What is Oil Rubbed Bronze?

Oil Rubbed bronze is a popular color in the landscape and hardware industries. It’s used pretty universally for metals that come in a variety of finishes. You’ll find oil rubbed bronze finishes on:

What Color is Oil Rubbed Bronze?

Oil Rubbed Bronze is a rich dark color with brown and copper undertones. Depending on the lighting and environment, you might pick up more of one tone than another. It is a traditional and timeless color that looks more aged as opposed to more contemporary finishes like a brushed nickel.

Oil Rubbed Bronze can also be a blanket term for different shades. You may find light, medium and dark oil rubbed bronze finishes.

Our dark oil rubbed bronze finish looks nearly black, but you can still catch glimpses of those rich brown undertones.

Selecting the Right Finish

Your pool or landscape project will require just the right finish to get the look you want to achieve. Whether you’re going for contemporary, fresh and modern, weathered/patina, or timeless and traditional, the finish of your water features and outdoor fixtures is going to play a key role in achieving that final look.

We’re here to help you complete your water feature with ease in popular and also unique finish options that will create a true masterpiece. Browse our inventory or contact us today.

Why is Brass a Good Material for Water Features?

Brass is one of the materials that we use most often, followed by a marine-grade stainless steel. It’s beautiful, durable and creates some of the most eye-catching pieces.

Here are some of the reasons that we use brass for our water features.

  1. It is durable and corrosion-resistant. Water features are exposed to moisture nearly every day in the warmer months, and sometimes harsh weather conditions in the winter. Using materials like brass ensures that the mold and structure remain the same and visually appealing over time.
  2. Brass is easy to work with. Brass allowing for intricate designs and details in water feature components such as pool scuppers, fountain spouts, or decorative elements like escutcheons.
  3. Brass has a beautiful appearance. With a warm golden hue, brass has a look of luxury. It can be polished to a high shine or left to develop a natural patina if brass.
  4. It is easy to finish. Brass takes on our electroplated metal-on-metal finishes beautifully. Not all metals adhere well to other metals and look outstanding doing so. Brass is one of the few metals that we utilize to create the color, look, and finish you desire from a dark oil-rubbed bronze, to a bold yet natural-looking green patina.

Overall, the combination of durability, look, and ease of use makes brass a very popular choice for water features. Browse our collection today to complete your dream water feature.

Are Water Features Expensive?

The cost of adding a water feature to a pool can vary significantly based on several factors:

  1. Type of Water Feature: The cost will differ based on the type of water feature you want to add. Options include waterfalls, fountains, bubblers, gushers, laminar jets, sheer descents, etc. Each comes with its own set of costs for materials, installation, and maintenance.
  2. Size and Complexity: The size and complexity of the water feature will influence the overall cost. Larger or more intricate features generally require more materials and labor, thus increasing the expense.
  3. Materials Used: The choice of materials plays a crucial role in determining the cost. For example, the type of stone, tile, or other decorative elements can significantly impact the final price.
  4. Professional Installation: Hiring professionals for installation is advisable to ensure proper setup and functionality. Labor costs vary depending on the complexity of the project and the region where you live.
  5. Additional Equipment: Some water features might require additional equipment, such as pumps, filters, and plumbing, which will add to the overall cost.
  6. Location: Regional variations in labor costs, availability of materials, and local regulations can influence the overall expenses.

It’s essential to get estimates from reputable pool contractors or specialists who can assess your pool’s design, discuss your preferences, and provide a detailed breakdown of costs. This way, you can get a clearer idea of the expenses involved in adding a water feature to your pool.

The cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. Therefore, consider your budget and research thoroughly before deciding on the type of water feature you want to add to your pool.

Choosing the Right Water Fountain

The right type of water fountain for one’s needs can vary. There are several types of water fountains for your landscape and each has its pros and cons.

Some water features and fountains may work better than others based on the type landscaping project, associated costs, available space, etc. Here are some popular types of water fountains that are built for yards, courtyards, professional spaces, and more.

Wall Fountains

These are great for smaller spaces and can add a decorative element to both indoor and outdoor settings. They can be made from various materials like stone, metal, or resin.

Free-standing Fountains

These are standalone pieces (or multiple pieces) that can be placed in gardens, courtyards, or even in indoor spaces. They come in different designs and sizes. You can find tiered, pedestal, or sculpture-like fountains. While some may be heavy, they may also be easy to move should you select a different location to place it in at some point.

Pool Fountains

Pool fountains are beautiful option. As the name suggests, they are available to people and places that have pools. Pool fountains can be designed into a wall alongside the pool using various types of fountain spouts or pool scuppers, created with spillbowls flowing into the pool, or placed along the deck of the pool using deck jets which shoot in an arc-shape into the water.

Built-In Fountains

For lack of a better term, these fountains are typically designed into the masonry or hardscape and are placed in-ground. Much like stand-alone fountains, this type of water fountain can be tiered or sculpture-like in nature, but they cannot be moved once built in place.

Tabletop Fountains

These types of fountains are much smaller and are designed to be placed on top of tables or countertops. They can be decorative, providing a nice aesthetic and tranquil environment both indoors and outdoors.

When choosing a water fountain, consider factors such as space availability, purpose, desired look, maintenance requirements, and energy sources. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the fountain design aligns with your aesthetic preferences, especially if making a large investment.

Ultimately, the right water fountain is different for everyone and will depend on your specific wants and needs. If you’re considering a pool or wall fountain, The Water Feature Company is here to help. View our selections and finishes and let us help you create the fountain you dream of.

What is the Difference Between a Spout and a Scupper?

The terms ‘spout’ and ‘scupper’ are often used interchangeably within the industries that design and build water features, but there are some true differences and things that define them. They are, in fact, very different things.

What is a Spout?

By definition, a spout is “a tube or lip projecting from a container, through which liquid can be poured.” (dictionary.com). Typically a spout is more of a tube-like piece that water flows completely through and out of. The metal around the circumference of a spout is carried all the way to the end rather than having a portion opened or exposed. 

What is a Scupper?

Wikipedia defines a scupper as “an opening in the side walls of an open-air structure, for purposes of draining.”  Scuppers are used in water features for decorative purposes, not for draining, but the concept is similar. A fountain or pool scupper has an open lip and an edge for water to spill over into a pool or fountain basin. What is particularly great about scuppers is that they can be narrow or very wide. 

Choosing a Spout or a Scupper

Both spouts and scuppers can be used for pools or stand-alone fountains. When selecting the right water feature for your design, either a spout or a scupper can be a great choice. At The Water Feature Company, we offer both and they both serve very similar purposes with slightly different looks.

Both can be finished to your taste and liking to create the ultimate design.

What if My Spout Doesn’t Fit my Plumbing?

If you order a scupper or spout and the plumbing size is smaller or larger than the spout you ordered, it could be cause for concern, but there are things you can do to make it work.

Determine the Difference

Determine the difference in size between your plumbing and the spout itself. This will help you find the proper solution and move onto possible next steps.

Check for Adapters or Reducers

Depending on the size of your spout/scupper threading and your water feature plumbing, there are adapters or reducers easily available that we can provide or that you can often find at your local hardware store that can fill in that gap to create the perfect fit. This is ideal when you have something in mind that you really want and don’t want to compromise on the design.

Consult a Professional

If you’re a homeowner and are installing a water feature in your pool or fountain, you are likely already working with a contractor, but if you’re not and are not sure how to proceed and fix the connection, it’s a great idea to hire a professional to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. They may suggest replacing the plumbing or help you find the best adapter.

Return or Exchange

If there is no solution to fix the difference between you plumbing and your selected spout or scupper, we are always happy to work with you to return your products or find a different option that you like.

It is important that you have the right fit between the spouts and the plumbing to prevent leaks or other issues. The best solution is often to work with a professional who knows how to find the best solution.