Copper Phoenix Art

Copy of:

 

Copper Fountain Care Instructions (Short/Summary Version. Normally this suffices for all needs and uses, but extra detailed, comprehensive information is beneath it to be of extra help, if needed.) 

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• For best results use only distilled water.

• Pump comes attached ready for use under copper pump cover at bottom bowl.

• Fill up near bowl rim and plug in

• Using only Distilled Water in it is highly recommended. It is cleanest, mineral free and very pure so there are no sediments left behind from evaporation that can build up in the water bowl. If you are using only distilled water then routine maintenance is lowered a lot. Maintenance needs vary from use and placement of it. Clean when and as needed if it appears to need attention. As an optional guideline, every few months, (more or less depending on usage times, placement/environment) cleaning it out is good for the fountain. To clean: Empty, Drain, Wipe out with a soft damp cloth, refill and restart. Add water as needed. 

• Always keep fountain pump submerged. Running dry can hurt the motor. Fnt. Plug is the "On/Off Switch" (See options for switches on the pump page online)

• A copper pump cover is included. If it comes free in shipping, use it by replacing it over the pump. (Pump cover is made in a U-shape. It can also be pulled open/apart and closed the same way)

• Pump is easily replaceable and removeable. Only a hose with no clamps, glue, etc. holds it place between the copper pipe and pump housing. It can be pulled off as one piece from the hose. If instructions are wanted or needed for this, please see pump page online www.thecopperfountain.com/water-fountain-pumps

• Water volume capacities and pump sizes: Extra Small Fntn. 35 GPH/50oz., Small Fntn. 35 GPH/60oz Medium Fntn. 70 GPH./80oz., Lg. Table/Floor Fntn. 90-150 GPH Range, 1-2 Gallon Water Vol. (To start fill up water near the bowl rim as in photos)

• If needed or wanted, more comprehensive information on these points and others, with extra details, photographs, and video examples, can be viewed on: www.thecopperfountain.com/fountaincareinstructions

• [For extra Safety and other Pump Information, Please read the Manufacturers Pump Information sheet too. I carry and highly prefer their brand but they are a separate company.]

• Thank you for your business! Enjoy your fountain! Copper Phoenix Art, Queen Creek, Az.

SCULPTURE, WALL ART, and other COPPER ART CARE INFO and INSTRUCTIONS:​

Sculpture or other copper art decor that is NOT a fountain, only needs (if anything at all) occasional dusting if inside or under a covered area outside.
A soft dry or damp cloth or other chemical free duster (such as a "feather duster") is all that is needed. 

While indoors or covered areas there is virtually no effect on the art, in very extreme conditions, if copper sculpture is outdoors but not under a covered area, dusting will help, but depending on your climate, if it is extremely moist with very high precipitation landing on your artwork on regular basis, after some years, (which varies considerably, perhaps 2-20 years) your art may begin to lose the protective gloss metal finish coat, and then start to naturally oxidize or develop patina. If this is not desired, and you see the finish deteriorating in any way, you can reseal the art with spray-on metal finish, or a brush-on metal finish, in either flat or semi-gloss or full gloss mixtures, and this will help further protect the orange-like copper tones.


IN-DEPTH FOUNTAIN CARE INFORMATION

Copper fountains and art can last for many years - decades and more, so the information on Copper Care is comprehensive and varied, and may or may not be needed, but is designed to help with most situations that could arise depending on how a fountain is cared for, or what particular situation may be applicable with a fountain in the short and long term use of having one.

 

Copper is an expensive medium that increases in cost, and my art takes a lot of time and cost to produce (as well as purchase) and I would rather anyone had this and not need it, than need it and not have it, so it it here in detailed form to accompany the shorter, less elaborate information. Copper artwork is expensive and time consuming to produce, and purchase as a customer, and I sincerely want anyone getting my work (and if it can be of help with other art- or fountains- not from CPA- to be in the best position from the start with their art from Copper Phoenix Art, and this page is designed to be of help in that capacity, and covers a broad range of topics and possibilities. 
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​<Please note: These aspects can also be very helpful with any other type of fountain, whether it is Copper or Not.>

 Quality control system: Before ever shipping, each fountain is individually tested in all regards, (i.e. leaks, function in sound and appearance) and each aspect is maximized for efficiency.

<This information is also broken up into topic segments followed by the title of the particular point of interest. e.g., start-up, water type, ect...>

FOUNTAIN START-UP:

It's as easy as filling up and plugging in. (The great majority of the time it's that easy, but if your fountain does not start at all after a little and its not your outlet, please see below at #10 for Pump Priming/Trouble shooting.)

WATER and WATER TYPES:

1) Using only Distilled Water in it is highly recommended above any other water type, and is recommended for any type of self-contained water fountain regardless of the material the fountain is composed of. It is mineral free and very pure so there are no sediments left behind from evaporation that can build up in the water bowl. It is particularly best for copper fountains, and hard to underscore or overstate the benefits of using distilled water both in the short term, and naturally as the fountains last so long being composed of copper, for aging in the long term...and very long term. Distilled requires the least amount of upkeep, and depending on ones preference can also result in the rarest needs for maintenance. (Please see Gloss Metal Finish and Cleaning Section for more information on distilled water for fountains). Patience and extra cost goes into using distilled but it is not something that will be regretted in choosing as its benefits outweigh any other effect, and that goes for all self-contained fountains, regardless of the composition of their make-up/material they are made of.
 

2) If not using distilled water, then Purified Bottled Drinking Water (by Reverse Osmosis, etc.) is a great choice too and a little less in cost to buy, but does not have the same great benefits of distilled water.

 

(Avoid using tap water if at all possible! Also do not use soft water systems in it because the salt will accumulate as a sediment in the fountain, and it induces a stronger patina over the whole piece). Bottled drinking water it is not as pure as distilled, but is a very good alternative to it, and can achieve similar results while also being less in maintenance. I highly recommend getting "Protec Fountain Scale and Stain Remover" [Amazon.com is a good place to find it] and adding it to the water monthly in one very small dose as is directed by the Protec Solution. Then after using "Protec" for about "2-3 months" rinse out your fountain under a sink or other spot and start over.

<Protec is an animal friendly product. Whatever treatment you decide to use for your fountain (CPA art not for pet/human drinking use) if pets are a relevant concern please read the labels and make sure the product is "animal friendly" and/or safe for pets, so they are not hurt by any undesired chemicals.>

<The "2-3 month" time frame of rinsing it out is optional and a good guideline to follow, but depending on where you set your fountain and how often its run (along with other varying things, such as water type used) you can rinse and add water as you feel is necessary. (At the least keep your pump under water, and do not let it run dry as this can burn out your pump motor!) The estimate of "rinsing time" and chosen "water type" will not hurt your fountain but can decrease or increase the running/operating costs of it.>

3) With regular tap water use, the same method as described above in R.O. Water/Bottled Drinking Water can be used, but you may need to rinse it more often. Water quality can vary across the country. So while using Protec in tap can work very well, I recommend avoiding it entirely and not using tap water at all - if possible - and this will keep your fountain looking prettiest.
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e.g. Tap water from in Arizona can turn your (any different fountain material - not just copper) white in one year. When it is dry and not running this mineral deposit becomes translucent and hard to notice. This builds slowly over time (depending on the frequency of use) and is based on individual taste, since this may not be an aesthetic concern or consideration for you, since they can still be attractive this way. However, I prefer them with out any mineral deposits, and I do not want anyone with a sudden surprise when one day it is very noticeably coated with lime, calcium and other minerals! (This is also true for any decorative water fountain no matter which material it is constructed of! Arizona tap water can be very tough!)
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AlGAE and/or MICROBES, and in regard to other Creatures:
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Algae is very rare, but if it ever develops use an algaecide to clear it up. "Fountec Algaecide and Clarifier" is great brand, and available online. Once the gloss metal finish has been removed by the natural flow of the water, the natural properties of copper will take over far more strongly, and then the possibility of algae or other microbes developing in your fountain will dramatically decrease - if it happens at all! Fish and plants will not survive long in a pure copper fountain, so don't add them to it!
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Copper has very strong antimicrobial properties that deter (and can prevent) microorganism growth such as algae, which can turn other fountain materials themselves scummy or cloudy while adding the green blooms to the surfaces. While it's far less likely with copper, if you encounter it, it's a quick and relatively inexpensive fix. If the water gets cloudy you can add a little bit of a product called "Fountain Clear" to it, and it'll help keep the water more sparkly. Depending on the water volume in a fountain it only takes a very small, quite minute amount to work, such as a couple drops per month or so based on a small table. This can be gauged accordingly by starting out with small amounts even in larger fountains and adjusted as need be. The product has informative tables for such solution and water volume ratios. (Using as little as possible is not only the best thing to do but it will also let you get the most for your purchase from this product).

This and other similar products can be found online and may be available on Etsy too, but for immediate convenience and info I add this link for specifics:

www.amazon.com/McGrayel-Protec-60064-Preventative-Remover/dp/B000P6B22O

Also, this stuff comes in smaller 8 ounce bottles too.

For wild animals and pets: The company says it's animal and bird safe and it is, and I think it's great stuff, however and it's very important to know that a little tiny amount can go a very long way, so please do beware cause Fountec or Protec in heavy doses, (like most things including table salt) can be toxic for any animal to ingest, so keep it to a very minimal amount so it's properly diluted in the water becoming safe to use. I'm not recommending it for animals to drink from, but if following the companies directions well and slowly gauging what tiny amounts you may need for your particular fountain it can work very well and still be bird and critter safe. Basically I would start with a tiny drop (if your fountain a large table size) and see how it goes in a couple days and then add more tiny amounts as needed to clear it up.
 
(Much more info in relation to Pets and Animals drinking from fountains can be found here too after the basic fountain care info) 

​GLOSS METAL FINISH:

​Such things are in regard to long term use and so are detailed here for reference and help in regard durations of time and use, and the aging of any copper fountain, and of course any type of fountain. However, there is no instant change with them, and often it can take a long time for them wear from what they were at the new state of being: As the acrylic gloss finish degrades (this can take approx. 1-2 years and greatly varies on amounts of time of use, placement/season when indoor or outdoor, and chosen water type) empty the bowl, and wipe out finish with a soft cotton cloth, rinse out and start the fountain again. (This finish removal process is gradual/variable but when completed, it is not needed to do again: the finish is replaced with patina in water areas. This eventual erosion of the metal finish is unavoidable and intentional predesigned that way, to allow other sealed areas to retain more of their original look over long durations of time, while the water areas slowly naturally patina. The finish will lose its shiny luster over many years but still allow a lot of the same looks in other places to be retained.

 

This removal of metal finish allows (and is recommended to allow it to happen rather than reseal it oneself) the prettiest, and most isolated patina to evolve where the water flows and rests, and other areas where the water interacts with on the fountain. Though over long periods of time, water is a very strong force for change, patina can still take a long time to evolve and goes through stages on its way to developing a layer of oxidation.

 

Being very patient with it evolving is best, as the fountain can last for decades and more, and ultimately, though it varies a lot in time and development, patina is a very beautiful result, that once achieved and set, can be retained with normal fountain use, making have less maintenance needed. 

 

CLEANING and EMPTYING: 

 

- Unplug, empty it, and gently, but firmly so as not to bend parts or misalign them, wipe it out it, and start over again with new distilled water. (Optionally rinsing it as possible in a  sink, or garden hose outside can help make wiping it out easier after its been rinsed... but his may not needed; yet can't hurt to do either if its easier than wiping alone.) 

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- Cleaning and rinsing it once in a while will help keep the pump cleaner, and reduce invisible particles in the air that can settle into a fountain over time too.

 

Once that layer of finish where the water is (and flows) is gone, any cleaning or maintaining related to the metal finish is not something you ever have to do again unless you want to add new clear coats to it. The finish is also replaced with the most beautiful patina possible. Any water fountain, of different or any material, will need some maintenance, however depending on ones particular tastes this may not be necessary very often as, unlike other materials, the copper evolves in patina and can create a pretty contrast of colors.

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<Using only Distilled Water in it is highly recommended. It is mineral free and very pure so there are no sediments left behind from evaporation that can build up in the water bowl. If you are using only distilled water in it then it rarely has to be cleaned or emptied. This can vary on personal preference as beauty is in the eye of the beholder as much as the want to do upkeep on times. In finality, and to stress the point, it will look beautiful over many years with a naturally evolving oxidation/patina developing, and that is easiest to  allow and maintain. Once the metal finish is gone, those areas can be polished to new penny like copper looks but this has to be done in perpetuity as the oxidation-reduction reactions will continue to start, and restart as the water and air interact with the copper, and so letting it evolve makes it have the least amount of upkeep, while with distilled water, creating the prettiest patina on those areas. (Eventually when time permits I may add a slideshow of possible copper oxidation stages).

 

Even with water speeding everything up, it can still take a long time to happen and/or fully evolve. The development of a patina (i.e. or specifically here copper oxidation) can vary in looks to begin with, going through stages with some initial colors perhaps being less pretty than others as it heads to what is very beautiful in long term development. Due to the water and flow of the water itself, oxidation cannot be stopped from eventually happening, and so a copper fountain (or any fountain as other materials fade, discolor, erode, etc.; but not develop another pretty color to replace such effects) will change some over time and not always look new. Changes include copper ionic development and various oxidation-reduction reactions producing greens or blues or turquoise colors, but ultimately when left alone, where the water rests, flows and resides, it takes on a beautiful green patina, or blues or a blend of colors like turquoise) where the water is and rests, and flows, and distilled water creates the prettiest short and very long term patinas that compliment and contrast with the areas where no water is on the fountain, that retain a lot of the original warm orange tones.

 

Regardless of the material a self-contained fountain is composed of, being copper or other things, distilled water is recommended for them, and I like to stress the point as it only helps and produces the best results... with water being the most soluble substance on earth, coupled with the constant flow/driving force/erosional effect of water over surfaces, it will not stay looking pristine indefinitely, however, with copper, the patina  protects the metal further and can look very pretty over long durations of time. (See Water Type Information here for more info and variances on effects from different water). Caring for it well from the start is best and with proper care, copper fountains can be beautiful for decades and more. Color results can vary (as much as personal tastes and use) as many environmental settings (evap rates from placement settings in sunlight indoors; or if set outdoors, etc.) home environment: temperature; humidity; dust in air; etc.) and use times of a fountain can produce many different effects in chemical reactions and visual looks of various stages of aging in a piece, but mainly the long term results are well worth the effort of using only distilled water, and are quite beautiful.

 

I personally tend to split hairs about things, especially for long term things, and really though, the beauty of such things can and often is seen differently by different people, and other water types or effects on copper may be desired and/or seen as beautiful as distilled water effects, so at least having some information about it can help oneself make what decision or choice they'd like to with their fountain art.

 

I've seen copper fountains 20-30+ years and more still looking, though not new, but very pretty still from the exclusive use of distilled water distilled and have had many a fountain able to be tested over long durations, and I used to restore and/or repair very old copper fountains from long before my time with them, and having seen different effects over time, highly recommend this route for best results.

FOUNTAIN PUMPS:

4) These pump's are made to operate only when fully submerged. The pump placement (as a standard in all fountains I make) is designed so the pump can be fully submerged, with the pump's water intake at the lowest point possible in the bottom of the bowl, to allow it to function for the longest duration possible before water has to be added. (Supplier for replacement water pumps included at the end of this section)

Do not let the pump operate if it is dry! (See #10 for more info.) This can hurt or break your pump motor. You can monitor your fountain water level by sight, sound (the louder it gets the lower the water is overall) and/or by touch with your hand. This and water usage varies greatly depending on where it's placed, season of the year, and how often it is run. 

Most fountain pumps in general do not have "on/off" switches but those pump types can be readily found elsewhere and adapted to these. The included pumps with the fountain's do not have "on/off" switches on them. The cord plug itself is the "on/off" switch. I do not carry other models with cord switches, ect. but they can be purchased separately online from various suppliers.
Alternative suggestions for on/off switches are: finding a pump with a built-in power switch online or in a retail store; extension cords can be bought with switches on the cords and adapted to the pumps; power strips can be used for plugging the fountain into; some electric outlets are internally connected to light switches on walls and if convenient can be used; timers for electric outlets can be used as well to synchronize a desired time of fountain use, which will automatically turn on and off for the duration set. (See Pump page for more details).

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ADJUSTING WATER FLOW:

5) <Again: Before ever shipping each fountain is individually tested in all regards, (i.e. leaks, function in sound and appearance) and each aspect is maximized for efficiency resulting in very little loss of water from the fountain.>

In the case where tiny water drops escape from the bowl (they usually evaporate before noticed) avoid placing on porous surfaces or use a mat over surface to guard against it.

Similarly, though the drops are tiny and variably infrequent, it's also recommend to avoid having your fountain near electronic devices where the water can potentially damage any sensitive equipment.

Adjusting Water Flow: can be done safely while the fountain is running, but please use caution: The pump valve will control water flow making it quieter or softer in water flow and reduce very tiny drops. Directing the lowest cup upward (so it rests on a more even plane) will greatly reduce the possibility of many tiny drops getting outside of the bowl area - however the downside is the fountain can lose some of it's pretty sound. Adjusting the lowest cup can be accomplished by holding firmly (and safely) with thumb on top and fingers underneath, at the braze/solder point where the wire connects to the "water leaf cup", and then tilt up or down as is your preference per sound and flow.

-Idea/suggestions for this are decorative kitchen/bath mats (clear ones can allow the surface aesthetics to still show through) and/or some automotive mats (which are non-stick for preventing slipping near oils or other liquids with very low or high viscosity) work well on larger pieces for floor areas.

7) Pump Cover: Included with your fountain is a decorative copper pump cover. It has only aesthetic value. It is a separate piece from the fountain. It can be jostled during shipping. It sits in a "U" shape over the pump with the concave side down over and surrounding the pump. (Please see example below or other pictures on the site for further examples.)

8) There is no on/off switch on the pump models included with fountains, so the plug is the "on/off switch".
<Ideas/suggestions: Purchase a wall "plug-in" electric outlet timer or an extension cord with a hand switch built into it for "on" and "off", or use a wall switch connected to an electrical outlet (like a light switch but to a plug) or a small power strip to put the pump's electric plug into and the strips power switch can substitute as an on/off switch. (See pump page for more details and specifics)

START-UP FROM AN EMPTY FOUNTAIN:

9) Store dry indoors or outdoors. Adding a cover to it can prevent dust or other debri from accumulating. 

10) Initial Start-up/Prime the Pump/Vacation Mode (i.e. or after not using the fountain for some time) and when starting up from a dry bowl: if the water does not flow in a timely manner, you may have to "Prime the Pump" and here is some preliminary information on Priming followed by the steps for it:
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Pump Priming Purpose:
<Priming relieves pressure so it can run normally; i.e. even though the pump is "on" electrically, it does not have enough energy do to inner air pressure from the outer water surrounding the pump to force the impeller to rotate and pull the water upward. When it was plugged in if you could hear or feel the vibration of the motor but no water is coming out the spout, then that is a good sign of it needing to be primed. >
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Adjustable Flow Valve/Gate:

I recommend keeping pumps on the maximum setting for optimal flow and usage, but they can be turned down a little if desired or preferred sicne they have an adjustable flow built into the pumps. It can be found by: There is a switch on the side of the pump where a plastic screen is located, which is also where the pump's water intake is, and it has a plus and minus sign to adjust the water flow. It has a little sluice gate behind that switch, and for the small size fountain it should be all the way open to the plus side. While unlikely it could have been jostled during transit, so you may want to peek before priming because if it is set to low it makes priming harder. You can adjust later if you want though I recommend keeping it on high speed for optimum flow and sound.
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Copper Pump Cover:

The copper pump cover is a separate part and bent in a U-shape around the pump housing, pump hose and copper pipe/tube inlet. It can be slightly bent/pulled apart and then pulled off of the pump.

These steps will prime it:

A) Unplug fountain. Pull/wiggle the entire pump and pump hose Outlet in unison off of the copper water Inlet pipe.

B) Then leave the pump disconnected in the bowl and leave it fully submerged. Plug it back in. After some moments air bubbles should be expelled from the pump, and replaced by the steady clear flow of the water.

C) Unplug the fountain. Now take the clear hose (while keeping the pump housing fully submerged or it won't work) and put it back over copper water Inlet pipe. (There is a screen area where the water intake is which is denoted by diagonal lines over horizontal lines and this area has to stay submerged while hooking it back up to the fountain).

Once the clear hose is back over the copper pipe inlet on the fountain you can plug it back in and the water should run pretty quickly, though it may be slow at first but in about ten seconds or so it should be operating. If so, you're done priming it and can put the copper decorative pump cover back in place and use your fountain as normal.
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If "Pump Priming" Does Not Work, try this:
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A) The impeller inside the fountain may be stuck in place; there are multiple reasons for that, debris, dust, etc... Make sure the pump is UNPLUGGED and then take it out. Now, check to see if any debris is blocking or obstructing the intake Screen Filter and remove if need be - which can be done by hand wiping the dust or other stuff off of it. Remove the Screen Filter (which is a rectangular shape with intersecting diagonal lines) over the water flow Sluice (or gate) that controls water intake into the pump.

<Remember: Safety first! Unplug it! See the Pump Diagram/Information Paper located in the pump box, which came with your fountain. (***If by chance you did not see it, or did not have one included, please see the bottom of this page for a picture and copy of it.)

1. Take off the Back Cover/Screen.
2. Next pull out the Seating Cover - the Regulator/Flow Gate can be left in place while taking off the Back Cover.
3. Now, use tweezers, or another small type of hand tool like Pliers and pull out the Impeller (fan-like) apparatus. Please note it is magnetized!
4. Take the remaining part of the fountain pump (the housing section where the cord still connects to it) and where the Impeller was, rinse this area out in a sink, allowing the water to flow and flush out any debris that may have been stuck in the fountain housing out of it into a sink or bowl.
5. Put the pump back together, and trying using again normally. <Please note this does not always work but is worth trying!>
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B) Get a bowl of water deep enough for the pump to operate inside of, and put the pump fully submerged inside of it and turn it on. If the water flows out of the Outlet and Clear Hose, you have solved the problem and can restore the pump to your fountain. (Now you'll want to use the Pump Priming Method -written above - to make sure it starts up correctly.)

<As long as your fountain pump stays submerged, (operating or not / on or off) it is very unlikely you will run into these issues again; but this way you'll know how to fix it just in case.>

PUMP SIZES, WATER VOLUME CAPACITIES, and Pump Replacements:
 
Use the Pump Size and it's GPH to determine the new size you need: 

-Small Fntn. (approximate size: 10"diameter/10x10" width, 6-14" tall)
40 GPH/50-64oz. water volume capacity
 
-Medium Fntn. (approx. size: 12-14"dia./12-14"x12-14" wide,
70 GPH./ 80oz. water volume capacity
 
-Lg. Table/Floor Fntn. (approx. size 16-22" dia. 22-30" tall)
90-150 GPH Range, 1-2 Gallon Water Volume capacity
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I highly recommend this brand above any other, and use them on my fountain line-up. Staying with them is also the easiest way to change out your pump because the fitting from your old pump can sometimes be swamped to the new pump:
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www.fountainmountain.com/fountain-pond-pumps
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<Using the same brand is highly recommended - they are great pumps! However any comparable GPH in a fountain pump will operate the fountain in a similar way; but as mentioned keeping your old pump makes it easiest to replace it with a new one, because the hose sizes and pump inlet (black plasitic connector) will readily match the new pump from the old pump, making it easier to size, replace, or reuse on a new pump. See pump page for more detail and photographic references too>


Copper and extreme conditions:

Copper is mostly unaffected by extreme weather conditions, as it takes almost 1900 degrees to melt but can be annealed or altered in structure at lower temperatures around and near to 1500f degrees; inversely it takes about negative -300f before copper is fractured at the molecular level (figures approx.) so either extreme, has no negative effect on the metal of your artwork.;

Pump and Fountain in freezing conditions:
If your area is one prone to extreme freezing of water, it would be best to not leave your fountain out in an area where the water can freeze to thick layers and conditions with-in the fountain bowl and reservoir, because as the water expands, with the copper being relatively thin sheet metal and the pump plastic polymers, the frozen water can bend and or damage the copper by misshaping it and do the same thing to the pump potentially causing it damage. This would also take an extreme condition to produce these effects but you know your area and climate best and so can play this by ear so to speak and store your fountain accordingly... but just in case I hope it helps to have mentioned for people!

FOUNTAIN PUMPS AND FOUNTAIN PUMP ELECTRIC CORD INFO:

On/Off Switches:

Most fountain pumps do not come with an on and off switch and the plug then becomes it by default. Please read above in the Fountain Care section for details and ideas for alternatives for making the On/Off switch easier to use.

Please note DRIP LOOP for Safety and Protection against mishaps: REMEMBER: SAFETY!
<Most Pump Manufacturer's Information Brochure shows how to set-up a drip loop. If it doesn't look online or find another resource for seeing an example of a Drip Loop. With their Drip Loop (An Industry Wide Standard for all Submersible Pumps) and standard GFCI electric plug outlets, and the "built-in" one on my fountains, it puts the product in very good shape to prevent any unwanted mishap>

Built-in safety feature:

I only have the pump's electric cord set above the fountain's water line on each and every fountain I have ever made. This is known as a "drip loop" which initially prevents water from running down the electric cord and into an electric wall outlet. All electric devices complex or simple for sustained use near water and/or outdoors advise using a Drip Loop, and these are no different. Water entering an outlet can cause a lot various problems and so is best negated by using a Drip Loop.

Placement:

However, please use caution anyway where ever you may put it, because a fountain bowl can spill over, just like any other water bowl and cause problems!

***Since copper is an equally great metal and medium for Indoor and Outdoor use, all of the copper fountains are also equally good for indoor and outdoor use too, however: only Indoor Fountain Pumps are Included (at no retail mark-up in cost) with the Small and Medium Table Fountain Sizes. This makes their overall price more affordable for customers.

< Copper Phoenix Art/myself, does not currently carry Outdoor Pumps except for the Large Table, Large Scale, and Waterfall Sized Fountains and these are only available as included with your fountain and not for separate retail. >

PETS and Drinking from Fountain Water:
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My copper art and fountain art is not made for pet or human use. In all my years of working with copper and copper water features, never have I encountered a situation where someone's pet (including my own) was harmed by drinking from a fountain. However, that does not mean it could not happen, so my best suggestion is not to allow it if at all possible. (Buying a running water pet drinking bowl/fountain made and intended for such purposes can be a good deterrent, if your pet is very interested in drinking from flowing fountain water.)

<Please use this information below as a marker for your discretion with your pets/animals.>
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Upon receiving the fountain new, there is a thin layer of clear gloss metal paint finish on your fountain. This will slowly wear away from the constant flow of the water over the copper surfaces. Water erosion is a powerful force over time and so eventually the finish deteriorates where the water resides and flows, but since it is such a slow process it may be difficult to notice. There are many substances with in the metal finish (and eventual oxidation) that are not safe to ingest, and so removing them as they break down over time is the best thing to do, since once they are gone the metal finish constituents do not return unless they are added to the fountain again. Though the chemicals that compose the metal finish are infinitesimal they are not healthy for pets and so if this is a concern for you, please monitor that aspect and remove them when it begins to happen. (More specific Info about removal is in the "Metal Finish" section here in this care page).
 
Oxidation or patina naturally occurs on copper after the metal finish breaks down. This can amalgamate over time (varying periods but with long durations for build-up; and it adheres to the copper as a part of the copper, or i.e. a copper chemical changes) and this too, while also extremely small in form in and from water circulation, should not be ingested either, as a build-up of excessive copper within a living creature is unhealthy. However it can be difficult to keep some pets from them but at least in my experience the effects of such things are inconsequential, but I do not make or suggest using them for pets, and suggest avoiding it if you can. 
 
Though the metal can be eliminated, the patina will begin to evolve (yet be mainly isolated to where the water rests and flows and evaporates up from) but at the point of "patina growth" (which varies drastically depending on water type used and/or amount of time you run it - along with other factors) it can not hurt to rinse out your fountain if your kitty or dog (or other mammal) is determined to drink from it, and take a soft cotton cloth/rag and wipe away what you can, and then refill with water and start again. It can be cleaned further but this requires more work and effort and removing oxidation would be a perpetual need since the reaction itself will constantly occur. How often you need to do this depends on the other "time of use" aspects mentioned earlier in regard to "use and water type", but perhaps every 2-3 months.
 
Since that is all quite a lot to do, and often in this regard, I am being a bit extraneous and trying not split hairs, my best recommendation is to not let pets drink from it at all: especially when the patina develops in a thicker layer! But, stopping determined thirsty pets is a hard thing to do! However, take solace in the fact that copper is a very clean metal: historically though less in modern times now, all home (or business) places water was (often still is in various ways) delivered into the building primarily through copper pipes (done for reason's involving anti-rust aspects as much as antimicrobial reasons) and so, exposure to copper, (which is healthy in correct ratios, just like iron) is not a harmful factor in healthy animal biology. Comparatively, aquatic plants and aquarium fish, would not survive long in a copper based environment. Most of the time this info can suffice to be of help with this subject, but you can always consult a Veterinarian for professional help and specifics on this topic.  
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<I love animals! so it's important to me to try to be helpful with sharing info in this regard so you can make the best choice for your situation and/or needs. (See attached picture of one of my Cats... however, he is nearly indestructible and was born with 18 lives!) Though I'm just kidding there, in my experience these issues are seldom -if at all- problems, yet I do not want anyone's pet being adversely affected if it can be avoided, but cannot alter copper fountains to negate these concerns, and so I hope this info is a useful resource to you in general.
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Copper itself however, is a great receptacle for uses such as drinking, but such utilitarian copper pieces must be ones that are designed and manufactured for that purpose, and there are many such items on the market.>

Thanks for your business and enjoy your fountain and/or copper sculptural art!

www.thecopperfountain.com
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PRODUCT SAFETY USE RECCOMENDATIONS and INFORMATION on COPPER FOUNTAINS and ART and PUMP PRODUCTS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURORS (and in relation to using with my Products).

[PLEASE NOTE: THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE NOR IS IT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. I am an Artist yet nevertheless I care and intend this to be helpful in general to anyone.

IF YOU SEEK FURTHER INFORMATION AND/OR CLARITY ON THESE TOPICS, PLEASE CONSULT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL IN WHATEVER FIELD MAY APPLY To YOUR QUESTION/ISSUE SEPARATELY FROM MYSELF FOR ASSISTANCE.]
 

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Fountain Pumps:

 

Using an Indoor Only Pump outside is not recommended.

 

Use indoor pumps inside and outdoor pumps outside.

 

(Outdoor pump cords come with 3 prongs and can only be used on 3 prong grounded outlets, and that can be indoors or outdoors as long it is a compatible electric outlet for use with the cord and plug). 

 

<Never alter a fountain pump or pump cord and always please use caution and prudence when using any electrical device, appliance, and/or tool and always first consult the manufacturer's information.>

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Finding an outdoor pump for outdoor use is recommended on the Small and Medium Table Sizes. An equivalent fountain GPH rate of water flow is best to achieve a similar water flow result in your fountain. A good brand on the small size table fountains is (use term below for internet searching) Beckett 40 GPH Outdoor Fountain Pump. As a substitute, Solar Pumps can work well too. These are most easily found online via various retailers.

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This information is mostly intended to be of help to you in regard to safety and/or pump replacement and considering a purchase too.

 

- Though I do not add a warranty pumps for any period of time, I do include them at cost with no mark-up to all my customers. However, if possible and applicable I reserve the option to replace a pump if needed if it is found to be defective after a reasonably short amount of time. Copper fountain care varies by individual and can effect the pump in the longterm and so only short term replacement may be available, if possible. Please notify me about it at least 14 days after your purchase to make sure other pump trouble shooting has been considered and attempting before requesting a new pump to help mitigate the <time/cost> of replacing pumps that do not need to be replaced.

 

- All pump's are tested on each fountain in advance of being included with the fountain to help initially ensure they are in good operating shape before including and sending them with your item.

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Home and Business extra information about electric outlets and systems: 

 

Circuit breakers already add a layer of safety indoor and outdoors, and while all outside/outdoor electric outlets are bound in the U.S. to be GFCI/GFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters/Ground Fault Interrupter) outlets making plugging in and using any electric appliance (even two wire hot and neutral cords that lack a dedicated ground wire) are generally safe for use in grounded outlets, and all new outlets are supposed to be, created as grounded outlets. Much older homes (circa 1960's or earlier) may not have grounded outlets or have them everywhere. Grounded outlets are very safe indoor or outdoors, and drastically mitigate electrical problems and enhance safety for all device uses, when the device is used correctly, and thus such outlets have inclusion everywhere outside and inside, especially around water areas, such as kitchen's and baths, ect. Outlets can be tested for making sure they are grounded and electricians can also help make sure they are correctly grounded as well as check to make any outlet is in good functioning condition.

Checking and testing and maintaining your home or business outlets and GFCI outlets is a good rule to follow in general for using and operating any electric appliance or tool, regardless of indoor or outdoor cord and plug type. Like any piece of hardware/material/parts these Plug Outlets can degrade over long periods of time and need attention. Consult an electrician or builder for more information specific in this capacity to your own needs or interests.

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POLICIES FOR OWNING and USING MY PRODUCTS:

I am sorry to say this, since this language is no fun but necessary: I do not assume any liability for any accident incurred with my products. I do not warranty fountains or offer protection against them getting damaged by/and/or any accidents along with not having responsibility for anyone hurting themselves or others, (including animals) with them. Buyer please beware as when purchased you assume any and all responsibility for such things.

HOWEVER, it is relatively thin but very safely expertly crafted metal, and as with ANY such thing anywhere, please handle them - or it - with care, cause they'll look great and last longer.
 
<Please read the pump manufacturer's included pump information. They label each pump too. I highly prefer their brand but they are a separate company with separate policies.>

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​Thanks for your business and enjoy your fountain and/or copper sculptural art!

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