A country house is a place to relax and unwind from hectic 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 just a few of those landscape design components that can complement a territory. But you can decorate the lawn with a fountain. And thanks to the spray of water, there will be fresh air in the nearest area. The article describes the device of a fountain and a waterfall at a summer cottage

Street fountains: classification

Decorative designs, depending on the execution technique, are of the following varieties:

1. Stationary.
2. Submersible.
3. 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 result, the structure will be lightweight, durable and protected from decay.

A submersible waterfall is considered to be simple in execution, which consists of a pump, a receiving tank, a pipeline and a nozzle. The purpose of the latter 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 device of a fountain and a waterfall at the summer cottage optimizes the humidity and temperature of the nearby garden area.

The cascade design is somewhat reminiscent of a pyramid. In this case, the water falls from top to bottom, and a continuous stream is formed that washes over each stage.

Principle of operation

Depending on the technique of the device, fountains are:

1. Flowing.
2. Circulating.

To organize the first option, it is necessary to equip the structure with a water supply and a 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-through structures are sometimes used for watering a vegetable garden, lawns and flower beds.

For the device to work with a circulation type fountain, it is necessary to ensure the circulation of water that will fill the tank. After that, with the help of a pump, the liquid rises to a special nozzle, which already sprays water. The advantage of this structure is that it does not require water supply and sewerage to operate. However, sometimes it is necessary to replenish the tanks 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. Erecting a decorative structure with your own hands is a laborious and costly process, but it's worth it: installing 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 influencing the choice of the site where the structure will be installed. In addition, the decorative structure should not be installed next to trees, since falling leaves can damage 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.

Consideration should be given to such factors when choosing a location:

• wind direction (the fountain will get dirty if you install it on the leeward side);
• natural lightening of the area (water will begin to bloom if it is exposed to constant exposure to sunlight);
• the presence of a nearby power supply for the operation of the pump.

The ideal place is a plot surrounded by low trees and flowers. For the rational arrangement of fountains in parks, as a rule, they are located near gazebos or playgrounds.

Necessary equipment

Details for a fountain and a waterfall can be basic, additional and decorative. The first includes the following equipment:

1. The bowl is the water reservoir of the structure.
2. Electric pump (remote or submersible) - water flow motor.
3. Nozzles - details with which the shape of the jet is regulated.
4. PVC pipes, tees, taps, gate valves, couplings and adapters - elements for water supply to fountains and waterfalls.

The service life and performance of the structure depend 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 the bowl is an obligatory part, but the following components can be attributed to additional equipment:

1. Cleaning filter.
2. Water control sensor.
3. Expansion tank.
4. Wind speed sensor.
5. Sound equipment.
6. Flashlights and waterproof backlight lamps.
7. Control cabinet.

The price of the fountain directly depends on the cost of the installed parts.

The choice of material for the bowl

For the device of 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 made. It is difficult to work with this stone, but if all technical conditions are observed, the result will be a durable decorative structure.

Natural granite is another high quality building material used for fountains. 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 on a summer cottage. In addition, these materials are easy to process and absorb little moisture. It should be noted: the bowl, made of coral sandstone, will retain its original appearance for 15 years.

A 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 installing 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 picks up 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 pump for a decorative fountain is of two types:

1. Submersible (piston).
2. External (surface).

The piston pump is a low-voltage device for small-sized 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 the electrical device must first be protected from precipitation 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

Various sprayers can be used to create a fountain with visual effects. Thanks to these details, it will be easy to regulate 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:

1. Surface (lights are installed along the perimeter of the structure).
2. Floating (solar powered).
3. Underwater lighting using moisture resistant lamps.

Often colored 12-volt LED strips are used for these purposes.

Fountain 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 erected along the outer part of the fountain, and the second - along the inner part. After that, it is necessary to reinforce the walls and bottom of the structure with a steel mesh.

Then the bottom must be poured with concrete and the space between the formwork must be filled, which is needed to make the sides of the fountain. But there is one caveat: first you need to pour the bottom of the bowl and wait until the concrete completely hardens. Only then can the construction of the boards begin.

The arrangement of the fountain does not end there, since the next step is to install a pump. The technique for performing this stage depends on the type of equipment. The device is connected to electricity and water supply, which means that you can check its operation.

The final stage is the facing of the fountain with natural stone or other finishing material, and the sides of the bowl can be decorated with flowers and statues.

Waterfall construction

First, you need to dig a pit according to the project documentation. If the waterfall is intended for fish farming, 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 tamped 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, you need to fill the foundation pit with a concrete mixture.

To make a cascade, it is better to buy a ready-made form in a hardware store for this. But you can also make it yourself from flat cameos connected with cement mortar.

A 70-watt device can be used as pumping equipment for a small waterfall 1.5 meters high. The pressure hose should be installed at the top of the cascade, and the pipes for the water supply should be placed behind the stones.

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 is necessary to take into account that a foundation must be erected for 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 fountain device includes the following parameters:

1. The height of the structure.
2. The total area of ​​the object.
3. The material from which the bowl (reservoir) is made.

If the facing of the fountain has been made, then it must also be taken into account when calculating the costs. The total cost depends on:

• fountain type;
• the complexity of the work;
• installation of additional equipment;
• scope of work on the foundation;
• design complexity;
• quality of consumables.

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 a little money. However, if finances allow, then you can independently make a unique work of art. In addition, the article describes what elements this aesthetic structure consists of.

Any person may be interested in the answer to the question - “ how does the fountain work?”, Because today you can often find fountains not only in squares and parks, but also in country houses or just on the table at home. Today fountains are classified into static, sculptural, musical and color-dynamic, but also indoor: floor and table. Despite the wide distribution, as well as the variety of shapes and sizes, the fountains have almost the same method of operation.

How does a fountain work?

Conditionally fountain can be characterized by a device in which water spilling from a source (in Latin means fons), then falling into a bowl of a certain shape, flows back into a container tank and then is used again. In other words, a fountain is a water cycle mechanism. The reservoir or container can be a real body of water or some kind of container, skillfully hidden, mainly in the base of the sculpture. If the fountain is installed "on land", then a fountain bowl is mounted under the base of the sculptural composition. The height of the fountain, in this case, directly depends on the size of the reservoir and the water pressure. The shape or pattern of the fountain is determined by the nozzle, which forms the flow of water and determines the appearance of the fountain.

In a closed cycle system, the water moves and rises up with a pump. It should also be mentioned that the water in the fountain is regularly renewed, since the initial supply of water, after a certain period of time (due to the evaporation of water and other factors), will not be enough for the full operation of the fountain.

By way of water supply fountains can be divided into: circulating and flowing ... In circulating fountains, water runs in a closed closed system. And flowing fountains are distinguished by the fact that the water in them is constantly renewed. The main tank or reservoir at the circulation fountains is located at the bottom. This container, which varies in shape and size according to the fountain, is often a decorative ceramic bowl. From the bowl, the water rises up with a pump. Then, rising to the top, the water flows back down into the reservoir. As a result, circulating fountains do not require water outflow and plumbing.
In flowing fountains, in which the water is constantly renewed, a reservoir is provided, where the water flows and its discharge into the drain.

For fountains, submersible and surface pumps are used. Submersible pumps are used for ordinary simple fountains, and in the case of installing several fountains, with a certain height difference, surface pumps are required.

A fountain is a hydraulic structure designed to move water masses in a closed or open cycle. Something like this is the scientific definition of the concept of "fountain", which characterizes the main functions of this architectural form. In most cases, this is a small artificial reservoir, performed both flush with the surface and in the form of superstructures.

The main components of the fountain

To ensure the functioning of the fountain and to fulfill its main task (movement of water masses), it is necessary to have a sufficient amount of water. For these purposes, special water reservoirs (caissons) are used, replenished from natural (lake, river, pond) or artificial sources of water supply (central water supply).

The arrangement of these structures is a highly complex task and is carried out by specialized organizations. The material of the caisson is quite diverse and depends on the capabilities of the Customer - butyl rubber film, molding clay, concrete rings, PVC or steel containers (stainless steel). As for the fountain bowl itself, the choice is small and limited by technology - concrete, composite materials or stainless steel. In rare cases, with an unlimited budget, marble, bronze or its alloys can be used.

Moving water

Moving water is an important issue that requires a serious and professional approach. In this case, there can be several options, from the simplest - imitation of natural springs or streams, to complex architectural forms - a bell or a cascade. In this case, everything is determined by the type of the selected fountain nozzle, which forms the general water flow. However, do not forget about such an important point as the "drive" - ​​a pumping station that provides sufficient pressure in the system when using certain types of sprayers.

The simplest, but less effective option is a submersible pump, equipped directly in the fountain itself. Advantages - ease of installation, disadvantage - low productivity. A more complex, but also more efficient type of installation is a centrifugal pumping station. It is installed in specially designated places, usually near the caisson. Despite the fact that this project will be much more expensive, its efficiency is several times higher, which allows the implementation of rather complex projects.

So, let's summarize. Fountain - water reservoir, fountain pumps and fountain nozzles. Everything else is nothing more than a shell and useful additions that allow you to realize the aesthetic and technological aspects of the project.

Detail (detailed description) of the fountain

Pool

Small bowls are made from a wide variety of materials and using various technologies - composite, plastic, metal and even wood. As for large structures, there is a single technology for them - reinforced concrete structures. By the way, when designing large architectural forms, you cannot do without the help of professionals. Only experienced designers will be able to ensure the correct position of all components, hiding technical issues with architectural additions.

Pumping station

In this case, we are talking about a room for a pump installed outside the water basin. According to the technology, it should be an underground room located below the water level in the fountain. It is desirable to equip its own sewerage and water drainage system in case of an emergency.

Attachments and add-ons

Since the fountain nozzle is not always a work of art, but is an invariable part of creating a single composition, some types of sprays can be installed in other architectural and landscape forms. This element is closely related to the entire structure (pumping station capacity, pipe diameters, general architectural structure).

Pump

The fountain pump is the heart. It is he who determines the functionality of the entire form and ensures the correct execution of the specified parameters. In particular, it provides a stable pressure in the system to ensure the integrity of the aqueous composition.

Filter element

The filter is the most important component that allows you to extend the life of the pumping station and fountain nozzles. In order to extend the service life of the filter itself, as well as increase the intervals between scheduled cleaning, it is recommended to increase the total water intake area.

Fitting

In the world - "shells". Special bushings that allow the pipeline to be inserted through the bottom or side walls of the pool. They are made of materials that are resistant to corrosion (stainless steel, tombak, etc.), which allows them to be embedded directly into concrete. For swimming pools made of plastic, special clamping flanges are used.

Suction pipeline

The part of the pipeline that supplies water from the caisson to the pumping unit. The choice of the pipe diameter is carried out by calculations and is selected in accordance with the pump capacity, while the flow rate should not exceed 2m / s.

Gate valve

Shut-off valves designed to cut off water to the suction or supply pipeline during the period of repair work.

Supply pipeline

Provides water supply from the pump to the fountain nozzles. The diameter of the pipeline is calculated for a pumping unit and must ensure a stable flow of water, with a movement speed of up to 2m / s.

Distributor

Distribution node. Provides redirection of water flow to individual fountain nozzles.

Drainage fittings

A drainage system that allows you to control the water level in the fountain, ensuring the outflow of rainwater, and also ensures the complete emptying of the pool during the winter frost.

Bottom drain equipped with a mud cleaning system

Drain sewer, paired with drainage. Designed for emergency or seasonal water discharge. Equipped with a filter that prevents clogging of the sewerage system.

Fittings for automatic water level control

It is built into the side wall of the pool and allows you to both add and remove water.

Water injection fittings

Installed at the lowest point of the pool. Designed for pumping water. Differs in high reliability, which is confirmed by the certificate of the European standard DIN 1988.

Overflow pipeline

Overflow station, allowing to organize effective drainage in case of atmospheric precipitation. It can be used for both swimming pools and fountains. In case of use in general pools, the pipe diameter must be at least 100 mm.

Overflow pipeline with fittings

Overflow design, equipped with a water return system, which allows it to be used to control the level, both in the case of its increase, and in the event of a decrease.

Drain pipe

Drainage system equipped with a dirt filter. It can be used both in fountains and in general pools, provided that the pipe diameter is at least 100 mm. Designed for scheduled or emergency water drainage.

Supply pipeline

System for replenishing water in fountains. Used in conjunction with an automatic water level control system. The built-in filter allows you to clean the injected water from mechanical and organic impurities.

Solenoid valve

Shut-off valves combined with an automatic water level control system. Designed for pumping clean water.

Fitting for cable entry

A sealed insert designed for laying cables and wires through the walls or the bottom of the fountain bowl.

Protective tube for cable

A protective element to prevent mechanical damage to the power cable. Facilitates installation, dismantling and maintenance of cable and wire products.

Terminal box

Post of wiring and connection of cable and wire products. Designed to service power and operational networks.

Cable protection bus

An additional protective element that prevents damage to cable and wire products.

Underwater lighting

A set for equipment for lighting the water column at night. Paired with light filters, it allows you to create truly enchanting compositions that can amaze the imagination.

Electronic control system

Automatic control system equipped on the basis of a single control unit. It includes all the necessary devices to ensure the correct operation of the fountain in the absence of human intervention. In particular, an electrical equipment protection system has been installed, an automatic control system for the main processes (draining, refilling, emergency water pumping), as well as lighting and water flow distribution systems have been installed.

There are not so many things that are able to work independently, without an external source of energy, and Heron's fountain occupies a special place among them. Its main advantage is that it works thanks to the natural laws of nature, without wasting outside energy.
In fact, everything is not quite so - it is not a perpetual motion machine and even less a source of free energy. Such a fountain needs regular "recharging" - depending on the design, it may be required every 15-50 minutes. In principle, this is a simple procedure that requires a person to swap a couple of containers. It is the independent work that is interesting for Heron's fountain, the independent production of which we will talk about in this article. Together with the Dream House website, we will deal with its design, study the principle of operation and answer the question of how to make this miracle with our own hands?

How to make the fountain of Heron photo

Fountain of Heron: how it works

If you rush in clever terms, then the principle of hydropneumatics is the basis of the work of Heron's fountain - the work of pushing water upward with a stream is produced by air and the liquid itself. Naturally, the matter here is not complete without gravity, due to which the necessary pressure is created in the fountain system. Such a fountain consists of at least three containers.

As you understand, such a fountain will work until the liquid in the upper container is consumed - after that, a recharge is required, thanks to which this system has nothing like a perpetual motion machine or an endless source of energy. Recharging of Heron's fountain is done in a very simple way - a full flask (the one that was lower) is installed instead of an empty container installed on top, which, in turn, is placed instead of a full container. After recharging, the fountain will need to be started - a little water will need to be added to the upper bowl.

As you can see, everything is quite simple, and even the principle of making Heron's fountain with your own hands is no exception. In its elementary version, it is assembled from plastic bottles and transparent tubes - naturally, you will need a bowl, an installation structure and various little things, which we will deal with in the course of studying the question of how to make Heron's fountain with our own hands?

How to make the fountain of Heron: assembly features

So, the principle of operation of Heron's fountain is clear, now it remains to figure out the subtleties and options for its assembly. There are several different designs.

In principle, this is the whole system of Heron's fountain. The only thing that needs to be added here is to clarify a few details. First, the entire system must have exceptional tightness - there must be only a few open places (bowl drain and fountain nozzle). And, secondly, the height of the jet of this fountain directly depends on the distance between the upper and lower containers - the whole thing will have to be adjusted at your own discretion.

How to make the fountain of Heron: what can be improved

They say that there is no limit to perfection, and almost any thing can be modernized indefinitely - this is not entirely true, but nevertheless, the possibility of improving any product is almost always available. Heron's Fountain is no exception in this regard - there are many things that can be modernized.

In general, despite the fact that, in general, the Heron's fountain is a very thoughtful product, there is still room for its improvement and, apparently, there is no limit to this place. In conclusion of the topic, it remains to add that according to the principle described above, it is possible to make a lot of various systems, ranging from small experimental models of fountains to huge working models. With the latter, however, the problem of recharging arises, which is very, very difficult to solve without a pump or other ingenious devices of our time.

It is famous for many such structures that were built in estates, on the territory of palaces. But they began to decorate streets, parks, boulevards with them especially actively in the first half of the XX century. Today, the capital has 700 different water structures. The fountain season in Moscow is from early spring to autumn.

The meaning of fountains

They have always played an important role in the life of native Muscovites and guests of the capital. Someone remember the first date, which took place in the public garden near the fountain, others will never forget the wedding day at the magnificent cascade that can be seen on Poklonnaya Hill.

It is a pity that today we often perceive this splendor as a kind of device that informs us about the change of season. Disconnected - it means winter is coming, turned on - it means summer is ahead. Concerned about our problems, we run past these magnificent structures, not appreciating their beauty. Let's stop running for a moment and take a look at some of the fountains that adorn our capital.

Fountain at the Bolshoi Theater

This grandiose monument is known not only to Muscovites, all residents of the former Soviet Union, but also to many citizens of foreign countries. It is the hallmark of the capital.

It was built in 1835. The author of the project was I. Vitali, a well-known sculptor at that time. His creation became the first public fountain in Moscow, although similar designs have been known since the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich. It was he who arranged water fun in Kolomenskoye with the use of "overseas curiosities".

They planned to place a fountain at this place at the beginning of 1940. V.I.Dolganov worked on the creation of the project, but all the plans of the town planners were destroyed by the war. They returned to this issue only after the Great Victory. In 1987, the fountain and square near the Bolshoi Theater were dismantled. The fountain was restored only ten years later. The opening was timed to coincide with the 850th anniversary of our capital. But it was a different fountain, developed in the workshop of the Mosproekt-2 company.

The fountain was erected on a makeshift podium in the center of the circular square. The composition consists of three bowls, which contain two types of vases. Spectacular night lights with multicolored lanterns add theatricality to this magnificent water structure.

Many fountains work in the capital today. Moscow is proud of these unique structures, but the attitude to the construction of the Bolshoi Theater has been and remains to this day special. Perhaps because this place was chosen for meetings by our dear veterans of the Great Patriotic War on the day of the Great Victory.

"Mermaid" on Myasnitskaya

The photos of which you see in our article are all very different. They were built at different times, designed by different architects, but they are all infinitely dear to the residents of the capital. For example, the Rusalka fountain located on Myasnitskaya Street. It is located in a small but cozy public garden near the Stroganov Art School.

Today there is no reliable information about who is the author and performer of the water maiden. This concrete sculpture in the center of the bowl is the body of a beautiful girl. It is beautifully curved. and the maiden's head is colored pink, blue and brown.

"Abduction of Europa"

There are very unusual and original fountains in the capital. Moscow received a gift from the Belgian capital, the city of Brussels, a composition called "The Rape of Europe". It was installed in 2002 at the Kievsky railway station. Its author is the avant-garde sculptor Olivier Strebl.

The composition of the fountain is based on the figure of a bull in the interweaving of 18-meter pipes. It is not easy to see the figure of the abducted Europa among the water jets, although experts say that the image of a girl is still present in the composition. It is symbolized by artfully curved pipes that visualize charm and femininity.

The structure, made of stainless steel pipes, is located in the granite bowl of the dynamic light fountain. Its diameter is 26 meters.

Singing fountains in Moscow

Probably, even native Muscovites did not see all the water structures that are in their city. As we have already said, in the capital you can see a variety of fountains. Moscow treats with care the old structures, many of which are historical monuments today.

However, the greatest interest is attributed to water structures with special effects. every evening they gather not only tourists from all over the world, but also local residents. The largest such fountain is located in the Tsaritsyno nature reserve, where Empress Catherine II loved to rest.

It was opened in 2007. The fountain is located in a natural body of water. Its diameter is 55 meters, depth is 1.5 meters. The design consists of 900 jets. The computer controls the direction of flowing water, changing colors, music, according to a pre-developed program. It uses 2 pieces by PI Tchaikovsky ("March" and "Waltz of the Flowers") and two melodies by Paul Mauriat. This beautiful fountain is open only during the spring and summer season. The rest of the year, it is covered with a protective awning.

There is also a singing fountain in Gorky Park. To see its color effects, you have to come to the park at 22.30. The show lasts 30 minutes.

In 2005, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Music of Glory fountain was installed on the Square of Glory near the Kuzminki metro station. This building was created not for entertainment, but as a monument.