Find the Perfect Outdoor Fountain for the Home

Outdoor fountains are a staple in traditional New Orleans garden design. Adding a water feature can dramatically enhance the ambiance of your garden, patio, or outdoor entertaining space. A well-maintained fountain refreshes the air and creates a sense of calm with the soothing sound of bubbling, running water. For most home owners, the problem isn’t knowing if they want to add a fountain, it’s just knowing which one to pick!

There are so many fountain options to choose from. Shoppers have to consider stand-alone varieties, like traditional estate fountains, versus patio wall fountains that build onto your existing hardscape. Will your landscape design mesh well with a modern fountain or a more classical, tiered shape? Then, you also have to consider the sound and size. 

This comprehensive guide will help you weigh the options and narrow down the list of your favorite garden fountains for sale. Explore 10 distinct fountain varieties to see what’s possible. Then, read until the end for common upkeep issues and tips to ensure that your new fountain looks and sounds beautiful for years to come.

10 Types of Fountains for Sale

1. Tiered Pedestal Birdbath. Like most Campania fountains, this design is made in the USA from premium cast stone concrete. The recirculating system has a pair of tiered bowls on a classical pedestal that could stand alone in a garden corner or be a pathway centerpiece. The soothing sound of poured water is whimsically decorated with two bird figurines.  Learn more here. 

2. Geometric Modern Fountain. A low-profile fountain is the perfect centerpiece for patio seating or near a garden bench. This modern design combines clean geometric shapes with a tilted bowl. By combining a bubbling fountain on top with a poured element, you’ll enjoy more vibrant water sounds. If you want to block or soften noise from a neighbor, this fountain would be a good option. Learn more here. 

3. Traditional Sculpted Head. Infuse your space with a sense of bold traditionalism. This broad garden wall fountain has a single, simple stream of water that runs out of the lion’s mouth. Sculpted fountains like this add eye-catching style with a very quiet ambiance.  Learn more here. 

4. Sculpted Mythic. A sculpted character fountain has the power to tell a visual story. If you’re interested in mythology and age-old heroes or you just love intricate sculpting, this style may be your best fit. Most figure-focused fountains, like this example, feature more narrow water streams, so they’re better centerpieces than noise blockers. Learn more here

5. Illuminated Bubbler. Rounded, balancing balls are a popular design element in modern fountain styles. This example rests on a tall pedestal, so it can easily stand out above short plants or flowers in your garden and it’s equipped with built-in plume lighting. The water stream bubbles out of the top and runs seamlessly over the ball with a recycling water system. Learn more here. 

6. Grand Estate Fountain with Figures. These handcrafted, premium cast stone estate fountains are designed to be stand-alone centerpieces. The large designs tell stories with intricate characters, multi-tiered water displays, and built-in lighting. Most come with the option for a matching sidewalk and benches, so you can create a mesmerizing destination for your garden path. Learn more here. 

7. Modern Rain Wall. Rain walls are a popular choice because they’re typically suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation. The quiet display recirculates water in a trickling rain pattern across a flat surface, which is then collected in a simple rock basin at the bottom. This particular fountain example is visually stunning with an 8-foot silver mirror backdrop. Learn more here. 

8. Small Zen Water Wall. Asian-inspired garden designs are very popular, and this Buddha statue fountain can complement a wide variety of landscape styles. Smaller fountains like this one, which is 3 feet tall, can be a beautiful addition to patio planter gardens. The seamless waterfall is more silent than splashing fountain varieties, but it still adds a soothing sound. Learn more here. 

9. Tiered Renaissance Fountain. This iconic design is very classical, and you can choose from a variety of estate fountains in this shape for more ornate bowls or polished, smooth lines. The motion of this three-tiered fountain stems from a small bubbler at the very top, which cascades down in a seamless cycle into the bottom basin like rainfall. Learn more here. 

10. 10.Small, Stackable Bubbler. Fountain placement makes all the difference! This small, sophisticated birdbath fountain rests on a short stand and features a single, shallow bowl with a central bubbler. With a small fountain like this, you can set it on top of a garden wall near patio seating or place it in a lifted, prominent position in your container garden. Learn more here. 

Upkeep Issues & Tips

1. Green Slime. Algae tends to thrive in hot, humid climates, but it’s most likely with low-movement fountains. Kill the green slime and keep your new fountain looking clean and fresh with a small amount of eco-friendly algaecide. Make sure to only replenish it when you add water and avoid over-concentration.
2. Leaves and Greens. If you install a fountain under a deciduous tree or near plants that spread, make sure to keep a watchful eye on the lowest tier of your fountain. When leaves and other natural debris settle there, the pump can suck them inside and result in damaging clogs. Planning ahead is the best solution, but regular maintenance will also help you avoid the issue, no matter where your fountain is located.
3. Mosquitos. These flying insects are more than just annoying pests, and they should be managed with care. Mosquitos prefer not to land on moving water, so always make sure that your fountain pump is turned on. You can also add a small dose of pet-safe mosquito killer to the fountain when it’s switched off or if mosquitos are persistent.
4. Water Evaporation. Small fountains evaporate water faster than large ones. After a few days or weeks, you’ll likely notice identify your fountain’s pattern of water loss. Schedule regular refilling maintenance accordingly and be sure to keep a watchful eye on your fountain when it’s windy to correct and refill the water that splashes out.