Small patio water fountains create a wonderful ambience and add a little calm and stress relief to any relaxing area too. Why is that you wonder? There is a scientific answer – who knew? The sound of a water fountain resembles white noise which creates calm. It is often used to relax those affected with ADHD and calms babies to help them fall asleep. Nothing more relaxing that the gentle sound of water on your patio while you sit and read a book and enjoy your own peaceful space. Now lets select the best small patio water fountain for your needs!
Understanding Water Sounds
Water sounds can drown out conversation or create a peaceful ambience to calm your mood or help you relax. The way you can achieve the perfect atmosphere is by understanding the sounds and speed of water.
By increasing the speed of a water pump, the water flow volume will increase and the harder the water will strike the top of the water and so the sound will be greater. If the water drops over various tiers – the sound will increase. This sound volume may be too loud to have a reasonable conversation but a perfect noise for a nap or deep sleep.
Water flowing into only one tier of water will have a more peaceful sound. Depending on the speed of the pump and the depth of the water drop, you can regulate it enough to give you loud sounds by simply raising the water level. Louder sounds are attained by dropping the water level and slowing down the speed of the pump. With softer sounds you will be able to hold a conversation without raising your voice level.
Water flowing over stones or rocks can have a low babbling type sound which would be peaceful and gentle. This sound in a small patio water fountain would be a improve your mood, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. All you need is your book and an iced beverage for a perfect pairing.
Water flowing over a smooth surface out of a bowl and down the sides to the stones below is a very gentle sound with with very little variation. This would be hypnotic, a visual water flow one that could flow without disturbing water sounds. The flow would be even and constant, perfect for zoning out or meditating.
Water sound is amplified if you place it against a solid backdrop or in a corner spot. There are quite a few factors to consider when choosing a place for small patio water fountain.
Small Patio Water Fountain
Water Fountain Types
Small Outdoor Patio Fountain
There are so many different types and designs to choose from. See the designs and prices here
- Tiered Water Fountains
- Cascade Water Fountains
- Barrel Water Fountains
- Wall Mounted Water Fountains
- Floor Standing Water Fountains
- Table Top Water Fountains
- Solar Power Water Fountains
DIY Small Patio Water Fountain
Putting together a water feature or water fountain is not rocket science. There are a few minor steps involved. You will need a plug close by unless you can use a solar power option. I personally have a galvanized steel tub on a stand in my yard with a metal watering can angled to sprinkle water into the tub. I submerged the pump in the tub and fed the water feeder pipes through a small incision in the top of the watering can. The water makes a wonderful gentle sound. The tub is quite a mission to clean out once a month and watering can shower head needs to be rinsed of a couple of times a week which is not really a hassle. I do love my water feature though, however I am considering other options for next summer. Mine is situated right below a row of pine trees and there is no cover overhead, so I probably do maintain it more than most would need to.
Solar Powered Fountains
The option to have a solar powered water fountain in a sunny area or with a sunny area adjacent, is really a good idea. There is no need then for a patio plug and the fountain works as long as the sun shine lasts. You can use a bird bath and add the solar powered fountain and it works really well. My neighbor has one. See the picture below.
Rain Chains
Another amazing water sound comes from the rain. Instead of a down pipe from the gutter, consider using a rain chain. They come in so many beautiful designs and look so much more appealing than downpipes. Some are made with a chime and they make a beautiful sound.
Conclusion
If you love the sound of water, and feel the need to add tranquility and calm into your relax space consider a water feature or a small patio water fountain, one that does not take up too much space or add too much noise. If you are brave enough, attempt a DIY one. It’s so much fun and you get exactly what you want.
Oh my gosh, these are so cute and would fit well into my front garden between all the small plants. I especially like the solar-powered water fountains, as I have every light outside already working on solar power and I can only put these in my garden as I have no patio. I’m sure the birds will enjoy this as well, thanks!
I love my birds and I’m sure they will enjoy the bird bath! Particularly in the heat of the day!
Hey Kathie!
This is an interesting post! I love the sound of water running, whether it’s day or night (usually it’s when I’m camping).
It’s very difficult for me to go to sleep without white noise. . .I use a fan now, but I used to play babbling brook sounds every night. I didn’t realize how many categories there were! I just thought there was “this is good” and “this makes me have to go to the bathroom” types of water sounds.
Here’s a question: do you think it would be feasible to make an indoor water fountain for white noise without endangering the well-being of my carpet? That would be a lot better than a recording. And, using the tips here, I could engineer my own sounds exactly how I want it. Thanks!
Isaac
Hey Isaac, thank you so much for responding. I love the sound of water and I did giggle at your description of categories of water sound! LOL – yes – good idea to get an indoor water fountain for sleep purposes. Let me know if you do decide to and if it helps or makes you rush to the bathroom in the night. 🙂
Many thanks for this valuable and detailed Small Patio Water Fountain post. I love the sound of water. And I was looking for a fountain like this. I love these tiered water fountains. Because they look natural. I will definitely buy one of them. Keep posting valuable posts like this. I will definitely share this.
Thank You Pasindu – I love the sound of water too!