Fountains For Ponds & Lakes

Fountains. Who hasn't seen a fountain in a park or Botanical Garden or on a golf course and said to themselves: "Wow! That is beautiful!"? I know I have! I also know that I've seen some fountains that look like someone had run a garden hose from a sump pump and screwed a spray nozzle on the end and rigged up a homemade float out of white styro-foam to make a floating fountain for under $50...whoo-eee did that thing like horrible, more like a stream of piddle coming from a over pressurized cherub than anything decorative. Of course, not everyone has the budget of a golf course or the botanical gardens and some of the higher-end fountains, wether they be floating or fixed-base, can cost thousands of dollars and up but with most people's ponds a fountain can be built or installed at a reasonable price.

First, why would someone want to install a fountain? A fountain can be a very decent form of aeration actually! The pumps in floating fountains can draw anywhere from 50 to 500 gallons per minute fo water through the nozzle or propeller sprayer and this water is hoisted in the air where oxygen transfer takes place; oxygen rich droplets of water fall back to the surface of the pond. The surface tension is broken, the water is circulated and more mixing occurs! What a great way to combine aeration with aesthetics! The sound of the water cascading down in a lovely pattern onto the surface creates a beautiful sound that can mask any unwanted traffic noise or background sounds so prevalent in urban areas; but the more delicate and fine spray mist is created the more subtle and unique the sound will be...the best fountain should almost be like hearing ocean waves and not like the sound someone dumping a bucket of water into a toilet bowl!

Before we go too far, let's look at the different kinds of fountains so you can make the best choice for your pond.

Kasco Fountains

Kasco Aerating Fountain with Lights - 1/4 HP, 50-Ft. Cord, Model# 1400JFL050 5 interchangeable nozzles offer a choice of displays that enhance any pond. Complete kit includes LED light ring, float, 50ft. power cord, two 15ft. mooring ropes, C-25 timer control box with GFCI protection, photo eye, low-voltage transformer for lights and 5 nozzle patterns. 3.1 (running) Amp draw. Minimum operating depth is 12in. U.S.A. Approximate Pond Size (acres): 1/5, Power Cord (ft.): 50, Volts: 120, HP: 1/4, Water Depth Required (in.): 12, Running Amps: 3.1, Starting Amps: 9, Patterns (qty.): 5, Pattern Design: Osprey, falcon, condor, eagles nest and hawks nest, Pattern Size H x W (ft.): Varies, Power Cord (gauge): 16, Model: 1400JF	Kasco Aerating Fountain - 1/2 HP, 120V, 50Ft. Cord, Model# 2400VFX050 120 Volt display aerator with black float ring. Produces a V-shaped display pattern 15-ft. in diameter and 5ft. high. Includes power cord, C-25 (120V) control box, two 50-ft. black mooring ropes, plus a top and bottom screen. U.S.A.Optional light kit and other cord lengths available; ask a sales rep. Approximate Pond Size (acres): 1/3, Power Cord (ft.): 50, Volts: 120, HP: 1/2, Water Depth Required (in.): 15, Running Amps: 5.6, Starting Amps: 12, Patterns (qty.): 1, Pattern Design: V, Pattern Size H x W (ft.): 5 x 12, Power Cord (gauge): 16, Model: 2400VFX
Kasco Aerating Fountain - 3/4 HP, 120V, Model# 3400VF100 120V display aerator with black float ring. Produces a V-shaped display pattern 21ft. in diameter and 6ft. high. Includes 100ft. power cord, C-25 (120V) control box, two 50-ft. black mooring ropes, plus a top and bottom screen. U.S.A.Optional light kit and other cord lengths available; ask a sales rep. Approximate Pond Size (acres): 1/2, Power Cord (ft.): 100, Volts: 120, HP: 3/4, Water Depth Required (in.): 17 1/2, Running Amps: 7.3, Starting Amps: 18, Patterns (qty.): 1, Pattern Design: V, Pattern Size H x W (ft.): 6 x 21, Power Cord (gauge): 14, Model: 3400VFX	Kasco Aerating Fountain - 3/4 HP, 120V, 50-Ft. Cord, Model# 3400JF050 Provides water oxygen and agitation for a healthy pond 5 beautiful patterns: Sequoia (7ft.H x 4ft.W geyser), Linden (6ft. x 3ft. inner tier and 3 1/2ft. x 20ft. outer tier), Cypress (6ft.H x 16in.W 9-stream arch), Willow (4 1/2ft.H x 15ft.H V-shape) and Juniper (3ft.H x 20ft.W V-shape) Includes float, 50-ft. power cord, 50-ft. mooring ropes, rope weights, nozzles and control panel Unique water-deflecting nozzle design is clog-resistant 4-blade propeller for breathtaking patterns and high water flow
Kasco Marine 8400JF100 2HP - 240V Aerating Fountain - 100Ft Power Cord Kasco Marines 8400JF 2 hp Floating Aerating Fountain or Decorative Fountain Aerator is great for larger ponds or when multiple large patterns are desired. The Kasco 8400JF Floating Aerating Fountain is unique for its size in that it comes standard with 5 interchangeable nozzles and can be operated without a nozzle to give you 6 fountain patterns. The 6 fountain patterns range from 22ft in height to over 40ft in diameter. With 6 multiple fountain patterns you have the freedom to adjust the aerating fountain to fit your pond weather conditions and your tastes. Kascos 8400JF Floating Aerating Fountain does a great job at adding oxygen and improving your pond or lake aeration.100ft power cordLonger-life top and bottom ball bearingsEnvironmentally friendly oil-filled motor with a hard-face internal mechanical seal and external lip seal for protection against leaksFlood oil lubricated for excellent heat dissipationHighly efficient lower power consumption than competitive equipment Superior dependability in salt-water or other corrosive environments. All external metal motor float and hardware components are of stainless steel composition and protected by a sacrificial zinc anodeRequires minimal maintenanceETL listed to stringent UL and CSA Safety Standards	Kasco Marine 4400JF100 1HP - 120V Aerating Fountain - 100Ft Power Cord Kasco Marine proudly introduces the new 4400JF model. This highly requested unit is perfect for medium size ponds and when multiple fountain patterns and pattern heights are desired. The 5 fountain patterns range from 4 ft. in height to 27 ft. in diameter. With 5 multiple fountain patterns you have the freedom to adjust the aerating fountain to fit your pond weather conditions and your tastes. The 4400JF Floating Aerating Fountain comes with two mooring ropes and 100 ft. power cord.Long-life top and bottom ball bearingsEnvironmentally friendly oil-filled motor is sealed against leaksFlood oil lubricated to dissipate heatHighly efficient with low power consumptionWorks well in salt water and other corrosive environmentsStainless steel external motor float and hardware components with zinc anodeRequires minimal maintenanceETL listed to UL and CSA safety standards
Kasco Aerating Fountain - 3 HP, 240V, 200-Ft. Cord, Model# 3.1JF200 Provides water oxygen and agitation for a healthy pond 6 beautiful patterns: Redwood (24ft.H x 8ft.W tall geyser), Linden (19ft. x 4.5ft. inner tier and 8ft. x 35ft. outer tier), Spruce (21ft.H x 13ft.W wide geyser), Willow (13ft.H x 35-ft.H V-shape), Juniper (9ft.H x 48-ft.W V-shape) and Birch (14.5ft. x 10ft. column, no nozzle) Includes float, 200-ft. power cord, three 50-ft. mooring ropes, rope weights, nozzles and control panel Unique water-deflecting nozzle design is clog-resistant Propeller technology for breathtaking patterns and high water flow The Aerating Fountain includes 5 interchangeable nozzles for 6 fountain patterns, including the Redwood, Linden, Spruce, Willow, Juniper and Birch. Draws 13.4 Amps @ 240 Volts. Requires only 24in. of water to operate. ETL approved to UL and CSA standards. U.S.A. Approximate Pond Size (acres): 1 1/2, Power Cord (ft.): 200, Volts: 240, HP: 3, Water Depth Required (in.): 24, Running Amps: 13.4, Starting Amps: 61, Patterns (qty.): 6, Pattern Design: Redwood, linden, spruce, birch, willow, juniper, Pattern Size H x W (ft.): Varies, Power Cord (gauge): 10, Model: 3.1JF	Kasco Aerating Fountain - 2 HP, 240V, 150-Ft. Cord, Model# 8400JF150 Kasco Marines 8400JF 2 hp Floating Aerating Fountain or Decorative Fountain Aerator is great for larger ponds or when multiple large patterns are desired. The Kasco 8400JF Floating Aerating Fountain is unique for its size in that it comes standard with 5 interchangeable nozzles and can be operated without a nozzle to give you 6 fountain patterns. The 6 fountain patterns range from 22ft in height to over 40ft in diameter. With 6 multiple fountain patterns you have the freedom to adjust the aerating fountain to fit your pond weather conditions and your tastes. Kascos 8400JF Floating Aerating Fountain does a great job at adding oxygen and improving your pond or lake aeration.150ft power cordLonger-life top and bottom ball bearingsEnvironmentally friendly oil-filled motor with a hard-face internal mechanical seal and external lip seal for protection against leaksFlood oil lubricated for excellent heat dissipationHighly efficient lower power consumption than competitive equipment Superior dependability in salt-water or other corrosive environments. All external metal motor float and hardware components are of stainless steel composition and protected by a sacrificial zinc anodeRequires minimal maintenanceETL listed to stringent UL and CSA Safety Standards

About Floating Fountains
We typically see these types of fountains in ponds that are larger than 1/4 acre or 10,000 square feet in size. Smaller bakyard ponds and water gardens typically use fixed base fountains which we will discuss later on, for now let's look at a typical pond or lake that is between 1/4 and and 5 acres. This is the main size of ponds that we typically install a floating fountain and the reasons are many. These systems have submersible cords that connect to a shore mounted control panel so all you need to do is anchor the fountain float in position and run the underwtaer cables to shore and plug it in; there's no heavy PVC tubing or costly flexible 2" hose to run bettwen a water pump and the nozzle.

In these fountains, the motor is held just below the surface of the water by a black or blue low-profile float, some fountains have white floats but I find these to be a bit too noticeable on the surface so prefer the black or blue. The motor is usually a stainless steel casing protecting an oil-cooled motor; the motor usually has some sort of proepller system to push water at high speed through a nozzle or flow-straightening tube to create a decorative effect. Many of the best brands on the market offer interchangeable nozzles or packaged kits that contain many premium nozzles that can easily be changed by the end-user.

Kasco Fountains
"Family owned for over 4 decades, Kasco Marine has been a recognized leader in products that promote healthy water quality in ponds and lakes. Kasco manufactures a complete range of floating fountains, pond aerators, water circulators and de-icers for projects of all sizes."
Courtesy of the KascoMarine.com Website

One of the more popular fountains of all those we install and recommend for our clients, these well built models have exceptional construction, are made in the USA, and have a long 1 to 3 year warranty.

Easy to install and put together right out of the box the nice feature of the Kasco models 3400JF, 4400JF and 8400JF, 3.1JF and 5.1JF are that they come with multiple nozzles in the same kit! Changing spray patterns is as easy as turning a screwdriver; units have debris screens, lockable control panels, mooring ropes and optional halogen lighting kits for glamorous nightime water features.

All Kasco fountain reviews we've done have been excellent. Customer satisfaction is extremely high with the product and in dealing with the manufacturer on the few warranty issues that ever arrive. Probably the highest rated fountains of all we've tested and installed because of the affordable price and simplicity of design and ease of owner-operator installation and maintenance.

Our Kasco fountain reviews are based on feedback from over 200 clients as well as our own experience in the field with these products. Ideal for small ponds, medium sized lakes, and even commercial and municipal settings.

Standard Display
2400VFX, 1/2HP
3400VFX, 3/4HP
4400VFX, 1HP
8400VFX & 2.3VFX, 2HP Single & 3 Phase
5.1VFX & 5.3VFX, 5HP Single & 3 Phase

Multi-Nozzle
1400JF, 1/4 HP
3400JF, 3/4 HP
4400JF, 1 HP
8400JF and 2.3JF, 2HP Single & 3 Phase
3.1JF & 3.3JF, 3HP Single & 3 Phase
5.1JF & 5.3JF, 5HP Single & 3 Phase
7.3JF, 7.5HP 3 Phase Only


•Multiple Patterns in One Unit: Custom-configure the unit to the exact project needs and your personal tastes. •Efficent / Low Power Use: Highest efficiency design for low power consumption versus competing units. Reduces operating costs over the entire life of the unit. 11 running amps on 120V and 5.5 running amps on 240V circuits for low operating costs. •Clog Resistant: Unique water-deflecting nozzle design gives you the most clog-resistant model on the market. Successful shallow water operation in as little as 19". •Rugged Motor: Environmentally friendly design with a hard-face internal mechanical seal and external lip seal for protection against leaks. Seals are silicone carbide for long life. Long-life top and bottom ball bearings. Flood oil lubricated for excellent heat dissipation. •Corrosion Resistant: Superior dependability in salt-water or other corrosive environments. All external metal motor, float, and hardware components are of stainless steel composition and protected by a sacrificial zinc anode.

•Low Maintenance: Clean the motor housing once or twice per year and replacing the sacrificial zinc anode when visibly corroded. •Fully Tested: ETL listed to stringent UL and CSA Safety Standards. •Ships Easily: 4400JF ships in 2 or 3 boxes and 4400HJF ships in 3 or 4 boxes via UPS, depending upon cord length selected. (Add 1 box for lights) •Dependable: Backed by a two-year warranty •Choice of Cord Lengths: SJTOW underwater rated power cord length options of 50', 100', 150', or 200' (250', 300', and 400' options available with 240V models) •Includes two 50' braided nylon mooring ropes. •Made in the U.S.A.

Manufacturers Website :
www.kascomarine.com

You want to build your own pond fountain?
Because you are a real do-it-yourself kind of person, I'll tell you the three basic requirements you must have to build a cheap airator...ok...you need a few more parts than this but bear with me I'm making a point on how simple it can be for my uncle Howard. You really only need to buy three things to make my own aerator: 1. An air pump 2. An air hose 3. An air Diffuser

Now call me slow but that has got to be the simplest recipe, short of scrambled eggs, that I've ever seen. I mean how in the world can such a basic formula cause so much consternation and lead to so many different opinions and advice to be given? If you know all there is to know about air pumps and air compressors and blowers then you probably know what you need for your pond as far as pounds per square inch and cubic feet per minute of airflow and whether adual piston or rotary vane or linear air pump will be needed to make your pond happy! If you understand the different airlines, airhoses and other feeder tubing from self-sinking to rehular black poly pipe then you probably know the sizeand shape you need to use to fit your air pump! And...you know where I'm going...if you know the most efficient bubbler, airstone disc diffuser then you probably have an idea on what diffuser would work with your air pump! So if you are somelike that then you probably have it all figured out and maybe then you just need some various parts. If you already have a handle on what you need to build your own aerator then you can find what you need in our parts department. For everyone else we have built some all inclusive systems that offer everything you need to aerate your water garden, pond or lake without needing to be a bathometric limnologist with a degree in biological rocket scientology!

There are many pond supply stores that sell parts or pre-built all-inclusive systems and you've probably heard of many of these or looked for reviews on forums and bulletin boards for recommendations. Vertex® Aeration Systems, AquaMaster® AquaAir, airBOOST® Deep Water Aeration Systems, AirTech Systems, Dr. Foster & Smith Koi Kits, Air-2-Go to mention just a few of the diffuder type packages that exist. All of them will work and some will work better than others. What makes one system more-efficient and more long lasting? Well...how the air pump is housed, the parts that are used, the ventilation design, the interioir mechanics of the electrical and magnetic and piston systems or rocking dual-piston etc.
Email us for more information or with your questions.