1. How do I select the correct size water pump for my fountain?
  2. Will my fountain pump use much electricity?
  3. How long should my submersible pump last?
  4. How should I care for my submersible pump?
  5. Can I use these pumps outside?
  6. Can the flow of the fountain pump be adjusted?
  7. Where can I find more information on how to make my fountain?
  8. Fountain Making terms

How do I select the correct size water pump for my fountain?
The selection of the correct size water pump will depend upon the amount of flow your would like and the height the pump will need to raise the water.

Will my fountain pump use much electricity?
NO! Our submersible water fountain pumps consume a fraction of the power a standard light bulb does.

How long should my submersible pump last?
Our submersible fountain pumps are high quality magnetic drive pumps that have only one moving part. These water pumps may last for years with proper use. We have customers who have indicated up to seven years of life from their fountain pumps.

How should I care for my submersible pump?
Care information should be included in the fountain pump box. There are two important things you can do to extend the life of your submersible water pump. First, never let your fountain run dry or attempt to run the pump even briefly without being submersed in water. Second, do not cycle the pump on and off frequently on a timer. The biggest strain on a submersible pump is during start-up. While it is fine to turn your fountain pump off and on once or twice a day the customers who achieve the longest pump life are those who have the fewest pump cycles. It is much better to leave a magnetic drive submersible pump running constant than to start and stop it often.

Can I use these pumps outside?
We sell fountain pumps for both indoor and outdoor use. The submersible water pumps for outdoor use are indicated as Three Prong Cord on the product pages. The heavier cord for outdoor use contains a plug with a grounding pin that adds an additional measure of safety. In addition, we recommend that any water pump used outdoors be plugged into a outlet that contains acircuit breaker. If you have the older outlets on your home then you may wish to purchase a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) device and plug the pump into it. The GFCI will plug into your existing outlet and will cut off power should there be an electrical short.

Can the flow of the fountain pump be adjusted?
Yes it can! Our submersible fountain making pumps come with either a flow control built into the pump itself or an adjustable valve on the outlet attachment.

Where can I find more information on how to make my fountain?
You can find additional information by clicking on FOUNTAIN MAKING ADVICE AND CONSULTATION.

 


 

Below are some definitions for terms that often come up in fountain making.

Airplants-A easy to care for plant that takes much of its water and nutrients from the air. Often used in or around fountains.

Amp-Another electrical term for the amount of electrical current drawn. Our submersible pumps are reated by watts and not by amps.

Bamboo-Hollw sections of bamboo are often used in oriental style fountains and may be used as accents or as tubing for the fountain.

Bondo-The material used to repair car dents makes a wonderful adhesive for sticking large stones together.

Carbide blade-A type of hack saw blade that is covered by carbide flecks and very strong. This type of blade will cut through most stone and is a lifesaver when working with lava rock.

Ceramic-Another material used as a fountain base. Make sure the ceramic bowl you choose is sealed or waterproof.

External pump-A pump that sits outside the water. This type of pump is often used in large ponds.

Flow control-The device on the pump that allow for the adjustment of the flow of water from the pump. It will be located on the pump itself or can be a valve on the outlet tube of the pump.

Fogger-A fountain accessory used to produce a mist or fog in the fountain. It does this by ionizing the water and there are no chemicals used.

Fountain base-The water proof container that the fountain sits in.

Fountain basin-The water proof container that the fountain sits in.

Fountain head-A device that attaches to the top of a pump and creates different types of patterns with the water depending upon its style.

Fountain media-The material that the fountain itself will be made of. Exp. Rock, plastic, seashells, etc.

GFCI-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter-A device used to add another layer of safety to your pump. The device will shut off the power in event of an electrical short.

GPH-Gallons per hour flow of water that a pump will provide.

Horsepower-A term relating to the strength of a pump. Used in very large outdoor pond and waterfall pumps.

Hydralic cement-A type of cement that is either gray or white that can be mixed and used underwater. It is often used to cement fountain stones together and can seal around tubing that passes through a stone fountain such as lava rock.

I.D.-An abbreviation for inside diameter. Used for tubing measurements, the inside diameter refers to the distance across the opening of the inside of the tube.

Impeller-The moving part of a water pump that forces water through the outlet under pressure.

Inlet size-The size of the intake of the pump. Also stated as Intake Diameter.

In line pump-A pump that may be operated with a tube for both intake and outlet that does not have to be in water to operate.

Lava Rock-An easily carved stone consisting of compressed lave and volcanic ash. Usually a grey or reddish brown color. lava rock often contains bit of silica which can be very sharp. Hand and eye protection should be worn when working with this media.

LPH-Liters per hour flow of water that a pump will provide.

Mag drive-A type of pump that uses no oils and is cooled by the flow of water going through it. Must be operated under water to prevent damage.

Magnetic drive-A type of pump that uses no oils and is cooled by the flow of water going through it. Must be operated under water to prevent damage.

Masonary bit-A special drill bit that will penetrate through stone.

Max Head-The highest point to which a pump will raise the water. You would choose a submersible pump that has a Max Head higher than you wish to pump to.

Mist maker-A fountain accessory used to produce a mist or fog in the fountain. It does this by ionizing the water and theree are no chemicals used.

Mudmen-A term used for the small oriental figures that are used in some fountains. We hope to carry a line of these neat items soon.

O.D.-An abbreviation for outside diameter. Used for tubing measurements, the outside diameter refers to the distance across the outside of a tube. For example a tube that has a 1/2 in inside diameter may have 5/8 in outside diameter.

Oil free-Used to indicate that the pump contains no harmful oils. Magnetic drive pumps are oil free as well as inexpensive and energy efficient.

Outlet size-This measurement is the size of the outlet or discharge point of the pump. Any tubing used should be at least this size. Usually stated as Outlet Diameter.

Plumbers putty-Sold at most hardware stores this workable material is great for sealing around tubes and plugs or cords.

Poly resin-A material that many fountain basins and some fountains themselves are made of. It is waterproof and strong. Similar to plastic but can be made in many textures and finishes.

Pottery-Similar to ceramic and defiantly needs to be sealed before adding water.

Pottery glaze-A substance sold at most craft stores that will waterproof ceramic or pottery basins.

Pump filter-A device to screen or filer the water before it enters the pump. Most small fountain pumps have a simple slotted intake that allows water to pass but prevents large objects from entering the pump and damaging the impeller. Larger fountains or ponds may have many different types of filters that will remove debris from the water.

Recirculating pump-Another name for a fountain pump that discharges the water out the top and draws it back in from the bottom or side.

Riser-A device used to raise small fountain higher so that it can be better seen over the top of the fountain base.

River rocks-Smooth polished stones that can be placed in the fountain basin either for accent or to comprise the fountain itself.

Seashells-Seashells are often used as an accent or may comprise the fountain itself.

Submersible pump-A pump that must be submersed in water to operate.

Tubing-The material used in raising the water from the pump to the discharge area of your fountain. Tubing can be clear PVC, black, copper, or bamboo.

UL-Undewriters Laboratory-This rating usually associated with pump that contain three pins on the plug instead of the standard two pin. They are often used for outdoor water features.

Underwater light-A type of light used by fountain makers to add light to their creations. Usually they are five or ten watt light bulbs for small fountains. These lights must be placed underwater and should not be operated above water.

Watts-The amount of energy used by a fountain pump. A standard light bulb consumes 100 watts.

Fountain pumps and fountain supplies may be viewed at the links below

 

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