How to Make Rock Fountains

Fountains in your home or garden add a peaceful quality to your surroundings with the sound and sight of softly splashing water. These small rock fountains are easy to make and perfect for tabletops or as an accent to your flower beds. To make larger rock fountains, adjust the sizes of your materials and the strength of your fountain pump.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rectangular or square container
• Fountain pump
• Terra cotta planter tray
• Plumber's putty
• Four bags small river rock
• Waterproof adhesive
• Duct tape

1. Find your materials at your local craft, landscape or home supply store. You can find a wide selection of fountain pumps at affordable prices online, as well. The container should be 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 12 inches wide so that it will hold enough water for your fountain. Copper containers, glass bowls and terra cotta planters all work well for this project. The terra cotta planter tray is the separate piece you place under planters to catch the water drainage. The tray sits on top of the pump in your fountain, so a 3- to 4-inch diameter is sufficient.

2. Seal any drainage holes or other openings in your container with plumber's putty so that the reservoir for your fountain is watertight. Let the putty dry.

3. Place the pump in the center of the container and, following the manufacturer's instructions, attach the plastic tubing included with the pump. Run the electrical cord over the back of the reservoir. Place the terra cotta tray on top of the pump.

4. Run a line of adhesive around the front and the two sides of the pump. Firmly press the rocks into the adhesive. Leave the back of the pump open for easy access. Build the layers of rock upward around the pump until you reach the terra cotta tray. Glue the rocks together as you layer upward, insetting the layers increasingly so that your rock formation narrows toward the top.

5. The terra cotta tray is your rock base for the top of the pump, allowing you to build the rocks in a complete circle without attaching any rocks to the pump. Keep the plastic tubing inside the rock circle so that it can bring the water to the top of your fountain. When you complete your rock formation, attach the tubing to the inside rim of the rocks with a small section of duct tape. Let the adhesive dry.

6. Fill the reservoir with water and turn on your pump. Make any necessary adjustments to the water flow, then cover the back of your pump with loose river rock. This allows access to the pump.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a stalk of bamboo to the rock fountain if you have room.
• Stand away from the pump when you first turn it on, because the spray setting may be higher than you think.

Resources

• Fountain Pumps