How to Build an Indoor or Outdoor Water Fountain

One type of outdoor water fountain

There is nothing more peaceful and soothing than the sound of running water. A bubbler fountain is one way to achieve this restful and mood calming water feature in any setting. There are many different types of fountains and your first decision is going to be whether this fountain will be used inside or outside. Once this is determined you will then need to choose how big you want it to be. Many indoor fountains are "table size" (not only due to space limitations but to eliminate a lot of splashing). Most outdoor fountains are larger and are sometimes constructed in-ground with a disappearing water appearance (when the water appears to go into the ground around it). Obviously, an in-ground fountain will require more research on how to construct it and it will involve a little more work to build. It will also be a little more expensive to purchase the materials for this type of fountain. A budget for your fountain should be your next objective.

Things You'll Need

• Impervious (water tight) container like a basin, crock or pot
• Submersible water pump
• Possibly some river rock or marbles

Instructions

1. 

   Decide how much effort you want to put into designing your fountain. It can be great fun to find your own basin to use (a crock or copper bowl work well). If you do it all yourself you will also need to find some rocks or marbles to use (not only for aesthetics but this will also affect the sound your fountain makes as the water splashes), and you will need to research & purchase a pump etc. Alternative to that, you can also find many pre-made kits online or at garden centers where all the contents have been put together for you and all you do is the final assembly.

2. 

   Consider this as another example of a smaller type of fountain if you are limited on space.

3. 

   If you decide to build your fountain outside in your garden you will also likely build one that is a little larger than what you would put inside your home. Being larger will also provide more sound. The further the water falls the louder it will sound as it splashes & cascades down. This is an example of a larger in-ground fountain that uses a re-circulating catch basin that is buried underground and has the disappearing water effect.

4. 

   Shop for an inground basin if you decide to build a disappearing water type. This is the type of catch basin that is used beneath the in-ground type of water fountains like the artificial rock fountain pictured in step 3.

5. 

   Next you will need a pump. If you decide to construct your fountain from scratch you will then need to consider purchasing the right pump for your fountain. Here are some guidelines on choosing a pump. Pumps are designed to move water and are rated according to the number of gallons per hour (GPH) that they move. The measurements indicated i.e. GPH @ 1 ft, GPH @ 3 ft, represent the vertical distance from the pump to the discharge point (i.e. waterfall or filter). This is an example of a pump that can move 80 GPH. The larger the pump capacity the more expensive it will be.

6. 

   Now we get to something referred to as the Vertical Lift. This is the vertical and/or horizontal distance from the pump to the discharge point. The vertical distance is the number of feet measured vertically from the pump to the discharge point (the bottom to the top of your fountain). Vertical lift rates should be listed in the details of all pumps. What this boils down to is the shorter your fountain the lower the GPH rating you will need for your pump. The pump needs to be able to "lift" the water from the bottom of your fountain to the top. If your fountain is 3' tall and there is no horizontal movement involved you will need a pump that has a vertical lift of 3'. This chart shows more about pump flow and GPH.

7. Now you have all the basic information you need to build a beautiful fountain. Once you determine where you will put your fountain and establish a budget you are ready to shop for your supplies. It can be great fun to put it all together yourself or you can go with a kit. Either way, the end result will provide you with countless hours of enjoyment.

Tips & Warnings

• All fountains will need regular cleaning. An indoor fountain should be cleaned every 4-6 months while an outdoor fountain may require cleaning as often as once a month or even more if it gets filled with debris like leaves or other organic material. Using distilled water in an indoor fountain will help cut down on mineral deposit buildups. Follow the cleaning instructions that come with your pump. This will usually involve unplugging it and removing the cover to clean the impeller.

• Regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor, self contained basin type fountains will naturally experience some amount of water evaporation and will require regular water replenishment. Depending on the amount of water the container actually holds they could require being refilled DAILY. If you find this to be the case with your fountain you will need to remember to shut it down if you go away so that your pump does not run dry & burn out.

• Note that not all pumps are rated to remain outside during the winter. Likewise, some basins (particularly ceramic rather than resin) are not the best to remain outside during the winter as they could freeze & crack. If you live in a northern climate you will need to plan to shut the fountain down and either bring it indoors for the winter or cover it. If you live in a southern climate or build one that is in-ground and purchase a pump that is rated properly you may be OK to leave it run year round. You will have to evaluate your climate and do your own research on the exact products that you purchase.

Resources

• Simply Fountains website
• Lilypons Water Gardens website
• Specialty Living website