How to Make a Glass Fountain

Art glass bowls make eye-catching fountains

A glass fountain offers a treat to the senses. The running water creates a relaxing atmosphere and the play of light on water and glass presents a pleasing display. Many kinds of glass receptacles suit a fountain. Bowls, large jars cut down to size, an art glass pitcher pouring into a bowl, a large baking dish and any glass item made from a heavy, durable glass with enough depth to hide a small fountain pump will work. Creating a fountain provides the satisfaction of building a water feature in the size, color and style you prefer.

Things You'll Need

• Glass object at least 5 inches deep.
• Small fountain pump kit
• Smooth stones, pieces of slate or shells
• Water
• Spot light or table lamp (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose a bowl or other glass container. Kent Kobayashi of the University of Hawaii recommends a receptacle 8 to 16 inches wide by at least 4 to 6 inches deep. He warns that insufficient water depth leads to fountain pump burnout. Small fountains require frequent filling. (See References 1)

2. Read the fountain pump instructions. If the pump has a switch on it, turn it on.

3. Position the pump at the center of the glass container or near the back.

4. Add a half-inch of water to the glass fountain and press down on the pump to engage the suction cups.

5. Add the stones to the fountain. Place them in the fountain gently to avoid scratching the glass. You can create a mini landscape with slabs of slate, river rocks, shells or other smooth materials. Use the stones to hide the pump. Keep the rocks at least a half-inch away from the pump to avoid blocking the water circulation.

6. Pour water into the fountain to within 2 inches of the top of the glass container.

7. Place the glass fountain in the desired location, such as on a table or desk. Plug the pump in to start the fountain. Use a spot light or table lamp to enhance the appearance of the glass fountain.

Tips & Warnings

• Use distilled or filtered water to reduce mineral deposits. Add water at least once a week.

• Refrain from using crumbly rocks, sandy shells or any items that might leave debris in the fountain. Grit can damage the fountain pump and scratch the glass.

• Avoid placing the glass fountain in direct sunlight. The sun evaporates the water and encourages slime in the water.

• Clean the fountain at least once a month. Rinse all the rocks, wash the container and add fresh water.

• Leaving the fountain running reduces the risk of algae.

• Thick glass bowls from Mexico or Italy make durable fountains

• Buy self-adhesive felt from a hardware of crafts store to pad the underside of the fountain, if desired. This will reduce the risk of scratching furniture.

• Glass fountains make good indoor fountains. An outdoor glass fountain could sustain chips and cracks and present a risk of injury to pets, wildlife and children.

References

• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Building Your Own Indoor Tabletop Water Fountain
• NexTag: Small Fountain Pump