For more than 50 centuries, stylish homes and elegant palaces have incorporated the splendor of water fountains into their courtyards, swimming pools and ponds. They are commonly found showcasing government buildings, parks, business complexes, and the homes of the wealthy. Fortunately, these decorative landscape structures are no longer available only to businesses and the rich. Today, beautiful water and pond fountains are available at a fraction of the cost that they once were. Mass production and the use of less expensive types of materials have now made them affordable to most households.

When we think about water fountains, we generally picture a graceful garden fountain in the front a luxurious home or office building. However, fountains are commonly seen gracing the insides of homes as well. They range in size from the smaller indoor tabletop fountains to the extravagant courtyard fountains. Besides the garden and table fountains, they can also be found mounted to both indoor and outdoor walls as well.

Water Fountains are made from a wide variety of different materials ranging from bronze, brass, granite, and marble which are found in the more expensive fountains, to concrete, stone, fiberglass, resin, and plastic in the more affordable fountain types. Fountains are available in many different styles and designs. You can find fountains that feature cherubs, stately lions, dolphins, mermaids and other varying styles and designs that will amaze you with their creativity and fine attention to detail.

Early water fountains operated by using the gravitational flow from natural springs or reservoirs that were in a location higher in elevation than the fountain itself. Because an elevated water source was not always available, early fountains were very limited on the locations in which they could be placed. Modern technology has changed this limitation. Today, fountains are operated by a re-circulating water pump run by either electricity or solar power. Submersible pumps are now available that can be placed directly in the water of the fountain. Due to evaporation, fountains must be re-filled with water on a regular basis. This can be done manually or it can be done automatically by maintaining a constant water level by using a float system, similar to that found in a toilet, which turns the water source on when the water level falls below a low level point and shuts it off when the fountain reaches a high level point.

Water fountains not only require that water be added to them, but the quality of the water will also affect how long the fountain lasts. The pump will last longer if the fountain employs a filtration system to remove unwanted particles from the water. Chemical additives such as chlorine and anti-algae treatments can also be added to the water to kill harmful bacteria and to remove algae.

If you are interested in purchasing a new water fountain for your home, there are many places you can look. There are a number of online stores that specialize in fountains and other garden decor merchandise. You can also shop locally in specialty stores that carry a large selection of different fountain styles, as well as in the local home improvement stores who stock their garden departments in the spring and summer months. Purchasing a water fountain can be somewhat expensive, but with the proper maintenance and care, it is sure to make a long lasting centerpiece for your home or garden.