Country house - a place to relax and unwind from busy days. Therefore, it is not surprising that people are trying in every possible way to decorate their summer cottage. A flower bed, a front garden and a cozy garden are a small part of those landscape design components that can complement the territory. But you can decorate the lawn with a fountain. And thanks to the spray of water in the nearest area there will be fresh air. The article describes the arrangement of a fountain and a waterfall at their summer cottage
Outdoor fountains: classification
Decorative designs, depending on the technique of execution, are of the following varieties:
- Stationary.
- Submersible.
- Cascading.
A stationary fountain is often installed in a city park. However, it can also be built on a personal plot, decorated with decorative elements: marble statues, sculptures, natural stones and other design items. During the construction of these structures, polymer concrete is used - a durable and frost-resistant material. As a resultthe design will be light, durable and protected from decay.
A submersible waterfall is considered simple in execution, which consists of a pump, a receiving tank, a pipeline and a nozzle. The purpose of the last structural element is to spray the water jet in different compositions. The structure can be decorated with natural stone and flowers, and its construction is cheap. In addition, the installation of a fountain and a waterfall in the summer cottage optimizes the humidity and temperature indicators of the nearby backyard territory.
The cascade type construction is somewhat reminiscent of a pyramid. In this case, the water falls from top to bottom, creating a continuous stream that washes over each step.
Working principle
Depending on the technique of the device, fountains are:
- Flow.
- Circulating.
To organize the first option, it is necessary to equip the structure with a water supply and drainage system. Fountains of this type work according to this principle: the water rises, and then falls and goes into the sewer. The main advantage is that the structure performs a useful function: flow structures are sometimes used for watering gardens, lawns and flower beds.
For the operation of a circulation fountain, it is necessary to ensure the circulation of water, which will fill the tank. After that, the liquid rises with the help of a pump to a special nozzle, which already sprays water. The advantage of this structure is that its operation does not require water supply andsewerage. However, sometimes it is necessary to replenish the reservoirs, as the liquid gradually evaporates.
If the fountain is equipped with a pump, then thanks to this mechanism, the water will rise. As a rule, small aesthetic structures are made without the mentioned unit. Do-it-yourself construction of a decorative structure is a laborious and costly process, but it's worth it: a fountain in the country house will give the garden an unforgettable look.
Optimal location
The size and type of the fountain are the main parameters that affect the choice of the site where the structure will be installed. In addition, a decorative structure should not be installed next to trees, since falling leaves can disable the pump or clog the filter. In addition, the structure cannot be placed near the house: due to high humidity, the foundation of the building will deteriorate over time.
The following factors should be considered when choosing a location:
- wind direction (fountain will get dirty if installed downwind);
- natural lightening of the area (water will begin to bloom if it is exposed to constant sunlight);
- availability of nearby power supply to operate the pump.
The ideal place is a site surrounded by low trees and flowers. For the rational arrangement of fountains in parks, as a rule, they are located near gazebos or playgrounds.
Equipment required
Details for the fountain and waterfall are basic, additional and decorative. To the firstapplies to the following equipment:
- The bowl is a water reservoir design.
- Electric pump (remote or submersible) - water flow engine.
- Nozzles - parts that regulate the shape of the jet.
- PVC pipes, tees, faucets, gate valves, couplings and adapters - elements for water supply of fountains and waterfalls.
The service life and performance of the structure depends on the quality of the main parts. However, simple structures can be made without some elements (for example, a pump is not needed for a single-tier mini-fountain). But a bowl is an obligatory part, but the following accessories can be attributed to additional equipment:
- Cleaning filter.
- Water control sensor.
- Expansion tank.
- Wind speed sensor.
- Sound equipment.
- Lanterns and waterproof lamps for lighting.
- Control cabinet.
The price of the fountain directly depends on the cost of the installed parts.
Choosing bowl material
For fountains and waterfalls, stone (natural or artificial), stainless steel, plastic, concrete or fiberglass are used.
Marble is an expensive material from which the most beautiful designs are obtained. It is difficult to work with this stone, but if all the technical conditions are met, the result will be a durable decorative structure.
Natural granite is another high quality building material used for buildingfountains. Its advantage is that it can be used to make a design of any color.
Garden fountains built of sandstone or shungite will look good in a summer cottage. In addition, these materials are easy to process and poorly absorb moisture. It should be noted that the bowl, made of coral sandstone, will retain its original appearance for 15 years.
Concrete fountain is a cheap but short-lived option. It is better to give such a structure an original look: it can be painted or overlaid with facing material (for example, tiles).
When building a fountain, you need to make or buy a waterproof and reliable tank yourself. As you know, experts recommend purchasing bowls made of stone or fiberglass.
Pump Selection
This element is considered the so-called heart of the fountain. The pump works in this way: the unit takes and purifies water thanks to a special filter, and then throws clean liquid into the bowl through the nozzles. When buying, you need to pay attention to its operating voltage, power and performance. The technological device of the decorative fountain pump is of two types:
- Submersible (piston).
- Remote (superficial).
The piston pump is a low voltage device for small fountains. It must be mounted on the bottom of the water tank.
Surface equipment is applied to multi-level garden fountains. It must be installed near the structure, but firstThe appliance must be protected from rain and sunlight. To do this, you can use a special protective film or put the pump in a plastic box. Such expensive equipment is noisy, but this is a quality pump that will last for many years.
Optional equipment
To make a fountain with visual effects, you can use a variety of sprayers. Thanks to these details, it will be easy to adjust the water jet, which can be given the appearance of a water wall, geyser or bubbles.
The fountain can be supplemented with decorative lighting, which can be of the following types:
- Surface (lanterns are installed along the perimeter of the structure).
- Floating (solar powered).
- Underwater lighting using moisture resistant lamps.
Often, colored 12-volt LED strips are used for this purpose.
Fountain device technology: step by step instructions
The initial stage is the preparation of the pit, the shape of which depends on the dimensions of the future structure. As a rule, the depth of the excavation is 50 cm. Next, you need to level and tamp the bottom, and then lay a layer of rubble on it.
The next step is the construction of two formworks, the minimum distance between which should be 30 cm. The first is built along the outside of the fountain, and the second - along the inside. After that, it is necessary to reinforce the walls and the bottom of the structure with a steel mesh
Then the bottomit is necessary to pour concrete mortar and fill the space between the formwork, which is necessary for the manufacture of the sides of the fountain. But there is one caveat: first you need to fill the bottom of the bowl and wait until the concrete has completely hardened. Only after that you can start building the sides.
The fountain device does not end there, because the next step is to install the pump. The technique for performing this step depends on the type of equipment. The device is connected to electricity and water, so you can check its operation.
The final stage is facing the fountain with natural stone or other finishing material, and the sides of the bowl can be decorated with flowers and statues.
Building a waterfall
First, you need to dig a pit according to the project documentation. If the waterfall is intended for breeding fish, then its minimum depth should be 1 meter. So that the structure does not deform during operation, the walls of the pit must be carefully compacted and moistened. The prepared bottom must be covered with a 10 cm layer of sand.
The structure must be covered with a waterproofing material (for example, plastic wrap). After that, it is necessary to fill the pit with concrete mixture.
To make a cascade, it is better to buy a ready-made form in a hardware store. But you can also make it yourself from flat cameos connected with cement mortar.
As pumping equipment for a small waterfall 1.5 meters high, you can use a device with a power of 70 watts. The pressure hose should be installed at the top of the cascade, and the water pipes should be placed behind the rocks.
Construction cost
Before starting work on the arrangement of the fountain, it is necessary to draw up an estimate of the object being built. Initially, it must be taken into account that a foundation must be erected under a massive structure, therefore the cost of organizing the foundation is a key aspect that must be recorded in the document. In addition, the estimate for the installation of the fountain includes the following parameters:
- Building height.
- Total area of the object.
- The material from which the bowl (reservoir) is made.
If the lining of the fountain was made, then it must also be taken into account when calculating the costs. The total cost depends on:
- fountain type;
- difficulties in performing work;
- installation of additional equipment;
- of the amount of work on the foundation;
- design complexity;
- consumable quality.
In any case, a garden fountain is an expensive landscape decoration.
Conclusion
The article described the device of the fountain. To build this structure, you need to perform a few simple steps and spend some money. However, if finances allow, then you can independently make a unique work of art. In addition, the article tells what elements this aesthetic structure consists of.
