8 Best Loud Water Fountains for Noise Reduction

Featured Image: Chanticleer 3-Tier Fountain with Pool by Massarelli's

Updated February 22, 2024 to include even more guidance and examples.
 

Do you sometimes feel stressed and overstimulated by high levels of street noise? The sounds of traffic intruding into your garden space isn't just irritating, it's also bad for your health. 

Researchers have established that traffic noise pollution is a serious environmental health concern. In addition to assaulting your senses, street noise can have marked negative health impacts including increased stress, and a negative impact on your sleep quality.

The only way to avoid street noise completely is to move. But if you’re not looking to relocate, there are other solutions. Enter loud water fountains. While they won’t fully eradicate unwanted street sounds, fountains can do a great job of masking unwanted noise. 

Continue reading to discover how loud water fountains can effectively combat street noise, and explore the varying levels of water sounds produced by some of the most popular loud water fountain styles.

Strong Sounds: Best Loud Water Fountains for Blocking Street Noise

Multi-Tiered, Scupper Style, Spout, and Spillway Water Fountains provide the most noise cancellation. Below, we delve into each of these loud water fountain styles and review our top picks.

What are Scupper-Style Water Fountains?

The Tranquility Sphere 3-Tier Fountain by Massarelli's features wide scuppers (i.e., slits in the concrete) that channel the water into a concentrated stream.

 

If you're looking to beat some strident street noise, the best option is a loud water fountain with scuppers, like the Tranquility Sphere 3-Tier Concrete Fountain by Massarelli’s Fountains, pictured above.  

➤ “Scupper” is an industry term that simply refers to a “slit” that channels the water into a concentrated stream. 

Fountains with scuppers allow water to flow from tier to tier through these dedicated channels and direct the water down with greater force than smooth surfaced fountains. 

Instead of flowing over tiers in sheets that divide into droplets, the water becomes concentrated into stronger streams. When the streams hit the water surface below, this creates a louder sound, which is ideal for—pardon the pun—drowning out street sounds. 

Having doubts that a simple fountain can combat the noise of traffic? Research has shown that introducing water sounds can be effective at mitigating the harmful effects of traffic noise on brain activity. 

➤ Pro Tip: For optimum results, place a loud water fountain in the midst of a gathering place. Don't place it far away (i.e., at the back of a property) if the patio is close to the house.

Can you spot the scuppers on the Calanthia 3-Tier Fountain by Giannini? They're sculpted into flower petals! The abundance of scuppers and overall height earn this fountain a "recommend" rating from the design team when it comes to masking unwanted sounds. 

➤ In short, the more tiers and scuppers – and the wider their width – the stronger the volume of ambient water sounds you'll get. 

Best Tier & Scupper-Style Water Fountains

1. Renault 3-Tier Loud Outdoor Water Fountain 

Description:
The Renault 3-Tier Water Fountain, a creation of Massarelli's Fountains, is a masterpiece of design and features massive tiers adorned with intricately sculpted regal decorations. The attention to detail is even evident on the underside of each tier, which is carved with exquisite scrollwork. As water cascades down its three levels to the expansive 4-foot wide lower tier, it creates a robust sound.

Specifications:
Model: Massarelli's Fountains #3852
Noise Level: Strong
Type: Outdoor - Ground, Floor
Material: Cast Stone Concrete
Color Options: Shown here in Classic Iron; available in 19 other Massarelli color stains
Dimensions: 71.5"H x 48"W; Base Diameter: 22"
Weight: 977 lbs.
Pump: High-efficiency pump included
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Pros:

• A classic European look with detailed carvings adds a touch of sophistication
• Equipped with scuppers to produce a strong, soothing sound of cascading water
• Made from high-grade cast stone concrete; built to last and withstand the elements
• Twenty color finishes allows for perfect integration into your existing garden décor

Cons:

• At 977 pounds, this loud water fountain may require assistance with installation and careful planning for placement
• Its large size might not be suitable for smaller spaces
• As a premium product, it may be a significant investment
• Natural variations in the hand-finished stain and texture mean the final appearance can slightly differ from the showroom model or images

2. Triple Spillway Brass Bowl Loud Outdoor Water Fountain

Description:
The Triple Spillway Brass Bowl Loud Water Fountain is a unique offering from Blue Thumb Fountains that combines rustic charm with modern design. Each hand-molded brass bowl is adorned with a striking aqua patina finish that gives the impression of age. Water spills from one pedestal-supported bowl to another, culminating in the largest bowl, which creates a captivating waterfall effect into the pebbles below. This fountain not only serves as a visual delight but also creates a serene auditory experience with its multiple tiers of falling water sounds.

Specifications:
Model: Blue Thumb #ABBT3BK
Noise Level: Medium to Strong
Type: Outdoor - Ground with Subsurface Basin
Material: Brass
Dimensions: Top Tier - 34” dia / 25 lbs; Lower Tier - 40” dia / 33 lbs; 12"H pedestal
Basin Dimensions: 48" x 16"H (tapers to 51.5" total dia.) / 65 lbs; Capacity: 95 gallons
Pump: Included
Weight: Approximate total weight 90 lbs
Warranty: Limited Warranty

Pros:

• Rustic style and unique aqua patina finish add a distinctive aesthetic appeal
• The spillway style flow creates a perpetual waterfall effect, producing strong ambient sounds
• Its low-profile design ensures it doesn’t obstruct the view of foliage or flowers, making it a versatile addition to any landscape
• Includes everything needed for setup, including a basin, anti-splash mat, pump, tubing, and black polished pebbles

Cons:

• The individual weights of the tiers may require careful consideration during installation
• With a 95-gallon capacity, the basin may require regular monitoring to maintain appropriate water levels
• The fountain comes in a specific style and finish, which may not suit all tastes or garden themes
• Because the fountain is shorter in height, it may not be as loud as taller fountains

3. Gardenia 3-Tier Fountain Loud Outdoor Water Fountain

Description:
The Gardenia 3-Tier Loud Water Fountain is a floral inspired masterpiece. Each of its three tiers is adorned with beautifully sculpted flower petals, and even the finial boasts a fleur-de-lis design inspired by nature. Standing at an impressive 7.5 feet tall, this fountain is both a visual treat and an auditory delight. The water flowing down all sides of the tiers creates a 360 degree sensory experience of sight and sound, and makes it a perfect centerpiece for any outdoor space.

Specifications:
Model: Giannini Garden Ornaments #1213
Noise Level: Strong
Type: Outdoor – Ground; Floor
Material: Cast Stone Concrete
Color Options: Shown here in Cotto; available in 22 other Giannini color stains
Dimensions: 90"H x 58" widest diameter
Weight: 1,400 lbs.
Pump: High-efficiency pump included
Warranty: 1-year manufacturer's full warranty

Pros:

• The floral motif adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty
• The scuppers create a stronger, relaxing sound of cascading water, ideal for masking street noise
• Made from high-grade cast stone concrete to ensure longevity and resilience against the elements
• A wide range of twenty-three color finishes allows for seamless integration into your existing garden décor

Cons:

• Weighing 1,400 pounds and standing 7.5 feet tall, this loud water fountain may require assistance with installation and a spacious area for placement
• Due to its size, it requires a significant amount of water to function optimally
• As a premium product, it may represent a considerable financial investment

4. Falling Waters II Loud Outdoor Water Fountain

Description:
The Falling Water II Loud Water Fountain by Campania is perfect for both contemporary and traditional garden themes. This unique fountain features a long copper spillway and rectangular pool. The contrast of concrete with copper adds a distinctive character to any outdoor space. Weighing 402 pounds, this fountain can be a long-lasting visual centerpiece for your garden.

Specifications:
Model: Campania #FT295
Noise Level: Loud
Type: Outdoor – Ground; Floor; Wall; Fence
Material: Cast Stone Concrete with Copper Spillway
Fountain Dimensions: 30"L x 20.25"W x 26.50"H / 402 lbs.,
Warranty: 6-month manufacturer's warranty

Pros:

• The combination of copper and concrete offers a unique aesthetic that complements various garden styles
• The water cascading from spillway to pool creates strong ambient sounds, ideal for masking street noise and fostering a tranquil environment
• High-grade copper ensures the fountain's longevity and resistance to outdoor elements as it naturally patinas
• Includes everything needed for setup, enhancing convenience for the user

Cons:

• Weighing 402 pounds, the fountain may require assistance with installation
• The low profile height may not align with location preference

5. Grand Chateau 4-Tier Loud Outdoor Water Fountain

Description:
The Grand Chateau 4-Tier Loud Water Fountain, a creation of Giannini Fountains, embodies classic European elegance. Standing at an impressive 8 feet, this fountain features an acorn finial atop meticulously sculpted tiers, all resting on an ornate pedestal. Each of its four tiers is adorned with scuppers that channel water into concentrated streams to create a visually stunning and audible cascade on all sides. This fountain, weighing 3,500 pounds, is a significant statement piece that will bring the charm of the French countryside to your garden while drowning out unwanted noise.

Specifications:
Model: Giannini Garden Ornaments #1694
Noise Level: Loud
Type: Outdoor - Ground, Floor
Material: Cast Stone Concrete
Color Options: Shown here in French Limestone; available in 22 other Giannini color stains
Dimensions: 96"H x 52" diameter
Weight: 3,500 lbs.
Pump: High-efficiency pump included
Warranty: 1-year manufacturer's full warranty

Pros:

• The fountain's classic European style adds a regal touch to any outdoor space
• Four tiers with scuppers create an even stronger sound of cascading water than models with less tiers
• Made from high-grade cast stone concrete to ensure longevity and resilience against the elements
• Twenty-three color finishes are available for customization

Cons:

• Weighing 3,500 pounds and standing 8 feet tall, the fountain may require assistance with installation and a spacious area for placement
• Due to its size, it may require a significant amount of water to function properly
• As a premium product, it may represent a considerable financial investment

What are Spout Style Fountains?

Another loud water fountain type with the ability to mask the hustle and bustle of street noise is the Spout Style Fountain. While tiers and scuppers create a symphony of cascading water through dedicated channels, spout style fountains bring a different auditory experience, reminiscent of a rushing stream or a lively brook.

➤ Spout style fountains are characterized by their distinctive outlets, from which water forcefully falls to create a dynamic sound profile. The pronounced and vigorous sound is also effective at drowning out ambient noise.

In addition, these fountains bring a unique aesthetic appeal. Often combining the traditional with the contemporary, spout style fountains can be a focal point in any garden, courtyard, or outdoor space. Their design ranges from sleek and modern to ornate and classic, offering a variety of styles to suit different tastes and garden themes.

➤ Pro Tip: Taller spout style fountains can produce a louder sound as water has a longer distance to travel before it hits the basin. Consider a taller fountain if your primary goal is to mask significant background noise.

➤ Pro Tip: Fountains with multiple spouts create a more complex and richer sound profile that will be more effective at drowning out noise than a single spout.

Best Spout-Style Water Fountains

6. Tribus Concrete Wall Loud Water Fountain

Description:
The Tribus Wall Loud Water Fountain is a lovely minimalist creation from Giannini Fountains. It features a trio of copper water spouts set against a simple backsplash-and-pool design. The water jets from these spouts to create beautiful visual focal points, making this fountain ideal for enhancing a plain wall, fence, or any area where the soothing sounds of water are desired. Weighing 548 pounds and crafted from cast stone concrete, this fountain combines modern charm with durability.

Specifications:
Model: Giannini Garden Ornaments #1710
Noise Level: Loud
Type: Outdoor – Ground; Floor; Wall; Fence
Material: Cast Stone Concrete
Color Options: Shown here in French Limestone; available in 22 other Giannini color stains
Dimensions: 34"L x 17"W x 38"H
Weight: 548 lbs.
Pump: High-efficiency pump included
Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s full warranty

Pros:

• The fountain’s sleek design with copper spouts offers a modern aesthetic that can complement plain walls or fences
• The water jets create strong ambient sounds, perfect for relaxation and masking street noise
• Made from high-grade cast stone concrete, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements
• Twenty-three color finishes allow for seamless integration into your existing garden décor

Cons:

• Weighing 548 pounds, the fountain may require careful planning for installation
• Its dimensions necessitate a sufficiently large wall or fence space for placement
• Depending on the water pressure, there may be some splashing, which requires consideration for placement

7. Mondrian Tall Loud Water Fountain

Description:
The Mondrian Tall Wall Fountain is a Dutch-inspired transitional piece that will complement both rustic and modern decorative themes. This loud water fountain features three elegant copper water spouts set against a textured backsplash-and-pool design that mimics the appearance of natural stone. The water jets from these spouts to create captivating visual and auditory focal points. It weighs 555 pounds and is made from cast stone concrete and is ideal for enhancing a fence, patio wall, or any area with the natural beauty of a rock-like structure.

Specifications:
Model: Campania #FT380
Noise Level: Moderate-to-Loud
Type: Outdoor – Ground; Floor; Wall; Fence
Material: Cast Stone Concrete
Color Options: Shown here in Verde; available in 13 other stain options
Dimensions: 21"L x 52"H
Weight: 555 lbs.
Pump: High-efficiency pump included
Warranty: 6-month manufacturer's warranty

Pros:

• The realistic stone texture offers a natural, rustic yet modern look
• The copper spouts create strong ambient sounds, ideal for relaxation and masking street noise
• Constructed from high-grade cast stone concrete to ensure longevity and resilience against the elements
• Fourteen color stain options to choose from
• Lighter than some larger tiered fountains, and may fit into more narrow spaces

Cons:

• Depending on the water pressure, there may be some splashing, which requires consideration for placement (splash guards available)
• The Dutch style may not align with all personal tastes or garden themes

8. Novem Wall Loud Water Fountain

Description:
The Novem Wall Fountain is a standout loud water fountain that offers contemporary style and a multi-level, multi-spout design for maximum noise cancellation. Featuring nine copper spouts, this fountain creates a visually stunning display as water jets out from each of them simultaneously to create captivating focal points from various angles. Ideal for enhancing a plain wall or fence, this fountain not only adds aesthetic value but also enriches the space with the soothing sounds of falling water. Weighing 600 pounds and crafted from cast stone concrete, it promises lasting durability.

Specifications:
Model: Giannini Garden Ornaments #1779
Noise Level: Loud
Type: Outdoor – Ground; Floor; Wall; Fence
Material: Cast Stone Concrete
Color Options: Shown here in Graystone; available in 22 other Giannini stains
Dimensions: 37"H x 32"W x 30"D
Weight: 600 lbs.
Pump: High-efficiency pump included
Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s full warranty

Pros:

• The multi-level and multi-spout design offers a modern and architectural look, perfect for contemporary spaces
• Ambient Sound: The nine copper spouts create the strongest ambient sounds, ideal for relaxation and masking street noise
• Made from high-grade cast stone concrete to ensure longevity and resilience against the elements
• Twenty-three color finishes allow for seamless integration into various garden themes

Cons:

• Weighing 600 lbs, this loud water fountain may require careful planning for installation
• Its dimensions necessitate a sufficiently large wall space for mounting
• Depending on the water pressure, there may be some splashing, which requires consideration for placement
• As a premium product, it may represent a considerable investment

Plaza Style Fountains: Loudest Water Fountains for the Larger Budget 

Due to the sheer volume of water that they move, plaza style fountains (i.e., fountains with a pool for its lowest tier) are often the best at drowning out ambient noise. 

Because of the amount of materials used and production labor involved, they carry a premium price tag over most other fountain styles. Check out our favorite models below and visit our website to learn more about each product.

Best Plaza Style Fountains 

• Gardenia 3-Tier w/Pond (video available!)
• Brentwood Courtyard Fountain
• Monticello 3-Tier Fountain with Pool

Medium Sounds: Smooth Surfaced Fountains

The Fontana Grande 2-Tier Fountain by Giannini is inspired by classic European style with a pinecone finial and a smooth-surfaced top tier. 

If a strong water sound isn’t needed but you still want to create a calming environment, you can consider a smooth surfaced water fountain. 

Instead of the water flowing from tier to tier via scupper channels, the water flows over a smooth rim and cascades down to the next tier in sheets or larger droplets, depending on the style.

➤ Smooth surface fountains generally produce softer ambient sounds than ones with scuppers, however, they are considerably louder than bubbler style fountains and can still create a soothing atmosphere filled with natural sound.

Best Smooth Surface Fountains

• Modern 3-Tier Fountain (video available!)
• Orvieto 2-Tier Fountain

Gentle Sounds: Bubbler Style Fountains

Do you want a meditative backyard water fountain that produces subtler water sounds? If so, we'd recommend a bubbler-type outdoor fountain. 

Bubbler fountains, as their name suggests, gently bubble water up through a spout just above the fountain tier or design element. Instead of producing a sound of forceful, falling water like loud water fountains, they create a soft murmuring followed by a gentle cascade.

➤ A bubbler fountain is ideal for creating low level ambient sounds and serenity in an outdoor space with infrequent street noise.

Best Bubbler Style Fountains

• Red Onyx Almond Fountain
• Ecatepec Urn Fountain
• Lunara Fountain

Fountainettes for Nooks & Corners 

At 3.5 feet tall and with a gentle bubbling water spout, the Owl Concrete Fountainette with Tree Man Pedestal by Massarelli's may be the ideal fit for a quiet, smaller space.

With a petite style pioneered by Massarelli’s Fountains, fountainettes are bubbler style fountains on an even smaller scale. Many customers like to place them in their favorite reading nook, or in the corner of a covered patio where one or two people can sit and enjoy a snack together. 

See more in our Fountainette Collection. 

Combat Unwanted Street Noise with a Water Fountain from Fountainful 

The Navonna Fountain by Campania features 5 water spouts that flow simultaneously, producing strong ambient sounds in a transitional fountain that fits both modern and traditional décor.

 

If busy street noises are ruining the garden or backyard ambience you want to create, a loud water fountain may provide the solution you’re looking for – not to mention the added benefit of integrating a striking conversation piece into your landscape. 

Water fountains create a calming, natural sound that the human brain is hardwired to respond to. The sound of flowing water can have an immediate soothing effect on your wellbeing, and help to offset noises that create sensory stress. Here at Fountainful, we aim to connect people with unique water features that will bring the therapeutic sounds of nature closer to home. 

Explore our entire collection of exceptional loud water fountains online at Fountainful.com.

Questions about fountain sound levels? Contact us today at 214-901-7275!

FAQ

Q: Which water fountains make the most noise?

A: Fountains that are most effective in creating noise are typically those with multi-tiered, scupper, and spout styles. These designs allow water to fall from greater heights or through narrow channels, producing louder sounds. Multi-tiered fountains create cascading sounds, while scupper and spout styles generate more forceful water flows, all contributing to a higher noise level.

Q: What makes a water fountain loud?

A: The loudness of a water fountain is influenced by several factors:

• Height of Water Fall: Greater heights from which water falls can increase the sound level
• Water Flow Rate: A higher flow rate or water pressure results in a louder sound
• Design Elements: Features like scuppers or spouts, which channel water into concentrated streams, amplify the sound; additionally, more tiers typically lead to a more pronounced sound as water travels over each level
• Materials: Hard materials like stone or concrete can enhance the sound of water striking the surface

Q: What is the best water feature to drown out traffic noise?

A: The best water features for drowning out traffic noise are those that produce consistent and loud sounds. Multi-tiered fountains are excellent as they create a continuous cascade of water. Fountains with spouts or scuppers are also effective, as they can produce a more pronounced sound of water, similar to a natural stream or a vigorous brook.

Q: How do you make a fountain noisy?

A: To make a fountain noisier:

• Use Height: Opt for taller fountains where the water falls from a greater height to increase the sound level; For both safety and optimal performance, do not place fountain on a pedestal or riser, unless included as part of the design
• Increase the Water Flow: Adjust the pump to increase the flow rate or water pressure
• Incorporate Sound-Enhancing Features: Look for elements like additional tiers, scuppers, or spouts to intensify the sound
• Choose Hard Materials: Opt for materials like stone or concrete for the basin and tiers, as they amplify the sound of water
• Consider the Acoustics of Your Space: Hard surfaces like walls, large stones, or patios can reflect sound, while plants and soft landscaping elements can absorb it; position your fountain in a way that takes advantage of these acoustics to enhance the sound of running water
• For Spout Fountains: Orient the spout(s) towards the area where noise reduction is most needed; the direction from which the sound emanates can make a significant difference in its effectiveness