing sound ideal for masking out unnecessary noise.
If your main purpose for owning a fountain is to drown out unwanted noise, then you should opt for a cascading ceramic water fountain. The downside of this fountain is that it needs to be refilled often.
- Raining
Water pours down in the pattern of droplets, imitating the rain. The height of the fountain and the depth of the pool would determine the loudness of the fountain.
This pattern of fountains needs to be refilled more often because droplets get carried by the wind.
- Bubbling
If you’re a bird or butterfly lover, then this is your best bet. They are the quietest type of fountains in comparison to others.
It has a high visual appeal and doesn’t require frequent refills as water doesn’t spill over the side, thus reducing the rate of water loss.
How to care for your ceramic water fountain
To keep your fountain in good shape and proper functioning, one must care for and clean the fountain regularly.
This would help to keep it in great shape and also improve its longevity. Below are a few tips on how to care for your water fountain.
Clean regularly
Have a scheduled time for cleaning your fountain as this helps to keep you in the track. I suggest a monthly cleaning schedule if possible. Ensure to take time to clean off any traces of mineral buildup on the surfaces.
Clean using non-abrasive materials or sponges. Scheduled cleaning would help avoid prevent the accumulation of build-ups.
Use distilled white vinegar
When cleaning ceramic fountains distilled white vinegar is your best bet. Pour the vinegar to the buildup deposits on the bowl and leave to sit for some minutes.
Follow up with a sprinkle of baking soda, there would be a fizzy reaction here (this is entirely normal). Scrub afterwards with a soft sponge or non-abrasive material and then rinse thoroughly.
Water treatment
Treating your fountain water helps to prevent deposits that may build up as a result of hard water mineral deposits. Alternatively, using distilled water in your fountain is a stress-free option.
Scheduled refreshing of water
Your fountain should be drained and its water replaced on a monthly or quarterly basis to avoid mineral build and free flow of water.
Avoid the use of an abrasive substance
Harsh scouring powders and abrasive substances can lead to scratching of your ceramic fountains.
Harsh chemicals should also be avoided if you own a pet as residues may be toxic to pet life, these scratches eventually become home to mineral build-up and algae. Use a soft-bristled brush or rag to wipe fountain dry.
Benefits of owning a water fountain
There are a lot of amazing and surprising benefits of owning a ceramic water fountain.
Asides from its aesthetic and stylish benefits, there are a host of other benefits of owning a water fountain whether indoors or outdoors.
Increases your home value
Whether indoor or outdoor, miniature or giant-sized, owning a ceramic water fountain adds value to your home. So if you do decide to sell your house in the future this feature gives your house a boost and a visual interest and an edge over houses without fountains.
Great ornamental decoration
This is usually the reason why most people buy fountains. They make great ornamental pieces and is a beautiful way of decorating your space, whether indoor or outdoor.
When looking for ways to add style and beauty to your house, fountains are your best bet. Ceramic water fountains come in a variety of designs and give you the option of making your choice from a wide variety.
Indoor fountains are a fast-growing trend with different variations, such as tabletop fountains which allows for easy incorporation into small spaces such as offices and workspaces. You’d be surprised at how much adding just this little piece would spice up your space.
Symbolic ornaments
Certain countries and cultures hold fountains as symbolic meaning. In Japan and Rome, the flow and sight of water hold symbolic meaning to them. For instance, in Feng Shui, water symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
Placement of your water fountain also has its symbolic backings. Some cultures believe that if you place your fountains in certain places, it may bring bad luck to fountain owners.
They are bacteria-free
Unlike plastic fountains, ceramic fountains are usually bacteria-free. This is because unlike plastic fountains which are prone to scratches which serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, ceramic water fountains are not prone to scratches. This, you can tell, makes them a healthier option in comparison to others.
Air purifier
They help improve the quality of the air we breathe. This is achieved by the presence of the negative ions created by the water.
These ions purify the air by getting rid of dust and also balance the humidity in the atmosphere.
Fountains are a great addition to homes with a history of allergies, owning a ceramic water fountain is a must-have for you.
Alleviates stress
The sound of nature has been known to help with relaxation and stress relief. Water is one of the strongest forces of nature and its sound is soothing and relaxing to the body.
It also sounds like a buffer with drowning out annoying sounds and noises. Adding a ceramic tabletop fountain to your office space can help improve productivity by drowning out annoying noises and helping you stay focused.
Snooze o’clock
You don’t have to bother about counting sheep before falling asleep when you own a water fountain.
Many lullabies incorporate the sound of flowing or running water in them as the sound of it helps relax the nerves and makes it easier to fall asleep.
Incorporating a ceramic tabletop fountain in your room would help you if you suffer from insomnia, as it help drowns out all sort of noises that might be keeping you up at night.
The continuous trickling of water would in no time have your eyelids heavy and ready for some good sleep. So why count sheep when you can hear trickling.
Restores moisture
During extreme weather conditions such as winter, having a water fountain does come in handy. The air is usually drier during the winter, but not to worry your ceramic water fountain helps to restore moisture to the air.
The pros of this are that unlike the regular humidifiers which would need a refill, water fountains just continue to recirculate.
You should note if you want to benefit this feature of your fountain. The size of the fountain in question should be directly proportional to the size of the room.
Drinking source for pets
Fountains make a great drinking source for pets. Have you ever noticed a thirsty dog or cat taking a lap out of a fountain on a hot day? Pet fountains are a thing and are available in different designs for pet owners.
If you are a cat owner, you would know that cats barely drink out of their normal water bowls, but are quick to take laps out of a cat fountain. So it is best to invest in a cute water fountain for your kitties.
One should be sure to get ceramic fountains as plastic water fountains are known to harbour bacteria and breed slime which is dangerous to the health of your pets.
Ceramic fountains do not also require vigorous scrubbing and cleaning to get rid of the slime in comparison to plastic fountains.
Troubleshooting your ceramic fountain
Having troubles with your fountain? Whether it’s a crack or a chip, while you wait for professional help here are a few tips to help you.
If it’s a crack or a chip in your fountain, it can be fixed using some ceramic repair kit to patch it up. Here is a step by step guide on how to go about fixing it.
- Turn off the fountain and dry thoroughly with a soft rag paying the utmost attention to the area with the chip or crack.
- While wearing a protective glove and glasses. Clean the crack with ammonia; this is to help the patch adhesiveness. Leave the ammonia to evaporate from the fountain.
- Using a putty knife, apply some epoxy on the knife and use to fill the crack. This would take some hours to dry.
- Sandpaper is then used afterwards to smoothen the surface. Wipe off any dust from smoothening using a soft cloth.
- To prep for finishing touches, wipe the patched area with acetone and a soft cloth.
- For last touches, after the acetone, has fully dried spray an even light coat of ceramic finishing spray to conceal any marks and scratches from repair.
- Leave to dry for 24-48 hours and your ceramic fountain is good as brand new.
Common issues you might encounter with your ceramic fountain
Debris (leaves)
Make sure to remove leaves before they sink to the bottom of the fountain, as this can lead to clogged pumps. It is best to place fountains in a location far away from trees that shed leaves.
Mosquitoes
In this case, adding a few drops of mosquito killers to get rid of this insect problem. Ensure that you use a pet-safe mosquito killer to avoid accidental pet poisoning.
Algae
Treat your pond with safe algaecide to prevent the buildup of algae. This is very important, especially to preserve the service life of your ceramic water fountain.
Frost
Be prepared before the first frost hit. Be sure to drape over the edge of your lowest basin. This is to absorb condensation and then cover the structure with a tarpaulin.
Summary
Fountains are a great piece to have in your space. They can be placed in dining areas as they are great conversation starters.
Having proper knowledge of your fountain placement is also important to reduce the stress of cleaning debris fall. Fountains are great ornaments for your gardens and patio, and also indoor spaces.
If you’re looking to adding style to your space, then a fountain installation is the best ornament to go for.
RECENT POSTS
