Playing with Pond Fountain Feature Elements

To operate Pond Fountain Features control devices need to be purchased or made. Purchase the control devices can be expensive, so I started playing with some PVC connectors to construct some useful devices.

The first device I wanted to create is a "Quick Exhaust Value" (QEV), it can be used to trigger a large shot of water (see previous blogs).  A QEV is really just two check values of two different sizes with the check elements connected between the two. The check element can be just a single (double ended) device, like a ball or shuttle piston.

My First Attempt - FAIL

An Attempted QEV - FAIL

Cut-a-way of the Failed QEV

I think this would have worked if the Ball was less squishy and it fit tighter within it guide tube.

My Third Attempt - SUCCESS

Another QEV that worked

This value uses a hard shuttle that moves to activate the to ports, it leaks a little but that can be fixed with some rubber on the face of the shuttle.


Then I attempted a low head Check Value for automatic refill of the water feature. The Ball that was used floats in water, therefore it must be used with a particular end up, but this provide very little over head for trickle refill of the fountain.

The Check Valve

The Ball and My First Attempt
at creating a Ball Cage
Something Similar Was Actually Used

The Yellow Check Ball Can be Seen Inside

Bottom Side Showing Ball Stand Off

Other devices were also made.

Single Small Stream Nozzle

Single Large Stream Nozzle

The use of these devices will be seen in future Pond Fountain blogs.

--