Pond Fountain Introduction

Introduction to Oase Water Fountains & Pond Fountain Selection

With the exception of basic fountain attachments that come with smaller submersible pumps the correct selection and installation of the right fountain attachment (nozzle) can be quite complicated.

Picture shown here is the Vulcan 37 from Oase (the 37 refers to number of holes in the jet).

Construction principles and and structural components

Once the solution for the water reservoir (pond) is found, the next step is to find a way to set the water into motion and to find the right water display.

The movement of water may be hardly perceptible, supplied in the form of a flowing current into the pond, the running water of a brook, a bubbling spring, a multi stepped fountain, a transparent water bell, a powerful high fountain or a rushing waterfall.

Basic varieties are described in detail here…

Once a certain water pattern and therefore a certain nozzle or nozzle combination has been decided upon, the selection of the “driving force”, the fountain pump, then follows.

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The simplest solution is to place a watertight submersible pump into the basin. A somewhat more lavish possibility, in terms of both cost and installation, is the dry installation of a centrifugal pump outside the basin. This pump is generally installed below the water level of the basin in an underground pump or cellar room and is connected to the fountain basin via a suction- and feed pipe.

The most important criteria for selecting the pump are its power and efficiency, its capacity for continuous running as well as its adaptability to the specific requirements of fountain technology.

With these three elements – the water reservoir, the fountain attachments and the pump – a fully operational fountain installation can be established.

Therefore its very important that these three elements are efficiently combined. For example, the fountain attachments ultimately determine the water and pressure requirement which leads to the choice of a certain pump – considering of course an eventual friction loss in pipes and fittings. All further construction parts of the fountain installation serve to embellish the fountain, to simplify the handling and maintenance or to render certain functions automatic.

Oase Fountain Products

The world leader in all types of fountains from small garden pond fountains to massive outdoor fountains is a German company called OASE. We have been supplying Oase with South African made water features for almost 10 years and have developed excellent working relationships with this world class ponds and water fountains manufacturer.

The picture here shows a range of fountain nozzles. As you can see the choice is enormous (and there are many more than this available). To get the most out of a fountain especially in larger arrangements it is always the best idea to go for a suitable metal nozzle.

Many of these nozzles are immediately available from stock. The more specialised ones need to be imported and this can be arranged at short notice.

Basic Rules for Water Fountain Displays…

In order to design a unit with moving, active water, a very firm idea must first be developed as to how the unit is to look. To assist in this creative process, OASE presents different possibilities for creating water displays, setting no limits to ones individual creativity. In the following sections you’ll see an explanation about the different types of water displays that need not be strictly separated from each other. They can be used in combinations.

Each section gives an introduction to the simple construction principals of a fountain unit and a summary of the OASE range of components. This will include a description of the most important construction variations together with their typical advantages and disadvantages.

Pond Fountain Installation

Basic rules always to be considered when planning fountain installations:

1. Not under trees… Fallen leaves, insects and bird droppings contaminate the water and can clog up the suction filters in the pump circuit.

2. Not in positions exposed to high winds… Unfavourable wind conditions disturb the desired water pattern and can take the water in the fountains over the edge of the basin. Height of water columns jet should not be greater than the distance to the nearest edge of the basin.

3. Water-saving basin depth… To reduce water use during changes required for cleaning the basin and prevent accidents, the basin and thus the water depth, should be kept as shallow as possible.

4. Protection by cover gratings… The cavities in the fountain basin, which are necessary for accommodating the equipment, should be covered by gratings.

5. Overflow/outlet to the drain… For easy emptying and cleaning of the fountain basin, an overflow/outlet to the drainage system should always be provided.

6. Freshwater supply… A permanently installed freshwater pipe with automatic topping up and pump dry running safety device should always be provided, especially for public installations.

7. Securing the power supply cables… Power supply cables should be installed in cable ducts in the fountain basin; this is essential for public installations.

8. Selecting the correct pump… Fountain pumps are subject to heavy endurance requirements and therefore, must be specially developed and manufactured for their intended application.

9. Selecting the correct electrical switchgear… The electrical switchgear must be matched to the pumps and lighting circuits and be provided with the special protective and safety equipment for fountain installations.

10. Protection during winter… Precautionary measures for the winter should be taken at the planning stage. Above all, it must be possible to protect the pumps from frost, by removal if necessary.

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