|
|
Al's Garden Art successfully manufactures decorative cast-stone products since
1949. Three generations of producing decorative concrete fountains and statuary
provides this company with the experience and know how in concrete and mix
designs. We are aware that during the production process materials and
variables associated with the mix design can cause cured concrete to react
adversely. It is in our interest to learn as much as possible about these types
of issues. For this reason Al's Garden Art offers a one year manufacturers
warranty extended through our dealers. Generally replacements and/or warranty
orders are placed with a qualified Al's Garden Art dealer. In some cases we may
require a picture or inspection of the item(s) to ensure the products is
determined defective under the limited warranty policy. Al's Garden Art does
not ship single items to its dealers but requires them to order in bulk.
Generally Al's Garden Art ships qualified orders on a 5 to 6 week lead time.
Warranty
|
|
|
|
FOUNTAIN PLACEMENT
A fountain assembly sheet, fittings as well as tubing are included for each
fountain type. Contact your dealer if you did not receive all necessary pieces.
Copies of assembly sheet are available under assembly instructions.
All fountains can have some amount of over splash regardless of style or
design. Placement location of any fountain is the sole responsibility and
liability of the purchaser. Al’s Garden Art produces two types of fountains:
Pedestal and Basin styles and each have their own installation requirements.
PEDESTAL TYPE FOUNTAINS should be placed on a solid surface like concrete,
brick pavers or an optional matching fountain skirt. Most pedestals are hollow
inside and rain and/or sprinklers may erode the soil underneath, jeopardizing
the fountain’s stability.
BASIN FOUNTAINS - must be placed on a soft surface like sand
or gravel. If a basin type fountain is to be installed on a hard surface like
concrete or tile, a 1” to 1½” layer of sand must be applied over the surface.
This will help with leveling by allowing the basin to settle and be completely
supported, reducing the risk of possible stress fractures caused by the added
weight of water and fountain components inside the basin. This sand should be
grouted after the installation. Basins come in various sizes and shapes. Most
basins have a 1” coupling (or hole) near the center that a rubber grommet fits
in. The pump’s power cord runs through this, and out beneath the basin. Placing
a sweep of minimum 1½” conduit or PVC underneath the basin from the center out
to the edge or to the power source is a smart consideration. This will prevent
major dismantling should the pump need to be replaced. Please consult an
electrician regarding local code requirements.
PEDESTAL STYLE FOUNTAINS - Place pedestal/base style fountains
on a firm, level foundation. If the fountain or statue is to be placed on dirt,
a 24" concrete stepping stone is recommended to avoid erosion. Most pedestals
are hollow inside and splash, rain and/or sprinklers may wash away dirt and
cause your fountain or statue to tumble.
WALL FOUNTAINS - can be configured as either pedestal or basin
style fountains. All wall fountains must have a solid wall support such as a
brick or stucco wall with studs (drywall or plywood will not provide adequate
support). Most wall fountains are supplied with brackets to mount top
components firmly to a wall structure. Generally wall fountains allow for the
power cord to escape from behind between the wall and the fountain. Small
hanging-style wall fountains need to be mounted using proper heavy duty
attachments for the structure to which they are being mounted. Consult your
local hardware store regarding hardware, weight of the item and your wall
material. Keep fountain bowls filled to proper level to maintain its proper
operation.
It is not recommended that fountains be left running during the night or when
not at home as the water level cannot be monitored. NEVER LET THE FOUNTAIN
RUN DRY!!! Lack of water will burn out the pump. The rule of thumb
is that if a fountain runs for eight hours at a time you are bound to have to
add more water to it. Check for leaks. First fill your fountain to the brim. Do
not operate the fountain. If your fountain is leaking, the water level in the
fountain will be lower and the ground around the fountain will be wet. Before
you perform this test, you should turn off any sprinklers around the fountain
as not to confuse the area's wetness. If no moisture, do you have pets? You
could very well be loosing water due to thirsty pets. Clean with a soft cloth
and CHANGE WATER FREQUENTLY, if possible.
Depending on the temperature and evaporation you may see a buildup of white
residue on fountain surface from mineral content in the water supply. Fountains
without a painted surface (including Antique Stains and Washes) may also
experience effervescence as well as mineral deposits due to the natural
occurrence of alkali content in the water. Do not use any abrasive that can
damage the applied finish. To prevent such buildup, we suggest the use of a
product called Protec. It is recommended to use an Algaecide such as Fountec in
the water, especially in hot weather to prevent algae's growth. Algae can
damage the fountain surface and can clog the pump causing it to overheat and
burn out. Never use chlorine or bleach as an algaecide or cleaner. Chlorine can
damage your pump and fountain surfaces. Fountec is a Natural Mosquito Repellent
preventing the spread of the West-Nile virus. READ ALL INFORMATION supplied
with your pump regarding its proper care and cleaning. Always plug the pump
into a properly grounded junction box with a GFI receptacle.
PROTECT FROM FREEZING. It is best to store concrete items
indoors. DO NOT allow water to collect and freeze in the bowls. Cracking will
occur. Small hairline surface stress cracks are common to all concrete products
due to the natural weathering and outdoor temperature changes. There are no
manufacturer warranties against that occurrence.
|
|
|
Q. Do I need a water supply for the fountain?
Q. Does the pump use a lot of electricity?
Q. Can I order this fountain in a
different color?
Q. Do I need to use chemicals to treat
the water?
Q. Can pieces be ordered individually
should a component need replacement?
Q. Can the design of a fountain be
changed?
Q. Is there a warranty?
Q. Can my fountain withstand freezing
temperatures?
Q. Why should I purchase a fountain
from Al’s Garden Art?
|
Q. Do I need a water supply for the fountain?
A. No – the fountain is self-contained and the water is circulated by a
submersible pump.
Q. Does the pump use a lot of electricity?
A. No – about the same as a light bulb.
Q. Can I order this fountain in a different
color?
A. Yes – most dealers can accommodate special orders. Speak with the store
manager about lead-times. Al’s ships qualified orders within 3 to 4 weeks.
Q. Do I need to use chemicals to treat
the water?
A. Yes – Clean water is obviously the best way to maintain a beautiful water
feature. Recommended are product such as Fountec to prevent algae growth and
Protec to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits often found in hard water.
Never use bleach!
Q. Can pieces be ordered individually should
a component need replacement?
A. Yes – Your Al’s Garden Art dealer can specify each component of any
fountain. Each component piece is identified in our dealer catalog and weights
and measurements are available.
Q. Can the design of a fountain be
changed?
A. Components can be configured to alter the fountain style. However, because
all pieces are cast from molds individual designs can not be altered.
Q. Is there a warranty?
A. Yes – Al’s Garden Art offers a one year limited warranty on all concrete and
pump products. Inquire with your dealer if the pump offered is supplied by Al’s
Garden Art. Some dealers carry their own line of pumps.
Q. Can my fountain withstand
freezing temperatures?
A. Yes, as long as it is dry. Fountains need to be emptied and covered with
plastic or a waterproof tarp to prevent freezing and possible pitting of the
surface caused by standing water.
Q. Why should I purchase a fountain
from Al’s Garden Art?
A. Al’s Garden Art is a third-generation family owned business that has been
making concrete fountains and statuary for over 50 years.
|
|
|
Is there enough water in the fountain?
Many require a full water level to operate properly.
Is the plastic tubing kinked, blocking the water flow?
Did the circuit breaker go off?
Is there debris, leaves, mineral buildup, etc. blocking the intake to the pump?
Is there an “airlock” in the pump?
Plug and unplug the pump several times to clear it or pour water into the
tubing.
Is the propeller in the pump turning?
Consult manufacturer’s directions for servicing supplied with the pump.
Possible leakage?
Check for leaks by filling the fountain without operating the pump. If you do
not see water around the base, it might be splash out on a windy day or a
thirsty pet!
Excess splash?
In some cases water clings to lips or spillways, causing water to fall
erratically. Applying a small amount of clear silicone at those points where
water is designed to fall could help water release from the lip in a continuous
pour and reducing splash. Simply place a small amount of silicone on your
finger and lightly apply by pulling down, creating an up-side-down teardrop for
water to follow.
*Never allow water collected in your fountain to freeze*
A fountain assembly sheet, fittings as well as tubing are
included for each fountain type. Contact your dealer if you did not receive all
necessary pieces. In order to identify which assembly sheet is appropriate for
a specific fountain it is best to locate the item through the product search
feature. Installation sheets are based on the overall design style of a
fountain.
Type A Instructions for basic pedestal type fountains
Type B Instructions for most bowl and pedestal type fountains
Type C Instructions for all basin type fountains
Type D Instructions for cascade type fountains
Type E Instructions for most wall type fountains
Type O Instructions for all fountains with octagon bowl
Yosemite Fountain Instructions
Extra Large Lion Fountain Instructions
Bracci Basin Instructions
2088 for Four Seasons Fountain with 98" basin
2087 for Venetian Fountain with 98" basin
2121-FP and 2121-F Cascade Fountains
|
|
|
Al's Garden Art supplies dealers with pumps and accessories
as an option. Some dealers may purchase accessories in bulk from third party
suppliers. Best would be to speak with the person in charge of ordering
fountains and statuary regarding availability and ordering schedules.
Authorized Al's Garden Art dealers can order replacement parts, pumps and
accessories and arrange shipment via our truck, regular mail as well as UPS. In
many cases dealers would simply extend the cost of shipping and handling and
reserve the option to ship these items direct to your home.
|
|
Whenever possible your local dealer is the best source for
information regarding fountains and statuary. Al’s Garden Art does provide
direct customer support and we are committed to provide you with the best
customer experience. Please refer to the Contact Us page for the appropriate
contact information.
|