To improve the aesthetic appeal of small ornamental ponds, swimming pools and artificial reservoirs fountains are used. The main design element is water pump, which builds up pressure, resulting in a jet of water being supplied to a certain height.
You can buy a ready-made water unit or build a small fountain pump with your own hands using available materials.
The article describes the principle of operation of the pump, and also provides detailed instructions for assembling a simple model. If you have all the materials at hand, you can make a pump in a couple of hours.
Designing a full-fledged pump for a fountain is quite simple, but you should remember that a unit made independently has low power, so it is suitable for decorating small decorative bowls, sometimes even fountains.
Increase the pump power and assemble a system capable of supplying water at atmospheric pressure 1 bar and higher is impossible at home - it is more expedient and cheaper to purchase a ready-made structure.
Image gallery
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The video provides information on how you can create a pump based on a micromotor with large dimensions:
Another option for making a low-power fountain pump:
There is nothing complicated about making a homemade fountain pump. The materials used for assembly are found in every home, and the technology itself is simple and understandable.
If you have experience making a fountain pump, please share the information with our readers. Leave comments and add photos of your homemade items in the form below.
How pleasant it is to sit near the water in the summer heat, feel the cool splashes and simply enjoy the view of cheerfully murmuring streams. A fountain installed in the yard will be a wonderful decoration summer cottage, and if it is made with your own hands, it becomes the real pride of the family and the envy of the neighbors.
Unfortunately, there is a myth that building a fountain is a labor-intensive and expensive process. In this article we will try to look step by step at how to make a fountain with your own hands.
Types of fountains
Depending on the location of the pumping equipment, there are two types of fountains, submersible and stationary.
Submersible type - resembles a geyser that is pushed out from the depths of the water. Pumping system in this case, it is installed at the bottom of the bowl, it is complemented by a pipeline and special sprinklers that control the shape of the flow.
Stationary type - has the shape of a statue or object. Such fountains can often be found in parks and squares.
Stages of preparation for the construction of a fountain
Planning
At this stage, you need to decide on the type of fountain, its size, types of water supply and methods of drainage. Calculate the dimensions of the future building; it is important to remember that the fountain must fit ergonomically into the entire arrangement of the yard and into the design of the garden plantings.
Detailed instructions on how to make a fountain with your own hands will help you avoid problems with construction, and therefore guarantee pleasant and long-term operation.
Choosing an installation location
An important rule: do not plan to install the fountain in open, bright sun. This can lead to constant blooming of the water in the bowl, which means an unpleasant appearance and smell of mud.
The fountain should not interfere with free movement around the site. It is also not recommended to install a bowl near trees; firstly, this threatens to damage the roots of the tree, and they, in turn, can compromise the integrity of the water container. Secondly, fallen leaves will contribute to the contamination of the fountain.
Construction materials
In order to make the construction of your fountain less labor-intensive, you can refer to the construction instructions decorative pond, it will only be necessary to retrofit it with a pump.
To build a fountain with your own hands we will need:
- pump depending on bowl size
- super strong film
- shovel
- stones various sizes
- elements for decoration
Having decided on the type of pump for water supply, it is necessary to move on to the decorative component of construction. There are many ideas on how to make a fountain with your own hands. They can be large and deep, for example, if you take old bath, but here’s a basin or clay pot as a basis will allow you to create a decorative mini fountain with your own hands.
So, what can you use to make a fountain with your own hands? The correct answer, of almost everything. The main and most obvious rule is that the materials used should not be destroyed by water and should not affect its quality.
Of course, the main and most expected materials will be stones of various sizes. Such a fountain will repeat pictures of untouched nature, where water flows over stones, shimmering in the sun
Ideas for decorating a garden fountain using improvised materials
DIY fountain made from empty glass bottles. Try to choose wine bottles that match the shape and color, remove the labels from them and place them in a chaotic manner in the center of the fountain. This way the water will flow beautifully over the glass, creating fancy reflections.
For skilled craftsmen, an option may be suitable in which a stream of water will pour directly from the neck of the bottle. To do this, you need to carefully cut the bottom of the bottle and insert a hose with water there.
One more in an interesting way decorating the fountain will be to decorate it in the style of a tea party. You will need a ceramic teapot, strong wire, a tea pair and pebbles to hide some of the design details.
The teapot is suspended in the air with the help of a wire, and water is poured from it directly into the mug. What’s not a wonderful landscape for long evening gatherings?
Artificially aged ceramic pots look interesting in combination with trickles of water. Try to create a composition in Provence style, surround the fountain with ceramic pot blooming lavender or other noble herbs and see how the spirit of the French village will be added to your garden.
Photos of DIY fountains
What could it be the best decoration for your garden, what is a fountain? It’s so pleasant to relax next to him on hot summer days, forgetting about the heat, worries and bustle of the city. Such a device can be purchased at the store, and specialists will install it. But it’s much more interesting to make a fountain at the dacha with your own hands. In this article we will tell you how to make fountains from improvised materials that you will probably find on your site.
Choosing a suitable place
In fact, building a country fountain is not a difficult job and does not require professional skills or expensive materials. But you will be able to bring to life your wildest design fantasies, and at the same time make good use of things and objects that have fallen into disrepair and are taking up space on your site, but it would be a pity to throw them away. When creating such a fountain you can use:
- stones;
- old tires;
- gas cylinder;
- bath
First of all, before you make a fountain in your dacha, you need to choose a convenient site for it. For simplicity, it is advisable to have a water source near this place. It can be natural, but technically it is more convenient for it to be water supply.
The next factor of choice is that the place where the fountain will be located should be visible from any point in the summer cottage, and be located next to the recreation area. The structure should not be an obstacle to other buildings.
For the fountain, choose a place in the recreation area that is close to a source of water and electricity.
It is very important to position the fountain so that it is not in close proximity to plants that are harmed by excess moisture. Carefully calculate, according to the size of your plot, the location of buildings, flower beds and fruit and vegetable plantings, and only after that make a decision on the size of the future fountain.
It is better to choose a strictly geometric shape of the reservoir for the fountain. This best option for a site with a small area. Please note that the jets must fall into the pond at a distance of more than 50 cm from furniture and nearby plants, otherwise you will lose both.
The direction of the jets will be determined by the type of nozzle, so choose it according to your taste, but do not forget to take into account the above. Consult with the seller, he will help you in choosing electrical equipment that ensures the operation of the structure.
What do you need to get started?
First, you need to learn a few basic rules and features of the construction process, as well as the nuances of choosing devices, tools and materials. There are two simple types of fountains that are easy to use and well suited for a summer cottage.
- An open fountain: in it, water is supplied to a nozzle, and the formation of jets is ensured by a difference in the liquid level. It will require a small container, which must be installed 0.5-1 meter above the level of the nozzle. Since this type provides low water pressure, constant monitoring of the liquid level will be required. Such a fountain has disadvantages: the water quickly becomes contaminated with dust, dirt, etc.
- Fountain with a circular pump: the device sinks to the bottom and ensures constant circulation of water. This is not only the most practical option, it looks much more effective.
Choose the right pump for your fountain
The pump is the heart of the fountain, a necessary piece of equipment for proper functioning, so its selection requires attention. For the conditions of a summer cottage, it is better to choose between two types of pumps.
- Submersible (underwater) pumps. They are installed under water. The liquid is pumped to the nozzle through the filter. It is better to place such a pump on a hill so that you do not have to frequently clean the filters. This device is inexpensive, easy to install, operates silently and is compact in size.
- Surface pumps are installed on land. The principle of operation is that the device sucks up water and supplies it to the fountain by pumping it through a hose through a filter. Such pumps are expensive, noisy during operation and difficult to install, but they are much more reliable and easier to maintain.
Please note: try to position the fountain so that the power supply network is as close as possible: this will save you from unnecessary wires on the site or work on their insulation.
The magic of stones: step by step
You can choose any shape and any type of fountain, but its construction will be carried out according to the same sequence of work:
- pit preparation;
- securing the trench;
- tank installation;
- pump installation;
- decoration.
If you decide to build a large fountain, you will need a foundation, but for a small structure, a container - a cylinder or a bathtub - will be enough. But be sure to provide an emergency drain at the edge of the surface to avoid water overflow.
To make the pipeline, choose plastic pipes: they are not subject to corrosion and can be easily connected with a soldering iron.
A rock fountain may require a foundation
Now let's start building a fountain from stones. To do this you will need the following tools and materials:
- flat stones and cobblestones;
- gravel for drainage;
- water pump;
- waterproof bowl;
- copper tube, coupling, PVC pipe;
- slats, planks to strengthen the fountain;
- hammer;
- hand saw;
- scissors, pipe cutter;
- insulating tape;
- drill;
- sliding key;
- syringe for sealing seams.
First of all, dig a recess that will be 5 cm deeper than the level of the bowl, as well as a groove for the socket. Pour 5 cm of gravel - it will serve as a drainage layer. Install the bowl, lay the PVC pipe, connect them together. Cover the groove with soil.
Place the pump in the bowl, mark and cut out the outlet holes. Connect the bowl to the tube, add gravel to the bottom, and secure the pump. Place slats and planks on top of the bowl to secure the fountain.
Place the stones on top of each other and mark the places where the holes will be drilled. Once the holes are drilled, string the stones onto the copper pipe.
To decorate the fountain, fill the gaps with small pebbles and the cracks with silicone glue. Now fill the bowl with water, connect the pump, adjust the pressure and enjoy a great fountain!
Old bathtub as a base
Surely you still have acrylic or cast iron bath, which you decided to take to the dacha for now, and over time, figure out where to put it. This time has come - make a fountain with a pond out of it.
For such a fountain you will need:
- stones, cobblestones;
- priming;
- pump;
- bath;
- sheet of iron;
- decor to choose from - sculptures, plants, lighting, etc.;
- iron scissors;
- shovel;
- insulating tape;
- drill;
- others, depending on the chosen decor.
You can find stones anywhere - in a field, by a river, even on own plot; the main thing is that their shape is round or oval. Dig a hole the size of the bathtub, install the bathtub and close all drain holes.
Cut out wide inserts from iron that will protect the seating area from splashes. Lay them down and decorate them with stones.
An acrylic or cast iron bathtub can serve as an excellent base for a fountain
Cover the bottom with small stones. Install backlighting if you have provided it. After this, you can fill the bowl with water and finish decorating the fountain if necessary.
Please note: as decorative elements Anything can appear: plants in pots or planted in the soil, old dishes, buckets, figurines and ceramic figurines, thick tree branches. This is a great opportunity to show your imagination and practice landscape design.
There are many styles in which you can decorate your fountain: country, ethno, antique, baroque. Even if your fountain is very small, highlight a figurine or an antique vase: this will give the structure a unique spirit.
Styles in which you can decorate a fountain
Unnecessary wheels and gas cylinders: how to use them?
Old tires that will never serve their intended purpose again are perfect for making a fountain with a small pond out of them. One wheel is enough, the main thing is that its size matches your recreation area.
- Cut off the top edge of the tire with a jigsaw. It is enough to grab the bending area.
- Dig a hole so that the tire goes halfway into the ground.
- Cement the bottom of the future fountain. Can be used as waterproofing plastic film. Level it properly along the bottom and secure it to the outside of the tire.
- Install a water supply system and install a pump.
- Paint the inner walls of the wheel. If you used film, cover the bottom with a layer of gravel so that the polyethylene is not noticeable.
- Outside on the wheel you need to do decorative coating from stones of different sizes. They can be of any shape, but large flat stones are easier to cover the protruding edges of the tire. Secure them with cement, and when it dries, fill the fountain with water.
Use old tires to create a fountain
Using approximately the same principle, you can make a fountain using an old gas cylinder. You need to decide how to cut it into two equal parts - lengthwise or crosswise. Dig one of these parts into the ground so that the edges protrude 5-8 cm above the soil level. The main steps are the same - supplying water, installing a pump and decorating. You won't need to cement the bottom, but inner surface The cylinder should be cleaned of possible rust and painted.
Such a fountain will look great in a small area due to its size. And it will require fewer decorative elements than other fountains.
Video about building a fountain at your dacha with your own hands
Now you know how you can use a fountain made with my own hands, give the summer cottage a cozy and original look. Perhaps you know of some other options for such structures, or you have experience in their construction. Share with us in the comments. Easy work and pleasant spring days!
Whether it’s a hot afternoon or a warm summer evening, the play of silver streams of water in the fountain leaves no one indifferent, and their freshness and coolness do not let go for a long time. At the same time, practice shows that implementing the life-giving movement of water in your dacha is easier than it might seem. If you are already the happy owner of a pond in your yard, then the reason to equip a fountain is doubled.
Choosing the design and placement of a homemade fountain
Before you start arranging the fountain, you should think about ensuring that its appearance is in harmony with the design of your summer cottage, and its dimensions correspond to the size of your allotment.
How smaller area plot, the more modest the fountain should be. Against, large territory allows you to realize a whole complex with sculptures, a stream and a waterfall.
A fountain with a sculptural composition of ancient gods, animals and amphibians will fit perfectly into a classical garden with a well-defined layout. It is most convenient to make such figures from artificial stone, that is, polymer concrete. The named material can withstand any frost.
Garden modern type will decorate a fountain made of glass and concrete, polymer materials and stone. A design of this type should be laconic, which will be emphasized by thin silver streams of water.
The rustic style of landscape design will be supported by a composition consisting of large stones and wooden elements. IN in this case A cart or mill will serve as a successful addition to the design.
The factory-made floating fountain deserves special attention. It can be fixed in one place or another. In a large body of water, it is appropriate to place several torches of scattering water.
A great idea for creativity is floating fountains. The miracle of levitation is easy to implement with your own hands in your yard, if you pay attention that the supporting element and the supply tube of the structure are hidden in the stream of water. For example, a heavy stone can be imitated using plastic panels for finishing the facade, and support will be provided by a thin stainless steel tube.
An interesting effect can be obtained by directing two jets of water against each other. In this case it is necessary high accuracy and accuracy of design.
If you don't like bathing in a barrel, you can put a dummy head and arms in there, and then release a stream of water from its mouth. People around you will definitely pay attention to such an unusual solution.
The trickles of water flowing down the glass look original. Obviously, such a product is subject to homemade craftsmen, but the holes for the outlet of water jets from the upper distribution tube must be made especially carefully.
You should take the choice of location for the fountain seriously. So, too close proximity of trees and bushes will lead to the appearance of leaves and debris in the water. In this case, the device filter will have to be replaced or cleaned frequently. Moreover, tree roots can destroy the reservoir bowl, leading to water leakage.
It is better if the sun visits the surface of the water half of the daylight hours. This lighting mode favors optimal activity of aquatic plants, which can also pollute the device filter.
There is no need to take risks and mount the water decoration too close to the wall of the building. Otherwise, moisture can lead to destruction of both the foundation and the walls of the building. Another addition to the pond in the yard could be the arrangement of a stream and waterfall, as discussed in the article
Operating principle and types of fountains
Based on the pattern of movement and use of water, fountains are divided into closed and open type. In a closed system, the same water is used, which is pumped in a circle using a pump, but in an open version, the water is constantly renewed.
If we talk about economy and convenience, it is better to choose a closed-type fountain. Of course, you will still have to add water, but this can already be done as needed, for example, during evaporation or changed when dirty. This choice saves time, effort and money. Moreover, in any design, the essence of the work is that water under pressure is supplied to the nozzle and sprayed.
According to the water outlet scheme, we can distinguish cascade type, geyser, spray and bell options. A cascade fountain consists of several containers placed at different heights. In this case, water is supplied to the topmost of them, and then sequentially poured from the bowl above to the one below. In this design, the role of overflowing elements can be played by stones, pipes, jugs and anything that can withstand exposure to water.
A geyser is a natural source of water gushing out of the ground. Vertical jet fountains have a similar name. During operation, such a device creates a characteristic noise and moisturizes nearby plants and decor.
The sprayer can have many holes itself different diameters and directions, which allows you to organize the movement of water of bizarre shapes. There are also nozzles that rotate under the influence of water, as is done in irrigation sprayers.
An elegant hemisphere of water or a bell is formed by attachments in the form of two parallel disks. A small water bell produces a gentle sound of water.
Necessary materials and equipment
Even if created small fountain closed type will still need a storage reservoir and a pump. For uninterrupted operation system, a filter must be installed, and a nozzle will be required to spray water. You will probably want to decorate your own work with special lighting. There may be a need to stabilize the water flow and a receiver will be required.
Fountain pumps
Based on the principle of operation, units are divided into surface and submersible. A submersible pump is installed directly in the bowl, where it takes water and delivers it through a filter to the nozzle. This unit is characterized by ease of installation and small size. It is fixed on a small elevation in the center of the reservoir so that it does not capture sediments at the bottom.
Surface pump lasts longer and is easier to maintain. A similar unit is mounted outside the reservoir. In this case, the water is sucked by the pump through the filter and hose and supplied to the sprayer.
A 70 W pump will provide a jet lift height of up to 1.5 m. A convenient unit with the ability to adjust the water supply pressure is convenient. You can roughly select a pump using the table below.
| Fountain pump selection table | ||
| Fountain type | Maximum lift of the fountain jet, m | Pump capacity, m3/hour |
| Geyser | 0,2 | 2 |
| 0,3 | 3 | |
| 0,5 | 4 | |
| 0,7 | 5 | |
| 0,8 | 7 | |
| Hemisphere | 0,3 | 0,9 |
| 0,4 | 1,2 | |
| 0,55 | 3 | |
| 0,8 | 4 | |
| 0,9 | 6 | |
| Cascade | 0,6 | 1 |
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1,5 | 3 | |
| 2 | 5 | |
| 2,5 | 6 | |
| 3 | 8 | |
The water in a country fountain cannot remain clean by definition, so for normal operation The entire system will require a filter. An important element design is the nozzle, which determines the number, direction and shape of the fountain's jets (jet).
Specialized stores sell pumps with built-in filters, as well as those equipped with replaceable nozzles. All you have to do is secure it in the container and fill it with water - the work has begun! Depending on the model, additional manipulations may be required, so please read the instructions first.
Power is an important factor that you should pay attention to, since it depends on the volume of the reservoir and determines the height of the fountain jet. The pumps operate on AC power.
Factory units are well sealed and safe, so connection is easy and simple.
If you want to save a little money, you should pay attention to conventional irrigation pumps. True, you will have to tinker a little with installation and buy a sand filter. In this design, the pump in electrical diagram its connections should be added circuit breaker and a residual current device to ensure proper safety. A reliable solution is to use an isolation transformer that provides galvanic isolation of the power and consumption circuits.
Container for fountain bowl
The container for the bowl can be made with your own hands using film, cast from concrete, or purchased ready-made from plastic. In addition, the range of similar products in trade is quite wide, and with small sizes their cost is low.
It is also possible to use various available materials. The containers of original and small fountain models can be selected and manufactured according to a variety of options.
Backlight
Modern technologies make it possible to create stunning lighting for a fountain not only simply, but also safely. LEDs with a supply voltage of 12 - 24 V or lamps with batteries will come to the rescue (power - solar energy). Suitable for illuminating a fountain LED Strip Light in a water-resistant design, as well as spotlights and special water lamps. They require a power supply with an output voltage of 12 or 24 V. The adapter can be purchased at the same place where the backlight is sold.
Correct lighting will make any fountain magical Floodlights are attached to mounting brackets that are included in their design. The easiest way to do this is with self-tapping screws. It is better to secure the tape with a stapler, if the material of the fountain design allows it. In this case, the staples must be chosen wider than the tape: the integrity of the backlight and its tightness must not be violated. You can learn more about fountain lighting from the following video.
There are fountains without a pump
In the event that a fountain with a pump is not a suitable device, preference should be given to open view water supply. A water pipe with a tip on will provide a stream of a certain height without any pump. A well with a standard unit can also act as a source.
However, the water must still be discharged somewhere - for example, into a drainage well, river or pond. In this case, it is necessary to think about controlling the overflow of the bowl. The issue of water drainage is solved by using water from a vessel for irrigation. Of course, water heated under the sun is beneficial for plants, only with this option the operation of the fountain will be linked to the irrigation time, which will not suit everyone. The positive thing is that in this way it is possible to create a fountain without a pump.
You can consider the following option: the container, which in this case will play the role of a receiver, is installed at a height of at least 3 meters to ensure an acceptable and constant jet height. If you place the container at an elevation of 0.5-1 m, you will get a fountain-stream with a slow flow of water. However, you will still have to supply water to it.
Otherwise, you will have to collect water from a container located under the fountain using a submersible pump and send it through the hose back to the reservoir. A submersible pump is inexpensive, but a filter will be required in the system. To camouflage the equipment, a pit should be constructed. To prevent the storage bowl from overflowing, you can install a water level control valve at the inlet of the container - the simplest one from a toilet tank will do.
Practical fountain diagrams
When implementing an original idea, it is useful to show imagination, and this applies not only to the functional side of the fountain, but also to its appearance. Below we will look at the decor, design, layout, diagrams and photos of several practical options, which will help you create your own unique work.
An original and simple fountain made of stones
A very simple and very interesting fountain can be assembled from stones. To do this you need to stock up on the following:
- a small submersible fountain pump;
- a plastic container measuring approximately 30x30x30 cm;
- pebbles and flat stones;
- three moisture-resistant bricks;
- a metal-plastic tube about 70 cm long.
The container for the device must be selected so that it can accommodate three bricks installed on a small edge, and their upper plane should be slightly lower than the edge of the bowl. The diameter of the tube is selected so that it fits well on the protruding pipe of the pump. In this case, the excess gap between it and the tube can be eliminated by wrapping PVC electrical tape. The pump is installed in the center of the tank.
Now you can pour water and test the functionality of the fountain. The next step is to select and prepare the stones. The lowest of them should fit in the bowl and rest on the bricks, the size of the others can be successively reduced. Flat stones should be drilled through the center with a concrete drill, the diameter of which should be slightly larger than the water pipe. It is more convenient to perform drilling on a machine, but if one is not available, you will have to use a hammer drill.
We put the first stone on the tube and lay it on the bricks. We will decorate the base of the structure with pebbles, filling all the free space of the reservoir with it. We stack the remaining stones sequentially on top of each other, placing them on the protruding part of the tube. Now you can cut off its protruding part with a hacksaw. All that remains is to choose a place for the craft and turn on the pump.
Fountain in a stone garden bigger size has a little more complex design. To arrange it, you first need to dig a hole slightly larger than the selected container. The size of the bowl is selected so that it is guaranteed to collect water from a hill of stones of the planned dimensions. It is more convenient to level the bottom of the hole with sand, which is compacted. After installing the bowl, it is also better to fill the remaining gaps with sand and then compact it.
A pump with a tube attached to it is installed at the bottom of the bowl. For a fountain made of large and heavy stones, it is better to use a copper tube. You can add water and test the pump. The top of the container is covered with a stainless steel mesh with a fine mesh, and then stacked wooden blocks as a support for stones. Perhaps it will be more convenient and reliable to first lay several pieces of reinforcement, and then lay the mesh over them. The grid cells should not allow pebbles of the selected size to pass through.
The stones should be drilled in the center and placed sequentially on the tube. The mesh around the stones is covered with pebbles. The surrounding space can be decorated with plants and LED lights. Turn on the pump and enjoy! Don’t forget to add water to the fountain as it evaporates.
Japanese style bamboo fountain
It’s not difficult to build mini-fountains with your own hands according to the same scheme as all the others. The only difference is the low-power pump. It is quite possible to use even an aquarium pump, and aeration is not needed. A nice feature: the small pump makes virtually no noise.
To assemble the presented model, you need to purchase decorative bamboo shoots and a bamboo stick about 0.7 m long (these are used to support plants) in a store for summer residents. In addition, a small vessel and a number of small stones will be useful. It is better to use a container made of ceramic or plastic, without drainage holes. Next we follow the instructions:
- First, we cut the bamboo stick into three parts of different lengths, the largest of which will be 35 cm. Each piece should have one oblique cut, and the second straight. The lower end of the longest bamboo tube should be 0.5 cm below the “joint”, then it will fit well onto the outlet pipe of the pump. It is most convenient to cut with a hacksaw for metal.
- Now we put the longest piece on the pump outlet and install the last one in the container. In another part of the flowerpot we place decorative bamboo shoots and fill the free space with small pebbles.
- We secure the two remaining pieces of bamboo stick with twine to the piece protruding from the pebbles. Now you can add water and turn on the pump.
Small pump
Instead of decorative shoots, you can place living plant. In this case, you should divide the bowl with a plastic partition into 2 zones. One half needs to be filled with soil and a moisture-loving plant should be planted. Moreover, instead of a partition, it is allowed to use a separate pot of earth, which will be placed in a common container. The second zone will become the reservoir for the pump.
Now it is necessary to properly organize filtration, since the water will initially be very dirty. A multi-stage filter is the solution to the problem. It is necessary to insert sequentially into each other glasses made of filter materials with different permeability: first - wire or plastic mesh, then a fabric filter with a finer structure, and inside this combination there is a small pump.
In Japan, bamboo is used to organize fountains of various designs. Above is a diagram of arranging a fountain in the ground using this material. As you can see, it is quite simple to repeat. Below are several options for fountain designs using bamboo. Obviously, after studying the presented crafts, it will not be difficult to design and implement your own version.
Pebble fountain
It’s easy to create an original “dry” fountain in your own yard if you disguise the container with small pebbles. First you need to purchase a small round plastic bowl and follow the instructions:
Fountain on the wall
The option looks original when water flows out of the wall and flows into the bowl. This is a common version of a fountain, and bringing such a design to life is not so difficult. Of course, a pump is hidden in the lower bowl, from where it supplies water through a hose to the spout point.
To prevent the pump from floating, it is important to secure it well. In this situation, it is convenient to “ground” the device using a heavy stone load. When purchasing a unit, think in advance about possible option pump installation. Since water is constantly near the wall, it is imperative to consider waterproofing. Hydrophobic composition for covering a wall is the right solution, and it is better to choose an option that will not change the color of the surface.
From a design point of view, there is another interesting option: Water flows down a perfectly flat horizontal surface. If you can choose a bowl with similar properties, you will get a wonderful decorative effect.
Cascade fountain
When choosing the type of fountain for your home or cottage, be sure to pay attention to the cascade type with iridescent streams of water. The idea is that water will flow sequentially from one container to the next below. Anything can be used as a container. So, for example, it could be a fountain made of watering cans - then there will not even be one trickle, but several. You can also grab a few buckets, teapots with spouts, or even garden carts.
The simplest bottle fountain
A plastic fountain is the simplest design that can be easily done with your own hands. We thoroughly wash a plastic bottle with a volume of 1-2 liters and remove the label from it. Next, we take a metal wire with a diameter of 1-2 mm and pierce holes in the bottle with a heated end (for example, over a candle or lighter). Keep in mind that water will then spray out of these holes.
To connect to the irrigation hose, the end of the bottle neck is first sawn through with a hacksaw to a depth of 10 mm in several places where there is no thread. The next step: the hose is inserted into the neck of the bottle and secured with a clamp so that it does not come off under the pressure of water.
The fountain at the dacha was made with your own hands, all that remains is to find one for it appropriate place. Through the hose, water enters the bottle, fills it and pours out in the form of beautiful streams out through the holes. This is the simplest and cheap option fountain.
Such fountains in a summer cottage can be used not only for beauty, but also for watering garden plot. In this case, the holes will need to be made evenly throughout the entire body so that the resulting atomizer is obtained. Another good idea is Summer shower. Hang your homemade fountain on a tree or attach it to a wall. The refreshing design is ready.
You can combine beauty and benefit in your dacha by making a mini-fountain in a flowerbed. Make holes in one place and place a plastic bottle between the flowers and plants. Additionally, you can hide or decorate it with stones and artificial ornamental plants. Such a fountain at your summer cottage will not only decorate the area, but will also water your flowerbed.
The fountain should be looked after
Let us remember that water evaporates during circulation and must be added periodically. Moreover, over time, dust and debris enter the reservoir, the water loses its transparency and becomes bad smell. Large foreign particles can be easily collected with a net. Natural cleaning of a pond can be ensured by placing shells and algae in it. Spraying water with a fountain nozzle will help enrich the water with oxygen and keep it clean.
You can do the exact opposite and chlorinate the water using special tablets for swimming pools. Covering it with suitable material will help to significantly reduce the flow of garbage into the pond. However, despite the measures taken, the water will still have to be changed periodically. In this case, all surfaces of the fountain are thoroughly washed and the pump filter is cleaned. For more information about cleaning a pond, read the article “How to clean a pond with your own hands from mud, silt and algae - a vacuum cleaner and an aerator.”
(2 rated at 3,00 from 5 )Every owner of a suburban area strives to make his home and the space around it as comfortable as possible and at the same time beautiful. After all, a well-designed landscape design is not only a decoration of a summer cottage, but also harmonious combination different zones on one square. How nice it is to have dinner in the gazebo with your family after a hard day, or to relax on a bench in the hot summer, enjoying the coolness of the fountain. This is exactly what we will talk about in our article, and more specifically, how to make a fountain with your own hands.
Advantages
Most would agree with the statement of psychologists that the sound of water has a calming effect on the nervous system. A person watching the flow of water internally relaxes and gains emotional balance. You can sit by the fountain for hours, watch its play and splashes, and think about your own thoughts.
There is nothing complicated in the design, so almost anyone can install a fountain in their dacha with their own hands - you just need to have the desire and the necessary materials. We will also consider the latter in our article. 
The incomparable advantage of the fountain is that it can be an excellent addition to the landscape design of any suburban area. In addition, a homemade fountain with properly selected lighting will become your guests’ favorite relaxation spot.
Depending on your preferences and the general style of landscape design, the design of the fountain is selected, just take into account the size: if the area is small, then it is better for you to install a small garden fountain with your own hands. 
How it works?
The device uses the principle of circular water supply. In other words, initially a certain amount of water is poured into the reservoir (bowl), which, using a pump, then circulates throughout the entire structure. There is a nozzle above the surface of the bowl, to which water is supplied. To prevent the bowl from overflowing, install special device, regulating the amount of water.
This is a generalized diagram that describes the simplicity of the design. Therefore, having installed a fountain in your dacha, you don’t need to think about the fact that water consumption in the area will increase. Just fill it once required volume water and from time to time just check the degree of contamination. Even though the pump has a filter, the water should still not be too dirty. 
Choosing a place
Of course, before installing a fountain with your own hands, you need to at least visually determine the most suitable place for it. Better yet, draw a plan in order to have a specific idea of the location of the structure and take into account all the nuances in advance. We offer you some practical tips for choosing a location:
- The structure should be visible from anywhere on your site and not block the paths.
- If there is a gazebo or summer cuisine, then a cozy do-it-yourself fountain will be an ideal addition to such a recreation area. If you have a playground, you can make a mini fountain nearby with your own hands - children will be happy to splash in it in the summer.
- Study the topography of your site and find a low-lying place - it is best suited for installing a fountain on the site with your own hands - in the warm season it will be cool and comfortable here.
- The presence of trees nearby is not the most in the best possible way will affect the operation of your fountain - roots can damage part of the structure underground, and falling leaves can clog the water. At the same time, the space under the straight lines is too open sun rays can cause water to bloom.
- It is best to install the structure away from the house, since gusts of wind can blow the stream of water to the side, causing the walls to be constantly wet.
Varieties
Surely many have noticed that the fountains differ in appearance not only in design, but also in design. Some are made in the form of reservoirs with nozzles, others are on a stand in the shape of jugs, statues and other devices from which water flows.
Accordingly, fountains come in two types:
- submersible;
- stationary.
The first option has simple design and is often found on suburban areas and even in houses. To make a similar home fountain with your own hands, you will need a bowl, plastic pipe, pump and nozzle.
Stationary ones have a more complex design and pompous appearance. Such devices can often be found in city parks and squares. For this option, you already need to lay a foundation, since the body is made mainly of stone or marble - durable materials resistant to aggressive weather conditions.
For large plot an area of ten to twenty square meters A large stationary fountain is suitable, but for a small area it is best to install a submersible one. Well, the style of landscape design also dictates its own rules: for a Japanese garden, for example, a submersible type is suitable.
Construction design
As we noted earlier, design style also plays an important role. After all, all elements of landscape design should complement each other and be in harmony with each other. The most common option is the classic submersible jet fountain. Its construction does not require large financial and physical costs, and it will look advantageous in any design. Especially if you want to complement an artificial pond with it. If you want to see options for what do-it-yourself fountains for a garden might look like, we presented a photo of the idea at the end of the article. 
The shape of the bowl is most often symmetrical - it is either a circle or a square. You can put it around the edges decorative rock or pebbles, add greenery. Only the plants must be moisture-loving, otherwise the appearance of the composition will be hopelessly spoiled by rotting plants. 
Necessary materials
Before you do decorative fountain with your own hands, you should take care of materials and tools for construction in advance. If you want to make a stone fountain, then you will need following materials:
- smooth round and flat stones of different sizes;
- gravel or crushed stone for drainage;
- water bowl;
- water pump;
- copper tube;
- coupling;
- small diameter plastic pipe;
- silicone;
- boards to strengthen the structure.
In accordance with the above materials, you will need the following tools:
- hammer;
- jigsaw or small saw;
- scissors;
- fum tape;
- drill;
- sliding key.
Depending on the desired decoration method, you may need Additional materials and tools. Here you can get your bearings on the situation or make a list for yourself in advance necessary items for work, so as not to be distracted in the process. 
Pump installation
Undoubtedly, the main and important detail The whole structure is a pump. If you are a beginner and don’t yet know how to build a fountain at your dacha with your own hands, listen to our advice: you need to approach the choice of pump thoroughly. First, consider the volume of the bowl - the larger it is, the more powerful the pump will be required. The presence of a filter will protect it from various debris and extend its service life. 
There are two types:
- surface;
- submersible
The first type is installed on the surface, but in no case above the water level. The principle of communicating vessels works here.
It is advisable to install the submersible pump not at the very bottom of the bowl, but at some elevation - then sediment will not fall into the filter. Keep in mind that the pump will consume electricity, so make the necessary communications in advance and provide a shield for safety. 
Even if it is not possible to install an electric pump, do not be upset - then we will tell you how to make a fountain in the country without one.
Design without pump
Out of stock submersible pump, you can make an open fountain. If you have a well with a pump on your site, you can remove this water through a pipe into a fountain. The only thing you will need to decide is where the water will flow - for example, you can simultaneously turn on the fountain and water nearby plants.
Thus, you can create mini fountains for your garden with your own hands at several points on your site. 
Exterior design
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about the end result of your work. The appearance of the finished structure should please the eye, and the lighting will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the fountain in the evening. We offer you some decorating tips:
- You can use a variety of nozzles: the shape of the jet will depend on their shape. It can be in the form of a dome, an umbrella, or even a geyser.
- Properly selected lighting will add zest and mystery to the pond. Light sources can be installed not only around the perimeter of the fountain, but also under water. And it is not at all necessary to use standard options - the multi-colored glow of water will definitely fascinate any viewer.
- Use flowers and shrubs to decorate the pond - thanks to them, the impression of a truly “paradise” will be created.
We invite you to see how beautifully decorated garden fountains are with your own hands, photos of which are below.
Ideas and important little things
There are many photographs of country fountains on the Internet, and methods for their construction are described. You can also find enough information on how to make a home fountain with your own hands. Yes, yes, such mini-devices look very original and complement the interior. Such designs are especially popular among supporters of Feng Shui. Of course, the process of their construction is much simpler and cheaper - and their dimensions are quite small. 
If you still have a desire, but don’t know how to make a fountain at home, we will help you make a choice and give you a few useful tips:
- If there is no space on the site, a fountain can be made even at home - in the hallway, for example, or in the greenhouse. Its dimensions can be completely different - depending on your desires and the available space.
- A submersible fountain can be made from available materials - the bowl can be an old cast-iron bathtub or a bathtub cut lengthwise car tire, large flower pot, wide basin.
- Stationary option can be made in the form of a jug, bottles, stones, in the middle of which there is water hose- this is also a great option for homemade design.
- The fountain does not have to be installed separately - it can be part of a wall or landscape composition.
- The cascade fountain is a stationary type, and has an undeniable advantage - such a structure can become the fruit of even the wildest imagination. The matter may be limited not only to traditional pots from which water flows and overflows, but also to entire structures in the form of garden carts, teapots, samovars, watering cans with buckets, etc.
- Fountain elements can be painted in various colors, often used special compounds for treatment to prevent the appearance of moss and mold.
And, of course, you shouldn’t forget about maintenance - with the onset of cold weather, you need to turn off the fountain, drain the water from it and cover the entire structure with film until it warms up. In this case, your little country oasis will delight all household members and guests with its joyful murmur long years.
Photo gallery
We present to your attention a successful selection of 30 photo ideas for do-it-yourself fountain design.
