In our experience, the preference order for water sources for out bees is
(most attractive to least attractive):

Hot tubs
Swimming pools
Fountains
Bird baths
Fish ponds
Natural ponds
Streams
Artificial water sources supplied by the beekeeper

I'm currently working on trying to lure my bees away from a swimming pool.
My progress has led to a plastic wading pool containing a floating "island"
of equal parts of sand and peat moss, with a little cow manure added, with
a clump of aquatic plant roots on top, and a small solar fountain squirting
a stream of water over the top.  Each step has improved bee acceptance.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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