How To Make An Outdoor Fountain
Creating a peaceful oasis in your garden is easier than you might think! Adding a DIY outdoor fountain brings the calming sound of running water to your backyard while enhancing its natural beauty. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of making an affordable, eco-friendly fountain using a large barrel planter, river rocks, clay pots, and a solar panel. It’s perfect for beginner homesteaders or anyone looking to add a charming water feature without a hefty price tag.
Materials Needed:
- Large barrel planter
- Medium-sized clay pots (Plastic pots will do just fine too)
- River rocks or smooth stones
- Solar-powered fountain pump
- Clear plastic tubing (depending on the pump model)
- Water
Step 1: Prepare Your Barrel Planter
Start with a large barrel planter that will serve as the base of your outdoor fountain. This can be a wooden barrel or a resin one made to look like wood for a rustic touch. Make sure the barrel is watertight or has a liner to prevent leaks. If it doesn’t, you can easily line the inside of the barrel with a pond liner, which you can find at most garden or home improvement stores.
You’ll also want to make sure you wash and clean all your rocks really well to make sure there isn’t anything that might harm the birds or insects that could be drinking from your outdoor fountain. This would be perfect near a pollinator garden.
Step 2: Set Up the Solar Fountain Pump
Next, unpack your solar-powered fountain pump. Solar pumps are an eco-friendly choice, using sunlight to power the fountain, which cuts down on energy costs. The pump should come with a small solar panel and some tubing to help direct the water flow.
Place the solar panel in a sunny spot nearby so that it receives plenty of sunlight. If your barrel is shaded, you might need to position the solar panel a little farther away using an extension cord or tubing.
Step 3: Stack Your Clay Pots
Now, it’s time to create the fountain tiers using clay pots. The number of pots you use depends on the look you’re going for. It also reduces the amount of rocks you will need for your outdoor fountain. A stack of two or three pots is usually sufficient for a balanced look. Place a medium-sized pot upside down inside the barrel to create a platform, then place a slightly smaller pot on top, right-side up.
Feel free to use a mix of sizes and colors of rocks for added visual interest. But make sure everything is level!
Place the pump underneath one of the pots in the barrel. To allow the water to flow from pot to pot, you’ll need to drill a small hole in the bottom of each pot.
This hole should be large enough for the clear tubing to pass through. Feed the tubing from the fountain pump through the pots so that the water will flow from the pump and cascade down through each pot in the outdoor fountain.
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Feel free to use a mix of sizes and colors of rocks for added visual interest. But make sure everything is level!
Step 5: Add River Rocks
Now for the fun part—decorating with river rocks! These rocks will hide the tubing and create a natural look for your outdoor fountain. Layer the river rocks or smooth stones inside the barrel around the clay pots, covering the tubing and the pump base. Arrange the rocks so that water can flow freely but the hardware remains concealed.
Step 7: Fill the Outdoor Fountain with Water
Fill the barrel with water until the pump is fully submerged. Double-check that all tubing is secure and that the water will flow as intended in the outdoor fountain.
Step 8: Test the Solar Panel and Pump for Your Outdoor Fountain
It’s time to bring your fountain to life! Make sure the solar panel is exposed to direct sunlight and power on the pump. The water should begin flowing from the top clay pot, cascading down through the others, and finally returning to the barrel where it will be recirculated.
If the flow is too strong or weak, adjust the tubing or pump settings. Some solar pumps come with adjustable nozzles to control water flow.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches to Your Outdoor Fountain
Now that your fountain is working, you can add finishing touches to enhance its beauty. Consider placing small potted plants around the base of the barrel or adding a few floating water plants inside for a natural look. You might also want to place your fountain near a seating area so you can enjoy the relaxing sound of flowing water as you relax outdoors.
Maintenance Tips:
- Check the water level frequently, especially during hot weather. If too much water evaporates, your pump could be damaged.
- Clean the solar panel and pump regularly to prevent clogs from dirt or algae buildup.
- Reposition the solar panel as needed to maximize sun exposure.
Creating an outdoor fountain with simple materials is a rewarding project that adds charm and tranquility to any garden. Not only is it a beautiful centerpiece, but it’s also a great way to incorporate sustainable energy into your backyard setup. Enjoy the soothing sound of water in your outdoor space as you relax and unwind!
Let me know how your project turns out or if you have any questions along the way! Happy homesteading!
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