Water Fountain Glossary

The terms that every water fountain owner should know. Acrylic: acrylic is a strong, glass-like plastic that is used in the manufacturing of water fountains. Some of the designs at SimplyFountains are made from Lexan, a bulletproof acrylic - meaning you'll not only be troubleshooting your water fountain, but you'll also have trouble shooting your water fountain. Algae: an alga (algae is plural) is a primitive, chlorophyll-containing organism. Algae are primarily aquatic organisms. Though photosynthetic, algae are not actually plants. Algae growth gives water a bad smell and a slimy green or brown appearance. To prevent algae from growing in your water fountain, use a water clarifier or water fountain cleaner. Bleach: a small amount of bleach may be added to the reservoir of your water fountain to help prevent the development of algae. Alternatives to bleach include anti-algae and anti-white scale water treatments, or even vinegar. For safety, use only a minimal amount of any water-clarifying substance.

Brass: brass is an alloy used in water fountain manufacturing. It is usually composed of 67% copper and 33% zinc.

Ceramic: terracotta is one of the ceramic, i.e. pottery, materials often used in the production of water fountains.

Clarifier: a water clarifier is a chemical product that is used to prevent algae and mineral stains from forming in or on a water fountain. Water clarifiers may also be called water fountain cleaners. Visit our water fountain accessories page to find a selection of water fountain cleaning products.

Copper: in solar, floor, tabletop, and wall fountains, copper may be used as a primary material or to provide an attractive finish. Like brass, copper has a germicidal effect, and naturally rids itself of bacteria and microbes.

Distilled water: distilled water is water that has gone through distillation, a process of converting water to steam via boiling and then condensing it back into liquid form. Distillation eliminates the minerals and impurities that are present in tap water. Using distilled water rather than tap water in your water fountain will significantly reduce hard water buildups, i.e. lime and calcium stains.

Edging stones: you guessed it - stones that go around the edge of a slate water fountain. Adding stones can help reduce splashing and enhance a water fountain's natural appearance, particularly with pond fountains that have visible liners.

Floor fountains: an indoor or outdoor fountain that is placed directly on the ground.

Fogger: a water fountain fogger is a fountain accessory that creates a fog or mist effect using ultrasonic sound waves.

Fountain: we'll assume you've got this one handled. Something you might not know, however, is that the word fountain derives from the Latin word fons, meaning spring, i.e. source of water.

GFCI: this acronym stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. A GFCI electrical outlet prevents electrical shock by monitoring the electrical circuit. If it senses a current loss, i.e. if the amount of current returning is even slightly less than the current in the circuit, the GFCI turns off power to the circuit. Some people who purchase wall water fountains choose to have a GFCI electrical outlet installed behind the fountain to prevent any chance of electrical shock. Having the GFCI outlet wired to a wall switch can also make it easier to turn your wall water fountain off and on.

Pump: the water fountain pump is what drives the water flow in your water fountain. Water fountain pumps require a power source, usually an electrical outlet, though solar fountains placed in direct sunlight can power a low-voltage water pump via a solar panel. Water fountain pumps should be cleaned regularly to ensure optimum performance.

Resin: resin is a durable and fade-resistant synthetic or natural substance used in water fountain manufacturing. Resin's toughness and durability make it an excellent material for outdoor water fountains.

Solar fountains: a fountain that requires direct sunlight to power a low-voltage fountain pump. The eco-friendly qualities of solar fountains have made them a popular choice at SimplyFountains.com.

Slate: slate is a thin, smooth, fine-grained rock that is used in the manufacturing of fountains. Slate is often featured in tabletop and wall fountain designs.

Tabletop fountains: a small, decorative water fountain that can be placed on a table, desk, dresser, countertop, or other flat surface. Tabletop fountains are usually purchased for indoor use.

Terracotta: terracotta is a type of unglazed ceramic clay. It is sometimes featured in outdoor water fountains. These handmade fountains provide an attractive complement to their organic surroundings.

Wall fountains: a wall fountain or wall water fountain is designed to be mounted to a wall. The water thus cascades down a flat sheet. In designer wall fountains, this surface area features an image, painting, or other design. Designer fountains are thus highly popular choices for professional and creative environments.

Zen fountains: Zen fountains are tabletop fountains that feature Asian-influenced design elements. Zen fountains are often used in feng shui(which means "wind-water"), the Chinese art of balancing the natural energies of a given space.