How to make a decorative fountain with your own hands. Do-it-yourself home fountain. Do-it-yourself step-by-step guide for installing a fountain in the country
Content:
The fashion for fountains for apartments and houses appeared in our country a long time ago and is currently experiencing its second birth. Such a decorative technique for interior design of living rooms is still considered an original solution to revive it and give some freshness to the interior space of the premises.
How to make a fountain with your own hands? If there is enough space, it is possible to build a home fountain or a small lake with water lilies - all this is a matter of your imagination and taste.
A home fountain can be a good way of arranging the little lived-in corners of your apartment (balconies with plants, for example). If the area is small, then you can make a mini waterfall.
Video: we make a mini stream on our own
Before you start building a waterfall, you should study a number of examples in photos and videos on the Internet, where indoor fountains are presented in all their diversity. Having decided on the size (mini or larger version), appearance, design (waterfall, stream, etc.), you can start creating a fountain with your own hands.
Video: pond, stream, home
Principle of operation
The indoor fountain is very simple and consists in organizing the circulation of the water mass in a closed cycle, which is carried out by means of a compact electric pump. At the same time, water rises to a collection point located at some elevation, from where it flows or falls like a small waterfall into a special storage tank.
Video: a small version of the stone yourself
The choice of a suitable shape and design, according to which a home fountain will be created, will, of course, depend on the features of the interior of your apartment. At the same time, you can always complement the waterfall with well-designed lighting and unobtrusive soundtrack so that it turns into the decorative element of your dreams. Home fountains should relax the owners and decorate the room, causing delight among the guests. Suitable options can be searched in the photo.
Design features
The simplest do-it-yourself indoor fountain can be made from the following minimum required set of components:
- base on which indoor fountains are mounted (receiving tank);
- standard silicone hose;
- mini pump from an aquarium or another pump option;
- a container used as a source (or several to make a waterfall, as in the photo at the beginning of the article).
In addition, for the design of the composition and decoration, you will need decorative soil, expanded clay and other auxiliary materials. Home fountains should look interesting to decorate the interior. Examples can be seen in the photo.
As a source, you can use a large sea shell or an elegant mini jug, in which an inconspicuous hole should be drilled. It will be needed to install a piece of silicone hose into the “source”, through which water will be supplied to this container using a pump or pump. As a base (receiving container), you can use a regular flower pot.
Even the smallest fountain is capable of transforming the landscape of a summer house or a private house beyond recognition. This decorative building will definitely become your favorite recreational area on your site, because it will give you the opportunity to unite with nature at any moment. Would you like it to become a reality sooner? There is nothing super complicated here - everyone can make a fountain with their own hands. Don't believe? Then to your attention is a step-by-step instruction with a photo, following which you can quickly and without the involvement of professionals get a spectacular and functional fountain.
First of all, you need to choose the appropriate fountain option for your site. We are talking about its dimensions, shape and materials. When solving this issue, be guided by the area and style of the courtyard of your summer house or private house.
So, for a large area, it is better to choose a classic sculptural model, which will become the center of the landscape composition. And for a modest courtyard, fountains in the form of small architectural forms are suitable: sea shells, fairy-tale heroes, houses, pots and other similar figures.
Original fountain from improvised materials But it is not necessary to buy a ready-made sculpture, because you can also build a fountain with your own hands. The simplest option is the construction of stones. To make it, lay large flat stones on top of each other, make holes in each of them with an electric drill and string all the resulting products onto a copper pipe - it is through it that water will flow to the top of the structure. Then close the gaps with small pebbles and seal the gaps with silicone sealant.
Choose a location
The next step is to decide where exactly on the site the fountain will be located. In order for the structure to fully fulfill its aesthetic function, it cannot be installed “anywhere” - it is important to choose the best location. And for this you need to take into account several nuances.
- Firstly, the fountain does not have a place in a too open area, since under the influence of active sunlight, the water can begin to “bloom”.
- Secondly, the fountain cannot be placed among powerful trees - their roots can provoke deformation of the reservoir and waterproofing. In addition, leaves, fluff, fruits and seeds of trees will constantly pollute the fountain.
- Thirdly, the structure should not be too close to the house, otherwise moisture with the wind will fall on its walls.
- Fourthly, it is undesirable to stir the fountain in the open wind so that its gusts do not “tear off” the jets.
Position the fountain so that it can be seen from different parts of the site Thus, the ideal location for a decorative fountain is a light penumbra surrounded by flowers and low bushes.
When you choose a place, proceed directly to the arrangement of the fountain. It involves the phased implementation of three main groups of work:
- tank preparation;
- pump installation;
- installation and decoration of the fountain.
Preparing the tank
In order for the fountain to be durable and solid, it is necessary to equip a special reservoir for hydraulic equipment and water. This is done as follows:
- Dig a pit of a pre-calculated depth and the diameter you need.
Important! The depth level of the tank must be below the ground level so that the soil around the fountain bowl does not wash away and the base does not deform.
- Pour a thin layer of sand on the bottom of the resulting pit and carefully reinforce its side walls with bricks.
- Cover the inner surface of the pit with a dense plastic film - it will prevent the passage of water.
- Fix the film along the top edge of the tank and seal the seams with frost-resistant silicone sealant. Pour stones at the bottom of the pit, distributing them over the surface of the film. Stones should not be sharp so as not to deform the film.
- Install a small emergency drain near the pit in order to prevent the water level in the tank from rising.
Fountain construction Installing the pump
The fountain will not be able to work without the most important mechanism - the pump. It is he who is responsible for the continuous movement of the water flow. The general principle of operation of the pump is simple: water is ejected through the nozzle into the tank, then it enters the pipeline, where it undergoes coarse and fine cleaning, and then the already purified water is sent back to the nozzle.
The quality of the functioning of the fountain directly depends on the type of pump:
- Submersible - works on the principle of a centrifuge and is located in the center of the fountain tank under water. This is a cheap, but reliable device, for the installation of which no fasteners are needed - the submerged pump is quite heavy, so it does not budge. It is suitable for small weak fountains.
Diagram: fountain pump operation - Surface - a more serious type of pump, which is not installed inside the tank, but on its edge on the surface of the earth. Such a device is designed for large fountains with a complex design.
The pipeline for the pumping system can be constructed from plastic pipes. Their optimal diameter is 16 mm.
Advice. In order to enhance the operation of the pump, additionally install a pressure tank - it will guarantee a constant pressure of the water flow.
Fountain decoration
After the main functional elements are installed, you need to take care of the installation of the fountain itself, or rather its upper part. If you are using ready-made sculptures, then they must be provided with special fasteners for installation. But a home-made stone fountain is best installed on metal slats, previously laid on top of the tank.
Then proceed to decorate the structure. The fountain can be decorated with plants, stones of various sizes, clay figurines, microsculptures and any other details that seem appropriate to you on your site.
You can decorate the fountain with stones, sculptures and plants Do not forget about such a spectacular decor tool as lighting. It can be underwater lamps, light strips, floating lanterns, ground lamps - here you are also unlimited. But remember that lighting structures must be completely sealed, and all their contacts must be protected from water as reliably as possible, otherwise it will be unsafe to use them.
When all work is completed, fill the tank with water and start the fountain.
As you can see, to make a beautiful fountain with your own hands, you do not need to work hard and spend a lot of money. Do not deviate from the instructions, use high-quality materials and do not be afraid to experiment with decor - by following these three simple rules, you will definitely get a functional fountain that will delight your eyes and tune in a positive way for many years.
Which fountain to choose for a summer residence: video
Having comfortably settled down on an open terrace, inhaling the fresh aroma of a flowering garden and sipping herbal teas with peace, we suddenly feel that something is missing in our suburban area ... This thought worries and gradually takes on the form of a finished idea. Why not build a fountain in the country with your own hands? Under the whisper of the flowing water of the fountain, it is always a pleasure to rest, relax and push the pressing problems “for later”. In addition, running water makes the cottage much more comfortable and brings a special flavor to the landscape.
To implement the idea, you can, of course, go the simplest way - hire specialists who will do everything for you, for a certain (rather high) amount, of course. Or you can show your imagination and build a fountain yourself. Let's not "globalize" with you, constructing a super-duper grandiose structure, but let's make such a small, cozy stone fountain))
materials
To build this stone fountain, we need:- Water pump with a power of at least 1100 W
- A copper tube with a diameter of 1.5 cm, through the base of which water will flow from the pump to the top of the fountain.
- Waterproof bowl (reservoir) to accommodate the pump. The bowl must be purchased such that the water pump is completely immersed in it, and the distance from the top of the pump to the edge of the bowl is at least 15 cm.
- Plastic or metal pipe for mounting the electrical cable from the pump.
- Coupling that will connect the copper tube to the pump.
- Float water supply regulator.
- Metal mesh for the bowl, which will protect it from debris.
- Gravel for drainage, which you put in a waterproof bowl.
- Polystyrene tube 3 cm long to bring the pump attachment cord out.
- Several bars to secure the net to the bowl.
- Flat stones that make up the visible decorative base of the fountain, and a few more details clearly shown in the diagram (faucet, adapter, filter).
Digging a hole for a fountain
Make a recess under the fountain “with a margin” so that the waterproof water tank (bowl) stands there freely, because after installation it will be necessary to strengthen it in the ground by filling the free space between the sides of the tank and the ground with sand. Sand should be carefully spilled with water, and sprinkled with stones on top so that it does not subsequently fall into the water tank. The pit for the tank should be 5 cm deeper than the height of its sides. Immediately dig a trench from the fountain to the power supply for the subsequent laying of the pump power cable.
Before laying the tank in the pit, fill the bottom of the pit with small pebbles to a height of 5 cm, then install the tank and strengthen it. Then measure the distance from your future fountain to the source of electricity and take a piece of pipe of the same length (you can take a plastic pipe). Pull the power cable from the pump through the pipe, lay the pipe in the groove dug in advance, insulate it at both ends and fill it with soil.
We put the water pump in the tank
We immerse the “heart of the fountain” in the tank - a water pump that will ensure the life of the fountain. It is worth noting here that the pump must fit freely in the tank so that it can be easily removed for preventive maintenance.
Close the tank with a mesh
To prevent debris and foreign objects from getting into the tank where the pump is installed, it must be closed with a galvanized metal mesh, on which cutouts should be made for free access to the pump and power cord.
We lay the timber
Now we make the base for the fountain from strong bars with a section of at least 50 x 50 mm (we don’t want our handsome fountain to fall into the tank?)) We put the bars on top of the metal mesh. They should be 8-10 cm longer than the tank hole at each end. And before laying the bars, it is necessary to attach a piece of a metal tube (diameter 1.5 cm) to the pump, through which water will be supplied to the top of the fountain. The tube should be 8-10 cm higher than the estimated level of the fountain.
Drilling holes in stones
In each stone prepared for a garden fountain, we drill holes in the center with a diameter of 5-6 mm larger than the diameter of the metal tube on which we will plant these stones. For work, you can use a hammer drill or impact electric drill. When you begin to drill stones, periodically water them with water, and the drill will not overheat, and the stone will not crack from a strong shock load.
So we made the simplest fountain with our own hands. Using a similar technology, you can create such decorative fountains:
Bubbling water will sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow if you install decorative lighting near the fountain. And if you buy inexpensive nozzles for fountains (better not plastic, but bronze), then you can achieve a very beautiful dispersion of water.
Caring for your new structure is very simple: change water filters in time, replenish the water in the tank twice a month, and for the winter it is better to dismantle and remove all removable parts of the fountain until spring, cover the tank pit with boards or a piece of plywood.
Try, experiment! Perhaps you will come up with something of your own and share your invention with us))
Every year, millions of people spend huge amounts of money to visit exotic places on the planet. You can recreate the natural beauty in miniature by making a decorative indoor fountain with your own hands. The lively murmur of water has a beneficial effect on the emotional state of a person. Plus, you can't take your eyes off her.
The design gives the room not only a luxurious look, but also moisturizes the air in the hot season. To create a decorative indoor fountain with your own hands, it is not necessary to purchase expensive installations. The main thing is to be patient, turn on the imagination, pick up the tools and work wonders. First, let's look inside the structure to understand how it works. Then we will get acquainted with the types of indoor fountains. And finally, consider the step-by-step instructions for creating a natural miniature for the home.
The fountain is not only an element of decor. Since it wonderfully humidifies the air, it should not be installed near wooden furniture.
Why does water flow
"All rivers flow into the sea, but it does not overflow." So it is said in the most ancient book of mankind. We see confirmation of these words every day when snow or rain falls from the sky to the ground. The Great Designer launched the water cycle in nature. Imitating him, experienced craftsmen created with their own hands a decorative indoor fountain that pleases the heart all year round. How does this system work?
The design is based on a unique water cycle in a closed system. They start it with the help of a connected to the power supply. It lifts the liquid up, after which it gracefully flows into the storage bowl.
There are decorative fountains in which several identical containers are used. They are built at different heights, connected by tubes. Pouring liquid into the vessel, which is located at the top, the system starts. Usual physics plus creativity and golden hands. The result is an exotic corner with a quiet murmur of water, which calms the nerves.
How to create a decorative indoor fountain with your own hands: step by step instructions
Before getting down to business, you need to think about the size and place where the structure will be installed. For example, in a small room a huge fountain is inappropriate to place. And, conversely, in a spacious room, a miniature structure may go unnoticed. Decorative fountain set on the floor, wall or table. Much depends on the overall design of the room and the number of household members.
Depending on the movement of water, fountains are:
- Cascading - liquid falls down decorative steps or ledges.
- Closed - water moves in flasks or flat containers attached to the wall.
- Gushing - the jet is directed upwards, after which it falls into a miniature pool.
There are backlit options in the form of wall paintings that create a unique setting in the room.
When choosing a place for the structure, small children and pets should be considered. The main thing is that the building does not interfere with anyone.
But how to make a fountain at home with your own hands to fill it with exquisite exoticism.
Of course, you first need to understand the principle of the structure, and then collect the necessary items:
- suitable container;
- aquarium pump;
- flexible hose;
- waterproof glue;
- decorative elements (expanded clay, shells of various sizes, colored soil, wood, ceramic products);
- backlight (optional).
A vessel of any shape is suitable as the main bowl. The main thing is that water does not flow out of it. The upper part of the pump for a small fountain is equipped with a sprinkler. Since the dimensions of the structure are very small, the tip does not need to be worn. Otherwise, water will flood the nearby territory of the room.
It is quite possible to construct a miniature pump on your own, since the unit has a relatively low power.
Let's start the creative process
Those "who despise the day of humble beginnings" never succeed. Therefore, having collected the necessary tools and materials for the construction, the wise guys get down to business.
Consider the traditional master class for creating an indoor fountain with your own hands at home:
- A piece of about 10 cm is cut off from a suitable hose (you can use an aquarium). Its diameter should match the pump tip.
- Attach the pump to the bottom of the tank with suction cups and connect it to the tube.
- The resulting space is filled with expanded clay or stones, leading a tube between them.
- To give the fountain a presentable appearance, all elements of the device are carefully masked with all kinds of shells, pebbles or glass.
- Depending on the preferences and the interior of the premises, the design of the structure is carried out using various objects.
Stylish exotic in the interior of the bedroom
A small table fountain can be built from a flower pot with a diameter of about 25 cm.
For work you will need:
- durable container;
- pump;
- translucent balls or pebbles;
- aquarium plants;
- paints for painting on ceramics or glass.
Used for the foundation of the fountain. To give the design a stylish look, the container is painted with special waterproof paints. To circulate the liquid, a pump is installed, a hole is made and the tube is brought up.
The bottom of the fountain is decorated with decorative balls, shells or pebbles. After filling the system with water, aquarium plants are placed inside. They give the design an exotic look and originality. A simple scheme for creating a design opens up great opportunities for novice craftsmen.
The brook murmurs in the fountain and without a pump
Perhaps only a few have seen natural geysers in all their glory. There, as you know, there are no pumps, and there is no electricity. But such a release of water causes unprecedented admiration. Of course, at home it is impossible to create such a phenomenon without electricity. However, there is a way out!
For the construction of a miniature fountain without a pump, use:
- several containers;
- thin tubes;
- connecting adapters;
- sealant (if the containers are made of plastic);
- decor elements.
First of all, a small hole is drilled at the bottom of each bowl. Thin tubes are pulled through them, after which they are sealed with cold welding. The procedure will protect the system from fluid loss.
There is such a sign: in order to return once again to the city that you liked, you need to throw a coin into the main fountain. Probably each of us at least once in his life did this simple procedure. For some reason, we childishly believe that the desire will certainly come true.
I wonder why this tradition is associated with the fountain? Perhaps it's a hidden symbol? Water represents the transience of our life. And the fountain, throwing it up, creates a feeling of celebration, creates the effect of fireworks or a scattering of confetti. The murmur of water is mesmerizing, and the sun's rays are reflected in the exquisite water patterns.
Why do you need a fountain in the country
If you like to invite friends to your hacienda, then you simply need a country fountain. As a rule, such a building makes an unforgettable impression on guests. Be sure: a new tradition will appear on your site - tossing a coin into the fountain. For happiness and to once again return to this wonderful place.
Rest near water is very useful. After a working day, it is pleasant to relax, enjoying the melody of splashes from a decorative fountain. The water element will saturate you with energy, relieve fatigue, give you peace and a feeling of complete harmony with the outside world.
Professional designers have long appreciated these qualities and consider garden fountains to be an ideal decoration. Various effects of continuous pouring of water, as well as the use of lighting, allow you to create amazing landscape masterpieces. And to build such a structure is not so difficult, as many believe. And it is quite possible to do it yourself.
Main types
So to say, according to the technique of execution, they are divided into two types:
- submersible,
- stationary.
The submersible type is installed inside the garden pond.
This design consists of three main components:
- pump,
- pipeline that supplies water
- a nozzle that gives a specific shape to the water jet.
Such fountains for summer cottages make it possible to create a stream that flows from the depths of the reservoir. And visually it looks like the spray is erupted by an underground source.
The stationary type resembles structures that adorn city parks and squares. This is not just a water firework, but a real work of art.
As a rule, it represents some kind of figure: for example, a flower, a young lady with a jug, a boy with a fish, and so on. You can invent absolutely any composition.
Stationary fountains are constructed from artificial stone - polymer concrete. This material has proven itself to be reliable, durable and (which is especially important!) frost-resistant.
decorative aspect
The most common is the jet fountain. It is just a jet of water directed upwards, which is divided into several thin streams. Simple, tasteful, classical, not difficult in terms of implementing the idea. Such a mini-fountain will breathe life into even a small artificial pond.
In form, decorative fountains are usually subject to the laws of symmetry. Simply put, during their construction, strict geometric proportions should be observed. Round or oval, square or with several corners - such designs look spectacular.
As a rule, the fountain does not need additional decor. You just need to designate the sides of the reservoir - for example, create the effect of stucco, lay out a border of natural stone or decorative brick. A stationary fountain in the garden can be designed in the form of a sculpture, create a composition of stones.
The most important thing is that the style of its design should fit into the general principles of home garden design. Needless to say, the principle of proportionality works in this case. The larger the total area of the site, the more massive the fountain in the country can be built. Agree, on a miniature six acres, a huge structure will be both inappropriate and not functional.
Ideal building site
The ideal place for construction will be one that is clearly visible from various points on the site. Just keep in mind that decorative fountains for the garden should not block approaches to other summer cottages.
It is very good if the water structure becomes a decoration for a playground or joins a relaxation complex. Near the gazebo or not far from the outdoor terrace - this is just a great solution! The fountain will give positive emotions when you want to relax under its silver song of thin streams.
When planning construction, study the relief of your site. It is better to install the fountain in the lowland part. Firstly, such a technique will help saturate the air with moisture, which will be especially appreciated on hot summer days. Secondly, you can significantly adjust the volume of groundwater in the right direction.
Do not place the fountain in the center of the garden or next to the trees. Roots can damage the internal structure and waterproofing, and falling leaves will permanently clog the filtration system.
Preparation of materials for construction
There is an opinion that it is extremely difficult to build a fountain with your own hands in the country, and this task belongs to the category “from the realm of fantasy”. I hasten to disappoint you, dear lovers of complicating everything. Such a construction is quite within the power of the average summer resident. The most important stage is the selection of materials.
In particular, it is very important to make the hydraulic installation reliable. This design performs the most important function, creates a pressure of water and throws a jet up.
If you plan to build a small fountain, then a plastic basin or a larger container can serve as a fountain bowl. Plastic is easy to use, but at the same time reliable. For a fountain with a large bowl diameter, it is necessary to dig a foundation pit.
The bottom is lined with sand, the sides are lined with bricks, and the entire inner surface is lined with dense polyethylene. Many summer residents, equipping home fountains with their own hands, use the so-called waste material. These are the remains of building materials (natural stone, tiles), as well as what every household has - tires from cars, glass and ceramics. The only requirement for the material is strength and resistance to temperature extremes.
Pump installation principles
The life of the fountain depends on the operation of the pumping unit. The pump is the center of this living organism. He drives water through pipes in the same way as the human heart through vessels. Do you wish longevity to your mini-fountain? Make sure you buy a quality pump.
The principle of its work is very simple. Water from the bowl passes through the drain hole through the pipes. The pump creates the necessary pressure and throws the jet up. Such a pump for a fountain in the country is called a circulation pump, because the water in it passes continuously through a closed circular system. Its power depends on the volume of the bowl, as well as the desired power with which the spray shoots up to the sky.
Please note that the pump is powered by the mains. Therefore, even at the planning stage, consider the possibility of a direct connection to the power supply. If there is no way to power the pump on the hacienda, do not despair. You can build a waterfall for a natural stream or a domed fountain without a pump.
Such models look more natural and natural, but are only suitable for sloping areas. In this case, the circulation of water will occur according to the principle of communicating vessels with a multi-tiered arrangement.
Special fixtures
A variety of fountain design will give special accessories - nozzles. We have these simple devices create amazing water patterns. The same fountain in the country will look different when using nozzles of different shapes. The intricate shapes of a geyser or a dome, a hemisphere or an umbrella create an amazing atmosphere.
And even more enhances the romantic effect of the backlight. When dusk descends on the ground and the decorative lighting of the fountain turns on, the mood immediately changes. Resting in this magical corner of the cottage, we feel like in a fairy tale. Recently, designers have been actively using floating lights and devices that illuminate the water surface from the inside.
It is worth paying attention that the underwater lighting apparatus must be 100% sealed. This is a strict safety rule that must be followed.
In order for the fountain to please you for many years, follow the rules for caring for it. For the winter, all removable elements must be dismantled, even if they withstand severe frosts. With the onset of cold weather, it is necessary to drain the water from the fountain bowl.
It is better to do this at the same time as the summer season closes and do not postpone until the first frost.
Indeed, under the influence of sub-zero temperatures, the reservoir of a country reservoir can be damaged. Ideally, it is necessary to cover the bowl of the fountain for a non-working period. A film fixed on all sides is suitable - reliable protection against dust and precipitation.
Photo selection
