Leaping water features transform outdoor spaces with their captivating displays. They create a smooth, arcing stream of water that appears to jump gracefully, adding intrigue and dynamic beauty to any landscape.
What Are Leaping Water Features?
Leaping water features use specialized nozzles and pumps to create a smooth, unbroken stream of water, resembling a glass-like rod. This effect, known as laminar flow, ensures water molecules move in parallel layers with minimal turbulence, allowing the stream to maintain its integrity and form a clean, elegant arc even across distances. The visual impact is often enhanced with integrated lighting, typically LED or fiber optics, which illuminates the transparent water stream, making it appear to glow or change colors as it arcs through the air. Variations include continuous arcing jets and “jumping jets,” where the water stream is precisely cut by a timed mechanism, giving the illusion that segments of water are leaping independently.
Benefits of Leaping Water Features
Visually, the elegant, arching water creates a striking focal point, drawing the eye and adding a sense of sophistication and movement to the landscape. The smooth, consistent flow produces a gentle, soothing sound, contributing to a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere in the garden. These features enhance curb appeal and provide a dynamic element. Their precise design minimizes splashing, making them suitable for various settings, including those where water spray needs to be contained.
Designing and Installing Your Feature
Begin by selecting a location that offers both visibility and practical access to power and water sources. The size and height of the water arc will influence the overall scale of the feature, requiring appropriate pump and nozzle selections. Components typically include a pump, specialized laminar flow nozzles, a reservoir to collect and recirculate water, and tubing for connections.
Site preparation is essential, often involving digging a pit for the reservoir and establishing a stable, level base for the feature to prevent uneven water flow. Electrical wiring for the pump and lighting must be safely installed, often requiring a dedicated circuit and waterproof connections. Plumbing involves connecting the pump to the nozzles and ensuring the system is leak-proof, using flexible tubing and secure fittings. While smaller features might be suitable for a do-it-yourself approach, larger or more complex designs often benefit from professional installation to ensure proper functionality and longevity.
Maintaining Your Leaping Water Feature
Keeping the water clean and free of debris, such as leaves and dirt, is crucial to prevent pump clogs and maintain clear water flow. Routine cleaning of the basin, typically every one to three months, and the pump, at least once a season, helps prevent buildup that can hinder performance. Algae growth is a common issue, especially in warmer months, and can be managed with algaecides safe for water features or through natural methods like UV clarifiers or beneficial bacteria treatments that break down organic waste.
Monitoring water levels frequently is important, as evaporation and splashing can reduce the volume, potentially exposing and damaging the pump. For colder climates, winterization procedures are important to prevent freeze damage. This typically involves draining all water from the feature, removing the pump and storing it indoors in a frost-free location, often submerged in a bucket of water to keep seals wet, and covering the feature to protect it from snow and ice.
Addressing Common Problems
A loss of the smooth laminar flow, resulting in a turbulent or “blobby” stream, often indicates a clog in the nozzle or pump, low water levels, or an aging pump. Cleaning the pump and nozzles, ensuring the reservoir is adequately filled, and checking for debris can often restore proper flow. Excessive splashing can occur if the pump’s flow rate is too high or the nozzle is improperly aimed; adjusting the pump’s intensity or repositioning the nozzle can correct this.
Unusual pump noise, such as grinding or buzzing, may signal worn parts, debris caught in the impeller, or the pump running dry. Regular cleaning and ensuring the pump remains fully submerged helps prevent these issues. Persistent algae or mineral buildup, particularly from hard water, can be addressed with appropriate cleaning solutions or by adding water treatments designed to prevent such deposits. For leaks, checking all connections and the basin for cracks is necessary, with repairs or sealant application as needed.