Garden fountains: what's the big deal? Yes, they look great. They're unique works of art. And they tend to bring whole gardens together into idyllic, harmonious spaces that compel you to sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. But what's the big deal? Well, these fountains do a lot more than just look great. They also help you relax, and they're healthful too!

The short answer is "yes," and there are several reasons. For 1, the cascading water of the waterfall rupture the bonds that glue the water molecules together. This process releases negative ions into the atmosphere. Negative ions bond to positively charged particles, such as dust particles, bioaerosols, allergens, and an assortment of other airborne pollutants, germs, and toxins. When negative ions bond to these nasty agents, they neutralize one another. This helps clean the air, so you can now breathe easier and prevent the start of respiratory problems. An increased quantity of negative ions in the air will alleviate asthma, and may even enhance overall performance and body function. Much of your well being depends on how clean the air is your breathing.

Another health benefit of installing garden fountains is enhanced focus and concentration, which leads to mental soundness and peace of mind. A fountain accomplishes this through the production of "white noise," a multi-frequency sound wave that drowns out other, less desirable sounds (such as traffic jams, shouting neighbors, and electric telephone pole hums). The first benefit of this, is greatly improved and deeper relaxation. Without the stress of bothersome clamor, you can rest peacefully, listening instead to the soothing sounds of softly-flowing water. An unforeseen benefit of such restfulness, however, is the promotion of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin, is a neurotransmitter that specializes in brightening you mood: as you listen to your fountain, you may actually feel yourself growing more content as you are lulled into a state of mental relaxation.

After installing your new outdoor fountain, and seeing all of these new health benefits for yourself, you will want to keep your waterfall running problem free for many years to come. Luckily, fountains are not too difficult to maintain. Cleaning methods, of course, depend on the material your fountain is made of. For all fountain types, however, make sure your garden fountain rests on a flat, level surface for an even water flow and distribution. Also, make sure your fountain uses distilled water, as tap water and ground water can clog the pump or increase mineral buildup. For stone and ceramic fountains, try using a Calcium Lime Remover to get rid of mineral buildup. To treat algae, be sure to use an animal-safe solution, as birds will likely use your water feature as a watering hole. Your water fountain should be taken apart and cleaned carefully every four to six months. See? It's pretty easy.