How To Build An Outdoor Water Feature

November 15, 2023

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a close up of a water fountain with water coming out of it.

A water feature is a stunning addition to any backyard landscape. They can transform the atmosphere of a garden and create the soothing sound of a waterfall right at home. Despite these benefits, water features and fountains can be very expensive. Rather than hand over a great deal of cash, create your own DIY water fountain!

A DIY water fountain or feature is a relatively affordable project that requires little time. Every homeowner will also get a sense of satisfaction knowing that they have built their beautiful water feature by hand. Build a lovely rock waterfall fountain for your yard, deck, or garden with this comprehensive tutorial.

Pot Fountain Tutorial

A flower pot fountain is a beautiful and easy DIY water feature to make. While the required materials are relatively cheap and it takes little time to install, this fountain can easily turn any patio or yard into an oasis. The sound of flowing water, its stacked formation and its use of natural materials will make this water fountain stand out.

Before you begin this tutorial to build a DIY pot fountain, make sure to gather everything you need.

What Materials You'll Need:

What Tools You'll Need:

Step 1: Drill Holes In Planters

First, take the largest ceramic or terracotta pot and drill a hole in the bottom using a drill with the spade bit. After drilling the hole through the largest planter, do the same with the smaller one. The holes should be large enough to fit water piping through.

If the two plastic flower pots do not have drainage holes that are big enough for the pump piping, drill holes in their bottom as well.

Tip: Make sure to wear eye protection while completing this step in the DIY project.

Step 2: Add Feet To Your Fountain

Unlike a water wall or pond, your DIY fountain will need to rest off the ground in order to project enough room for the electrical cord. There are many great ideas as to how you can raise the project, but we recommend gluing wood or bamboo feet to the bottom of the largest ceramic planter. The natural appearance of the wooden feet will contrast the ceramic or terracotta and add a unique combination of textures to your fountain.

Step 3: Assemble The Basin

Next, it is time to assemble the base of the water garden. Take the largest stone pot and rest the water pump at the bottom. Pull the electrical cord out through the hole and seal any area around the cord with silicone. Make sure that the line is pulled far through the basin before adding the sealant to ensure that the cord is not too short.

Optional: Building A Solar Fountain

If you would like to reduce the cost of your electricity bill and harness the power of the sun, choose a solar pump instead of an electrical one. Not only will this save you a great deal of time and materials creating an outdoor fountain, but it is also relatively maintenance-free.

If this sounds like the project for you, simply use a single planter topped up with water and a floating solar pump to build a simple but elegant water feature in your backyard.

Step 4: Prepare The Water Tube

After constructing the basin, measure out the length of the water tubing. It should be approximately as tall as both the 18″ and the small ceramic pots added together. Cut the piping using scissors or a handsaw then insert it into the pump.

Step 5: Start Stacking Your Water Fountain

The next step in your mini water garden project is to assemble the fountain base.

Take the largest plastic pot and place it upside down into the bottom of the ceramic base. It should completely cover the water pump and the tube should stretch up through the hole. Next, stack the second ceramic pot right side up on top of the plastic one. Extend the water line up through the hole in the base, then lower the last planter upside down at the top.

As you weave the tube up through the holes, make sure to seal any extra space with silicone to create a waterproof water feature.

Step 6: Add Rock, Gravel or Stone

Now that the flower pot fountain is stacked, it is time to put the finishing touches on the project. We recommend that you fill the fountain with pond stones or fake plants for little maintenance. The liquid will also easily move over these surfaces once the fountain is turned on.

Tip: If you would like your outdoor DIY projects to include a bit of flair, you could skip filling the fountain with gravel and use colourful glass stones instead. The colourful stones will be a beautiful addition and will certainly make your fountain a focal piece in your backyard.

Step 7: Add Water

In order to truly make your DIY project a water fountain, you need to add water! Fill both the top and bottom containers with pond water from watering cans or a garden hose. Make sure the fountain is filled up to the lip of each planter.

Note: The fountain may not look like it has enough water because it will flow between the stones, but it will move through the pump reservoir and through the garden fountain in a trickle.

Step 8: Start The Flow

The final step in this tutorial is to turn on the pump and start the flow of water in your DIY water feature! The pump should turn on and move the water over the stone creating a gentle trickle.

Step 9: Enjoy Your New Fountain

After completing this tutorial, you can sit back, relax, and listen to the sound of a waterfall from your lovely stone fountain.

Did you know?

Did you know that water features like a waterfall or fountain are known to have health benefits? The sounds of natural falling water can help soothe and de-stress, causing your blood pressure to lower and your physical and mental health to improve. This is a great reason to include a water wall or fountain in your yard!