How to Make a Fountain Out of a Wine Barrel

Wine barrels for fountains

Creating a backyard fountain from a wine barrel is an inexpensive and distinctive way to add some rustic charm to your yard. Water features create an ambient "white noise" that effectively blocks and filters out annoying neighborhood noises and traffic. Adding a water feature in your yard enhances your landscaping, provides a focal point for your patio or garden and lends a soothing atmosphere for relaxing, reflection or meditation. In addition, fountains and small ponds like barrel ponds attract birds and butterflies, further adding to your yard's appeal.

Things You'll Need

• Half barrel
• 8 bricks
• Flat board
• Bubble leveler
• Silicone
• Fountain and pump
• Water plants
• Fish

Instructions

1. Find an appropriate location for the barrel fountain. An ideal location will be accessible to water and electricity and will have mostly filtered sun during the day. Avoid sunny locations, as they will cause the barrel to overheat and essentially cook any plants or fish. Avoid areas with plants or trees that will drop leaves continuously. Shaded, level locations on decks or patios are the easiest areas for installing a barrel fountain. Choose the location carefully, as barrels are heavy when filled and are difficult to relocate.

2. Level the area where the fountain is to be installed. If installing in a garden, make sure the soil is level and compacted to hold the weight of the barrel when filled. Place four of the bricks flat under the area where the barrel will be positioned. Lay the flat board on the bricks and place the bubble leveler on top. Adjust the soil until the bubble shows clearly in the sight.

3. Place the half barrel on top of the bricks, making sure it is balanced properly and is sturdy. Place four bricks in the bottom of the barrel, flat, for the fountain pump to rest on. Fill the barrel with water to within two inches from the top. Allow the barrel to sit for several days to allow the staves to swell and provide a water seal. Make note of any holes or leaks. Small holes or leaks can be stopped by inserting toothpicks and sealing with silicone.

4. Remove the fountain and pump from the packaging and assemble according to the manufacturer's directions. Place in the bottom of the barrel, resting on the bricks. Plug the pump in and adjust the bubbler or fountain so all water is falling back into the barrel. Water spraying outside the barrel will lower water levels and possibly burn out the pump.

5. Add water plants to the barrel and let sit for several days. Add a few small fish, if desired, to eat mosquito larvae after the plants have settled in.

Tips & Warnings

• Wine barrels and whiskey barrels that are appropriate for barrel fountains can be purchased at most home and garden stores. Choose barrels that are sturdy and have no visible holes.

• Small water pumps and fountains can be purchased at home and garden stores or on the Internet.

• Duckweed, water hyacinth and water lettuce are good floating plants for barrel ponds, if they are available in your area.

• Small fish like the various varieties of small goldfish or mosquito fish are perfect for small ponds and fountains. Koi are not suited for such small ponds.

• Pond liners specifically manufactured to fit into half barrels can be purchased at many home and garden stores, or over the Internet, and add an extra precaution against leakage.

• Install your barrel fountain in an area that will not be prone to water damage, and away from any dangerous electrical elements.

References

• Water Gardening: Barrel Water Gardens
• University of Minnesota Extension: Container Water Gardening

Resources

• Murphy's Fish in a Barrel: Recycled Wine Barrel Ponds