How to arrange a small fountain in the garden. We make a fountain with our own hands. Choice of model and equipment

Garden fountains in the country- the most beautiful water objects that help decorate any suburban area. Moving jets of water have always had a bewitching effect on people. The magic of water is so strong that people can spend hours looking at the waves or falling water cascades. A fountain for a summer residence is not just a win-win decoration of the site. It creates a special microclimate of purity and freshness in the garden, and also brings with it a certain lyrical touch to the design of the garden.

Fountains are an ancient invention. They adorned the gardens of Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt. The palace gardens of Europe cannot be imagined without magnificent structures that create falling water jets. In ancient cities, fountains also had a purely practical meaning - they irrigated arid lands, freshened the air and supplied the inhabitants with drinking water.

The popularity of fountains has not weakened for many centuries. These amazing engineering structures continue to decorate large and very small cities. The most diverse in terms of power, size, design and technical solutions, fountains are deservedly the main central object of parks and squares.

Owners of suburban areas also dream of decorating their garden with a decorative fountain, even a small one. Fountain in the country often becomes a favorite place to relax or sit with guests.

There are the following types of fountains:

  • dry fountains. Characterized by the absence of an outdoor pool. Water flows into the storage tank, from where it continues its circulation.
  • Submersible fountains. They are characterized by the fact that they use water from those reservoirs where they are installed.
  • Decorative fountain. With the help of water jets creates various decorative effects.
  • Fountains with special effects. Equipped with electronic control. They offer their viewers the effect of color music. Quite expensive and complex systems.
  • interactive fountains. Additionally equipped with a control panel with which you can adjust the color and height of the jets.


The theme of decorating the site with garden fountains is so popular that today there are many companies offering a wide variety of nozzles for forming water jets. The jet of water can be vertical, at a certain angle, as well as forming a hemisphere, "bell", "fishtail", "pinwheel", "keys", "tulip" and much more. The fantasies of the developers allow us to admire more and more new water patterns, which, in combination with the external design, allow us to transform garden fountain into a true work of art.

Fountain "Bell"

The “bell” shape is created by a special nozzle-pipe, on the upper part of which two discs are attached with a gap to form a water dome. The size of this dome can be changed by adjusting the interdisk space.


Fountain "Fishtail"

Water comes out of the nozzles in thin powerful jets without forming a film. The angle of water ejection is usually 30-50 degrees.


Fountain "Tiffany"

This is a combination of the Bell and Fishtail fountains. This, as a rule, is a combination of a central powerful jet and several thin symmetrically erupting water jets. The strongest water pressure should be achieved at the top node.


Fountain "Sphere"

A jet of water breaks out in a shape that looks like a ball, or a dandelion cap. It is achieved by installing hollow tubes coming from the center.


Fountain "Tulip"

The design is similar to the "bell". However, the water jet is not supplied vertically, but at an angle of 30-50 degrees. This form of water supply gives a semblance of a flower at the output.


Fountain "Ring"

The design is made in the form of a ring with separate small holes. Nozzles are inserted into each hole for uniform water supply. If you install spinner sprayers (rotating base) in the holes, the side jets will twist in a spiral.


Fountain - choice of location

If you decide equip a fountain in the country, several requirements must be met.

When choosing a location, it is necessary to take into account both the size of the site and the fountain itself. These proportions should be chosen in such a way that it looks harmonious in combination with the general landscape.

The larger the fountain (the higher the jets of water), the further it should be located from the house. Because fountain in the country- a decorative architectural object, it is desirable that it be clearly visible both from the house and from other important viewpoints of the garden. It is better to choose a place for the future fountain away from trees, so that as few falling leaves as possible fall into the water. Also, the proximity of the fountain, and, consequently, high humidity, can adversely affect some. High-quality filtering will help to avoid many troubles. In order for the water to be purified in a natural way, you can plant algae. In addition to being useful, they will give the fountain a natural decorative effect.

small garden fountains less demanding. They can be placed almost anywhere in the garden. In small gardens, wall fountains look good, as well as in the form of animal figurines, in the form of decorative bowls, and many others.

Do-it-yourself fountain installation

Despite the fact that the fountain is a complex engineering structure, with certain skills it is quite possible to build it yourself. Choosing a pump is a very important issue when installing a fountain in the country. The more powerful it is, the higher the jets of water, and the more expensive it is. As a rule, a ready-made pump kit includes: the pump itself, a water sprayer, a flow regulator and several types of nozzles. The direction and shape of the jet depends on the type of nozzles. To install the pump, you will need smooth stones or bricks. It is on them, and not directly on the silt, that the pump must be installed. The height of this stone base should be approximately two brick thicknesses.

The presence of lighting and decor is necessary for the external garden fountain decoration. Colored or halogen lamps, light filters, luminous optical fiber create a magnificent view in the dark. And underwater lighting creates the illusion of a living underwater world. To the place of equipment of the garden fountain, it is necessary to bring electrical wiring in advance.

After installing the pump and lighting elements, you can install a waterproof decor (if planned) and proceed to fill the pool with water.

Garden fountains - care

garden fountain maintenance uncomplicated. It consists in periodic cleaning of the pump and filters. The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of use and the technical characteristics of each particular model. The pool itself (or bowl) must be periodically cleaned of fallen leaves and other random debris. If moisture-loving plants are planted around the garden fountain, their care consists in regular watering, weeding and top dressing.

Otherwise take care of the fountain not difficult at all. And even the smallest fountain will soon become the pride of your garden and the favorite object of all your household members. If your dacha already has a pond, be sure to equip it with a fountain! The pleasure of contemplating flowing water is worth the time and money spent.

Singing fountain in the garden

If you want to create a unique holiday atmosphere in your garden, equip singing fountain. Singing, light-musical, dancing - as soon as such fountains are not called. This is a combination of light music, and a complex engineering design. The fountain is designed in such a way that water splashes to the harmonious sounds of music. They are controlled remotely. Any party will turn into a grand show if the jets of water fall in accordance with the musical beat.

When a three-dimensional image is also projected onto the water screen, the aesthetic effect reaches its climax. Similar performances can be found in large, as well as grandiose celebrations. Such fountains are also called musical, when music, combined with a beautiful image, causes true delight among the audience.

For the first time, the idea to combine a fountain with music and ballet arose in the 20s of the last century in Germany. Despite the fact that this first show was far from the modern reading of the singing fountain, it still caused an unprecedented sensation.

Now Singing Fountains are a real water engineering miracle that makes viewers all over the world freeze.

Videos fountains

For comfortable viewing, select HD 720 quality in the video settings.

Owners of modern mansions who want to surprise themselves, their relatives and guests can also make a simplified version of the singing fountain. Firms offering such services are no longer a rarity. Although, of course, for a private home, this is still an expensive pleasure. The cost of a light and music (singing) fountain depends on the scale of the structure, on the mode of operation, on the cost of electronics, acoustics, luminiferous nozzles and many other factors. I would like to hope that in the near future this amazing spectacle will become more accessible and will delight not only visitors to grandiose shows, but also ordinary owners of country houses.

Photos of fountains









Each owner of a suburban area seeks to make his home and the space around it as comfortable as possible and at the same time beautiful. After all, a well-designed landscape design is not only a decoration of a summer cottage, but also a harmonious combination of different zones in one area. How nice after a hard day to have dinner in the gazebo with your family or relax on a bench in the hot summer, enjoying the coolness of the fountain. It is about him that we will discuss in our article, and more specifically, how to make a fountain with your own hands.

Advantages

Most would agree with psychologists that the sound of water has a calming effect on the nervous system. A person watching the flow of water internally relaxes and gains emotional balance. You can sit for hours at the fountain, watch its play and splashes, think about your own.

There is nothing complicated in the design, so almost anyone can install a fountain in the country with their own hands - you just need to have the desire and the necessary materials. We will also consider the latter in our article.

The incomparable advantage of the fountain is that it can be an excellent addition to the landscape design of any suburban area. In addition, a home-made fountain with the right lighting will become your guests' favorite vacation spot.

Depending on your preferences and the general style of landscape design, the design of the fountain is also selected, but also consider the size: if the area is small, then you better install a small garden fountain with your own hands.

How it works?

The device uses the principle of circular water supply. In other words, initially a certain amount of water is poured into the reservoir (bowl), which, using a pump, then circulates throughout the entire structure. Above the surface of the bowl there is a nozzle to which water is supplied. To prevent the bowl from overflowing, a special device is installed in it that regulates the amount of water.

This is a generalized diagram that describes the simplicity of the design. Therefore, by installing a fountain in the country, you do not need to think that water consumption in the area will increase. Simply fill in the required volume of water once and from time to time only check the degree of contamination. Although the pump has a filter, the water should still not be too dirty.

Choose a place

Of course, before you install the fountain with your own hands, you must at least visually determine the most suitable place for it. And even better - draw a plan in order to have a specific idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe location of the structure and take into account all the nuances in advance. Here are some practical tips for choosing a location:

  1. The structure should be visible from any point on your site and not block the paths.
  2. If there is a gazebo or a summer kitchen on the territory, then a cozy do-it-yourself fountain will be an ideal addition to such a recreation area. If you have a playground, then you can make a mini fountain nearby with your own hands - children will be happy to splash in it in the summer.
  3. Study the relief of your site and find a low-lying place - it is best suited to install a fountain on the site with your own hands - in the warm season it will be cool and comfortable here.
  4. The presence of trees nearby will not have the best effect on the operation of your fountain - the roots can damage part of the structure underground, and the falling leaves can clog the water. At the same time, too open space in direct sunlight can cause the water to “bloom”.
  5. It is best to install the structure away from the house, as gusts of wind can carry the water jet to the side, from which the walls will be constantly wet.


Varieties

Surely, many noticed that the fountains outwardly differ from each other not only in design, but also in design. Some are made in the form of reservoirs with nozzles, others - on a stand in the form of jugs, statues and other devices from which water flows.

Accordingly, fountains are of two types:

  • submersible;
  • stationary.

The first option has a simple design and is often found in suburban areas and even in homes. To make a similar home fountain with your own hands, you will need a bowl, a plastic pipe, a pump and a nozzle.

Stationary have a more complex design and pompous appearance. Such devices can often be found in city parks and squares. For this option, you already need to lay the foundation, since the body is made mainly of stone or marble - durable materials that are resistant to aggressive weather conditions.

For a large area of ​​​​ten to twenty square meters, a large stationary fountain is suitable, for a small area, it is best to install a submersible one. Well, the style of landscape design also dictates its own rules: for a Japanese garden, for example, a submersible type is suitable.

Construction design

As we noted earlier, the style of design also plays an important role. After all, all elements of landscape design should complement each other and be in harmony with each other. The most common option is the classic submersible jet fountain. Its construction does not require large financial and physical costs, and it will look advantageous in any design. Especially if you want to supplement an artificial reservoir with it. If you want to see options for how do-it-yourself fountains can look like, we presented a photo idea at the end of the article.

The shape of the bowl is most often symmetrical - it is either a circle or a square. Along the edges, you can lay out a decorative stone or pebbles, add greenery. Only plants must be moisture-loving, otherwise the appearance of the composition will be hopelessly spoiled by rotting plants.

Necessary materials

Before you make a decorative fountain with your own hands, you should take care of the materials and tools for construction in advance. If you want to make a stone fountain, then you will need the following materials:

  • smooth rounded and flat stones of different sizes;
  • gravel or crushed stone for drainage;
  • bowl for water;
  • water pump;
  • copper tube;
  • clutch;
  • plastic pipe of small diameter;
  • silicone;
  • boards to strengthen the structure.

In accordance with the above materials, you will need tools:

  • a hammer;
  • jigsaw or small saw;
  • scissors;
  • fum tape;
  • drill;
  • sliding key.

Depending on the desired decor method, additional materials and tools may be needed. Here you can orient yourself according to the situation or make a list of necessary items for work in advance so as not to be distracted in the process.

Pump installation

Undoubtedly, the main and important part of the whole structure is the pump. If you are a beginner and still do not know how to build a fountain in the country with your own hands, listen to our advice: you need to approach the choice of a pump thoroughly. First, consider the volume of the bowl - the larger it is, the more powerful the pump will be. The presence of a filter will protect it from various debris and extend its service life.

There are two types:

  • surface;
  • submersible.

The first type is installed on the surface, but in no case above the water level. This is where the principle of communicating vessels comes into play.

It is advisable to install a submersible pump not at the very bottom of the bowl, but at some elevation - then the sediment will not enter the filter. Keep in mind that the pump will consume electricity, so make the necessary communications in advance and provide a safety shield.

Even if it is not possible to install an electric pump, do not be upset - then we will tell you how to make a fountain in the country without it.

Design without pump

Without a submersible pump, you can make an open fountain. If you have a well with a pump on your site, then you can bring this water through the pipe into the fountain. The only thing you will need to decide on the place of water flow - for example, you can turn on the fountain and water nearby plants at the same time.

Thus, you can create mini garden fountains with your own hands at several points on your site.

External design

Of course, you should not forget about the end result of your work. The appearance of the finished structure should be pleasing to the eye, and the backlight will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the fountain in the evening. Here are some decorating tips for you:

  1. You can use a variety of nozzles: the shape of the jet will depend on their shape. It can be in the form of a dome, an umbrella and even a geyser.
  2. Properly selected lighting will add zest and mystery to the reservoir. Light sources can be installed not only around the perimeter of the fountain, but also under water. And it is not at all necessary to use standard options - the multi-colored glow of water will definitely fascinate any viewer.
  3. Use flowers and shrubs to decorate the pond - thanks to them, the impression of a truly "paradise" corner will be created.

We offer you to see how beautifully decorated do-it-yourself garden fountains, photos of which are below.

Ideas and important little things

There are many photos of country fountains on the Internet, methods of their construction are described. You can also find enough information on how to make a home fountain with your own hands. Yes, yes, such mini-devices look very original and complement the interior. Such designs are especially popular among supporters of Feng Shui. Of course, the process of their construction is much simpler and cheaper - and the dimensions are quite small.

If you still have a desire, but do not know how to make a fountain at home, we will help you make the right choice and give some useful tips:

  1. If there is no space on the site, the fountain can even be made at home - in the hallway, for example, or in the greenhouse. Its dimensions can be completely different - depending on your desires and the available space.
  2. A submersible fountain can be made from improvised means - an old cast-iron bath or a bath cut along a car tire, a large flower pot, a wide basin can serve as a bowl.
  3. The stationary version can be made in the form of a jug, bottles, stones, in the middle of which there is a water hose - this is also a great option for a home-made design.
  4. The fountain does not have to be placed separately - it can be part of a wall or landscape composition.
  5. The cascade fountain belongs to the stationary type, and has an undeniable advantage - such a structure can become the fruit of even the wildest imagination. The matter can be limited not only to traditional pots, from which water pours and overflows, but also to entire structures in the form of garden carts, samovar teapots, watering cans with buckets, etc.
  6. Fountain elements can be painted in various colors, often using special treatment compounds to prevent the appearance of moss and mold.

And, of course, do not forget about care - with the onset of cold weather, the fountain must be turned off, the water drained from it and the entire structure covered with a film before the onset of heat. In this case, your little country oasis will delight all households and guests with its joyful murmur for many years to come.

Photo gallery

We bring to your attention a successful selection of 30 do-it-yourself fountain design photo ideas.

One cannot but agree that after a hard day at work in the country, one wants to relax at least a little by the fountain, and even more so if it is made by oneself.

Even the smallest and simplest fountain in design can change the landscape design of the site for the better.

Choosing a building site

When it comes to choosing a place where the fountain will be located, the main thing to pay attention to is the degree of slope of the earth. The best option would be to install it in a lowland, then air humidification will be as effective as possible.

Undesirable fountain locations:

  1. Too close to home or some other building. During the wind, water splashes will scatter on the walls, and this negatively affects their service life.
  2. Near the trees, and even more so under them. Roots can severely deform both the fountain bowl and the waterproofing. Fluff, seeds, fruits and leaves can cause a variety of damage if they enter the bowl.
  3. In heavily open areas. The fact is that an excess of direct sunlight over time leads to flowering of water.

A place for a fountain - next to communications and partially in the shade

The best option would be a platform. which is clearly visible both from the house and from all corners of the garden, but with the exception of the above places.

Capacity selection

If you choose the right container, then the water will be kept inside the fountain for a long time, and also keep its purity. There are a lot of options for containers, here we will consider the most popular ones.

The best way out of the situation is to find a bowl that is suitable in shape and size, and then equip it as you like.

Homemade container

Equipment and tank installation

If you have the desire and time, then dig a small reservoir, the bottom of which should be covered with PVC film, and then fix its edges around the perimeter of the pit.

Fountain in a plastic container

Much better, but it will also be more expensive to concrete the bottom. and strengthen the walls with bricks, and then cover the joints with a good sealant. Such a container will be a very good option for a stationary fountain that will last for many years.

Also, as a container, you can use an old acrylic bath, after giving it a beautiful appearance. She just digs into the ground.

Equipment and a bowl can be purchased at a hardware store, and at home you can only assemble everything yourself, but you can also do everything yourself without making a trip to the store.

If the fountain will be without a pump, with a small bowl, then it is worth considering the fact that the water in it will have to be changed very often. Large capacity and pump greatly simplify the life of fountain owners.

The photo shows different solutions for fountains

Selection and installation of the pump

Finding a pump can be tricky. Here it is worth focusing only on how powerful a jet of water you want to see. It is also worth considering that if you do not want to see the top of the pump that spews water, then you should choose a more powerful model.

Also, the power must necessarily correspond to the size of the water container, so you should consult with experts before buying.

The pump is the heart of the fountain; without the pump, it simply won't work. There are two main types of pumps: surface and submersible..

The surface is installed on land, in a place protected from moisture, but they should be located below the water level in the tank.

The principle of operation is that the pump takes water from a container (or reservoir), then it passes through the filter, and is fed into the fountain with a hose.

Surface pumps are more expensive and difficult to install (when compared with submersible ones), but at the same time very reliable, they serve for many years without maintenance.

Submersible pumps are installed directly into the water tank. The working part is located directly under water. This type of fountain pump is the most inexpensive and simplest. You just need to connect it to the network, but after lowering it into the water. The submersible pump is located not at the very bottom, but on a small elevation.

Optional equipment

Atomizer heads, atomizers, water regulators... All this helps to regulate the force, the shape of the jets, as well as the pattern in which the water moves.

In hardware stores there are a lot of devices, thanks to which you can make both the most simple and very complex visual effects.

The process of creating a fountain almost always involves the same work, and this does not depend on its shape and style.

You must first make a hole, then put a tank of the desired shape and volume in it, install a pump, and then decorate the whole thing.

If the fountain is planned to be large, then it is necessary to build a foundation. As for small specimens, a medium-sized plastic container will suffice. All this also applies to making a stone fountain with your own hands.

We will need the following materials:

  • boards and slats to strengthen the fountain;
  • PVC pipe, coupling and copper pipe;
  • a bowl made of waterproof material, always completely intact, without cracks or other flaws;
  • water pump;
  • gravel (used as drainage);
  • cobblestones and flat stones.

In addition to materials, we also need certain tools:

  • syringe with sealant for processing seams;
  • sliding key;
  • drill;
  • a roll of electrical tape;
  • pipe cutter;
  • scissors;
  • hand saw;
  • big and small hammer.

Operating procedure:

  1. We dig a hole that is 5 centimeters deeper than the height of the bowl, as well as a ditch to the outlet to connect the pump there.
  2. We pour 5 centimeters of gravel. This will be the drainage layer.
  3. We install a bowl inside the ditch, put a PVC pipe into it, connect the pipe to the bowl, fill the ditch with soil.
  4. We install a pump in the bowl, make holes for the pipes to exit.
  5. We connect the pipe and the bowl.
  6. We pour gravel on the bottom of the bowl, install our pump.
  7. We lay slats and planks on top of the bowl. This will strengthen the structure.
  8. We lay the stones one on top of the other, and then drill holes for the copper tube in the marked places.

The video shows how to make a fountain in the country from a stone with your own hands.

In principle, this is all, the technical work has been completed, only the aesthetic remains. Put smaller stones in large cracks, pour sealant into the gaps. Once the glue dries, you can fill the bowl with water.

It remains only to adjust the pressure, connect the pump, and that's it, the unique fountain decorates your backyard.

A huge plus of a do-it-yourself fountain is that it is one of a kind, original, identical in the world no longer exists.

Design without pump

The easiest to install is a fountain without a pump.

The principle of its operation lies in the law of communicating vessels. The most optimal number of vessels is 3. One is installed from below, and two from above, at the same level. All vessels must be identical in capacity and shape.

Thanks to the connection of pipes, water from two vessels from above enters the third, the one below. The third vessel must be removable in order to pour water into the upper ones. The design is very convenient for the room, but it can also be installed on the site, just proportionately large parts are selected.

Learn how to build a bottle fountain.

Proper care

During the first start-up of the fountain, this will most likely take place in the middle of spring, it is imperative to drain all the water that was in the system. If the bowl is small, it is better to change the water once a month.

Then constantly monitor the level of water, it evaporates, and also blows off the surface of the bowl by the wind. However, care is not only about draining and filling the tank with water.

The owner of the fountain should be sure to regularly clean the bowl of leaves and other debris. The problem is that if the whole thing starts to rot right in the bowl (and this cannot be avoided in a humid environment), then your fountain will become a hangout for fungi, algae and other bacteria.

In the photo selection, do-it-yourself fountains in the country.

Before the onset of winter, it is better to drain all the water, and thoroughly wash the thicket and reservoir. Vinyl film will help isolate system parts from external adverse factors.

As soon as you notice cracks or damage on the surface of the bowl or other parts of the fountain, immediately treat them with waterproofing paint. If this is not done, then the consequences can be disastrous, up to buying a new bowl.

It is better to hide pumps, lights, nozzles and other equipment before the winter period inside a room. The garage is great for storage.

In conclusion, I would like to say that regardless of the style of the fountain, whether it be avant-garde, oriental, rustic, classical, it will still be a striking element of landscape design, will catch the eyes of guests, give the garden a special look.

In addition to all that has already been said, the fountain will improve the garden not only aesthetically, but also practically. On especially hot days, it humidifies the air, so it will be easier to breathe not only for the owners of the garden, but also for the plants.

A cozy terrace, the aroma of a flowering garden, soothing herbal tea ... This associative series to the phrase "rest in the country" will perfectly continue the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bbuilding a fountain in the country with your own hands. Flowing water allows you to relax at your pleasure, push aside sad thoughts and unsolvable problems. The movement of water jets is another element of comfort and a special color characteristic of the country landscape. To implement this idea, you can hire specialists, or you can show your imagination and build a small structure yourself.

The principle of the fountain and its types

Any fountain is a device that raises a jet of water under pressure to a certain height and sprays it into 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 flow of water;
  • receiver, where this water enters.

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 the source reservoir under the action of the pump force up the pipe, followed by flowing into the receiver reservoir. An important point is the provision of a water purification and disinfection system. All floor and room hydraulic structures, as well as small fountains for summer cottages, are made of this type.
  2. Flowing. A prerequisite is a connection to the sewer, so a tank as such is not required. This type is most in demand in the arrangement of hydraulic structures in the framework of landscape gardening.

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

cascading

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

The principle of the cascade fountain is that the water flow overflows from one container to another.

Geyser

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

Illumination will make the classic fountain even more spectacular

Bell

One of the easy-to-implement solutions that also performs a decorative function. The height of the water column, as a rule, is small, however, 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 fountains 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;
  • longline - 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 ground;
  • fish tail - vertical jets fan out and fall in the form of a solid wall;
  • tulip - the jet forms a funnel expanding upwards and falls in a thin dome.

The number of jets and the 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 to prying eyes;
  • ease of installation - installation comes down to lowering the pump to the bottom of the reservoir and connecting pipes and power supply;
  • low noise level;
  • profitability;
  • Ideal for small fountains

Surface pumps also have their advantages:

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

Having decided on the type of pump, pay attention to the maximum pressure and performance of the unit, reflected in the comparative 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:

  • pump for water from 1100 W in terms of power;
  • a copper pipe with a cross section of 15 mm for delivering water from the pump to the top of the fountain;
  • a tank 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 pipe made of plastic or metal for wiring an electric cable;
  • coupling for connecting a pipe made of copper and a pump;
  • float type water supply regulator;
  • metal mesh to protect the tank from debris;
  • drainage gravel;
  • polystyrene pipe for the output of the pump cord;
  • bars for attaching the grid;
  • 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, they begin to implement the algorithm of step-by-step instructions for building a fountain with their own hands:

The design of any fountain consists of underground and ground parts.

  1. Choice of location. This should be 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. Provide excavation in the groove for the electric 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 with a layer of 40-50 mm, the reservoir is installed and strengthened. Sand is poured into the sinuses between the sides and the ground, which is carefully shed, rammed 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 sprinkled with earth.

    The tank can be made of plastic, ceramic or metal

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

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

  5. Mesh laying. The galvanized metal mesh will serve as a reliable protection against debris and foreign objects.

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

  6. Base installation. A metal pipe is attached to the pump to supply water to the top (its length should be 100 mm longer than the estimated height of the fountain), and wooden bars are laid on top of the metal mesh. The beam is taken with a section of 50x50, and their length should be 80-100 mm longer than the length of the tank. This will ensure the stability of the structure and prevent falling into the pit.

    fix the water pipe well

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

    The lead is made using a hammer drill or impact drill

  8. Construction installation. Stones, pots or bowls are mounted on a pipe like a children's pyramid, fastened together with silicone-based glue. After it dries, the tank is filled with water 150–200 mm above the pump, the unit is connected to the mains and a test run is made to adjust the pressure.

    The ground part can be made in the form of a cairn

  9. Decoration of 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 tank twice a month and performing 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 in the construction of the structure. Depending on the capabilities of the owner, the general concept of the landscape and your own preferences, the following options can be used:

Sculptures and plaster figurines. 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.

From sculptures you can make a composition

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

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

Backlight. The light-dynamic variety of lamps is especially popular and relevant in recent times. They pulsate or change color according to the movement of the jets. This option is often used in the decoration of urban, garden and park fountains.

When creating a backlight, 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 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 mask the base of the fountain and the water reservoir and pump located underneath. Possible options with the layout of large stones in a chaotic manner on small pebbles. The recommendation from designers in this case is to use no more than two varieties of stone, which will avoid piling up colors and shapes.

With the help of stones, you can create real miniature grottoes on the site.

Variants of 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.

Stone "stream" looks especially original

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

With the help of colored pebbles, you can create any pattern

Pond with plants. If the arrangement of a small artificial reservoir is chosen, 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 the feeling of being in the wild

Placement of the fountain among ornamental deciduous 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, under the general concept of the landscape. You can even make a mini fountain with your own hands. Here, as well as with sculptures that serve as sources or receivers of water, installation should be carried out in advance - before the trial run of the structure.

For such a fountain there is a place even in a small area.

Rules for care and maintenance

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

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

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