The musical fountain with lighting is a comprehensive dynamic landscape integrating water feature shapes, light and shadow effects, background music, and intelligent numerical control. By precisely regulating water pumps, solenoid valves, swing mechanisms and underwater lamps, it synchronizes the changes in water column shape and height with light color and brightness following musical rhythms. This creates a performance effect combining sound, light, water and shadow, and is widely applicable to indoor and outdoor scenarios such as urban squares, parks, commercial complexes and cultural tourism parks. Following the core principles of safety priority, synchronized sound-light-water performance, convenient operation and maintenance, and site adaptation, this design balances the texture of static water features in daytime and dynamic performance effects at night to realize all-day landscape value.

II. Preliminary Site Survey and Demand Positioning

(1) Basic Site Survey

Site survey serves as the fundamental basis for scheme design. It is necessary to verify the pool dimensions, water depth, pool structure and load-bearing capacity to ensure safe equipment installation. Water supply types including tap water and natural lake water shall be distinguished; natural water bodies need supporting filtration and algae removal facilities. Meanwhile, confirm the on-site power supply capacity, distribution box positions and cable routing paths. All underwater equipment shall be treated with waterproof and insulation protection. Taking into account surrounding buildings, wind direction and noise control requirements, measures shall be taken to avoid water splashing and equipment dampness. Targeted winter anti-freezing solutions shall be designed according to local climate conditions.

(2) Performance Demand Positioning

A single conventional performance track lasts 3–5 minutes, and the full cycle program runs for 10–20 minutes with seamless loop playback. The equipment supports three operation modes that can be switched as required: fully automatic cycle, manual control, and holiday special effects. Centered on the main viewing perspective of the site, the design optimizes water shapes, lighting and equipment layout to guarantee optimal viewing experience.

III. Water Shape System and Water Circulation Design

(1) Water Shape Design and Layout

This scheme adopts multi-level combined water shapes with a mix of static and dynamic effects and distinct layers. One-dimensional straight jet nozzles act as the core primary water shape, which can rise and fall smoothly with musical melodies to fit various music styles. Two-dimensional digital swing nozzles are installed on both sides of the pool, forming curved water curtains through variable-speed swinging to enhance dynamic dancing effects. Universal nozzles are arranged at the center to transform into creative shapes such as waves and flower petals, enriching landscape features. Firework nozzles serve as climax special-effect water shapes with scattered bursting water flow for the highlight segments of music. Sheet water curtains can be used as background water features and upgraded with water screen projection functions. Low fountain nozzles are arranged in the front row to deliver soft and tranquil effects and improve static daytime landscape. The overall layout follows the structure of “central high jets + middle swing jets + low fountain jets”. The height of high jets is controlled within one-third of the short side of the pool to prevent water spray dispersion by strong wind and overflow nuisance.

(2) Water Circulation System

A closed circulating water supply system is adopted for energy conservation, environmental protection and lower operation & maintenance costs. Supporting equipment includes circulating water pumps, hair collectors, quartz sand filters and automatic dosing devices, which can intercept debris, purify water quality, inhibit bacteria and remove algae to maintain long-term water clarity. Overflow outlets are installed on the pool to stabilize water level, and drain valves are equipped at the pool bottom to meet demands of routine water replacement, equipment maintenance and winter draining for anti-freezing, effectively protecting pipelines, nozzles and water pumps.

IV. Lighting System Design

(1) Lamp Selection and Installation

DC24V low-voltage RGB full-color LED underwater floodlights are used across the site. They feature reliable waterproof performance, corrosion resistance and aging resistance, suitable for long-term underwater operation. The lamps cover mainstream landscape colors including warm white, deep blue, light green and rose red, supporting multiple light effects such as steady monochrome lighting, gradient color mixing and stroboscopic tracking lights. Lamps are embedded at the pool bottom with precise focusing on water columns and avoiding pump suction inlets. All cable joints are sealed with potting glue for full waterproof insulation to eliminate potential safety hazards.

(2) Sound and Light Linkage Logic

Lighting is precisely synchronized with musical rhythms with well-defined atmospheric layers. Low-brightness cool-toned gradients are applied in soothing segments to create a peaceful atmosphere; high-brightness multi-color strobing is activated at musical climaxes, paired with bursting water shapes to strengthen visual impact. Light brightness transitions slowly in preludes and endings, coordinated with rising and falling water columns for a gentle opening and smooth closing. Glare avoidance is considered throughout the design; lights focus on water features rather than audiences to ensure viewing comfort.

V. Audio and Intelligent Control System Design

(1) Audio System

Outdoor waterproof speakers are placed in dry areas around the pool to deliver uniform sound field and clear sound quality over the whole site. Customizable playlists cover folk music, orchestral music, pop music, epic scores and other styles, supporting switching between daily and holiday playlists. The system preferentially uses pre-programmed linkage mode, where track beats and corresponding equipment actions are pre-imported for high synchronization accuracy and neat performance. It is also compatible with real-time sound pickup mode to support interactive performance with temporary tracks for high flexibility.

(2) Numerical Control and Intelligent Control

The core of fountain operation consists of a dedicated PLC main controller, DMX512 lighting controllers, frequency converters and solenoid valves working in coordination. Frequency converters precisely adjust pump rotating speed to achieve smooth lifting of water columns; solenoid valves rapidly start and stop water flow to realize drumbeat special effects such as water jumping and bursting. All equipment adopts unified timecode synchronous control to guarantee highly coordinated actions of sound, light and water. Dual control modes including on-site touch screen and remote computer are equipped, supporting program editing, scheduled operation, fault self-check and other functions. Built-in water shortage, overload, leakage protection and emergency stop devices ensure comprehensive operational safety.

VI. Special Design for Electrical Safety

The project strictly complies with electrical safety standards for water landscapes and adopts separated strong and weak current design. All underwater equipment uses DC24V safe low voltage, while high-voltage power equipment on the ground is independently isolated and protected. Equipotential bonding and earthing are implemented for the entire pool area; all metal equipment, brackets and enclosures are reliably earthed to eliminate risks of electric leakage and static electricity. The circuit adopts graded leakage protection with instantaneous tripping protection stage by stage. Cables are laid inside waterproof sleeves, and underwater joints are double-sealed with potting glue to prevent water seepage and short circuit. Outdoor distribution boxes reach IP65 high protection rating to adapt to complex outdoor conditions such as rain, snow and dust.

VII. Program Choreography Concept

The choreography features proper tension and complete rhythm to form a closed audio-visual experience. The performance opens gently with low fountain nozzles matched with soft pale lights for a soothing immersive effect. The main verse mainly uses fluctuating straight jet water columns together with slow light gradients for steady and relaxed rhythm. At the chorus climax, multi-layer water shapes are linked across the whole pool, firework nozzles burst intermittently, and multi-color stroboscopic lights create stunning visual effects. In the ending, water columns gradually drop and lights fade out for a soft close. The whole system cycles 3–6 tracks of diverse styles to effectively prevent aesthetic fatigue.

VIII. Operation, Maintenance and Anti-freezing Protection Design

This scheme features neat equipment layout with simple maintenance and low costs. Daily work only involves regular cleaning of filter equipment, floating debris removal, and inspection of lamp sealing and circuit conditions. Spare consumable parts such as sealing rings and solenoid valves are reserved. In cold regions, accumulated water can be fully drained via pool-bottom drain valves in winter to prevent cracking of pipelines and equipment, requiring no complicated maintenance equipment and ensuring long-term stable operation of the project.