Outdoor Water Features FAQs

Can I receive a concrete color sample?

Do I have to seal my concrete bowl to maintain the warranty?

Can my scupper bowl be used indoors?

Can I use fire glass in my scupper bowl?

How to calculate the amount of water needed in your reservoir for your submersible fountain pump?

How can I prevent my copper scupper from discoloring over time?

Can I receive a concrete color sample?

Unfortunately, no. Each of our concrete bowls are custom made, and while every one of our artisans follow the same guidelines for color-mixing, the pouring of the concrete will actually determine the specific hue of the finished product. Therefore, if we send you a color sample, it will not be a true representation of your concrete accent. The colors that we feature online are the closest examples of your chosen shade.

• Rest assured that if you order multiples of one color (taupe, for example), the bowls will match each other, but there will be specific areas of each feature that show a variance in texture and blending. For example, the color on the lip of one bowl may appear slightly bolder in certain areas than the next. This is not a flaw; rather, it is an indication of quality and perfection. This is 100% assurance that your concrete bowl was hand crafted.

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Do I have to seal my concrete bowl to maintain the warranty?

Unless the warranty on the product specifically requires it, your scupper bowl does not have to be sealed.

However, we highly recommend applying a protective concrete sealer anyway. Just like anything that remains outside, if you want to keep its pristine look, it should be shielded from the elements. Simply apply a layer of good quality sealant to your bowl once a year. Proper care and maintenance will allow you to enjoy it for many seasons to come. 

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Can my scupper bowl be used indoors?

The only exception to this situation that we can justify is if you were to install scupper bowls around an indoor swimming pool. Keep in mind that these types of bowls are only meant to be used outdoors. They must be connected to an outdoor water system (such as a pool controller) and placed in an area that can fully support the weight of some of our larger bowls.

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Can I use fire glass in my scupper bowl?

It is not necessary to add fire glass to a scupper bowl, as this feature was designed to circulate water only. You could potentially lose/scatter fire glass into your pool or fountain due to the water flow in this bowl.

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How to calculate the amount of water needed in your reservoir for your submersible fountain pump?

Too much water and your water feature will flood when the pump is shut off. Not enough water and the pump will run dry, have air pockets, and become noisy.

It is recommended that the gallon size of your water feature equals the gallon per hour (GPH) rate of your water pump. For example, if you have a 300 gallon pond, you need a water pump that can put out 300 GPH. 

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How can I prevent my copper scupper from discoloring over time?

Despite what you may have heard, copper does not discolor over time. It is truly a unique material! For many centuries, architects and artisans alike have chosen to use copper in their creations because of its durability and longevity. It does "transform" its appearance over the years due to its exposure to environmental elements of certain areas (pollution, salt water, acid rain, etc.). This oxidation process causes copper to form a bluish-green coating. The naturally occurring phenomenon is called a patina, and is not considered a flaw, defect, or discoloration. Many people find this sheen quite attractive, as it gives their copper feature an "old-world" look. In fact, there are many techniques that have been shared with patina lovers worldwide to enhance or speed up the oxidation process in order to achieve this look.

For those that prefer the amber dazzle of pure copper, the patina can be very easily polished away using a combination of 1/2 cup lemon juice or vinegar with 1 tablespoon of salt or baking soda. Simply dip a soft bristled brush into the solution and gently scrub the affected areas until the patina is removed. Rinse with clean water and then buff to dry and polish.

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