Fountains and aerators add beauty and functionality to ponds everywhere, but they’re not as low-maintenance as some people think. When installing a water feature, it’s important to take steps to secure it and hold it in place. In this guide, we’ll offer some tips on choosing the right kind of rope and installation method for a pond or lake fountain or aerator anchor.
The Characteristics of a Good Fountain Anchor Rope: What to Look For
It takes a special kind of rope to stand up to water, wind, rain, and other outdoor elements. Whether you’re installing a fountain in a large pond or a small one, take a little time to learn what to look for in an anchor rope.
- Waterproofing. As your fountain or aerator’s anchor rope will spend all its time in the water, it’s no surprise that the most important feature to look for is waterproofing. Choose a marine-grade rope that can stand up to whatever the water throws at it.
- Strength and durability. These qualities go hand in hand with the waterproofing aspect mentioned above, but they’re worth repeating. Water and pond life can degrade even the toughest rope fibers, and when you’re trusting those ropes to keep your fountain or aerator in place, it’s important to choose tough, durable, and high-quality materials.
- Floatability or sinking. Depending on whether you’re using the concrete block or shoreline anchoring method, you may need to look for ropes that float or sink.
- Stretchiness. This quality isn’t as important in applications using the concrete block anchoring method, but if you’re anchoring your fountain or aerator from the shoreline, it’s best to choose marine ropes with a certain degree of stretchiness.
Now that you’ve chosen a pond fountain and the ropes with which to anchor it, let’s discuss the fibers, materials, and construction methods with which anchor ropes are made.
Pond Fountain Anchor Rope Materials and Construction
Depending on where you buy your pond fountain anchor kit, the rope you get may be made with one or more natural or synthetic fibers. Consider the size of your pond and the type of fountain you’ve chosen when making a purchase decision.
- Nylon rope is relatively inexpensive, but it offers shock absorption as well significant resistance to UV rays and ordinary wear and tear. These qualities make it an excellent choice for fountain anchor lines.
- Polyester rope is strong, durable, and moderately priced. Because it doesn’t stretch much, it’s best for use with the concrete block anchoring method.
- Polypropylene rope is stretchy, lightweight, and strong. Because it floats, it’s a great choice for shoreline fountain anchors. One slight disadvantage is that it’s not very resistant to ultraviolet rays and heat. However, it’s affordable enough to replace as needed.
- Kevlar rope is strong, rust-resistant, and not very stretchy, which makes it another great choice for concrete block fountain anchors. Most of these ropes consist of polyester covering over a Kevlar core.
Along with the rope fiber options mentioned above, pond fountain anchor ropes are constructed in a few different ways, as discussed below.
- Braided rope is flexible enough to prevent twisting or kinking. Single-braided rope is often used on concrete block anchors, while double-braided rope, with its braided cover and core, is better for use with the shoreline anchoring method.
- Three-strand twist rope, as the name implies, consists of three strands twisted together. This option is long-lasting, durable, and flexible enough to be used in concrete block or shoreline anchoring applications.
- Parallel core rope is strong but not very stretchy, which makes it best for submerged anchors.
In the sections below, we’ll explain a couple of fountain anchoring methods and the pros and cons of each.
Anchoring a Fountain With Concrete Blocks
An easy way to anchor a pond aerator or floating fountain is to use concrete blocks. This option works well in lakes and large ponds, and not so well in small backyard water features. To construct the anchor, you’ll need a roll of nylon rope that’s 1/8” to ¼” thick.
In a large pond, you’ll need a boat and a helper to start the anchoring process. Tie ropes around two concrete blocks and drop the blocks on either side of the boat. Bring the loose ends of the ropes up and tie them to the pump handle or the float. For small fountains, the anchor blocks should be spread approximately eight feet apart. For larger fountains, spread the blocks 20 feet apart. Consult an expert for weight and anchoring advice before installing a fountain or an aerator.
Using the Shoreline Method to Anchor a Fountain
Conversely, the shoreline anchoring method works best for small fountains and small ponds. To secure your aerator or fountain, tie one end of each rope to the pump handle or float and the other ends to either side of the shoreline. Dog tie or mobile home stakes work well for the purpose. Place the fountain in the water, taking care not to get the pump muddy. Then, walk the other rope to the opposite side of the pond and tie it to the stake.
Why It’s Important to Secure Your Pond Fountain or Aerator
Fountains and aerators offer several notable advantages when used in water features. Not only do they bring valuable oxygen into the water, improving its quality, but they also reduce algae growth. When a pond’s water is properly circulated through an aerator or a fountain, it will smell better, look better, and keep pond life healthier.
Despite all these advantages, even the best aerator or fountain is only as good as its anchor. Proper anchoring tools, supplies and methods make water features more effective while keeping them stationary and secure. With the tips, tricks, facts, and advice in this guide, even a first-time pond builder can install an aerator or fountain safely and efficiently. For more setup advice, as well as an incredible selection of aerators and pond fountains, visit the experts at livingwateraeration.com today.