In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of cast stone Fountains and Pool Surrounds, highlighting their historical significance, benefits, installation process, maintenance tips, and much more. Whether you are looking to enhance your outdoor space with a soothing fountain or create a stunning pool surround, this guide is your go-to resource for all things related to fountains and pool surrounds.
What are Fountains and Pool Surrounds
They are more than just decorative structures for your outdoor space—they add both style and function to your garden. Fountains create a calming atmosphere with their peaceful water sounds, while pool surrounds enhance the look of your outdoor area and your pool.
You can often find fountains and pool surrounds working together. The fountain serves as the central water feature, while the pool surround, as the name suggests, surrounds the fountain, containing the water within.
History
The earliest reported pool surrounds and fountains can be traced back to the ancient civilisation of Mesopotamia around 3000 BC (1). These water features have not only been unearthed in the archaeological sites of ancient Greece and Rome but have also left their mark throughout history. These architectural features have symbolised high class, leaving visitors and passersby in awe whilst also having the calming presence of the gentle sound of running water.
The Benefits of Fountains and Pool Surrounds
There are several benefits of having a fountain and pool surround. These include their stunning appearance, low maintenance requirements, ability to attract wildlife, stress-relieving properties, potential for adding value to your property, and often they do not require planning permission. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail below:
1) Appearance
Fountains and pool surrounds serve as striking focal points in any outdoor space, enhancing the visual appeal and creating a relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy. Their charm can help transform a garden into a captivating oasis.
2) Little Maintenance Required
Cast stone fountains are an excellent choice for those seeking low-maintenance water features. With their constant water recirculation, they conserve water, minimise bacteria growth, and offer the soothing sound of running water and visual appeal with little effort required. Simply keeping them clean to prevent blockages and draining them in cold winters is all that is needed. Although cast stone requires little maintenance, if you require additional information on cleaning your cast stone, feel free to check out are guide called Cleaning Cast Stone – A Complete Guide here.
3) Attract Wildlife
The presence of water features like fountains can attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to your garden, enriching your outdoor experience with the sights and sounds of nature.
4) Relives Stress
The sound of running water can reduce stress, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquillity and relaxation is essential for our overall well-being. The gentle sound of running water from a fountain or water feature can work wonders in alleviating stress. Incorporating water features into your outdoor space can help you unwind after a hectic day and help you find inner peace amidst the chaos of daily life.
5) Adds Property Value
Research indicates that a well-maintained water feature can significantly increase the value of your property (2). Fountains and pool surrounds are not only aesthetically pleasing but can also boost the overall value of your home by enhancing its curb appeal.
6) No Planning Permission Is Required
In many cases, fountains and pool surrounds do not require planning permission, offering you the flexibility to install these features without hurdles. This streamlines the process of adding aesthetic and functional elements to your outdoor space.
Another benefit of not requiring planning permission is that it can save you money in terms of avoiding application fees, hiring consultants, and dealing with any potential delays in the project timeline.
Cost
Prices for fountains and pool surrounds can vary for a variety of reasons. This includes factors such as the quality and type of materials used, the intricacy of the design, the size and shape of the fountain or pool surround, as well as whether you opt for a standard design or a more customised, bespoke option. All these elements contribute to the overall cost and can impact the final price you can pay for your desired fountain and pool surrounds.
Fountains
When it comes to fountains, the options are varied and can range from simple single-bowl designs to more extravagant triple-bowl fountains. The size and complexity of the fountain design can influence the overall cost. Regardless of the style and size you choose, fountains can improve your outdoor area, enhancing the visual appeal and creating a focal point that delights both residents and visitors alike. You can check out our range of cast stone fountains here.
At Acanthus Cast Stone, our range of cast stone fountains offers a diverse selection to suit different preferences and budgets. From our smaller Single Bowls starting at £181.50 (Inc. VAT) to the grander Large Triple Bowls priced at £1,209 (Inc. VAT), our fountains cater to varying needs and desires, ensuring that there is an option for every outdoor space.
Explore our collection of cast stone fountains to find the perfect addition that complements your garden aesthetic and achieves the impact you envision.
Pool Surrounds
Similar to fountains, the cost of pool surrounds can vary based on factors such as size, shape, material, and design. Our range of pool surrounds includes options like the Small Semi Circle Pool Surround Set – 1200mm Internal Diameter priced at £308.00 (inc. VAT) to the larger Circular Pool Surround Set – 3450mm Internal Diameter at £1,848.00 (inc. VAT), with various shapes available to suit your pool area.
It is essential to ensure that the pool surround coordinates well with the fountain in terms of size and style. If you require guidance on choosing the right pool surround for your fountain, our team is readily available to assist you throughout the selection process. Contact us for expert advice and recommendations tailored to your specific outdoor design needs.
Installation Process
The installation process often differs depending on the size and shape of the fountain and pool surrounds. However, the process of measuring and installing the cast stone fountains and pool surround is much the same.
Our team of specialists will provide your builder with the technical specifications they’ll need to install your new cast stone fountains and pool surround. Contact a member of the team for more information.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
As much as outdoor water features like fountains and pool surrounds enhance the beauty of your space, they require some maintenance to stay in top condition. From preventing cracking in frosty weather to keeping the pump clean and maintaining water levels, here are some essential tips and tricks to help you preserve the look and functionality of your water features.
How to Stop Fountains and Pool Surrounds from Cracking in Frosts
Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it can also bring challenges for outdoor water features like fountains and pool surrounds. One common issue that many face during the cold months is cracking due to frost. However, there is a simple and effective solution to prevent this damage.
By draining the water from your fountain and pool surround before the cold weather sets in, you can protect them from cracking. This small maintenance step can go a long way in preserving the beauty and integrity of your outdoor water features.
Keeping the Pump Clean
Maintaining a clean pump is crucial for the smooth operation and longevity of your fountain. To begin the cleaning process, unplug the pump and carefully remove it from the fountain. Utilise an old toothbrush or cloth to effectively clean out any accumulated debris within the pump.
Regular maintenance routines like this not only keep your fountain running smoothly but also help prevent potential issues. In regions with hard water, where calcium build up is common, it is advisable to clean the pump more frequently to ensure that its moving parts remain free from obstruction.
Maintaining Water Levels
Ensuring that the water levels of your fountain are properly maintained is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your fountain’s pump. Without adequate water coverage, the pump can burn out leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Typically, maintaining water levels may not be a major concern. However, during hot and dry seasons, such as a scorching summer, water evaporation can occur at a faster rate. This makes it essential for fountain owners to be vigilant in monitoring water levels and to add additional water as needed to keep the pump functioning optimally.
Cleaning Up the Fallen Leaves
If your fountain and pool surround are located near trees, one common maintenance task that cannot be overlooked is keeping them clear of fallen leaves. Leaves not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of your water features but can also lead to a range of issues if left unattended.
The accumulation of fallen leaves in your fountain and pool surround can clog drains, filters, and pumps, disrupting the water flow and potentially causing damage to the system.
To prevent these problems, it is essential to regularly clean up any fallen leaves around your fountain and pool surround. Use a net or skimmer to remove leaves from the water surface and ensure that no debris is left lingering around the edges. Regular maintenance in this regard will not only preserve the visual appeal of your outdoor space but also contribute to the overall health and functionality of your water features.
Our Range of Cast Stone Fountains and Pool Surrounds
We offer a wide range of beautifully crafted fountains and pool surrounds suitable for gardens of all sizes, including extensive landscape designs. Our designs can accommodate various pool shapes and sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for your garden’s unique layout.
Fountains
Whether you possess a small courtyard garden or a vast estate, our extensive range of fountains can meet your individual requirements and aesthetic tastes. Our water features are expertly crafted to bring both style and tranquillity to any garden environment.
Pool Surrounds
Our circular pool surrounds are highly sought after as they come in four different sizes, ranging from 1200mm to 8000mm in internal diameter. Additionally, we offer semi-circular, square, oval, and rectangular pool sections, enabling the creation of pools in virtually any size or shape by combining these standard components.
Customers in need of deeper pools can opt for a plinth course addition or even look at a completely custom-made design tailored to their specific requirements.
Colours
To allow further customisation, all our coping stones are available in a variety of colours to suit different styles and preferences. Our colour range, which covers the vast majority of natural stone colours, is Portland, Ivory, Bathstone, Cotswold, Yorkstone, Natural Grey, Charcoal, and Terracotta. Each of these options will complement various locations and cater to different personal styles of your fountain and pool surround.
You can view our colour choices below:
If you are still unsure about your colour choice, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to assist you in making the best colour choice. You can access it by clicking here.
Request a sample
If you would like to physically see and feel our range of cast stone colours, you can request your free sample by clicking here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide has shed light on the rich history, numerous benefits, installation process, maintenance tips, and more regarding fountains and pool surrounds. These elements are not mere additions to your outdoor space; they are investments that have the potential to enhance its beauty and the value of your property.
Why Acanthus
“At Acanthus, our range of cast stone fountains and pool surrounds can add a wow factor to your property. I find fountains incredibly serene, adding a sense of peace and tranquillity that truly enhances the beauty of any outdoor space.”
Gavin, Project Manager at Acanthus
If you require any further information on our cast stone fountains and pool surrounds, have any questions or would like to discuss any of our bespoke cast stone products, please contact one of our friendly Acanthus team. Alternatively, you can call us on 01773 540704.
For more information on how our other garden products can complement your fountains and pool surrounds, check out our article How To Add Value to Your Garden with Cast Stone here.
References
2) https://www.yopa.co.uk/blog/do-water-features-add-value-to-your-home/
