Do-It-Yourself Courtyard Fountains And Ponds
For over 5000 years, elegant palaces and homes have utilized the beauty of courtyard fountains and ponds. Throughout Europe and Asia, these decorative landscape centerpieces have dazzled kings and queens, as well as the upper class. Fortunately, these beautiful additions are no longer reserved for the elite. While still rather costly, courtyard fountains and ponds have reached a price that most people can afford.
Courtyard fountains and ponds come in all shapes and sizes. They can range from simplistic, to elaborate, and come in a range of materials. The majority of these fountains are created from a substance known as cast stone. This is a type of concrete that is formed into the shape desired. Many courtyard fountains and ponds, however, are still built out of granite, concrete, and the ever-popular marble.
Installing Courtyard Fountains And Ponds
While it is recommended that you hire a professional to install your courtyard fountains and ponds, it is possible to do it yourself. Most do it yourself home improvement stores carry kits for smaller fountains and ponds, which are relatively simple to put together. There are several steps you must take if you are going to try to install your own fountain.
Call Your Electric Company: This is vitally important if you are planning to install your own courtyard fountain and pond. Fountains require electricity (unless you are planning to use a solar fountain), and the wires to run that electricity have to be buried. Please call before you dig.
Clear Out The Planned Area: Be sure to remove any plants, large rocks, and debris from the area in which you plan to install your courtyard fountain and pond. By getting these things out of the way ahead of time, you help to ensure that nothing will fall in the hole you dig that might puncture the lining.
Level Your Hole: After you have dug the holes for your courtyard fountain and pond, you must make certain that the area is level before inserting any of your sidewall rocks. This will help to ensure that your water is level, and that your pump works properly. Many fountains will not work at all if they are not level. Leveling your hole is relatively simple. Fill the hole with sand, and using a level and a board, tamp the sand down where needed until perfectly level.
After that, you will need to follow the instructions that came with your courtyard fountain and pond kit. With a little diligence, and a lot of hard work, you too can enjoy the beauty and elegance of your very own courtyard fountain and pond. |
