The Process
A typical architectural fountain project by Hobbs Architectural Fountains is made up of many steps. Here is a primer of the process, from the initial design stage to the fountain start-up.
Initial Design
Hobbs Architectural Fountains, the engineering & material division of hobbs ltd., becomes involved with a project near the later design stages of a water feature. A complete and detailed budget proposal is provided.
Sales, Bid Process, and Coordination of Trades
A potential client can contact the Hobbs sales department by phone, fax, e-mail or by submitting a Proposal Request Form. A sales engineer will then review all drawings, sketches, and specifications, and discuss the scope of work, equipment, and any initial design considerations with the client.
This information is used to create a competitive quotation complete with a description of the materials and services included. Hobbs has the ability to provide a proposal for equipment supply alone, equipment supply and installation, or a complete design-build of the fountain.
During the bid process, the coordination of trades is discussed with the general contractor to make sure all items will be accounted for and that nothing is doubled up. The following roles are often divided among one or more suppliers and/or subcontractors:
- The equipment provider is responsible for all specialty fountain equipment (in-slab materials, display jets, submersible lighting, pumping and filtration system, and electrical control panel)
- The installer is responsible for all interconnecting piping, setting and installing the above referenced equipment, waterproofing, and electrical between the control panel and fountain.
- The fountain constructer will be responsible for pouring the concrete basin, setting of any pre-cast items, and any architectural finishes or signs located in and around the fountain.
- The general contractor is responsible for having his electrician bring and connect a main power supply to the fountain control panel, tying the fountain drain line into the site’s sewer or sanitary drain, and tying in a cold water supply line to the fountain fill/level manifold.
Project Awarded
At this time, the potential client has reviewed our proposal and made a decision to proceed with their fountain project. A project is officially awarded to Hobbs Architectural Fountains by receipt of a letter of intent, purchase order, or subcontract.
Submittals
Once a client instructs Hobbs to proceed with a project, the Hobbs sales engineer releases the project to the engineering department to develop an installation drawings package. Once completed (typically 2-3 weeks), they are submitted to the client along with any other necessary submittal information. After the drawings are reviewed and approved by the project’s architect, the project is released to the Hobbs production team for fabrication of all fountain equipment.
Equipment Fabrication
Hobbs offers a full line of jets, pumps, filters, and lighting for any water feature. The majority of these items are machined and assembled at our facility. Multiple shipments of equipment are made to the job-site in the following order.
- In-Slab Fittings: Most of these components are ‘off the shelf,’ or require little machining. They are the first items required at the job-site and get cast into concrete in the fountain floor and walls. Standard Lead-time: less than 2 weeks after approval of submittals.
- Mechanical Pumping System: The mechanical pumping system is the heart of the fountain system and includes the pumps, manifolds, valves, filtration system, and electrical control panel. Our engineers work closely with our production team to make sure all items are pre-assembled correctly at our factory into modular pump stations or stainless steel pump pads. Prior to shipping to job-site, the assemblies are factory tested for performance. Standard Lead-time: 4-6 weeks after approval of submittals.
- In-Pool, Spray effects and Lighting: The last items to be shipped are the in-pool components. These are items are installed after the pumping equipment and piping is in place, the fountain has been poured, and waterproofing has cured. These items normally consist of the jet nozzles, junction boxes, light fixtures, faceplates, and anti-vortex plates. Standard Lead-time: 6-8 weeks after approval of submittals.
Installation and Construction Phase
Hobbs coordinates the delivery of fountain equipment along with the project schedule as created by our client or the general contractor. The fountain installer has a copy of our installation drawings providing piping and conduit layout and sizes, utility requirements, and installation details. To insure that this phase runs smoothly, our engineers are available at all stages of the installation and construction to assist with any technical questions, or to make necessary adjustments for unforeseen conditions that may arise at the job-site.
Start-up, Adjustments, and Training
This is a highly recommended optional service to be conducted at the completion of a project. A Hobbs technician will be responsible for a one-day demonstration/orientation of the fountain system. The technician will make any adjustments to the fountain system (jets, valves, skimmers, etc.) and check that all systems are in proper working condition. The technician will demonstrate the operation of the fountain to include the water level control system, operation of all mechanical equipment, setting of time clocks, and discuss regular fountain maintenance. It is recommended that the project manager, maintenance crew, and owner all be present during this orientation.  |
 For more info on Hobbs Architectural Fountains, click here to download brochure. (6MB PDF)
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