The Ultimate Guide to At-Home Firework Displays: Part Seven - Fountains, Everything You Need to Know

Fountains are the unsung heroes of any firework display, adding a touch of class with their steady streams of glitter, crackles, and colours. They might not explode into massive blooms in the sky, but they bring a mesmerising, close-range spectacle that’s ideal for lighting up your garden.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of fountains in your at-home firework lineup.

Understanding Fountain Types: Finding the Right Flow for Your Show

Not all fountains are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the main types to help you find the perfect ones for your display:

• Cone Fountains: These classic fountains are shaped like cones and emit a steady stream of sparks that increase in height over time. Cone fountains typically give off showers of colour and sometimes even crackling or whistling effects as they go. They’re a reliable choice and easy to set up.

• Cylinder Fountains: As their name suggests, these are tall, cylindrical fountains that tend to last a bit longer than cone types. Often packed with varied effects, they start with lower bursts and build up in intensity, making them ideal for adding layers to your display.

• Multi-Effect Fountains: If you’re looking for something with a bit more variety, multi-effect fountains offer a mix of colours, crackles, whistles, and sometimes even mini-pop bursts. These are great for keeping the crowd engaged, as each stage of the fountain offers a little something new.

• Ground-Level Fountains: These fountains are closer to the ground and typically produce a low spray of sparks, making them ideal for smaller spaces. They’re a perfect choice if you want something subtle yet visually appealing.

With a good understanding of fountain types, you can build a display that has both high and low energy points, creating the perfect flow for the audience.

Choosing Fountains for Your Display: Setting the Scene with Sparkles

Fountains bring a level of calm and elegance to any display, so they’re a great choice for adding visual interest without overwhelming noise or height. Here’s how to pick the best ones:

• Consider Duration and Height: Most fountains range from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, so think about how long you want the effect to last. Shorter fountains work well as quick accents, while longer fountains can hold attention for a bit longer.

• Choose Complementary Colours: Fountains are often available in set colour schemes, so select ones that match or contrast nicely with the rest of your fireworks. Gold and silver fountains are timeless, but if you want a pop of colour, try to choose shades that fit the theme of your display.

• Mind the Space Requirements: Fountains tend to have a wider reach than other fireworks, so leave a good amount of room around them. This will give your audience the best view and ensure everyone stays safely out of the way.

Choosing the right fountains can help you create a varied and engaging show, where the slower pace and close-range visuals add a touch of sophistication.

Setting Up Fountains for a Smooth and Dazzling Start

Setting up fountains is relatively straightforward, but a little bit of prep goes a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Find Stable Ground: Place fountains on solid, flat ground where they won’t tip over. If you’re working on grass, push them slightly into the soil to give them extra stability.

• Secure with Bricks or Stakes: Like all fireworks, fountains are best when they’re stable. For cylindrical fountains, consider using small bricks or heavy objects around the base. Cone fountains can be steadied by placing a few stones at their base.

• Mind the Safety Distance: While fountains don’t go high into the air, they do have a wide reach. Place them at least five metres away from spectators, giving everyone a clear view without being too close to the sparks.

Setting up fountains correctly means you can enjoy their glittery charm without worrying about a wobble or unintended tilt.

Sequencing Your Fountain Show: Keeping Things Flowing Smoothly

Fountains are perfect for creating a steady rhythm in your display. Here’s how to sequence them effectively to keep your audience’s attention:

• Start the Show with a Fountain: Fountains are an ideal opener. Their slow, controlled burn and close-range sparks ease the audience into the display without the initial shock of a louder firework.

• Use as a Bridge Between Explosives: If you’re planning a high-energy show with rockets and barrages, fountains can act as a visual palate cleanser, giving your crowd a breather before the next big bang.

• Add Small Clusters for a Layered Effect: Try setting off two or three fountains at once to create a wider visual display. This works well for highlighting key moments in the show without stealing the thunder from the main fireworks.

By sequencing fountains thoughtfully, you create a balanced show with both high-intensity and calmer moments, keeping the display dynamic and captivating.

Experimenting with Fountain Pairing and Placement

Fountains are at their best when combined with other firework types. Here’s how to pair them creatively for a more impressive visual impact:

• Pair with Roman Candles: Roman candles provide a higher-reaching effect, while fountains stay close to the ground. Together, they create a multi-layered visual experience where the fountain sparkles below while the candles burst above.

• Coordinate with Sparklers for Extra Glow: Fountains make an ideal backdrop for sparklers, giving the audience something fun to wave around while they watch the fountain’s glow. This is especially effective if you’ve got a few kids in the audience, as it keeps them entertained during the quieter parts.

• Position for a ‘Wave’ Effect: If you’ve got multiple fountains, try placing them in a slight arc and lighting them in sequence. This creates a wave effect across the ground, making the show feel more immersive and drawing everyone’s eye from one end to the other.

By experimenting with fountain pairings and placements, you can create unique visual layers that add dimension and depth to your display.

Perfect Times in Your Display for Fountains

Unlike rockets or barrages, fountains are rarely used as the grand finale. Instead, they shine best at specific moments throughout your display:

• As a Warm-Up Act: Start with fountains to give your audience a feel for the night ahead. This gentle opening sets the tone and allows people to settle in before things get loud and exciting.

• For Mid-Show Breathers: After a few loud barrages or rockets, fountains provide a welcome break. Place one or two fountains at these moments to keep everyone engaged while giving them a rest from the louder fireworks.

• Background Effects: Fountains work well as background elements while other fireworks take centre stage. Position a couple of fountains to create a glowing backdrop that complements the bigger fireworks going off above.

Using fountains thoughtfully throughout your display gives your show a relaxed, well-paced feel without sacrificing impact.

In Summary

Fountains may not be the stars of the show, but they add a touch of depth and calm to any firework display. With the right variety and placement, they create a captivating flow that keeps the audience engaged and adds layers to your visual spectacle. Whether you use them as openers, bridges, or mid-show accents, fountains add that extra charm to a night of fireworks.

And don't forget to stay tuned for the next article in our Ultimate Guide to At-Home Firework Displays series, where we’ll be covering wheels—an oldie but a goodie.

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