| That new tabletop fountain looks beautiful. | | | | |
| You found the perfect spot for it. It's all | | | | Most of the damage I've seen, aside from |
| set up and running. Just listen to that | | | | accidentally tipping over the fountain, comes |
| soothing sound of trickling water. It's time | | | | from condensation forming on the bottom or |
| to relax and enjoy. But hold on! Here that | | | | from splashing. Many times splashing is |
| water? If you don't play it safe that little | | | | caused by having a fountain with too high a |
| bit of water can cause some unforeseen | | | | flow rate. Many pumps have an adjustment that |
| problems. | | | | can be made to lower the flow. If that |
| | | | doesn't work or your fountain doesn't have an |
| Always assume anything that contains or uses | | | | adjustment capability, try rearranging some |
| water even if it is only a small amount can | | | | of the rocks or other objects. I have seen |
| leak or spill. How many times have you | | | | some very attractive splash guards made from |
| spilled water when watering plants and | | | | slate or other material that complements the |
| flowers? There is nothing more damaging than | | | | overall fountain design. |
| water - inside or outside. So if you take a | | | | |
| few simple precautions you can avoid the | | | | Splashing can also be caused by to low a |
| damage. | | | | water level resulting from evaporation. The |
| | | | farther water has to fall into the bottom of |
| The simplest thing to do is never put your | | | | the fountain the more splashing will occur. |
| tabletop fountain on anything that water | | | | Always keep the water at the right level. |
| could damage. That's not always easy or | | | | It's important to check this regularly |
| practical to do. You want to be able to see | | | | especially inside in the winter when humidity |
| and enjoy your new fountain. So here are some | | | | levels are at their lowest. The lower the |
| simple things to do. If the fountain is going | | | | humidity the faster the water will evaporate. |
| to be setting on wood furniture put something | | | | So make sure you check it often in the |
| under it. There many things that will work | | | | winter. Make sure the pump remains submerged |
| but I like 1/4 inch Plexiglas. It's clear and | | | | at all times as well. If the water level |
| can hardly be seen. It's available at any | | | | falls to low, the pump can be damaged and |
| good hardware store and they will usually cut | | | | will probably have to be replaced. |
| it to your specifications. Make sure you get | | | | |
| a large enough piece. You want it to cover | | | | Just these few simple things can help you |
| the area around the fountain - not just under | | | | enjoy your table top fountain to the fullest |
| it. You could also use a decorative ceramic | | | | and help prevent damaged to your other |
| tile or even a hot plate if you had one that | | | | furniture. Now you can sit back and start |
| would go with your decor. Just make sure what | | | | enjoying the calming sound of the trickling |
| ever you use doesn't itself damage any fine | | | | water. |
| wood finishes. | | | | |