Fiberglass Fountain Advantages

Function

• Many people find moving water restful and relaxing. Fountains circulate water in a contained system using a water pump. These pumps are quiet and tucked inside the fountain. Private and public buildings may have fountains near their entrances to make a statement about the culture or identity of the organization. Since fiberglass can be molded in virtually any kind of design or color, the material gives designers many options.

Identification

• It can be difficult to identify fiberglass fountains from others, since the creators can use veneers made from stone or painted to look like metal surfaces to cover the fiberglass shell. This is one of the biggest advantages of using fiberglass for the basis of a fountain. Stone and metal are heavy and as raw materials can cost more than paint or veneers. A close examination may be necessary to identify the fountain as fiberglass by looking at its surfaces, touching it or lightly knocking on it. A fiberglass fountain is likely to have a hollow sound, while fountains made from solid materials have more of a muffled sound.

Considerations

• Fiberglass fountains weather well and are easy to clean, especially in areas where the water is hard. Unlike stone fountains, hard water deposits do not readily stick to fiberglass surfaces since the material is waterproof. Chemicals to remove any rust or mineral deposits that form on the surface do not react with the fiberglass, unlike concrete, stone or metal fountains that acids may etch or stain. Masonry fountains can crack due to freezing and thawing, something that fiberglass does not do.

Installation

• Because fiberglass fountains can weigh up to 80 percent less than other kinds of fountains, the installation process is much easier for large units. A fiberglass fountain is also less expensive because the costs of transporting it from the factory to the showroom, as well as to its final destination, are lower. Fewer people need to be involved in setting up the fountain because the weight is substantially less.