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Garden-fountain lights are available for installation as either inside-water or outside for water lighting. All, however, should be connected to a GFI for safety, and those used in the water should be made specifically for underwater use.
Before you shop for garden fountain lights, experiment with different effects from a powerful flashlight or a spotlight on an extension cord (never place either in the water). Aim for restraint and subtlety. Don't let yourself get carried away with an effect that's more amusement park than understated elegance.
There are several types of in garden fountain lights, and each creates its own special effect, depending on how you position it Most designs call for lights that have dark, subdued casings. Stainless steel or white casings can be obtrusive, especially during daytime.
Garden fountain lights, either in white or colors, add drama to a spray. Some garden fountain lights also come equipped with transparent wheels of several colors. Colored light, however, should be used sparingly-it can easily become garish.
Many garden fountain lights include built-in timers that allow you to automatically turn the lights on and off. You can also install an independent timer in the lighting setup. Timers not only save you the trouble of regulating the light, they also save energy costs.
Placing for Your Garden Fountain Lights
The one rule in placing fountain lights is to never them shine directly on the water because they will create a harsh glare. In-ponds, lights need fairly clear water to be effective. Murky water blocks too much light and diminishes the light's effectiveness considerably. If you have fish in your water garden, leave dark areas where they can retreat from the light. Fish need plenty of crevices for refuge. And never light up the entire pond, especially all night. Whenever possible, position out-of-water lights to conceal their housings and cord underneath a deck, behind a rock, or tucked into the foliage of a shrub.
Whatever type of lighting you choose, be sensitive to its effect on the neighbors. Don't let the lights shine in their windows.
Installation of Low Voltage Garden Fountain Lights
Unlike regular 120-volt lights, installation of low-voltage landscape lights is a snap, even for beginners. And they're fairly safe because of their low voltage. Many low-voltage lighting systems are sold as kits, complete with instructions.
Hooking up a low-voltage system starts with installing a transformer, which reduces the regular household current from 120 volts to 12 volts. Install the transformer near the GFI receptacle closest to the water feature, following the manufacturer's instructions. Even 12-volt systems should use a GFI unit to prevent shocks. Most transformers are simply mounted next to an outlet and plugged into it.
I have always been smitten with the smallest things in life. In fact, even as a kid I remember being fascinated with small things and with finding beauty in places that most people ignored. So when it came time to purchase a home for me and my own family, there were naturally so many detail things that I was concerned about. As an architect, I was obviously concerned in detail with the layout of the house and with the way each room would fit into the bigger plan for the house. But I was also concerned with whether or not the home we chose would be able to accomodate the small things that I wanted to have for my home like a garden fountain.
I think that I first started liking garden fountains in a movie I saw. The first word that comes to mind when I think about a garden fountain is magic. I belive that there is something truly magical about a garden fountain begin part of a backyard, and that is the main reason why I have always wanted one in a home of my own. I love sitting in a backyard on a warm summer night and watching the fireflies dance around a garden fountain. I love seeing fish swim and play in a garden fountain too.
If you are thinking of adding an extra special touch to your home and yard, then consider carefully putting in a garden fountain. Why? Not only because a garden fountain adds a certain amount of magic, but also because a garden fountain is a relatively easy and simply way to add a touch of uniqueness and beauty to your property. After all, not everyone you know will have a garden fountain. I'm convinced that if everyone had the opportunity to see what an astetic difference a garden fountain really makes then they would be sure to add one to their landscape as soon as possible.
It is a good idea to visit a few homes that have a garden fountain before choosing one of your own. See what other people are doing and determine what kind of garden fountain is best for you. You should keep in mind that you can install a garden fountain on your own or you can have one installed for you. So take your time and make a wise decision.
It is true that adding a garden fountain to your outside space is a small decision, but it is also true that some of the small things in life are also the most magical and make the most difference.