How to Build a Patio Fountain

Installing a patio fountain can really add a unifying feature to your deck. Aside from adding an aesthetic touch, it will become a focal point of your patio, because it is sure to draw a lot of attention. Typically, people build around their fountains, adding flowers, herb beds or whatever their imagination desires. So, choose your fountain based on how you want to shape your patio, and then install it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patio fountain
• Shovel
• Tools

1. Find a large barrel or basin that holds water. A large whiskey barrel, flower pot without drain holes or any other type of basin will suffice. This will be the base of your fountain.

2. Place two cinder blocks or bricks inside the basin to support your fountain pot.

3. Choose a smaller pot made of clay or strong resin to use as the head of your fountain. This pot will sit on top of the base (on those two bricks) and the water will cascade down the sides.

4. Drill a hole in the bottom of the fountain head pot with a mason bit, and insert a 1" wide, 5" long PVC pipe through the hole.

5. Attach an elbow joint to the bottom of the pipe under the fountain pipe, then attach a corrugated or flexible pipe to the elbow joint.

6. Place the fountain pot inside the basin on the cinder blocks, then connect the flexible or corrugated pipe to a 350 gallon per minute water pump, which you can buy at a gardening store.

7. Attach another, smaller diameter PVC pipe (fountain head) to the 5" PVC pipe. This pipe should extend to just below the lip of the fountain pot.

8. Fill the basin and fountain pot with water, then turn on your water pump to create a fountain effect.

Tips & Warnings

• The size of water pump may vary if you are building a larger fountain. In some cases you can install a valve to regulate the pressure that comes out of the pump.

Resources

• Video on installing a patio fountain
• Buy patio fountains on Nextag
• Upscale patio and garden fountains