I love this fountain! I purchased it to mask a neighbors noisy pool pump and it’s doing the trick. I placed it near a spot I like to sit and read in the yard and now only hear the relaxing sound of the water. I would say it’s on the louder side for a fountain but that is what I was looking for. To keep the fountain on the quieter side do not remove the pads that are attached in the bowls. I chose to remove them. I do not hear the fountains pump at all like some other reviews have said.