Question about outdoor fountain causing a lot of overspray

Question

We just purchased our first outdoor water fountain:  On the second tier, the grooves where the water runs down was not cut out enough.  My husband took tool and tried to make the grooves even so that the water would run out the same.  It may still need to have grooves dug out but when the water falls to the bottom bowl, it is splattering to the ground and keeping the concrete below constantly wet.

LYNDA · Answer

Can you turn the pressure from the pump down, We had one that had an over spray and we pinched the hose, maybe that would. Also put some colored gravel in the pools to catch the water and it should keep it from splashing.??

Barbara · Answer

Every fountain I've had we have experienced the same issue. I think turning down the water pressure might help, but it has to be forceful enough to pump water from the reservoir, so it's a delicate adjustment.

Cathy C · Answer

you might try rigging some heavy clear fishing line from the grooves down to the bottom basin for the water to run down to control the flow

Julie B · Answer

I should have included this in the original post. My husband turned the pump pressure down as low as he could. So you think that putting colored gravel in the bottom bowl will help? It is worth a try.

Sue c. · Answer

Sorry to say this but fountains produce spray. Gravel /small rocks won't stop it. Perhaps should simply leave it as a dry display. If you can hear the water splash it means mist is being created. And I sure wouldn't want a slippery mossy green spot growing on my porch either.

Busypencil · Answer

The force of gravity on the cascading water strikes either the water below or a solid surface and causes splashing, turning down the pressure will do little to cure. Try using a piece of chain or perhaps a sheet of plastic for the water to slide down. It will reduce the splash zone.

Barbara Valenti · Answer

Why not put some plants or ferns around the base. It can water your plants and hopefully not make such a mess.  Some larger stones might prevent some splash. A rain chain may slow trickle down so as not to splash. All my brain could think of right now! Good luck!

Lyndamae wilson · Answer

try placing plants real or artificial in the bottom bowl....so when the water hits the plants it directs the water to the inside of the bowl..(place them near the outside of the bowl)...it is hard to see what works best when you are not there to see what the water is doing..hope you find an idea that works for you...but a bunch of flower pots at the base on the floor level is a good idea..at least they would keep them watered..

Mary · Answer

A smaller pump?

Catherine McBrien · Answer

I agree with Mary. A smaller pump will reduce the water flow which will in turn reduce the splashing.

Julie B · Answer

We are using the pump that came with it but hubby is researching a different pump. Thanks for the ideas!

Lu Schmidt · Answer

I've seen this happen on fountains on display in stores. Water was splashing all over the floor. They either put a ribbon in the spot where the water runs out or put a screen into the splash area below. It wouldn't be my first choice of a fix, but it would work while trying to find a better solution. I wish I had looked closely at the details now. Not sure how they attached that ribbon; the water just ran smoothly down it's length.

Gabrielle Falk · Answer

I

Gabrielle Falk · Answer

I think that all you might need to do is actually turn down the water flow mechanism on the pump. Maybe you have it set on 'full' or 'strong' flow. It might just take an adjustment to lessen the actual flow. Just need to experiment. If you need to, just check with the manufacturer or even the shop that sold you the pump. Again, as others have said; a pump with a much smaller or reduced/less vigorous water flow. Most pumps have an 'adjustment' flow meter. Just turning one way or the other, the top of the fountain. Maybe even try a different fountain head (ie display). One that doesn't shoot water everywhere. Is the fountain in a windy area. Because wind can play havoc with fountains. Blowing the water everywhere. Good luck; Gabrielle from Sydney Australia

Barbara Valenti · Answer

I also thought about indoor outdoor carpet. Maybe some Astro turf, of course it would be wet underneath but at least you would not slip. Even just cutting an arched piece of something to fill the area would help. I keep racking my brain to think of something unique! Never give up!

Barbara Valenti · Answer

Maybe that previous answer of a screen fitted down into the water area might help. Even just to fit but on top of the water.so the flow would hit the screen first!

Donna · Answer

Mine was doing the same thing but it stopped splashing out when I removed some of the water. Just be sure to keep in enough to cover the pump.

Karin L · Answer

Good spot for some potted plants to dress up the area. If they're substantial enough the dogs will have to go around them. Plus side, they'll get they spray from the fountain. Win. Win.

Salvadore · Answer

Slow down your pump. The water will continue to flow but at a slower rate. This should reduce the splash in the bottom bowl. This worked on my fountain. Good luck.

Christina Dorrego · Answer

I agree, you can slow the pump down. i personally would put succulents in it and forget the water. Drape the sedum types over the edges....string of pearls, whatever. 
I have been on the hunt for a free fountain just for this purpose.

Annie Harsch · Answer

Boy, there are some really good suggestions here!  @Julie B, may I ask where you got your fountain?  It's just beautiful!

Betty Miller · Answer

I know you closed the post but I might have something else for you.Check the level 
 (plum) of the fountain. Most cement up against houses is graded to drain. That could cause your water not to fall the way it is built to drain. You may have to add a shim to make it level. Water is self leveling. Beautiful fountain I know they are pricey and very disappointing when don't met expectations.

Eric Blaise · Answer

I would have taken it back on noticing that they were not cut out enough. you might still be able to do so without mentioning that they weren't cut out enough and show them what happens so that you can get a better model or a refund. I am assuming it is a recent purchase, so that shouldn't be much of an issue. Otherwise, you can always use physics to your advantage and round out the cuts, water tends to flow over instead of away from rounded out surfaces. Eric | http://www.decorhomeandgarden.com/default.asp?dept_id=30030

Betty Johnson · Answer

It might be because too much water is flowing through it. Do the instructions for the fountain says anything about the amount of water pressure recommended for this fountain? I hope you can get it figured out because this fountain is really pretty. How tall is it? http://www.roysgiftshop.com/np1-listing-dept-30030

V Smith · Answer

It is simple physics. The pooled water in the bottom has surface tension across the top. A dropping water also has surface tension, that keeps it together. When the water drops from above it creates an effect whereby it splashes. In slow motion the water dropping would hit the surface tension then rebound back in an upwards direction spreading out (like a crown). It is the upward outward water that doesn't land inside the bottom bowl. Perhaps a half a capful of fabric softener would help tame your water a little.

Teacup8885 · Answer

Get some water plants n put them in the bottom but put an easy to remove screen over drain hole for easy cleaning!

Julie B · Answer

<div>Thank you.  </div>

Question about outdoor fountain causing a lot of overspray

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Question about outdoor fountain causing a lot of overspray

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