Do-it-yourself decorative fountain at the dacha: step-by-step analysis of the construction stages. Pipe dreams or real science - how to make a fountain with your own hands without a pump How to make a small fountain with your own hands

Decorative ponds and fountains on a personal plot can be the main elements of landscape design. Next to them you can arrange a cozy relaxation area. The murmur of living water will create a feeling of peace and tranquility. You can create such a corner with your own hands, even if you have little skill and means.

The principle of operation of the fountain and its types

In order to understand the structure of this useful and decorative structure, a basic knowledge of physical laws is sufficient. All existing fountains are divided into two large groups:

• having a closed system of fluid movement;
• having an open water flow system.

The first type of fountains requires a reservoir filled with water. This can be either a pond or a specially selected container, for example, a plastic basin. Water circulation is started by a pump. After the wet “fireworks” splashes out, the liquid returns to the tank and repeats the same path again. It turns out that there is a water cycle - but not in nature, but in a system of tubes connected to the pump.

Fountains of the second type are characterized by the absence of a circulation and, as a rule, are connected to flow-through hydraulic structures. In particular, if you make a hole in an external water pipe, you will get the most primitive fountain. In this case, no container is required. All that remains is to think about which way to direct the water flows further.

The diagram shows all the components of the fountain

The principle of operation of any type of fountain is that liquid is supplied under pressure into a pipe ending with a spray nozzle. The type of nozzle gives the water discharged out a certain shape.

Cascade

The liquid, pouring alternately from one container to another, resembles a multi-tiered waterfall. Instead, you can also run water down “steps” of stones. You can also do without nozzles; the end of the pipe is masked.

Water is transferred from one bowl to another, forming a cascade

Geyser

The vertical release of water is a distinctive feature of this most common species. It resembles natural springs gushing out of the ground - geysers. Noisy splashes add vitality to the garden area and irrigate nearby plantings.

The geyser resembles springs gushing out of the ground

Bell

A vertical stream of water passes through a special nozzle made of two disks, distributed evenly along its edges. The walls of the resulting water hemisphere become smooth and continuous.

Water passes through the nozzle and is converted into a “bell”

Spray

The nozzle for the spray fountain has a lot of holes for releasing water. Some types of nozzles are capable of moving and rotating under pressure, creating either rain or a shower.

The nozzle has many holes, the water at the outlet turns into small splashes

Pump selection

For small fountains, a submersible pump is the best option. It is not only more expedient in a home-made structure, but also cheaper.

External pumps are required only where the fountain has a complex structure and occupies a large area. Their noise is not dampened by the water column, and to avoid theft, outdoor equipment must be masked separately. On the other hand, “dry” outdoor pumps are easier to maintain.

An important parameter of the equipment is its power. If the height of the water jet does not exceed one and a half meters, then you should limit yourself to 70 W. If the power is greater, then the cascade will come out higher. Pumps with the ability to adjust the pressure force are preferred; they allow you to change the height of the fountain.

The strength of the water output depends on the power of the equipment

When choosing a pump, you should focus on the ratio of indicators such as pressure and performance of the device. The first parameter characterizes the height to which an upward jet can rise. The second indicates the volume of water that is pumped by the fountain pump per hour.

Table: pump selection for different types of fountains

How to make a fountain with your own hands

The first step is to decide on the location of the hydraulic structure. It should be:

• away from trees so that the tank remains free from foliage falling into it;
• away from walls that can deteriorate from excess moisture;
• away from the paths so as not to block the road.

A good choice would be to decorate a playground or a place for relaxation with a fountain. Flowers, stones, etc. would be appropriate nearby. If on a site with a slope the fountain is placed in a low place, the air for plants growing higher will become more humid and favorable. If you settle at the top, and even with an open system, then excess water will automatically water the garden.

Preparation of materials

In addition to the pump purchased in the store, the remaining parts can be assembled from scrap materials. You will need either an unnecessary container or a pond. For the latter, a special hydro-repellent film - liner - is added to the shopping list. To hold the film in place, its edges are pressed with bricks or stones.

Sand, gravel or expanded clay are suitable for drainage.

Often a metal mesh is installed on top of the bowl, on which stones masking the pump are placed. The presence of such a clever detail significantly saves the amount of other materials that would have to be used to fill the water space without it.

A simple diagram of a spray fountain

Work algorithm

1. Under a reservoir or pond, dig a hole in the ground equal to the height of the container plus 5 cm.
2. In the direction where the drain will be directed, they deepen by 40 cm.
3. Geotextiles are laid on the bottom.
4. Set up a drainage layer of coarse sand 5 centimeters thick.
5. The reservoir is immersed in the resulting “hole”.
6. The submersible pump is installed at the bottom of the tank. To keep it there, the device is made heavier. To do this, attach any object of great weight to it. Alternatively, the pump is placed in a basket and filled with stones.

A hole is dug for a pond or reservoir.

To install the pump correctly, three rules must be followed:

• disguise. All electrics must be hidden;
• transformer. The device is connected to a low-voltage transformer located inside the nearest room;
• electrical safety. All connectors for extending the electrical cable must be reliably protected from moisture. A separate machine and RCD on the line would not be superfluous.

Ensure uninterrupted operation of the pump by protecting it from contamination. To do this, a filter is installed in front of the device nozzle to trap debris. There is also protection against “dry running”.

The finished fountain mechanism is decorated, the reservoir is filled with water and the pump is started. If required, the pump power is adjusted. If desired, the structure can be illuminated for evening relaxation hours.

Is it possible to make a fountain without a pump?

Magnificent Peterhof is famous for its 176 fountains that operate without pumps. The source of water in them is the Ropshinsky springs, passing through many pools and locks. Therefore, if there is a spring on your summer cottage, you can “connect” the fountain directly to it.

Another way to do without a pump would be to create a device called Heron's fountain. This option is also suitable for those who do not have natural sources on the site.

The principle of the “eternal” fountain is cyclical

Two of the three containers shown in the diagram - namely B and C - are closed hermetically, water is poured into A - this is a visible fountain reservoir. The whole trinity is located on top of each other and is connected by a system of tubes. In order to start the mechanism, it is enough to add water into the open bowl A. Pressure is created and the liquid begins to move. The magic stops when all the water from the middle vessel goes into the bottom one. The thinner the tubes, the longer this moment is delayed.

You can create a fountain with your own hands using the law of communicating vessels according to the ancient Heronian method even from ordinary plastic bottles. If you use five-liter ones, then one charge of water is enough for 40 minutes of continuous operation of the mechanism. The preferred tubes are those used in IVs. The tightness of the vessels is ensured with silicone sealant.

Primitive fountain model

Video: how to make a fountain yourself

How to arrange

Statues and figurines always remain classics of the genre. Sculpting enthusiasts with artistic talent will enjoy working on masking the pump. The material for the manufacture of monumental figures is polymer concrete - artificial stone. It retains the strength of its shape even in bitter frosts.

Modeling and statues are traditional decorative elements

In a large area, even a car can be disposed of. Let currents of living water pass through it and give strength to the green shoots around, and let the neighbors stop to take a selfie against such an unusual background.

Even an old car can come in handy

A still life like this will be more appetizing. Antique samovars, teapots and cups will be used, and the pump tube will be hidden in the leg of the tea table. The abundance pouring out onto the earth will be a symbol of the endless hospitality of the owner of the dacha.

Fountain-still life - original composition in the recreation area

Imitating a natural source will always be appropriate among lovers of natural farming. To decorate the fountain, only the stone that is under your feet is taken. Naturalness is ensured by this technique one hundred percent.

Natural stone is one of the popular materials used in landscape design

An excellent illustration of the fact that it is not necessary to engage in excavation work to arrange a fountain. A geometrically adjusted stone slab becomes an obstacle to the source supposedly gushing from the depths and, unable to withstand its power, lets it upward.

An ordinary stone slab can be installed among plants on large pebbles

The fountain in the Art Nouveau style is modern and minimalistic with its right angles. The emphasis of the structure is given by successful lighting in the place where the water flow falls. Bulbs for underwater “chandeliers” are purchased exclusively from LEDs and are completely protected from moisture getting inside.

Successful backlighting will make the entire composition more lively

You can even imitate the miracle of levitation. To create the illusion of a water tap floating above the ground, simply veil the pump hose in a transparent plastic tube. The water flows into the tap, turns around and falls down.

By skillfully decorating tubes and wires, you can create an unusual composition

In this version, it is as if an invisible gardener is watering the flowers in the flowerbed. If the tube is thin enough, it will not be visible from a distance. For such a fountain, any used dishes are taken. Here a bowl was added to the teapot.

An old kettle and a rusty bowl were put to good use

From these bottles will flow continuous fun. With such an original fountain, there is no shame in inviting friends to a barbecue. And let alcohol remain at the celebration of life only in this form - in the form of cooling water.

An original fountain, next to which you can sit with friends

There is nothing easier than placing an old musical instrument in a bathtub filled with water. A child's rubber duck quietly sways on the waves of pouring “music.” Such an installation could be the envy of the best museums in the world. If desired, the structure is removed and the bath is used for its intended purpose. The versatility of the tank is another feature of the presented masterpiece.

The structure is easy to assemble and disassemble

Care and maintenance rules

The same water, circulating in a circle, gradually evaporates. Adding a new portion is the very first thing you will have to deal with when operating the fountain.

Periodically, the water must be completely replaced to avoid spoilage. Over time, dust settles in the liquid, contaminating it. The water becomes cloudy and an unpleasant odor appears. Simple measures can reduce the amount of dirt coming from outside - just cover the top of the fountain with any available material after each use.

When draining the water, it is necessary to clean all the internal surfaces of the fountain. The filter, attached to the pump nozzle, is rubbed with a brush.

Shading the fountain helps delay the blooming of water.

Before the onset of the winter months, all water is removed completely and the fountain is dried. The pump is removed and moved indoors until spring. If the device is planned to be stored in a cold room, after drying it is cleaned of deposits. If the room is warm, you can avoid the cleaning procedure by storing the pump in a bucket of water.

If the size allows and the fountain is mobile, it is moved entirely under cover. If not, the structure is covered with film.

In a pond equipped with a hydraulic structure, it is difficult to frequently change the water. Large debris floating on the surface is caught with a net with a long handle. The process of purifying a reservoir can be started by planting algae and populating it with mollusks. The stronger the pump nozzle sprays, the more oxygen the pond will receive - this also has a positive effect on the freshness of the water.

A properly selected pump and a creative touch in the design are all that is required for complete dacha happiness. They say that a person can look at fire and water endlessly. However, even five minutes spent near a murmuring fountain can give you a feeling of infinity.

Any fountain, even the most modest in size, will become a bright accent in landscape design. On summer days, this is an excellent opportunity to improve the microclimate in the recreation area, because the fountain acts as a natural air humidifier, and even at noon it will be cool and fresh near it.

Decorative fountains and features of their installation: selecting style, location and equipment

Before building a fountain in your dacha, it is important to ensure that its design matches the general style of landscape design, and that it itself is proportionate to the site. The larger the area of ​​the site, the more massive and impressive the fountain can be - on a standard six hundred square meters, a large structure with sculptures and high sides will look extremely ridiculous.

Therefore, the type of landscape should be taken into account:

• classical garden - a garden with a strict, consistent layout is perfectly complemented by a sculptural fountain: ancient gods, young maidens, cupids and monsters

• natural garden – “natural” fountains, geysers or mini-waterfalls framed with natural stone, pebbles and wood would be appropriate here. Or it could be a stylization of a spring, in which a timid trickle of water makes its way through a pile of stones

• modern garden - fountains are built from metal and concrete, natural and artificial stone, polymers and glass. Such a fountain is a thoughtful composition, the stylistic affiliation of which is emphasized by decorative elements that make it rich and interesting. Fountains in the minimalist style are characterized by thin, thread-like streams of water.

• country– this could be a composition of clay jugs and boulders, stylized as an ancient well. A characteristic element of such fountains is often a mill wheel.

Separately, it is worth mentioning floating fountains - they can be launched into any relatively large body of water. These fountains have a pump with a special float, so it can drift freely over the entire surface.

It is very important to choose the right place:

• The fountain should not be placed in an area of ​​active sun - the sun’s rays will provoke the development of microscopic algae, and the water will “bloom”

• At the same time, you should not place the fountain near trees - the root system can damage the fountain bowl and break its tightness. In addition, leaves, fluff, seeds and fruits that enter water will clog the filters

• drops of water should not fall on the plants, garden furniture or the walls of a house - excessive humidity can cause damage to things and cause the death of plants. The recommended distance is at least 50 cm from furniture, walls and plants, but here you should additionally take into account the height of the jet and the possibility of moisture being carried by the wind

• proximity to an electrical source to connect the pump

The next stage of creating a fountain is the selection of equipment:

• container – for the fountain bowl, you can use ready-made plastic fonts (containers), which provide reliable waterproofing and are frost-resistant and durable. For a large fountain, you will have to prepare and concrete the pit manually

• pump – continuous movement of water flow is ensured by connecting a pump. The pump from the bowl, through the pipeline, takes water and pumps it under pressure to the nozzle, thereby the pump acts as the “heart” of the entire system. Based on the installation method, pumps are divided into two types. Submersible (underwater) mounted in a bowl, directly in the water (Fig. 1), they take water directly from the font and supply it to the nozzle through a filter under pressure. They are placed on a slight elevation - this will prevent bottom sediments from getting inside the pump. The main advantage of such a pump is ease of installation and compactness.

A surface pump (Fig. 2) is mounted on land; it sucks water through a filter through a water supply system and then supplies it to the nozzle under pressure. The advantage of this approach is the reliability and durability of the pump, as well as the ease of its maintenance. The pump power is selected depending on the desired jet height (water flow intensity) and the existing fountain bowl.

• The filter is an important part for a home fountain. In most cases, water from the fountain bowl enters the pump with some contaminants. If the water is not filtered, the pump will quickly lose its functionality.

• lighting - will add decorativeness to the fountain, especially in the evening

• receiver - a pressure tank, the installation of which will ensure the maintenance of constant water pressure entering the nozzle, thereby ensuring stable operation of the entire system

If it is not possible to connect to electricity, you can assemble a fountain at your dacha with your own hands without a pump. Its design is based on obtaining a fluid pressure difference. To do this, you will need a large container filled with liquid and a nozzle installed 0.5 - 1 m higher than the liquid level. Due to the pressure difference, the water streams will be pushed out, but they will be quite “sluggish” and will not splash much. This option is suitable for stream fountains. In addition, you will have to constantly monitor the liquid level, since the water pressure created with this design is quite low.

An important point is the selection of nozzles. They will help diversify and transform the fountain, creating a variety of water patterns, forcing water to flow in the right direction. The water passing through the nozzle is distributed in a certain way, foams, sprays, and is saturated with air.

How to make a fountain with your own hands in the country: a step-by-step guide

The technology for creating a simple fountain with your own hands is quite accessible; let’s consider it using the example of a fontanel fountain. It will become a spectacular detail in any garden, while it is easy to use, it can be easily cleaned, repaired, and easily stored in the shed for the winter. Having selected a suitable place, we dig a round hole, the internal recess of which should correspond to the size of the bowl container used for the fountain (Fig. 3). Around the pit we additionally dig out a gutter about 10 cm deep.

Decorating a site is a favorite pastime of summer residents and homeowners. Beautiful flower beds, flower beds and even beds are a true decoration. However, nothing pleases the eye more than ponds and ponds surrounded by beautiful vegetation. And if a stream of water still comes out of it, then the corner turns into the best resting place. If you still manage to make not only a fountain with your own hands, but also beautiful lighting, put a swing or bench nearby, in the evenings all the inhabitants will gather on this patch.

This fountain is DIY and so is the lighting: a waterproof LED light with remote control for changing colors

Fountain device

To make a fountain at your dacha you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Of course, it all depends on the size of the reservoir and how you imagine it. Depending on the method of construction, fountains are of closed and open type. We are talking about the cyclical use of water. The closed type uses the same volume of water, driving it in a circle. Open - new all the time. Garden and country fountains are mainly made of a closed type: their design is simpler and more economical. Of course, water has to be added and changed periodically - it evaporates and becomes dirty, but still, the costs are not very high.

When installing an open type system, you will have to think through the water supply system, control of its level, drainage and disposal. You can, of course, use the fountain’s reservoir as a container for heating water before watering, and use the bowl to distribute it throughout the garden, but watering is not needed around the clock, and the fountain can operate in this mode.

In the simplest version, to make a small-sized fountain, you need some kind of sealed container and a submersible pump. Any container can be used - a special plastic one for a pond, a barrel, an old bathtub, a basin, a cut tire covered with film, etc. With pumps it’s a little more complicated.

Fountain pumps

Fountain pumps are sold specially, with built-in filters. To make it easier to make a fountain with your own hands, you can buy such models. It’s very easy to work with them: put them in a container, secure it so that it doesn’t move, fill it with water, carry out the starting manipulations (described in the instructions) and turn it on.

Fountain pumps come in different capacities and raise the jet to different heights. Often the kit comes with replaceable nozzles that change the nature of the jet. They are powered by a 220 V network; there are models powered by solar panels. They are made hermetically, so there will be no problems when connecting, no step-down transformers are needed. The only thing that won’t hurt is an automatic machine and an RCD on the line to which the pump will be connected. This is just in case, to increase security. The price of the smallest and lowest-power fountain pump is $25-30. Productive models cost several hundred or more.

You can use any submersible pump for the fountain. But you need to buy or make (you can make a sand transformer) a step-down transformer for it. A security group from a machine gun and an RCD on the line will not be out of place here either. This circuit is worth tinkering with if you have an old pump that is not currently being used.

How to do it without a pump

Is it possible to make a fountain without a pump? It is possible, but it is open type. For example, bring a water supply pipe into the pond - central or. The water coming out under pressure will produce a jet of some height. By installing a tip on the pipe, we can change its shape. But with such a construction, it is necessary to figure out where to divert the water. You can go back to the well or to the river, to the irrigation area, etc. Although with such an organization there is a pump, it pumps water into the house, and the fountain is only one of the flow points.

The second option is to place some kind of container at a height, supply water to it, and from there it is supplied through pipes to the fountain located below. To create a more or less decent jet height, the container must be raised 3 meters or higher. But the question remains: how to supply water there. Again using a pump, but no longer submersible. They are cheaper, but require a filter. You will also need a pit in which the equipment is installed. A system of pipes connects it to the bowl of the fountain.

In this area, everything has become easier with the advent of LEDs. They are powered by 12V or 24V, which is much safer than regular mains power. There are even lamps that run on solar-powered batteries.

Illumination can be done using waterproof or similar spotlights and lamps. To power them, you need an adapter that converts 220 V into 12 or 24 V, but they are usually sold in the same place where LEDs are sold, so there shouldn’t be any problems. Installation is simple: the spotlights have mounting brackets, the tape can be “shot” with a stapler, only the brackets need to be found larger than the size of the tape: there is no need to punch it, so as not to break the tightness.

There are LEDs that change color. Shades from 8 to several thousand

Schemes of fountains of different configurations and photos of their design

Surely you know that the main component of a fountain is its bowl. In essence, this is the same pond, but with additional equipment - a pump. A pond can be made in at least a dozen different ways, and some of them are described in a separate section, because we won’t describe how to make a bowl for a pool. We will pay maximum attention to the organization of fountains and their decor.

Small fountain

The device requires a container and a pump. Decoration is put on the tube that comes from the pump. These can be slabs of stone in which it is necessary to drill a hole, with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe. These slabs are strung on top of each other like a children's pyramid.

Scheme of organizing a decorative fountain for a summer residence

To avoid water overflow, it is necessary to provide a drainage system - just below the maximum level, cut a pipe into the container, the second edge of which is led into the sewer system, drainage system or into the garden. You can do it another way: arrange a water collector around the bowl - make a concrete groove or dig in a plastic one. The collected water should also be taken somewhere. Usually in closed systems the problem is not overflow, but a lack of water - it evaporates, but you can play it safe.

DIY fountain: photo report 1

And now a photo report of how a mini-fountain was made with your own hands according to this scheme. It turned out interesting.

To make this fountain you needed:

• square plastic flowerpot without holes;
• small fountain pump;
• a plastic pipe 0.7 m long, the diameter is such that it fits over the pump outlet;
• a bag of decorative pebbles;
• three bricks;
• red granite sawn into slabs.

The tool used is a drilling machine to drill holes in granite with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe.

We install a bowl in the prepared hole and place bricks in it, closer to the edges. They are needed for the stability of the structure and to reduce the amount of pebbles. They also serve as support for the stone structure. Between the installed bricks we place a pump with a tube on, pour in water and check how it works.

Holes were pre-drilled in the slabs in the workshop. They should be located approximately in the center so that the weight of the stones does not overturn the structure.

The first slab rests on lying bricks, the rest are strung so that the center of gravity does not shift. Having laid the first one, we fill the remaining space with pebbles. After the last piece is laid, a mark is made on the pipe. The very last stone is removed, the pipe is cut down just below the mark, then the last fragment is returned to its place. When the water is turned on, it seems to come straight out of the stone. Very unusual and uncomplicated.

Photo report 2

The next version of a small fountain is made according to the same principle, only a flexible hose is used instead of a pipe, and driftwood is used instead of a stone. The effect was simply wonderful.

Everything is so clear that there is no need for comments. It differs from the previous design only in the presence of a mesh. This is to increase the volume of water: the tray is small in size.

Until you see it, it’s hard to imagine how easy it is to make amazingly beautiful things. As for pipes, it is better to use polyethylene pipes - they bend well and are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation.

How to make a fountain from a tire, see the video report.

Room or tabletop

Mini-fountains are made according to the same principle, only they use very low-power pumps. Suitable even for aquariums, but without aeration. They even work almost silently. We will make a fountain in the Japanese style. In addition to the pump, you will need a small ceramic container for this. In our case, oval made of baked clay. A piece of bamboo - about 70 cm long (bought at a flower shop, sold as a support for climbing plants), a bunch of living growing bamboo and a number of small pebbles. From all this comes such beauty.

First of all, cut a piece of bamboo into pieces of different lengths. It is hollow inside - these are natural pipes, which also do not rot for a long time. One of the sides should have an oblique cut, the other should have an even cut. You cut it so that the longest piece near the evenly cut end has a “joint”. The lower incision goes approximately 5 mm below this thickening. There is simply a partition inside, with its help it will be easy to attach this segment to the pump outlet. It is difficult to cut, but I managed to saw through the thin trunk with a metal blade.

We put a small pump in the vessel, put the longest piece of bamboo on it - its length is about 35 cm. On the other side we put a bunch of living bamboo, filling the space between them with pebbles.

We tie the two remaining pieces of dry bamboo to our “pipe”. You can use hemp rope. That's all, we made a mini fountain with our own hands. All that remains is to add water and turn on the pump.

Other models can be made using the same principle. Now you understand how and it will be easy to change the design. A few photos for inspiration.

Another type, more traditional and familiar to us, uses almost the same idea and the same tools. The difference is in the design. You can take a large ceramic or even plastic pot. It is only important that it has no holes for drainage. Then it’s a matter of technique: divide it with a plastic partition into two or three zones, pour more soil into one and plant one of the moisture-loving plants.

The second part will be the reservoir. Only when organizing circulation is multi-stage filtration necessary: ​​the water becomes very contaminated. Therefore, glasses made of filter materials with different meshes are inserted one after another - first - a wire or plastic mesh, then - fabric with different meshes, and inside this structure - a small pump.

You can make with your own hands not only the composition of such a tabletop fountain, but also a pump. How? Watch the video.

Pebble fountain

The fountains with pebbles have a very interesting design. Their bowl is disguised, so it looks like a dry fountain, without a bowl. In fact, there is a bowl, but it is decorated with pebbles, which are laid on a mesh covering the tank.

Dry pebble fountain - device diagram

A container is installed in the dug pit. Its volume and size should be quite decent: to collect all the splashes, or at least most of them. Place a pump in the container and cover the top with a metal or plastic mesh with a fine mesh. It serves to protect against large contaminants getting into the water, and a thick wire mesh can be laid on top of this fine mesh. This is if you use pebbles. If you are laying stone slabs, you can use boards or bars.

How to make a “dry” fountain with your own hands

With pebbles, it’s probably better to do the opposite: first lay a mesh with a large cell as a base, and on top of it with a small one. This way you won’t have to worry about choosing large pebbles, and debris won’t get into the water.

Rockery with a source - this is what this fountain might look like

If you use your imagination, you can come up with very interesting compositions based on this. For example, one of the options with a garden watering can. If yours is in a classic style, a watering can fountain is unlikely to fit well, but it will fit very well into a country style.

As you can see, water is collected in the same vessel, hidden under pebbles, and from there it is pumped into a watering can with a small pump.

Near the wall

This is a classic option - a small or large stream of water runs from the wall, flowing into the bowl. As you may have guessed, there is a pump in the bowl that supplies water through a pipe to the water outlet point. It's simple if you know how. It's just a matter of implementation and decoration.

To prevent the pump from floating, it is screwed to some kind of heavy plate. At least for the sidewalk, as long as the size fits. The case usually has corresponding holes for mounting, but when choosing, you should pay attention to this.

If you plan to do something similar near the wall of a house or fence, take care of its waterproofing. Even if the water does not flow down the wall, splashes will fall on it and the humidity will be increased. At a minimum, it is necessary to coat it several times with a hydrophobic compound. Try to find one that doesn't change the color of the surface too much.

The design style may be different. A flat surface is made at the top bowl, from which water flows off like a wall. The effect is very interesting. It is important that the surface from which the water falls is mirror-smooth and absolutely horizontal.

Fountain-cascade

The iridescent jets look very interesting. Fountains of this type are called cascades or cascading. With this organization, water is poured from one bowl to another. In the case of a country or garden fountain, you can come up with interesting shapes. For example, a fountain made from buckets, watering cans, teapots and even old garden carts.

The principle of organizing such a cascade is simple: several vessels or bowls mounted above each other so that a stream of water flows from one to the other. At the bottom is the largest tank, where the pump is located. He delivers water through a hose to the highest of the vessels.

How to make a fountain bowl

If you need a classic shape - a round, square or oval bowl from which a stream of water flows, the easiest way to find a suitable plastic tank. They come in different shapes and volumes - from tens of liters to several tons. In color they are mainly black and blue. Although it seems that for our purposes it is better to take a blue color, keep in mind that against such a background the pollution is more visible. To prevent your fountain from looking like a swamp, you will have to clean this bowl often. From this point of view, it is more practical to take black - the water looks the same, but you need to wash it less often.

The selected tank can either be buried flush with the ground level, or leave a side. Most often, the sides are decorated with stone or pebbles. Depending on this, choose the depth of the pit. It is dug out and is slightly larger than a bowl.

When the required depth is reached, all the stones, roots, snags are removed, the bottom is leveled, compacted, sand is added in a layer of about 10 cm. It is well leveled and spilled so that it becomes compacted. Place the bowl on the prepared base and fill it with water. Sand or soil is poured into the gap between the walls of the bowl and the pit. Sand - if the soil is clayey, and soil - if it drains normally. Having filled in a small layer, it is compacted - carefully, using a pole or deck to get into the gap to be filled. But no matter how well you compact, be prepared for the fact that in a couple of weeks you will have to add more: the soil will shrink by several centimeters.

You can do without a plastic bowl. There are two other options: make the tank from monolithic concrete. In this case, you can make a fountain with sides. The process is long and expensive, and you also need to worry about waterproofing.

The cheapest option is to dig a pit and line it with film. In principle, any high-density polyethylene will do, but it will last a year, maybe two. Then it begins to let water through. Special films for swimming pools are more reliable in this regard, but they cost a lot of money, but can be used for years. The technology for making such a fountain bowl is captured in the photo.

The first stage is digging a pit and leveling the walls. After the required shape and dimensions are achieved, the horizontal areas are leveled and covered with a layer of sand. It will protect the film from possible damage.

We lay the film in the finished pit. It should lie inside without tension, freely. Its edges are covered with soil and pressed down with boulders. To prevent plant roots from growing through the film, it is not advisable to spread it under. This is a non-woven fabric that is very tear resistant. It is used when laying roads to prevent the soil from being crushed and trees from sprouting. So she can protect the fountain without difficulty.

Boulders are laid out on the laid film. If the pit is stepped, boulders should lie on each step. When the design of the bowl is almost complete, a pump is installed. The bowl is filled with water and the bowl is tested for leaks and pump performance.

In specialized stores today you can buy very original ones. The range of such goods is quite large, as they say, for every taste and color. Many people like it when they can hear the sound of a small trickle of water in their home. These sounds allow you to relax and calm down after a hard day at work. However, most consumers have no idea what can be done. It does not require any special expenses, nor, indeed, knowledge.

Material for construction

So, below we will describe how to make a fountain at home. To create an original design you will need:

1. Glue.
2. A container that will serve as the base for the fountain.
3. Approximate diagram of the fountain
4. Large sink.
5. A small piece of hose commonly used for cleaning aquariums.
6. Polyethylene film.
7. Expanded clay, decorative multi-colored soil and shells of various shapes and sizes.

A large sink will serve as the central detail of the entire composition. A pump and hose are needed to pump water, and multi-colored soil, shells and expanded clay are needed for decoration. In addition, you need a small piece of plastic film. So, expanded clay can be purchased at any flower shop. As for black, red soil, it is better to use a special mixture for aquariums.

Selecting a container

A home fountain should be durable enough and at the same time beautiful. Therefore, the container for its base should be selected more carefully. The first step in making a structure is selecting a vessel. In this case, you can take a flower pot for a fountain. If there is no such container, then you can use a flower pot, a beautiful basin, a clay vase, etc.

The most important thing is that the vessel does not leak. If, for example, there are holes in a flower pot, they should be sealed with epoxy glue.

Choosing a pump

Since anyone can make a fountain at home, it’s worth paying special attention to the pump. After all, not everyone understands them. There are several with a sprinkler on the tip and a regular one. In this case, the first option is not suitable. First of all, splashes can get outside the main container. And one more thing - we have a completely different idea.

Therefore, to make a mini fountain with your own hands, a regular pump will be enough. You can make the tip yourself. In this case, the pump should simply raise the stream upward.

First stage

So, how to make a fountain at home without much expense? First, you should cut off a small piece of hose, about 10 centimeters long. After this, you need to put it on the tip of the pump and see if the hole in it is completely open. The power of the jet that will be supplied to the fountain depends on this. The finished structure should be installed at the bottom of a previously prepared container.

The home fountain in this case will have a large sink in the center. It is from this that the water will flow. Therefore, it is necessary to make a hole in the sink that will be sized to fit the hose. This can be done using a conventional drill. Of course, you should drill the sink carefully so that its walls do not crack.

Stage two

The fountain layout is quite simple. With its help, everyone can assemble a similar decoration for their interior. When the pump is installed in the container, you can fill in expanded clay, which must be covered with polyethylene on top. A hole for the hose should be made in advance in the film.

Polyethylene is necessary so that expanded clay does not float when wet. After all, water will be poured into the container. After this, multi-colored aquarium soil should be poured onto the film.

Sink stand

The composition will not look good if the main element is simply installed on pebbles. Therefore, you should make a neat stand. So, how to make a fountain at home that will not only soothe with the pleasant sounds of flowing water, but also be a wonderful addition and highlight of the interior? A beautiful stand can be created from pebbles. They can be attached using epoxy glue. When making a stand, do not forget about the hole for the hose.

Assembling the structure

When the stand is ready, a hose should be passed through it. If it is too long, then it needs to be shortened. Otherwise, it will be visible where the water is coming from. Now you can install the main element - a large sink. The hose should be pulled only one centimeter into the pre-made hole.

That's all, all that remains is to decorate the fountain. To do this, you should sprinkle some shells around the sink and put the most beautiful pebbles. All this can be purchased in the store - for lovers of aquarium fish or as a gift.

If there is no large sink, then it can also be replaced with any suitable item. The main thing is that you can make a hole in it for the hose. The design of a decorative fountain for a room depends entirely on the imagination of its creator.

The final stage

After the composition is completely folded and all its elements are secured, water must be poured into the container. There is no point in completely submerging the soil. This way the fountain will lose its main idea and its charm. The most important thing is that the pump is completely hidden under water.

Now you can turn on the fountain. To do this, you need to plug the cable from the pump into the outlet.

That's all, the homemade fountain for the room is ready. However, it is worth remembering that the water from it will gradually evaporate, especially in the hot season. Therefore, it will be necessary to add liquid to the decorative fountain at least once a week. If necessary, it can be done more often.

You can disguise the cable from the pump going to the outlet. In addition, the indoor fountain can be decorated with artificial flowers. This will give the composition a more impressive look.

Finally

Now you know how to make a home fountain. To create it you do not need large expenses and special talents. It is enough to turn on your imagination. It doesn’t take much time to make such compositions, but they will delight you for many years.

A cozy terrace, the aroma of a blooming garden, a soothing herbal tea... This associative series to the phrase “outside the city” can best be continued by the idea of ​​​​building a fountain at the dacha with your own hands. Flowing water allows you to relax for your own pleasure, push aside sad thoughts and unsolvable problems. The movement of water jets is another element of comfort and special color characteristic of a country landscape. To implement this idea, you can hire specialists, or you can show your imagination and build a small structure yourself.

The fountain principle and its types

Any fountain is a device that raises a stream of water under pressure to a certain height and sprays it in the air or concentrates it into waterfalls. Therefore, as part of the design, two main components can always be distinguished:

• a source that creates a stream of water;
• a receiver where this water flows.

According to the principle of operation, all fountains are divided into two large groups:

1. Circulating. They are characterized by a closed system of water movement from a source reservoir under the action of a pump force upward through a pipe, followed by flowing into a receiving reservoir. An important point is to provide a water purification and disinfection system. All floor and indoor hydraulic structures, as well as small fountains for summer cottages, are made of this type.
2. Flow-through. A prerequisite is a connection to a sewer system, so a tank as such is not required. This type is most in demand when arranging hydraulic structures as part of landscape gardening.

Another classification of fountains is based on the shape of the water jet provided by the nozzles and other structural elements used.

Cascade

The best option for areas with height differences or large areas. When arranging a cascade, you can realize any design idea based on the overflow of water flow from one container to another. By adjusting the height of these differences, you can get rapid waterfalls or leisurely riffles.

The principle of a cascade fountain is that water flows from one container to another

Geyser

One of the most popular options for organizing garden and country fountains. It is a structure that ejects water under pressure perpendicularly upward or at an angle. By changing the height of the jet, you can create a cozy babbling fountain or a multi-meter noisy stream of water.

Illumination will make a classic fountain even more impressive

Bell

One of the easy-to-implement solutions that also performs a decorative function. The height of the water column is usually small, but due to a special nozzle, the liquid is evenly distributed around the perimeter, forming a continuous water hemisphere.

The bell fountain will become a very original design element of the site

Spray

This type of fountain includes a diverse group of hydraulic structures that differ from each other in the nature of the jet:

• single - small vertical jets of one given height;
• tiered - small vertical jets of different heights;
• spinner - a rotating jet forms a spiral flow;
• water jet - water comes out of a hole in a decorative wall at a given distance from the surface of the earth;
• fishtail - vertical jets fan out and fall in the form of a solid wall;
• tulip - the stream forms a funnel expanding upward and falls into a thin dome.

The number of jets and height of the fountain can be any, depending on your preferences

Which pump to choose

A wide range of pumps allows you to choose the best option for operation in specific conditions. First of all, you should decide on the type of pump - submersible or surface. The advantages of submersible pumps include:

• invisibility from prying eyes;
• ease of installation - installation involves lowering the pump to the bottom of the reservoir and connecting the pipes and power supply;
• low noise level;
• efficiency;
• optimal for small fountains.

Surface pumps also have their advantages:

• water supply to any part of the fountain;
• free access to equipment;
• there is no need to clean for the winter;
• optimal for complex hydraulic structures on a large surface of a reservoir.

Having decided on the type of pump, pay attention to the maximum pressure and performance of the unit, reflected in the comparison table.

Table: equipment parameters for different types of fountains

How to make a fountain with your own hands

To build a simple stone fountain design, you will need the following materials and equipment:

• water pump from 1100 W in power;
• a copper pipe with a cross-section of 15 mm for delivering water from the pump to the top of the fountain;
• a reservoir made of waterproof material for the pump with a volume that allows the pump to be immersed in such a way that at least 150 mm remains between it and the edge of the bowl;
• a plastic or metal pipe for wiring the electrical cable;
• coupling for connecting a copper pipe and a pump;
• float type water supply regulator;
• metal mesh to protect the tank from debris;
• drainage gravel;
• polystyrene pipe for the pump cord outlet;
• bars for attaching the mesh;
• stones for the upper decorative part of the fountain (can be replaced with clay pots, concrete bowls, etc.);
• faucet with adapter and filter.

Having prepared all the necessary materials, we begin to implement the algorithm for step-by-step instructions for building a fountain with our own hands:

The design of any fountain consists of underground and above-ground parts

1. Choosing a location. This should be on the leeward side of the house to avoid moisture getting on the walls of the building. The distance between the building and the fountain must be at least three times the length of the hydraulic structure.
2. Digging a hole for a fountain. The dimensions of the pit completely depend on the size of the selected tank: a little wider so that it can be freely installed, and 5 cm above the edge of the sides. They provide for excavation of soil in the groove for the electrical cable.

   The pit should be slightly larger than the prepared tank

3. Tank installation. The bottom of the prepared pit is leveled with small pebbles in a layer of 40–50 mm, the tank is installed and strengthened. Sand is poured into the grooves between the sides and the ground, which is carefully spilled, compacted and decorated with small stones. Or they simply line the bottom of the pit and its side surfaces with waterproofing material. The power supply from the pump is pulled into a plastic pipe of the required length, placed in a prepared groove, insulated and covered with earth.

   The reservoir can be made of plastic, ceramic or metal

4. Pump installation. When placing, take into account the need for regular preventive inspection and maintenance of the device.

   It is important to ensure easy access to the pump for further maintenance.

5. Laying the mesh. A galvanized metal mesh will serve as reliable protection against debris and foreign objects.

   To access the pump, a hinged hole is cut in the mesh

6. Installation of the base. A metal pipe is connected to the pump to supply water upward (its length should be 100 mm greater than the expected height of the fountain), and wooden beams are laid on top of the metal mesh. The timber is taken with a section of 50x50, and their length should be 80–100 mm greater than the length of the tank. This will ensure the stability of the structure and prevent it from falling into the hole.

   secure the water supply pipe well

7. Preparing the stones. In each stone (pot, bowl, etc.) intended for the fountain leg, it is necessary to drill a hole, the diameter of which will be 0.5 cm larger than the cross-section of the pipe. To avoid overheating of the drill and cracking of the stones, they must be periodically watered.

   The hole is made using a hammer drill or impact drill

8. Installation of the structure. Stones, pots or bowls are placed on the pipe like a children's pyramid, fastened together with silicone-based glue. After it has dried, the tank is filled with water 150–200 mm above the pump, the unit is connected to the electrical network and a test run is performed to adjust the pressure.

   The ground part can be made in the form of a pyramid of stones

9. Decorating the base of the fountain. You can equip a small reservoir, make masonry, plant ground cover plants, etc. It is important that the decor does not interfere with monitoring the water level in the reservoir twice a month and carrying out other preventive work if necessary.

Is it possible to make a fountain without a pump?

There are fountain designs that do not provide for the use of a pump. According to the implementation option, there are two ways to solve this problem:

Decorative design

Decorating a country fountain is the final stage of construction. Depending on the owner’s capabilities, the general concept of the landscape and one’s own preferences, the following options can be used:

Sculptures and plaster figures. One of the simplest and most popular options for finishing the above-ground part of the fountain. The figurine can be purchased ready-made or made independently. It can be alone or form a plot composition.

You can make a composition out of sculptures

In some cases, such a sculpture becomes one of the elements that releases or receives a stream of water. With this decoration option, you should worry about its installation in advance - before the test run of the fountain.

Sometimes sculptures perform not only an aesthetic function, but also the function of receiving water flow

Backlight. The dynamic light type of lamps has become especially popular and relevant lately. They pulsate or change color in accordance with the movement of the jets. This option is often used in the decoration of city, garden and park fountains.

When creating lighting, you can combine different colors

Monochrome lighting options are the best option for a country house on a small area. The color of the lamp can be standard, performing a utilitarian function, or it can shade or harmonize with the color concept of the dacha.

The color of the lamp can be selected in accordance with the design of the site

Stones and rubble. They often disguise the base of the fountain and the water reservoir and pump located underneath it. Options with arranging large stones in a chaotic manner on small pebbles are acceptable. The recommendation from designers in this case is to use no more than two types of stone, which will avoid a clutter of colors and shapes.

Using stones you can create real miniature grottoes on your site

Options for uniform backfilling with blued pebbles have also become widespread, which creates the effect of the presence of a reservoir - a dry lake, stream, etc. This technique allows you to connect the fountain with other decorative elements of the site.

The stone “stream” looks especially original

If the pebbles are painted in different colors, then around the fountain you can lay out ornaments and patterns reminiscent of a flower bed, Indian motifs, etc.

Using colored pebbles you can create any pattern

Pond with plants. If you choose to arrange a small artificial reservoir, then it is decorated with aquatic plants, taking into account the requirements for lighting, water temperature, etc. Preference should be given to unpretentious specimens.

A pond surrounded by all kinds of plants gives you the feeling of being in the wild.

Placement of the fountain among decorative foliage plants, the shape of the crown or leaf blade of which is in harmony with the general style of the hydraulic structure.

Even a small, discreet fountain will sparkle with new colors surrounded by plants.

Stylization of the material used for the main part of the fountain to match the overall concept of the landscape. You can even make a mini fountain with your own hands. Here, as with sculptures that serve as sources or receivers of water, installation should be carried out in advance - before the test run of the structure.

There is room for such a fountain even in a small area

Care and maintenance rules

Operating a home fountain does not require special knowledge, skills or abilities. It is enough to follow simple rules:

• change water filters regularly;
• monitor and replenish the water level in the tank twice a month;
• dismantle removable structural elements for the winter;
• When cold weather sets in, cover the pit with a wooden sheet made of boards or plywood.

Thus, owners of suburban areas can independently build a fountain with their own hands from scrap materials. A hydraulic structure can be decorated in the same style as the surrounding landscape or become an accent of the landscape. Simple rules of care do not require special skills or significant effort, and the variety of models allows you to choose an option for every taste and budget.