I am not sure if pulling and pumping water from deeper depths will require more energy usage for the motor. Electricians or engineers may know that answer.
Your wife is right, fountains are nice and southing to watch. Lights make them more pretty at night. Keep in mind or aware and prepared that the fountain will be more time and money maintenance and more long term cost compared to a bottom bubbler system. As with most things bigger is more expensive. Expect maintenance cost/s after the first several years. Motors for fountains are overworked because they are lifting and throwing water upward into the air which is why they are appealing to your roommate. Pretty, pretty. Water has significantly more weight than when pumping air. 5 gal of water weighs 40lbs and 5 gallons of air weighs 0.86 ounces – 744 times less weight per 5 gallons. The higher you throw water the more energy it takes = motor stress. Lights also have issues. When the fountain system is running there are electrical hazard liabilities. Be sure to follow all precautions especially when people are near the operating fountain. Water and electricity do not play well together – be sure to keep your liability insurance up to date. One good option is to put the fountain on a timer when the visual effects are optimized and motor runs less per year lengthening the time between down times.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 01/05/24 11:10 AM.
