Sphere fountains are one of the simplest, most modern ways to bring moving water into a landscape. Water rises through the center of the sphere, bubbles out at the top and slides down the curved surface into a basin. The effect is calm and sculptural. It suits contemporary homes, courtyards, entrances and commercial spaces.
Here's how sphere fountains work, the main design choices, and how to choose one for your space.
How a sphere fountain works
Most sphere fountains have three parts:
- The sphere. It has a channel through the middle for water.
- A basin or reservoir. It holds the water and the pump.
- A submersible pump. It pushes water up through the sphere and recirculates it.
Because the water recirculates, you don't need a permanent water line. You fill the basin, plug the pump into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and top off the water as it evaporates.
Hidden basin vs. visible basin
This is the first big design decision.
Hidden basin. The reservoir sits below ground or under rock, so the sphere appears to rest straight in the landscape. Water disappears into the stones around the base. This look is popular in rock beds, planters and minimalist gardens. Our 3-Piece 24" Concrete Sphere Fountain Set is three complete hidden-basin kits, each with its own 28" underground basin and pump, according to its product page. No permanent water line is needed. Our 30" Concrete Sphere Fountain with a hidden basin is another hidden-basin option.
Visible basin. The sphere sits in or above a basin you can see, often square or round. This gives a more architectural look and works well on hardscape like patios, entry courts and storefronts, where digging isn't an option. Examples include our 24" Basin Fountain with 20" Concrete Sphere – Full Kit and the Concrete Sphere Fountain (30") with 60" Round Basin.
Choosing a sphere size
Sphere fountains come in a wide range of sizes. Our Sphere Fountains collection includes spheres listed at 20", 24", 30", 36" and an oversized 48" design. As a rule of thumb:
- Smaller spheres suit planters, narrow side yards, patios and pairs flanking a doorway.
- Mid-size spheres work well as a single focal point in a front or back garden, or as a set of three along a path.
- Large spheres make a statement in open courtyards, large entrances and commercial landscapes.
Step back and picture the sphere from where you'll usually see it: the street, the patio or a window. A sphere that looks large in a showroom can look smaller in a big yard.
Weight and handling
Concrete spheres are heavy, and weight grows quickly with size. Product pages list weights where we have them. For example, our 24" Concrete Sphere Fountains – Set of 2 page lists each sphere at approximately 100 lbs, with a 40 lb concrete pedestal included. Plan for enough people or equipment to move pieces safely.
Singles, pairs and sets of three
- A single sphere is simple and striking, especially in a minimalist garden.
- A pair creates symmetry at an entrance, gate or set of steps.
- Three spheres in a row or a staggered group feel natural in long beds, along fences or beside a walkway.
Colors and finishes
Many of our sphere fountains are available in several finishes and colors, as listed on each product page. Darker spheres show off the water sheen. Lighter spheres stand out against dark rock and greenery. Some kits, including the 3-Piece 24" set and the 24" Basin Fountain with 20" Concrete Sphere, list solar lighting among the included parts. Check each product page for what comes with that kit.
Setup basics
General steps for most sphere fountain kits:
- Prepare a firm, level base. For hidden-basin kits, this means excavating for the reservoir.
- Place the basin or reservoir and confirm it is level.
- Set the pump and connect the tubing through the sphere.
- Position the sphere, then fill with water.
- Plug the pump into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and adjust the flow.
Our Fountain Installation Guide covers our large tiered fountain step by step, and many of the principles carry over: a level base, a nearby GFCI outlet and keeping the pump fully submerged.
Care
Sphere fountains are relatively low maintenance. Top off the water regularly, clean the pump filter, and keep leaves and debris out of the basin. Our FAQ recommends topping off weekly and cleaning the pump filter monthly for our concrete fountains. In freezing weather, drain the fountain and store the pump indoors.
Planning your sphere fountain
Many Fountain & Flora fountains can be made in a custom size, color or finish, as noted on each product page. Most are built to order, and production usually takes 2 to 8 weeks. Browse our Sphere Fountains collection, or contact us at info@fountain-flora.com or (714) 210-1414 to talk through your space.
