We define a “Basin Fountain” as a fountain with a basin/pool of water at ground level. A “Pedestal Fountain” does not have water at ground level. Pedestal fountains consist of a solid pedestal or base that elevates the next section of the fountain above ground level, and this is where the lowest level of water occurs. An example of a pedestal fountain would be a classic “Tiered Fountain”.
Many tiered fountains are available as pedestal fountains, without a basin of water underneath them, and the same fountain can have a basin added allowing it to spill water another level to the ground level basin it stands in. The lowest bowl on a tiered fountain is typically quite a bit larger in diameter than the bowls above it, so spilling water over this large bowl adds quite a bit more sound and visual effect. This also creates a need for a larger pump.