How to Choose a Fountain

Decorative fountains add show-stopping visuals to your pond or lake. In addition, they add the tranquil sound of falling water. When selecting the ideal fountain for your outdoor landscape, you will want to consider a few factors. Start by determining the size of your pond, and then choose the spray pattern design that is most appealing to you.

Step 1) Calculate Pond Size

The first step to choosing the ideal fountain is determining the size of your pond or lake. Knowing your pond's length, width, and depth will help you choose a fountain with the correct dimensions to make the most of your space.

Step 2) Choose Your Preferred Spray Pattern

Airmax's industry-leading, high-flow spray patterns come in various shapes and aesthetics to fit any style.

Traditional patterns like the Classic and Trumpet feature familiar shapes with robust water flow. Laminar spray patterns such as the Single Arch and Double Arch have clean lines for those who prefer a tailored look.

Some patterns launch water to towering heights, such as the Gusher and Trumpet patterns. Other patterns create a wide arch, such as the Crown & Gusher, Double Arch, and Crown & Trumpet. All our spray patterns are top performers and popular among pond and lake owners, so choosing is primarily a matter of preference.

In addition to their visual beauty, decorative fountains provide a relaxing sound as the water gently splashes back into your pond or lake. Airmax fountains are designed to mimic the sounds of nature, such as a stream or a waterfall. The rushing water also masks undesirable background noise such as traffic, construction, barking dogs, HVAC equipment, etc.

Check out our fountain spray pattern videos which include not only a visual of the fountain in action but also an audio recording.

With so many stunning display choices, it can be hard to pick just one. So why limit yourself? You can choose multiple patterns! Airmax's innovative quick-change spray nozzles allow you to switch your fountain display quickly and easily, changing the look of your pond landscape. Best of all, no tools are required to change nozzles.

Step 3) Determine Optimal Fountain Height

When considering the best height for your new fountain, first consider how the fountain will display from the viewing area. Is the fountain on a golf course seen from many vantage points or a commercial space viewed from above? If you are viewing the fountain from your back deck, consider the best height from that view. Next, consider the surrounding natural and hardscapes, such as tall trees or buildings.

Too large a pattern and the fountain will dominate the space both in look and sound. If the spray is so large that it hits the shoreline, it will cause erosion and ruin the aesthetic. On the other hand, too small a pattern and the fountain will be swallowed up by the expanse of water and look inadequate. Finding a balance is key.

Step 4) Align Fountain Size to Horsepower Motor

Airmax features three fountain series, sure to fit almost any budget, pond size, or desired pattern. The Airmax Fountain lineup consists of the EcoSeries (1/2 HP), PondSeries (1/2, 1 & 2 HP), and LakeSeries (2, 3 & 5 HP).

The horsepower of the motor largely determines fountain height and width. Reference spray pattern dimensions for the various fountain sizes to see which aligns best with your space. You will also want to note the operating depth of each fountain, as shallow ponds may not accommodate larger fountains.

Feeling overwhelmed? We're here to help you every step of the way! We'll connect you with one of our experts who will help you with all your pond and lake needs. Give us a call at (866) 424-7629, or fill out the contact form to get started.

Step 5) Plan Installation and Layout

Once you have established your desired fountain spray pattern and size, it's time to plan for installation. Take measurements of your pond, including length and width, and depth. Next, measure the distance from the shore to your power source. Power cords are sold in various lengths, and obtaining correct measurements is critical.

All systems have a high-quality control panel with dual digital timers to accommodate fountain and lights. Control panels are NEMA 3R rated. We recommend using a licensed electrician to power your fountain and connect your control panel.

Optional Step) Add Lights for Nighttime Display

You can extend the hours of fountain enjoyment by adding full-spectrum, color-changing LED lights. Lights allow you to set the mood by changing the color of your pond fountain lights, including white, blue, green, red, and more.

The Airmax RGBW Color-Changing LED Light Set is run by a wireless remote with a range of up to 200 feet. From the remote, you can change colors, dim/brighten the lights, control flash speed, and run up to nine preset programs.

Optional Step) Protect Your Investment With Cord Protection

If you live in an area with nuisance pond wildlife, such as beavers, muskrats, or nutria, that are notorious for chewing, you may want to explore our cord protection options. Replacement power cords can be expensive and time-consuming, so investing in cord protection is an excellent insurance policy for your fountain.

Power cords can be wrapped with our durable PolyFlex protective sheathing. If you're looking for something even more substantial, we highly recommend the stainless-steel option for the ultimate power cord protection.

Supplement Fountain With Diffused Aeration System

In addition to their aesthetic qualities, fountains also add a great deal of oxygen to the pond as the tiny droplets make contact with the air and fall back into the pond. However, if your pond is more than 6 feet deep, a fountain alone will not provide enough aeration to maintain a balanced ecosystem. We recommend installing a bottom diffused aeration system. Aeration helps circulate water, increase oxygen levels, reduce muck, and improve water quality. Learn more about the benefits of aeration.

Let Airmax design the proper aeration system for you! Get a Free Pond Profile using Airmax Assist mapping services. Airmax Assist takes the guesswork out of aeration design and overall pond management. Fill out the online form with your pond information. Upon receipt, we will map, measure, and properly design a solution for you.