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FAQ1 The number one question I get is what problems can I expect if I have you build a fountain for me? The simple answer is almost nothing. What follows is our warranty and everything else I felt might be a concern - all of which I hope will make you understand why you will insist on having a FOUNTAIN built by Keith.
The Boulder Fountain’s Peace of Mind Warranty
The pond liner that we use has a 20 year warranty. But the reality is, if the liner failed, the entire fountain would have to be dismantled in order to replace it. Understanding that no one wants to have to worry about taking the fountain apart, our warranty is simple. We do it all at no cost to you. That’s correct, in the event the liner fails, we pledge that all you have to do is call us and we will come out, dismantle the fountain stone-by-stone, replace the liner, and then rebuild the fountain - all without any cost to you.
The pump has a 3 year replacement warranty. When we install your boulder fountain, we give you the box and warranty card that should be filled out and sent to the pump manufacturer. Unlike the liner, pump replacement was designed into the construction of the pond. I would recommend taking a photo prior to removing the pump – just so you know how each of the large rocks needs to be put back. Replacing the pump requires a minimum of effort and starts by un-plugging the electrical cord. But for those who prefer not to handle a pump replacement, for a nominal fee, we will do it for you.
The two other items that, over time, will require replacement are the bulbs in the lights and the timer. Both items are very simple to replace. Similar to the light bulbs in your home - all that is required is to basically unscrew the bad bulb and screw in the replacement. When working with electricity – even the low voltage system that we use – we stress that the power be turned off by unplugging the timer first before doing any bulb replacements.
If and when you need to replace the timer, first unplug it and then, with the replacement timer in hand, simply move the two sets of wires from one unit to the other – one wire at a time. The only tool required to switch out the timer is a screwdriver.
The last item is keeping the pump filter clean. Lift the two to three rocks that hide the pump/filter and make sure the filter has no debris preventing the pump from re-circulating the water. This will extend the life of the pump and will ensure the water flow of the fountain works to perfection. How often to do this depends on the debris that settles into your pond. Also to control algae, place a 1-inch chlorine tablet into the water once a week during the summer months and once a month in the winter. To make emptying the fountain painless, we supply a fitting that connects to the water feature and uses the pump to automatically empty the pond. There is nothing else to do or worry about other than enjoying the sounds the water makes as it comes out of your custom one-of-a-kind fountain by Keith.
FAQ2 Are you a licensed and bonded contractor? Yes, ROC #227032.
FAQ3 What type of stone is the fountain made of? Surface granite boulders, native to Arizona, that will blend with other landscape boulders.
FAQ4 What is the difference between a single boulder fountain and a 3 boulder fountain? The first answer is cost. But I have discounted the 3 boulder fountain to make it our top selling fountain. I did this because of the sound range the 3 boulder fountain can generate. Anyone who personally knows me will tell you that as an artist, my finish artwork is very important to me. With 3 boulders of differing size the rate that water will fall back into the pool is drastically different and will produce a beautiful range of sound tone that can't be matched by a single boulder. It's that sound that the water makes, which I refer to as music, and why I'm proud to have my name - made by Keith associated with the fountain.
FAQ5 Do you use a pre-formed molded pond? No - I use a 45-mil rubber liner that allows me to shape the pond so that when I'm finished, it looks like the fountain has sprouted out from the ground and has always been there. To further protect the pond's liner, I use rocks of different shapes, placing them throughout the bottom of the pond. This is done to limit the liner's exposure to sunlight. This way the liner will not be affected by the sun. This liner comes with a 20 year warranty. See warranty above.
FAQ6 From the photos, it is very hard to tell the size of your boulder fountains. Boulder fountains come in 3 basic sizes. The most common are 2 and 3 feet but some are as tall as 4 feet. But remember, because I'm using natural rock, there will be some variance in their heights. There is also nothing stopping you from having a fountain with multiple boulders, and each can be of different heights.
One of the hardest things for me is creating a multiple boulder fountain. The reason is that each natural boulder is unique, and I need to do a lot of searching to find the boulders needed for the fountain. This is one place where nature doesn't make it very easy at all. It takes a lot of time (searching) to find natural boulders that will match and compliment each other.So when placing an order for a multiple boulder fountain, there can be a delay of up to 3 weeks.
FAQ7 When I think of a pond I envision seeing a lot of water - is this what you do? No. The purpose of the pond is to capture the water bubbling, running down, and jumping off the boulder fountain. Another function of the pond is to enhance the sound of the water.
FAQ8 Is chlorine safe for birds and other animals ? If you are concerned about the safety of animals, there is a product called Algae fIx available at PetSmart.
FAQ9 Are all your fountains the same? No. Because I use natural rock, each and every fountain will be different. Even the construction of the pond is always different. The shape of the pond may be similar to another, but since the pond is also built from natural rocks of all sizes, it can never be like any other I created. Each of the one-of-a-kind rocks, stones, and pebbles used in the construction ensures every fountain by Keith will be 100% unique - and a work of art!
FAQ10 I have been asked how many rocks and stones are used to create a fountain by Keith? The answer depends on size, but I can say that on an average there are over 1,000 rocks and stones placed one-at-a-time to meet what I feel is the look I want to be known for. In addition to placing each of the rocks by hand, I use high-strength mortar to join many of the rocks, stones, and pebbles to make the fountain a permanent fixture.
FAQ11 What needs to be done in order to empty the pond? I supply an attachment that you can connect to the top of the fountain and then to a garden hose. Then using the pump itself, the water is easily drained out.
FAQ12 Is calcium a problem since our water has so much calcium? No. As the water is always flowing at a good rate over the entire boulder, the chance of getting calcium buildup is rare. But if it did happen, I recommend using a brush to remove the calcium which is the best way not to damage the stone.
FAQ13 Can lights be added to the fountain? Yes. I offer a package that normally comes with 3 lights. Lights can be controlled (turned on and off) either by a timer, or by a remote control like the one we use to change a TV station.
FAQ14 Can I see a fountain that you have installed before I commit to you doing one for me? Yes. I would first have to make arrangements with the property owner, but I'm sure that can be arranged.
FAQ15 How long does it take for an installation? I like to quote a few days, but every once in a while we get rain here in the Valley. Delays can and do happen, but I will pledge to get the job done as quickly as humanly possible. Even if it means working on weekends and in the evenings.
FAQ16 The following was a customer's comment: "When you started the creation of the fountain you made for me - I was concerned how drab the boulder looked - then it changed." When I install a fountain, I make sure that water wets every surface of the rock. The fact is a dry boulder doesn't look very appealing. When wet however, the boulder darkens and takes on a wider range of color tones. Also, the water wets the minerals within the rock, and the boulder begins to glisten. It took me years to hone my skills to make the rock and water come alive with sparkle and music. I take great pride in my ability to get the water to flow, and in some places, even jump over the surfaces of the boulder. As an artist, I don't want to simply cut the top of the boulder off and call it a fountain - this is what separates me from others who just install fountains of any type and use water as an afterthought. What the fountain sounds like, once you hear the difference, will become just as important as the boulder that makes it happen. To me, this is when it becomes art created by Keith.
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