If you have a pond or lake on your property, you surely know the struggles of keeping it clean. That’s why, in his latest Backyard Life video, rural living expert Joe Thomas is here to show you how to keep your water pristine—while adding a nice aesthetic touch—with your own aerating fountain.
Aerating Fountain Benefits
Joe recently installed an aerating fountain in his pond, which he uses to keep the muck and mud out of areas directly in front of his house—and allows him to enjoy a bit of beauty with its high water arches and sounds of running water. The main benefit of an aerating fountain is that it moves surface water around, which adds the necessary oxygen that keeps your pond or lake crystal clear.
Fountain Installation
Installation is a big worry for any homeowner, and there’s no avoiding the fact that your fountain will need a power source. Before you get to setting your fountain afloat, Joe recommends first consulting a pond or lake specialist, as they’re able to determine which surface aerating fountain is right for you.
Depending on the size of the fountain, you’ll need a 220- or 110-volt hookup to keep them powered. However, most of the newer units—like the one Joe just installed—are 110 volt “plug-and-play” devices, meaning you can hook it into just about any nearby power source. The only major restraint is the length of the power cord. Most come with a cord that’s 100 ft. long, so you need to be aware of your fountain placement so it can reach a nearby power source with ease.
Now that you have size, power, and location all settled, it’s time to put the aerating fountain to use. Placing the fountain is simple: all you need is a boat! They even come with mooring ports, making it easy to fashion a makeshift anchor to keep your fountain from drifting. Joe also recommends taking in your aerating fountains during the winter as ice can wreak havoc on electrical equipment. He typically brings his fountain in at the beginning of December and redeploys it at the beginning of March.
Finishing Touches
Joe’s final suggestion for upping the beauty of your lake or pond is adding a light kit to your fountain. The fountain doesn’t just show its good looks during the day. Once the sun sets its beauty is really pushed through the roof!
Joe’s fountain runs a white LED kit, and he says a timer’s the only way to effectively manage your system. A timer allows you to pick the specific hours you want your fountain lit, so you’re not wasting power. And, you’re able to enjoy the beautiful sights of your aerating fountain at night.
Now all that’s left to do is grab a fountain, set it afloat, and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds it has to offer!
