How to Install Pond Fountains

Fountains add interest to ponds and water gardens and help with the exchange of gases at the water's surface. Pond fountains come in a variety of styles that will suit any landscaping theme. Anyone can install a pond fountain with the correct materials and a few free hours.

Things You'll Need

• Pond fountain attachments
• Pump
• Pump filter (optional)
• Hoses and tubes
• Electrical outlet

Instructions

1. Choose a space without anchored plants for your fountain. If you want an umbrella or spray-type fountain, be sure the section of the pond is wide enough and long enough to catch all of the water falling back down. The location should also be convenient to an electrical outlet.

2. Attach either a rigid tube or a flexible hose to the water outlet on a pond fountain pump. If the pump is a submersible, it can be positioned so a rigid tube points straight up and supports the fountain head.

3. Attach a filter to the water intake of the pump to prevent it from sucking in debris. Alternatively, you can attach a hose that will suck water from the upper levels of the pond. Tying a piece of screen or mesh over the end with a clamp or zip strip can help. The pump can also be housed in a plastic bucket that is covered with mesh.

4. Position the fountain pump under the water in the appropriate position. Be sure the electrical cord reaches to the outlet, but do not plug in the pump yet.

5. Attach the fountain head to the top of the tube or hose and make sure it sits at the surface of the water.

6. Plug in the pump, then adjust the direction of the fountain so that all of the water falls back into the pond.

Tips & Warnings

• If the fountain is weak, inspect all of the hose connections for leaks. If everything is assembled correctly and there is still a problem, it might mean that your pump is not strong enough.

• Fountains increase evaporation. Check water levels regularly.

References

• Backyard Pond Water Garden Resource