How to Make a Fountain Out of Terra Cotta Pottery
A terra cotta water fountain is a feature that enhances the ambiance of the garden or lawn. The soothing flow of water is relaxing to view and listen to. You can make a fountain from clean, recycled or new terra cotta containers for an earthy addition to your property. You can make a smaller version a tabletop water feature using an indoor water pump. The do-it-yourself terra cotta fountain project is suited to any budget. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Terra cotta pots
- Submersible pump with filter 60- to 80-gallon output
- Tubing
- Waterproof sealant
- River rocks or cobble stones
Instructions
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1
Choose a large terra cotta pot that is deep enough to submerge the pump inside of it. Add more pots to stack up for a fountain. Include a strawberry jar and shaped items for an original look. When using recycled containers scrub them out with bleach and water to remove any debris.
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2
Set the large pot on a level surface such as a granite slab, cleared ground or deck where the fountain is to be permanently set.
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3
Place the submersible pump into the terra cotta container. Attach enough tubing to the pump to reach to the top of the fountain. Drape the electrical cord from the pump up over the back of the container keeping the plug well away from the interior of the fountain container.
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4
Set a smaller terra cotta pot, upside down, over the pump. Run the tubing under the rim of the overturned pot and up the interior of the large pot. The second container should have a drainage hole in the bottom of it to keep the water moving freely and to prevent stagnation.
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Set a third pot on top of the second pot, on it's side at an angle, or standing upright. Experiment until you have a pleasing look. You can use a strawberry jar for the third pot if this is the last one in the fountain.
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Thread the fountain tubing up through the drainage hole in the third pot or container.
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Secure the third container to the second one with weatherproof sealant if the fountain is a permanent setup. Add a shaped terra cotta item such as a frog or bird to the container for an alternative look.
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8
Fill the large bottom terra cotta container with water. Add stones to the pot.
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9
Plug the cord of the pump into an electrical source. Check the flow of the water circulated by the pump and the bubbling effect from the end of the tubing in the top container. Adjust the tubing, stones and terra cotta pots until you achieve the proper set up and effect.
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10
Cover the electrical cord to disguise it with soil, wood chips, mulch or lightweight stones.
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Tips & Warnings
For a taller fountain, stack more containers on top of the bottom ones.
Add a water-bound nozzle to the tubing for a spray effect. Secure the nozzle to the top container with sealant.
Don't seal the pot covering the pump. You need easy access to the pump.
Use a ground fault electrical outlet to prevent electrical shocks.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
