Types of Pond Fountains for Large Ponds & Lakes
Pond fountains are one of the easiest ways to add a water feature that improves the appearance and health of a pond. It’s not obvious, but most pond fountains are actually a floating pump and nozzle secured with mooring lines. Floating pond fountains have many advantages and add critical oxygen to the pond ecosystem as they spray water high into the air.
There are many sizes and spray pattern options. We work hard to provide only the best fountains from quality manufacturers to make the selection process stress-free. In addition to the many pond fountain spray patterns that are available, light kits illuminate flowing water after dark. Even more interesting are LED lights that have color options and programable changing colors that bring a pond fountain to life in the evening.
Spray nozzles range from simple spraying trumpets and foaming columns to complex patterns with multiple streams of water. Most pond fountains include the ability to change the spray pattern with simple hand tools.
Floating fountains are available in 120, 240, and 480 Volts for the largest pumps. Natural Waterscapes is here to help you choose the best option for your water body. Selecting the right size for the pond or lake depends on the water body size, the location of the unit, and the location of the power supply. With our imaging technology, we can place the spray pattern (virtually) on your pond or lake so you can see before you buy.
Fountain installation is easy for the 120 Volt models. Fountains include integrated control panels that automatically operated the fountain pump on a daily schedule. The timers included with each control panel allow the pump to be operated only when there is value to both save energy and extend the life of the system. Light sensors activate the fountain lights at dusk and turn them off at dawn.
Note that larger models may require an electrician to install a power supply at the shoreline. All units include water-tight electrical cabling with waterproof connectors.
Fountains for Ponds up to 1 acre
Many of the fountain systems for ponds in this size range can be installed by DIY pond owners. The electric cables connect to the pump and lights with a simple waterproof connection.
The fountain float can be tethered to the shoreline using stainless steel cables or nylon rope. In some cases, it may be easier to anchor the fountain using a weight dropped on the pond bottom. Most pumps for fountains on 1 acre or smaller ponds use a 120-volt power supply.
Larger Pond and Lake Fountains
This is where the really big fountain pumps come out to play! We've all seen the towering columns of spraying water cascading back to the lake surface. The lake fountains consume serious amounts of electricity and toss tens of thousands of gallons of water skyward in beautiful streams.
The largest fountains are heavyweights that need special carts just to launch the fountain. Custom, heavy-duty electric cables are built for each installation. Professional electrical installation should be used.
How do floating fountains work?
A pond fountain is typically built with just a few basic components. In its simplest form, it is a submersible pump mounted in a float with a nozzle attached to control the spray pattern.
The control panel, located onshore, supplies electricity to the fountain pump and lights. The pump operation time is controlled by either a mechanical or electronic timer that can be set to run the fountain during different periods of the day. Fountain lights are usually controlled by a photocell. Many pond owners choose to set the timer so that the fountain is off late at night or when no one is home to extend the fountain life and save electricity.
Waterproof cables with special, water-tight connections carry power to the water fountain pump. The pump is mounted in the center of the float. Some pumps are bolted directly to the float while others use a simple twist-lock mechanism to hold the pump in place.
Depending on the model the pump is either mounted vertically or horizontally. Horizontal pumps are used for shallow ponds and for very large pumps.
Fountain floats are most often hollow plastic floats filled with air. Some floats are filled with foam to be sure that the fountain will stay afloat even if the plastic is damaged. The size of the float is proportional to the pump size and weight. Floats are designed to keep the spray nozzle close to the pond surface and hold the fountain steady as it runs.
It is important to tether at least two points on the fountain float to prevent the float from rotating every time the pump starts or stops. If the floating fountain isn't tethered correctly it will twist the electrical cable and damage the connections.
Adding lights is straightforward and creates a beautiful nighttime water feature. Waterproof LED lights are designed to be mounted directly to holes or brackets on the float. The underwater LED lights can be purchased in either white or multicolor versions. The color-changing LED lights often come preprogrammed with light shows that add motion and beauty to the pond fountain spray.
Spray patterns have many options and can be changed on most fountain models. Inexpensive fountains may only have a standard trumpet nozzle so be aware of options when choosing. As the fountains get larger, the spray nozzle options increase and get more complex. It's always a good idea to watch a video of the pond fountain and spray pattern you are considering before making a purchase.
Choosing the right water fountain
It can be confusing to choose the right fountain when there are so many options. Natural Waterscapes is here to help with the process. Our friendly pond and lake experts will answer your questions and help you select the perfect fountain and options for your situation. We can even superimpose multiple fountains and nozzle patterns on a photo of your pond and lake so you can see it before you buy! Our support is only just beginning when you buy your fountain. The fountain experts are available to support your installation and provide additional pond management advice.
