What to Look For When Buying a Bronze Fountain

If you have decided that a bronze fountain would be the way to go, then you have made a wise decision. Unlike fountains made of concrete or resin, bronze is a very durable and versatile material and that said, will ensure that you can choose the right kind of bronze fountain that meets your style and budget needs. When you buy bronze, you can be assured of a wide choice of bronze fountains which incorporate unique styles such as contemporary, classics or Renaissance themes, all of which will allow you to complement the overall look and space of your home or garden.

There are several tips you could use when it comes to purchasing a bronze fountain. Here’s what you can do when selecting a fountain that will work for you.

Choose a Fountain Style that Works for You

Before you set your heart on purchasing a bronze fountain, you need to do your homework and decide the kind of fountain style that will work for you and the space you intend it for. Bear in mind that the fountain needs to harmonize with the surroundings and should not look out of place. There are several unique fountain styles available and they include classical, contemporary or minimalist and Renaissance fountains. Each of these styles incorporate a certain identifying element that defines the fountain.

Classical fountains highlight Greek and Roman figures sometimes the Muses or Gods like Zeus or Poseidon, and are filled with ornate details, tiered designs and cherub figurines. Such fountains borrow heavily from traditional European architecture and possess elements which highlight the unique styles and patterns which define Greco-Roman architecture.

Contemporary fountains incorporate a minimalist style with close emphasis on clean, geometrical designs often defined by sleek, streamlined forms with clear and elegant details which are not cluttered in contrast to classical or Renaissance designs which are ornate and elaborate. Basically, contemporary fountains focus on simplicity and will dabble with geometric forms like cubes, rectangles, or cylinders, rather than intricate or organic shapes.

Renaissance fountains cover some elements of classical fountains, highlighting a revival of the Greek and Roman architecture but are more intensely focused to include multiple tiers filled with intricate carvings of lion or cherub faces most often showing on the rims of the fountain basins or fountain topper, to acanthus leaf details sometimes showing on the fountain pedestal. Generally, Renaissance fountains can also be ornate and feature humans or angels and cherubs as part of its design.

Choose A Fountain Size That Works

Depending on the size of the area where the fountain will sit, you will want to choose a fountain that is either large or small, complementing well the space afforded for it. A large fountain may take its place in your courtyard or garden where it will add a strong visual focus blending well with the rest of the landscape while a small fountain may add a unique statement for the living room or your private room. Such fountains may also add an aesthetic presence for a small courtyard or patio. The bottom line is you have to choose a fountain that fits well in proportion to the space accorded without overwhelming it. Do not choose a large fountain for a tight space as you risk placing a damper on the overall beauty of the fountain and its surroundings.

Choose the Water Flow With the Right Pump

The water movement you see in a fountain adds to the energy and acoustics in choosing the right fountain that works for you. Water movement is governed by the nozzles, and can be trickling, spraying or in the form of jets. Consult a fountain pump contractor when choosing a pump that will work for your fountain especially when you are dealing with very large fountains.  You want to make sure you get the optimal pump that will work well with large fountains. Consider the fountain’s height, desired flow rate and pump dimensions to ensure a proper fit and strong water flow. Multiply the fountain height by at least 1.5 to get the minimum max lift (or "max head") required for the pump. If you are choosing an indoor fountain, consider submersible pumps which are quieter than external pumps.

Clean Your Fountains Regularly and As Needed

The most common concern for homeowners is the frequency of cleaning needed for their bronze fountains. How often do you clean your bronze fountains to ensure that it works optimally well all spring or summer long? There are many factors that affect the frequency of cleaning and this depends on the size of the fountain, the climate, and its exposure to sunlight. Smaller fountains may require cleaning every few weeks, while larger fountains can typically be cleaned every few months. Sunlight also controls the cleaning process with fountains in shaded areas requiring less cleaning than those located in sunny areas. Regular maintenance helps prevent clogging and keeps your bronze fountain clean. It also prevents algae, dirt and mineral deposits from building up while keeping your pump from incurring damage. Another reason to clean your bronze fountains regularly is to prevent it from tarnishing and developing a natural greenish patina that comes about due to oxidation. Regular cleaning also ensures proper water flow and prolongs the life of your fountain, thereby avoiding costly repairs.

Conclusion

There is so much you can gain from installing your first fountain for the home. While there is a lot of planning involved in finding out the kind of fountain that will work for you, you need to be also able to clean your fountain to ensure it’s long lasting use for the home and garden. The plus side is that in investing in a bronze fountain, you can be sure that the bronze material will not rust or corrode with the elements unlike concrete or resin. However, bronze fountains require care as with all fountains, to ensure they are cleaned regularly so as to work optimally as required. It all boils down to maintaining and cleaning your bronze fountains to keep it in constant working condition. With the right care and maintenance of your bronze fountain, you can be sure that your fountain will last for many years to come, providing your home with the gentle and beautiful sounds of water cascading from the basins.