How to Make a Patio Water Fountain

Create an inexpensive water fountain for your patio and enjoy the relaxing sound of flowing water. This project uses a decorative urn used as a bubbling fountain, but a variety of containers may be used to create fountains with different effects. Shop flea markets or garden centers for ideas to design your own original fountain. Placed on the patio, deck, garden or near the entry of your home, this weekend project will welcome your guests or help you relax in your back yard.

Things You'll Need

• Decorative urn container
• Pump kit
• Silicone caulk
• Drill
• Mason drill bit

Instructions

1. Use a mason drill bit to drill a hole in the bottom of the container to allow the installation of the pump cord. Select a site for the fountain near an electrical outlet.

2. Insert the cord through hole you drilled and seal the hole with a rubber plug, allowing the passage of the cord. Apply silicone caulk to prevent the water from leaking.

3. Place the pump in the urn. Depending on the depth of the container, you may have to add a platform such as rocks to lift the pump higher. The bubbling effect should allow the water to remain in the urn and not flow over the edge.

4. Apply a protective coating to preserve the finish, before filling it with water. Allow it to dry completely.

5. Fill the urn with water and adjust the flow as needed. Level the pump so the water geyser is at a satisfactory level. A variety of containers may be used to create a different effect, if you want the fountain to spill over into another vessel and onto a layer of rocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Design a water fountain using multiple flower pots of different sizes for an overflowing effect.

• Rocks and plants may be added to fill in your fountain.

Resources

• How to Build Your Own Small Fountain for a Deck or Patio
• This Old House