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Everything you need to know about adding a water feature to your garden.
Topics include the benefits of water features, the different types of water features available, how to choose the right water feature for your garden, and how to design and maintain your water feature for optimal performance.

20+ Water Feature Ideas to Create a Unique Dream Garden Oasis

20+ Water Feature Ideas to Create a Unique Dream Garden Oasis

ByAmy Fedele and Kady Volpe Posted on Updated on Garden, Water Features

Water features can add peace and tranquility to any outdoor space. From large koi ponds to tabletop fountains, there is a water feature to suit every space and every budget! You’ll be surprised how easy it is to turn an ordinary garden into a backyard oasis.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most creative water feature ideas to inspire your next outdoor project.

What type of water feature should you get? 

There are so many kinds of water features to choose from. And depending on your style, budget and space, you’ll have to determine which is right for you!

For example, if you want a water feature for a smaller space within a low budget, you might consider a tabletop fountain or a hanging wall fountain.

But, if you have a larger space and budget, you can install something with more impact like a koi pond or a beautiful tiered fountain. 

20+ Innovative Water Feature Ideas

Here are over 20 amazing water feature ideas (for all budgets) to get your ideas flowing!

Pondless / Disappearing Fountains

“Pondless” or “disappearing” water features are perfect for smaller gardens, or anyone concerned about the dangers of water features around pets or young children.

pondless water fountain
This DIY pondless water feature disappears into an underground basin that’s hidden from view. It’s safe for pets and children and requires very little maintenance! Learn how to make your own in this tutorial.

In general, pondless/disappearing fountains are very affordable.

I actually built a DIY pondless water fountain for less than $100! It was super easy and had a huge payoff! The result was something totally unique and super tranquil. Check out my process here and try it for yourself!

There are also several other water features on this list that will give you the same “invisible pond” effect without having to DIY it.

Creek Beds / Streams

A creek bed or stream is perfect for those with an appreciation for the naturalistic garden style and a little more space to work with on their property. Creek beds are great for attracting birds and wildlife, and can also be used as a water source for nearby plants.

Other benefits include regulating water runoff, filtering pollutants, reducing flooding and erosion control.

 It can be done by a seasoned DIYer on a budget or by hiring a professional. But, if you do have water issues near your home, it’s always best to contact a pro. Serious foundation issues can occur if you have standing water near your foundation.

creek stream in backyard
A running creek bed stream, complete with a rock garden and flowering plants.

If going the DIY route, consider gathering rocks and natural materials from around your property to construct and carve out the creek bed. The sound of the running water over the randomly placed stones will be such a relaxing, natural touch.

You can also check out this article about creating a DIY french drain. A lot of the same principles can be used to make your creek bed.

If you choose to hire a professional, the installation price will depend on the size, as well as the type of rocks covering the bed and decorating the area. I’ve seen prices as low as $4-5 per foot for installation costs. 

According to the Pond Doctor, a pondless waterfall, including a 5-foot stream, starts around $6,000. They can extend the length of the stream for $300 per additional foot. 

These prices will vary quite a bit based on the complexity of your water feature and your local market. The best way to find out the cost is to compare estimates from at least three local contractors. 

Koi Ponds

Koi ponds are a traditional Japanese garden feature that have completely expanded in popularity all over the world. They have become a common feature for elegant outdoor (and sometimes even indoor) spaces.

Koi fish on the pond in Kyoto, Japan
Koi fish pond at autumn garden in Kyoto, Japan.

A pond filled with colorful koi and pond plants such as waterlily and lotus are a classic Zen garden vibe.

The price range is vast – it will range anywhere from $500 to tens of thousands of dollars.

For more inspiration, check out these koi ponds on AquaScapeInc.com. AquaScape creates beautiful “ecosystem ponds” that are self-sustaining with minimal maintenance. They also make the perfect home for koi.

Sculptural Fountains

A sculptural fountain usually a classical style fountain with a sculptural component. It can be made of granite, bronze, marble or cement. A sculptural fountain would be a perfect focal point for fans of the traditional style garden. There is a sculptural fountain for every budget.

peeing boy of brussels sculptural fountain
The Peeing Boy of Brussels is a classic sculptural statue, based on the bronze fountain statue in Brussels, Belgium. It’s available in multiple sizes.

Animal Fountains

For the animal lovers out there, the water feature choices are endless!

Animal fountains are made of metal, ceramic, stone, concrete, resin and sometimes other materials. There’s an animal-themed fountain for every space and budget.

dog drinking fountain
This adorable fountain of a drinking dog would be such a charming addition to a dog-lover’s garden.

The entire water function system primarily hides inside the body and the water flows straight into the basin or sink. 

Zen Fountains

Zen fountains are used to foster peace and positivity. If you are looking to add a peaceful and tranquil vibe to your backyard, you would benefit from an Asian-inspired Zen garden fountain.

Many Asian cultures believe that beauty lies in contrast. The fountains reflect this by featuring contrasting colors and shapes.

Pagoda Zen Fountain
Notice the use of a square basin underneath a pyramidal top in this gorgeous Asian-inspired Zen fountain. This is a classic example of the contrasting shapes found in Asian décor. This Zen fountain also features LED lights that would be a perfect focal point for evening garden gatherings.

Zen fountains often feature a pronounced sound of running water which give a tranquil and calming atmosphere.

Cascading Sculptural Bamboo Fountain
Adding this cascading sculptural bamboo fountain is a great way to incorporate a characteristic feature of Zen Buddhist gardens.

If you want more tips on how to turn your space into a peaceful sanctuary, take a look at my 4 tips for a peaceful garden.

Well Pump Fountains

The well pump fountain is a fountain with a non-working “pump” on it. A well pump fountain is meant to replicate real pumps used to collect water from wells in the ground.

This water feature gives more of a farm-like vibe and the water sound is truly unique. 

Well Pump Barrel Fountain
If you want to give your garden a natural vibe, consider this beautiful well pump fountain. It’s affordable and the water’s sound quality is soothing.

Bird Baths

A bird bath is a basin filled with water for local birds to drink and bathe.  Bird-lovers simply can’t picture a garden without a bird bath.

It can be made of inexpensive, lightweight materials like plastic, or high-end and longer lasting materials like concrete or glazed pottery. 

For a lower-end budget, check out this 28-inch polyresin antique style bird bath.
It’s durable and easy to assemble!

Mariposa Bird Bath
If you’re looking for longer-lasting materials, this gorgeous concrete bird bath made to look like two stone hands will last a lifetime.
Arlayne Leaf Bird Bath
This classically-designed resin bird bath is also weather-resistant.

For something totally unique, add a solar-powered fountain to a standard bird bath. Or, read my tutorial on creating your own solar bird bath fountain at home for under $50.  

Bird baths do require some maintenance. There can sometimes be algae build-up. You also need to be sure the cleaners you use are safe for the birds (like a bird-safe pond algae cleaner).

Modern / Contemporary Fountains

Modern or contemporary fountains feature minimalistic designs with classic materials like concrete, steel, ceramic and glass.

Modern/contemporary fountains would be perfect for lovers of the modern garden style. The options are endless – there’s a modern/contemporary fountain for every budget.

Modern Columnar Fountain
This modern columnar fountain has LED lights that illuminate the ground surrounding it.
Evita Concrete Fountain
This concrete 3-gallon fountain is weather-resistant and rust-resistant.

You can check out even more modern and contemporary fountains here.

Water Wall / Waterfall 

One of the most impressive water features you can get is a waterfall or water wall. These have incredible impact in your landscaping. And, amazingly they do not need to be custom-built into your space. There are many water wall fountains available to buy online and in stores.

This waterfall/water wall fountain makes a great addition to a space with heavy noise pollution. The waterfall is very useful for blocking out unwanted sounds such as traffic or city noise. Waterfalls or water walls often attract birds and wildlife as well. A seating area near your water wall would make a perfect place to unwind in peace after a long day of work.

Some waterfalls have LED systems designed with natural elements like stones. They use an innovative water management technique to recirculate the entire system. 

Modern Cascading Waterfall Fountain
This waterfall wall fountain uses a faux slate wall and LED lights to create a contemporary, meditative atmosphere.

Hanging Wall Fountain

A hanging wall fountain is great for those who are short on space in their backyard and want to find a creative way to add a water feature. There are many variations of hanging wall fountains to suit any garden style.

Sculptural, modern, Zen and many other fountain styles can all be found in the wall hanging style.

Wall Fountain Lion Head
This Casa Del Lago Lion Head sculptural fountain is perfect for a classic, formal feel. 

Classical Style Fountain

Classical style fountains often feature columnar designs and are reminiscent of ancient Greek or Roman gardens. Classical fountains are known for their timeless and formal design. They look great as a focal point in a traditional style garden.

classic pedestal fountain
This classical pedestal fountain would add an air of elegance to your outdoor space.

If you are a fan of bird watching, I’m sure you’d attract many with this fountain because of its shallow basin!

Tiered Fountain

Tiered fountains use layered basins to create a unique and attractive water feature. Tiered fountains can be found to suit all different styles, from naturalistic to formal. It can also be found in any size ranging from tabletop to monumental structure.

Four Tier European Fountain
This four-tier Medici Lion fountain inspired by European architecture is an absolute show-stopper.

Naturalistic Fountains

Naturalistic fountains are water features meant to mimic nature. The use of natural materials such as rocks cause irregular water flow and shape, indicating that the fountain occurred naturally.

They are a beautiful option for nature-enthusiasts and fans of the naturalistic garden style.

Concrete fountain bubbler
This glass fiber-reinforced concrete fountain is made to look like a stone with water trickling down the sides.
Tree Stump Fountain
Wood is often not a material used in water features because it would break down over time. A perfect compromise is this beautiful concrete fountain made to look like a tree stump. It also doubles as a bird bath!

Rustic Fountains

The rustic, farmhouse style has absolutely exploded in popularity within recent years thanks to Joanna Gaines.

This style incorporates weathered and worn-looking materials like repurposed wood and naturally rusted metals, giving the impression that they have been used and loved for many years.

Well Pump Barrel Fountain

This adorable well pump & barrel garden absolutely embodies the farmhouse aesthetic. This would fit in perfectly with a country cottage style garden.

Rustic Tree Stump Fountain
For a rustic and naturalistic approach, check out this waterfall-style fountain made to look like it’s inside of a hollow tree! This fountain also features 2 basins which are both illuminated by LED lights.

Container Bubbler Fountain

The container bubbler fountain is very popular for being lightweight and portable. The location of a bubbler fountain can easily be changed without prep or planning, which is very convenient for renters or those with smaller garden spaces or patios.

Olive Green Container Bubbler
My favorite container bubbler fountain is the ceramic rippling jar garden.  It’s super affordable and I love the mix of patterns, textures and colors. I also love that it’s tall and narrow, making it a great option for smaller spaces.

Pond Spitters

You don’t need to spend very much to decorate your pond. Pond spitters are among the most popular pond ornaments.

Like the name suggests, the pond spitter uses a pump to shoot a small stream of water into a pond or basin.

This keeps the water of the pond clean and carries oxygen into the pond. It would be a great addition to an outdoor pond with fish that need oxygenation.

Leap Frog Pond Spitter
In this bronze leap-frog statue, you can see the hole in the frog’s mouth where the water shoots out of. I love how funny and unique this is.

If a spitting frog doesn’t fit the vibe of your garden, here are even more unique fountain spitters that may suit your style better!

Foaming Fountain Heads

If you already have a pond in your space, then a foaming fountainhead is something to consider. The foaming fountainhead produces foamy water and gives a really extraordinary effect. 

Water feature at Longwood Gardens
This water feature at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA utilizes a foaming fountain head. Photo by Pretty Purple Door.

The price of a fountain head is very reasonable.

If you are considering a foaming fountainhead, here’s an option from Amazon.

Tabletop Fountains

Are you looking for something to bring the outdoors in? Tabletop fountains make this totally possible!

How cool would it be to have a tranquil water feature bubbling in your living room while you enjoy a good book? Or even at the office! A tabletop fountain can really transform your space.

No matter how small your space is, it makes a perfect piece of décor. 

The tabletop fountain comes in multiple sizes and styles to fit. Many tabletop fountains include a water system with a soft-glowing LED light and timer. 

You can get a tabletop fountain for less than $20!

Infinite Nature Tabletop Fountain
If you are looking for a tabletop fountain, the Infinite Nature Divine Tabletop Fountain pictured above looks like a great option. 

Fire + Water Fountain

Would you love to have both a fire pit and a water feature in your garden, but don’t really have the space for both? You don’t need to compromise! The fire + water feature is a combination of both!

Gas burners or electronic lights make the fire, and the water comes from the water source you add.

Fire Water Tiki Fountain
Check out this awesome tiki themed fire + water fountain from Design Toscano! Perfect for the poolside or as a focal point in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Are The Benefits Of Including A Water Feature In Your Landscape?

Water features and fountains offers many benefits such as:

  • increasing curb appeal
  • purifying the air
  • reducing noise & creating privacy
  • making the environment soothing
  • adding your personality
  • creating a focal point

What Size Pump Do I Need For My Water Feature?

The water pump depends on factors like size, shape and type of water feature. To learn more, check out my article about which pump size you should use.

How Much Does The Electricity Cost For A Backyard Fountain?

The electricity cost of a backyard fountain depends on multiple factors like the size of the fountain, its power and how frequently you use the fountain. To calculate the cost properly, use my tool for calculating water feature electricity costs. (Spoiler alert: it’s not very much!)

Are Electric Or Solar Fountain Pumps Better?

It depends on your preference. Electric pumps are convenient because they have reliable power sources. Solar fountain pumps are eco-friendly, energy-efficient and cost-effective, but require sunlight. To learn more, I have a few articles on the topic:

How Do I Select The Right Pump With The Right Specs For My Situation?

When selecting the right pump, you should consider the following factors:

  • water flow rate
  • size of fountain/water feature
  • type of fountain/water feature
  • power source

To learn, watch my video all about fountain pump specs and how to understand what they mean.

Fountain Pump Specs Demystified – How to Choose the Right Fountain Pump. Video by Pretty Purple Door.

Wrapping Up

A water feature can be a game changer for your outdoor space. It adds a sense of peace and tranquility with aesthetic appeal. 

If you need help positioning your water feature in your landscape, read my article to learn how to incorporate focal points into your landscape.

rewild in nature mood board
A mood board created in my Garden Style Mood Board Workshop. Click here to check it out!

If you’re looking to create a landscape that’s uniquely you, you may enjoy my Garden Styles Mood Board Workshop.

This workshop will help you nail your unique garden style (how you want your space to function, look like & feel like). Designing a garden mood board will give you a clear lens through which all of your garden ideas can pass through. Use your mood board to DIY your space (or hand it over to a professional to make it a reality).

Click here to sign up for the workshop and get instant access to the recording.

Learn More About Water Features

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collage of 8 unique water feature ideas for home gardens
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Electric vs. Solar Fountain Pumps – Which Is Right For You?

Electric vs. Solar Fountain Pumps – Which Is Right For You?

ByAmy Fedele Posted on Updated on Garden, Water Features

Dreaming of a beautiful outdoor water feature or backyard fountain, but not quite sure whether to choose an electric fountain pump or a solar one? Here I’ll give you some of the pros and cons for electric vs. solar pumps so you can determine which one is right for your project!

Here are the things to consider when deciding whether to purchase an electric or solar fountain pump.

There are a few key areas that I think are important in determining whether to go with an electric fountain pump or a solar fountain pump:

  • Location of the fountain
  • Price of electric vs. solar fountain pumps
  • Wire considerations for electric vs. solar pumps
  • Amount of control you want over your water feature
  • Aesthetics to consider for electric vs. solar fountains
  • Power of electric vs. solar fountains
Key AreaElectric Pump WinsSolar Pump Wins
Fountain locationX
Pump priceX
Least wire hassleX
Most controlX
Best AestheticsX
Most PowerfulXX
Note: This is just for fun and it’s my personal opinion which type of pump is better in each category. It’s just to give you an idea of the differences of electric vs. solar pumps for water features.

Keep reading if you want to see all of the pros and cons I considered for each key area.

Location of the fountain

If your pump is near an electrical outlet, there’s really no issue regarding using electric vs. solar. But, if you plan to put your pump somewhere far away from an electrical outlet, this can be a major consideration. In order to get an electrical pump cord to an electrical outlet, you may need to hire an electrician to install underground conduit. This can get expensive really quickly. In this situation, I’d definitely recommend looking into a solar fountain pump.

If you’re leaning towards solar, you should also consider the amount of light near your water feature, as the solar pump comes with a solar panel that will need to have exposure to the sun in order to work. So, you’ll need to site your fountain in a sunny location, or purchase a solar pump with a long enough cord that you can place the solar panel in the sun. A battery backup is also a great option to have, as that can take the solar energy from your panel and store it into the battery so your pump will run continuously instead of turning on and off when the sun goes behind the clouds.

Most location options: Solar Pump
Although both electric and solar pumps have wires, solar pumps can definitely be placed in a wider range of locations because they don’t need an outlet to function.

Price of electric vs. solar fountain pumps

If you want to determine the cost to run an electric fountain pump, head over to this water feature electricity calculator to get a pretty good idea of how much it will cost. Then you’ll be able to determine if the extra upfront cost of a solar pump will balance out the electricity costs associated with the fountain pump.

Best Price: Electric Pump
Even when considering the electric usage over time, are a lot less expensive than solar. The price advantage may learn to solar pumps, though, if you need to hire an electrician to install underground wiring for your fountain.

Wire considerations for electric vs. solar pumps

I think the biggest thing to realize when determining which type of pump has the least amount of wire hassle is that BOTH electric and solar pumps have wires. Just because a pump is solar does not make it wireless. Solar pumps will have a wire running from the pump that connects to the solar panel. So, while you don’t need an outlet near by to run a solar pump, you’ll still have to figure out how to disguise the wire and ensure the wire is long enough for you to position the solar panel in a full-sun location.

However, electric pumps are known for issues with wiring. If you don’t have an outlet nearby you are kind of screwed. Or, you’ll need to hire an electrician to run underground conduit in order to get your water feature in the location that you want. Then… what do you do if something goes wrong with the wiring? You may have to dig it all up. What if, years later, you accidentally hit the underground wiring with a shovel when trying to plant something or dig a hole? There are a lot of things that can go wrong with outdoor electrical and I think that it can be a lot more dangerous dealing with these wires. Especially because the voltage of electric pumps is much higher than the voltage of solar pumps.

So, despite the fact that solar pumps aren’t completely wireless (like I used to think), I still believe that wire considerations are less of an issue when it comes to solar pumps.

Least Amount of Wire Hassles: Solar Pump
Although both electric and solar pumps have wires, solar pumps are more versatile in where they can be placed. And, with less voltage they are safer, too.

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Amount of control you want over your water feature

Most Control: Electric Pump
An electric pump will allow you to set on a timer so you can control when the pump turns on and off. This is difficult if not impossible to control with most solar pumps.

Aesthetics to consider for electric vs. solar fountains

Aesthetics Winner: Electric Pump: Electric pumps have wire but the wire is pretty easy to disguise. Unfortunately solar pumps always have a large solar panel and this can be quite an eyesore.

Most Power of electric vs. solar fountains

Most Powerful: Tie!
Solar fountain pumps have come a long way. If you are building a small to medium sized water feature, there should be an equivalent solar pump to match the power of an electric pump.

Electric vs. Solar – Pump Recommendations

If you’re interested in seeing these very similar-spec’d pumps in a side by side test, check out the video below. I’ll also provide links to purchase the pumps in the video. I don’t believe the electric pump is available online, so I chose something with really similar specs.

Watch this video to learn which pump performs better in my side by side test.

Solar Fountain Pump Recommendation

Electric Fountain Pump Recommendation

Wrapping Up

Overall, choosing an electric vs. solar fountain pump really depends on your particular situation and what your needs are. I’d say that for 90% of people, solar with a battery backup is a great option and very versatile. If you’d like to know what SIZE pump to choose, head over to my article to demystify all of the fountain pump specs so you can make the right choice.

Finally, if you’re ready to build your water feature, head over to this easy DIY water feature tutorial that you can complete in one day.

More Water Feature Posts You’ll Like

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What Size Pump Do You Need For Your Water Feature?

What Size Pump Do You Need For Your Water Feature?

ByAmy Fedele Posted on Updated on Garden, Water Features

When looking to DIY or install a water feature in your backyard, you may be wondering how to choose the correct pump size for your project.

When I installed my first water feature, I really struggled to find the right pump for the project. The numbers were really confusing and I ended up just choosing one at random and hoping it worked.

But, you don’t have to get bogged down in all of the fountain pump jargon like I did. Today i’ll show you exactly what numbers to pay attention, which to ignore and I’ll also provide simplified explanations for each.

There are several different specs that you need to be aware of in order to choose the correct pump size for your project. Many of the specs displayed prominently on fountain pumps really aren’t very useful in determining if the pump is the right size. So, the ones you need to pay the most attention to are:

  • gallons per hour (GPH)
  • head height and max height
  • lift and max lift
  • cord length (this is silly but important!)

I’ll also explain wattage and voltage near the end of this post, but the specs listed above are most useful in determining the right fountain pump size for you. So, let’s uncover in a bit more detail what each of these terms mean.

Watch this video to demystify the specs for a solar or electric fountain pump. What is gallons per hour (GPH)? What is the max lift for a pump? What’s max head or head height spec for fountain pumps? Does pump voltage and wattage matter when choosing the right fountain pump?

Gallons per hour (GPH)

Gallons per hour is a measurement to determine the circulation of the water in your fountain. It’s recommended that the water in your fountain should circulate at least one time per hour. So, you just need to determine how many gallons of water your fountain will be. If you are using a pre-made basin this is easy. If your basin holds 20 gallons, you’ll need a pump that says 20GPH (or higher).

Head Height and Max Head

The head height is another measurement you’ll need to know. The head height is the vertical height from the water feature’s water level to your fountain head (where the water spits out). The spec you will see on a fountain pump is not head height though, it’s max head or maximum head. And this is the maximum distance it can push the water straight up.

Fountain pump max head

It’s fairly easy to get this vertical measurement for a simple fountain. However, some fountains are more elaborate so you may need to do a bit more measuring. A good example is when creating a fountain that travels down a river bed into a pond below. You will need to get the vertical height from the water level of the pond to the height of the waterfall. Just measure straight upwards, even if there’s quite a long horizontal distance between the two points.

Fountain pump max head

Next you’ll need to measure the horizontal/diagonal distance (in feet) from directly above the pump all the way to the top of your waterfall (where the water shoots out). This will be pretty close to the amount of tube or pipe you’ll need to carry the water to the top.

Fountain pump max head

Let’s look at an example so this makes more sense. Let’s say that I have a waterfall/river fountain with a vertical distance of 5′ from the top of the pond to the top of the waterfall. My river runs along my lawn at a distance of 20′ total.

First, take the total horizontal/diagonal measurement and divide this number by 10. So you’ll need to divide the 20′ by 10, with gives you 2′.

Next, add this number to your vertical measurement. So in this example we will add add 2′ to the 5′ of vertical distance and we get 7′ head height. Make sense?

Fountain pump max head

In this example, you’ll need to find a pump that has a max head greater than 7 feet.

Lift and Max Lift

Lift is another measurement you’ll need to determine the right fountain pump for you. The lift is the distance (in feet) from your pump to where the water will come out. The difference between lift and head is that for lift we are measuring directly from the pump (even if the pump is under water). For head we measure above the water level.

Fountain pump max lift

Once you know the distance the water must travel between your pump and your fountain head, you now know the maximum lift, or max lift, you’ll need. Look for a pump that has a max lift greater than the number you’ve determined.

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Cord Length

Silly thing to discuss, I know. But it’s something I really did not consider at all. Some electric pumps have really long cords. Others have very short cords. So it’s always good to know how long of a cord you’ll need before you purchase.

Of course, the cord length is important for an electric pump, if the water feature will be near your house and you can plug it into an outlet. So, take a quick measurement of this distance. And make sure you’re taking into account that a submersible pump sits at the very bottom of the pond or basin.

If you’ve messed this up and your cord is too short, it’s really not the end of the world. To fix it, you can purchase an outdoor electrical cord (Amazon link) and an outdoor cord cover (Amazon link). The cord cover is a water-tight box that will keep the extension cord and pump connection safe from the elements. Don’t mess around here – you need outdoor rated cords and protective boxes to stay safe.

You may be thinking that if you purchase a solar fountain that cord length does not matter. Well, you’d be wrong, my friend. But don’t feel bad because I made this mistake, too. Just because you are using a solar fountain pump does not mean that your pump is wireless. There will still be a cord going from your pump to the solar panel that’s collecting the energy to run your pump. So, you’ll need to make sure that the length of that cord is long enough for you to place the solar panel in a place where it will receive as much direct sunlight as possible.

The only time that the cord length doesn’t matter much is if your fountain is somewhere out in your yard and you need to hire a contractor to run the electrical underground. In this case the cord length won’t matter too much because they’ll be running different wire and splicing it all together for you. In the case of this type of water feature, voltage becomes more important (see voltage section below for more info)

I hope I just saved you from the headaches I’ve been through with cord length.

Wattage and Voltage

You may see some other specs on your fountain pump and be wondering what these are. The two other common specs you’ll see are wattage (watts) and voltage (volts).

Wattage

The wattage spec will help you to determine how much energy your pump uses in order to, well, pump. So it’s a great spec for calculating the annual, monthly, weekly or daily cost of running your water feature.

I have a handy fountain electricity cost calculator right here if you are interested in knowing the daily cost of running an electric water feature.

Overall, wattage is not a spec I’d focus on much when choosing the right pump for you.

Voltage

If the voltage of your pump is not high enough, the pump will end up running on high amps all the time and this can either damage your pump or cause it to stop working.

Typically, your pump is designed to operate at a specific voltage which is determined by the manufacturer. If you are experiencing problems with your pump, often times checking the voltage will help you troubleshoot the issue further. If you’re a beginner, choosing a low voltage pump is safer and the wiring is usually easier to install. 

Voltage can be important for larger water features and other types of large pumps. For a standard 120-volt pump, you will have to apply for an electrical permit, bury the wire deep underground and install a GFCI protected outlet. So, this is where the pros will come in.

Overall, for a small backyard water feature, I don’t see voltage as a very important spec to analyze.

Fountain Pump Recommendations

Here are two fountain pumps I’d recommend for a small backyard water feature. The specs for the electric and solar are about equivalent. I’d definitely recommend purchasing the solar pump battery backup if you decide to go solar.

Electric fountain pump
Solar fountain pump
Solar pump battery backup

Electric vs. Solar

If you’re looking for some information about the differences between electric and solar pumps, check out this post for a full comparison and video

DIY Fountain Tutorial

If you’re looking for some information on making your own DIY fountain, check out this post: One of the easiest (and coolest) DIY water features.

Some final thoughts on water feature pump size

When choosing a fountain pump, focus on the gallons per hour (GPH), max height, max lift and even the cord length. And, try not to get bogged down too much with the voltage and the wattage, especially if you are purchasing a small pump for a backyard project. I hope this post gave you all of the information and the confidence you need to choose the the right pump for you!

If you’re interested in DIYing your own water feature, you may want to read this post to learn how I made a super cool pondless water feature in less than 1 day. It was a really easy and fun project!

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Water Feature Electricity Cost Calculator

Water Feature Electricity Cost Calculator

ByAmy Fedele Posted on Updated on Garden, Water Features

Thinking about installing an outdoor water feature but aren’t sure how much it will cost to run the fountain each day? You can use this calculator to determine the average cost of running an outdoor water feature or fountain each day, month or even year.

Water Feature Electricity Cost Calculator

You will need a few figures in order input them into the calculator:

  • Power consumption: The wattage of your fountain pump. Typically the pump you are using will display this in watts.
  • Energy price: Typically measured in cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) and the price can vary depending on where you live. If you aren’t sure, try using 0.2 to get an idea or look up your energy price here.
  • Usage time: This is how long you’d like to run your pump each day in hours per day.
  • Cost: You can use the little symbol next to “year” to determine the cost per day, week, or month as well.

How it Works

Using the calculator is simple but I know there are probably a few of you out there wondering how the calculations work. So, here goes.

  1. First, we take the wattage of the pump and divide it by 1000 to get the kilowatts used
  2. Next, multiply the kilowatts by the energy cost of a kilowatt hour (varies depending on where you live)
  3. Then take this number and multiply it by the hours per day you intend to use the pump
  4. This will give you the total cost to run the pump each day.
    • Multiply by 7 to get the estimated weekly cost
    • Multiply by 30 to get the estimated monthly cost
    • Multiply by 365 to get the estimated annual cost

How to keep the electricity costs down

If you think the fountain electricity bill will be just a bit too high for your liking, there are a few options to cut down the expense.

Use a timer

Setting your fountain up on a timer is a great way to control the energy costs so the fountain is not running 24/7. I use this particular timer (Amazon link) and I love it. Its really inexpensive (less than $15) and it’s super easy to program.

Reduce the size of the fountain

If the electricity costs are high, you can opt for a smaller, less elaborate fountain. The electricity cost is calculated based off of the wattage of the pump you’re using. So, by going smaller, you’ll be able to reduce the cost to run the fountain, too.

This is a great option if you haven’t built or purchased your water feature yet. You can basically take the amount you’d like to spend on electricity and work backwards to determine the wattage you can afford. Then, you can research pumps of that size to see what type of power you’ll get from it.

Turn off your fountain in the winter

This isn’t something that I originally considered when doing this calculation. However, if you live in a colder climate like I do (Pennsylvania), it’s not likely that you’ll be running your water feature for all 12 months of the year. In general, I winterize my pump by November and turn it back on in March. So, I’m only using it for 8 out of 12 months a year, or 67%. Just multiply the yearly electricity cost by .67 and you’ll see how much you can save.

Convert to a solar powered fountain

Instead of purchasing an electric pump, you can also choose to use a solar fountain pump instead. Solar fountain pumps have come a long way over the years and many of them are comparable to electric fountain pumps now. However, solar pumps are much more expensive than electric pumps. So, the upfront investment is more…. but you’ll never have to pay an electricity bill related to your fountain again.

The solar pump that I’m personally using is made by ECO-WORTHY (Buy on Amazon). I am really happy with it!

After years of using a submersible electric fountain pump, I really didn’t think I’d be happy with this purchase. But… what made all the difference was the backup battery that you can purchase separately. This thing is a game-changer!

I would highly recommend purchasing the backup battery if you get this pump. You’ll get the best of both worlds as it will enable you to run the pump completely of solar energy… and the solar panel will also CHARGE the backup battery. This will ensure the your fountain isn’t turning on and off as the sun goes behind a cloud for a few minutes. I am really impressed with this setup.

Make your own DIY water feature

Not directly related to your electricity bill… however… it will reduce your costs.

According to Home Advisor, home owners spend between $862-4,335 on the installation of a backyard water fountain (making the average cost around $2,400). It also appears that this estimate does NOT include the actual purchase cost of the water feature… it’s just for the installation.

So, if you make your own water feature instead of purchasing one and paying a contractor to install it, you’ll be saving tons of money. So, I’d consider this another creative way to save on the costs associated with your fountain.

If you’re interested in building your own DIY water feature, you can learn how I made my super cool and easy pondless fountain in less than a day!

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One of the Easiest (and coolest) DIY water features

One of the Easiest (and coolest) DIY water features

ByAmy Fedele Posted on Updated on Garden, Garden DIY, Garden Inspo, Trending, Water Features

Sitting in my backyard one day I decided that the calm, bubbling white noise from a water feature is just what I needed when relaxing after a long day of work. But… water features are just so… overdone. A fake rock or a fake pot or a fake lion mouth that spills water gracefully into a cheesy bucket where you can usually see a tube that carries the water back up to the top.

Honestly… this type of stuff is just not for me.

So, I created a pondless water feature instead… one that actually looks real. And built-in. And like it took you way longer than a few hours.

Yep… that’s right. You can build this in a few hours… with very little DIY skills or know-how.

 What’s so interesting about this particular design is that the basin is “invisible” so it looks like water from the fountain is just seeping into the ground. How the heck does that work?

Keep reading to find out how it works. And how you can build this easy and super cool pondless water feature in literally just one afternoon!

Build this pondless fountain in ONE afternoon!

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A pondless water feature is a really easy DIY project that will add a lot of peacefulness to your backyard landscaping or curb appeal to your front yard. It can also be a pretty cool visual effect, as the water will disappear into your base.

Pondless water features have like ten different names… but most commonly people call them disappearing, pondless, or invisible fountains (water features, waterfalls, bubblers, etc etc).

Why choose a pondless water feature?

Well there’s a few reasons why you may want this type of fountain:

  1. It’s a great option if you have a limited amount of space.
  2. You like to be different and you like cool things (yes and yes).
  3. It’s more eco-friendly than a traditional fountain (requires less water due to less evaporation).
  4. You have children or pets that you don’t want to worry about falling into the pond, destroying the pond, jumping into the pond, etc.
  5. You don’t want the extra maintenance of having water plants or fish in your fountain.
  6. Because I said it was easy to make.
DIY Pondless Water Feature

Materials you’ll need to DIY your water feature

Here are the materials you need. The links go to (mostly) Amazon products that you can purchase. Note that I may receive a small commission when you purchase items through these referral links.

  • Submersible Fountain Pump
  • Plastic Tubing— You will need plastic flexible tubing to connect the pump to the top of the water feature. Be sure to read the specs on your pump so you know what size tubing to buy. Some pumps will come with the correct tubing so that’s a great option, too (here’s an electric pump with tubing on Amazon).
  • Water basin — I got mine at the big box for about $20… there are lots of sizes and shapes to choose from… I got one that looks like a planter… it’s very deep and about 2ft in diameter.
  • Grate to cover water basin — look around your house before buying. An old metal grate from your cooking grill will work, or one of those expandable cooking grill replacements should do the trick. I actually used a piece of metal with holes in it from an old steel desk I had laying around.
    Here’s an alternative option since the grate above has been out of stock.
  • Hardware cloth — need enough to cover the length and width of your water basin.
  • Garden staples — you’ll use these to secure the hardware cloth.
  • Cover/Filter for Pump (optional)
  • Outdoor Extension Cord — If you’re using an electric pump and your outlet is not near the pump, you may need to connect the pump’s power cord to an outdoor extension cord. In that case you should also pick up one of these water tight cord protection cases .
  • Pond Nozzle Kit (optional) – this will give you some of the extras you need like different fountain heads and the diverter tool I talk about in the video.
  • Rocks or stones – You can just use what’s available to you in your yard or in the woods like I did. Or you can purchase decorative stone at hardware stores and landscaping yards. These are some 3-5″ river rocks you can buy online.
  • Shovel, dirt, hose, etc.

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Cost of a pondless water feature

This particular pondless water feature project should cost you a total of $75 – $100 depending on what materials you need to purchase. You may have some of these items at home, already! If you decide to go the solar route, this will cost closer to $200.

Head over to this post to help you decide between electric or solar fountain pumps. And check out my electricity cost calculator to figure out the cost of running your pump (hint: it’s not much).

This cost does not include any decorative rocks you may purchase (I just searched around the woods, etc. for the ones I used).

How to build a pondless fountain

So how to do you build this thing already? It’s actually quite simple. I broke them down into a really easy to follow steps.

  1. Dig a hole to fit basin
  2. Place basin in the hole
  3. Assemble the pump
  4. Cover pump with cloche or cheese cloth and anchor to bottom of basin
  5. Place metal grate on top of basin level with the ground
  6. Cover the grate with hardware cloth (screen)
  7. Cut a trap door into the hardware cloth for servicing the pump
  8. Make the pump easy to access in the future
  9. Bury edges of screen with soil
  10. Add rocks to the screen area above the basin
  11. Fill your basin with water
  12. Turn on & enjoy

To make it even clearer I drew out a diagram of how the water feature works and all the parts you need.

Pondless Water Feature Diagram - How it works
This diagram explains all of the parts of the pondless water feature and how it works.

1- Dig a hole to fit basin

Dig a hole to fit your basin. I actually built my fountain inside a raised garden bed, which worked out great…. A lot less digging. But, you can put this anywhere. Just make sure that you bury the basin but keep the top of the basin level with the ground so that you can set the grill on top at exactly ground level.

DIY Pondless Water Feature

Here’s the water basin I chose. They come in many different shapes and sizes so choose one that works best for your situation.

2- Place basin in the hole

DIY Pondless Water Feature

Put your basin into the hole and backfill the outside to make sure it’s nice and secure.

3- Assemble the pump

Submersible fountain pump

Assemble your pump and place it at the bottom of the basin. An electric pump will have a wire that you’ll need to plug into an outlet. A solar pump will have a solar panel attached to a wire that you’ll need to set in a really sunny location (solar does not mean wireless)

You’ll also need to connect the pump to the top of your fountain using pipe or rubber tubing. Be sure to read the specs on your pump so that you know what size tubing you’ll need. Also, measure the distance from the bottom of your basin to the top of the fountain so you know the length of tubing you’ll need.

Specs for pumps I’ve used:

  • Electric Pump: 110-120V, 220GPH flow rate, 15 watts, 5′ max lift, 6′ cord (alternative to mine)
    My exact pump specs: 120V (.23 amps), 264GPH flow rate, 16 watts, 5.5′ max lift, 12′ cord (from Harbor Freight)
  • Solar Pump: 12V, 160GHP flow rate, 10 watts, 5.6′ max lift, 16′ cord.
    I have been testing this ECO-WORTHY solar fountain pump along with the add-on battery backup and, so far, I’m very impressed. It was about $125 for both the pump and the battery and is a great solution if you don’t have an outlet near where you want your fountain. The battery can be charged via a wall outlet and it will also charge from the solar panel (AMAZING!). If you don’t get the battery backup, the pump will turn off a lot throughout the day. The panel needs completely full sun with nothing blocking it at all or it cuts out. I don’t think I would be happy with the purchase without the battery backup… you probably won’t be either.

Interested in seeing these pumps in a side-by-side comparison? Head over to this post (or watch the video here) to find out how they perform.

4- Cover pump with food cloche or cheese cloth and anchor to bottom of basin

cover the pump with a mesh food tent to screen debris

Set the mesh screen food cover tent over your pump, and then place some rocks/stones along the edges to hold the mesh down so it doesn’t float away when you fill the basin with water. If you don’t have a food cloche you can also wrap the pump in cheesecloth to keep out the debris.

Like I said, this is an optional step but it seems to make a lot of sense and will keep any debris from getting into your pump and causing it to clog up.

5- Place metal grate on top of basin level with the ground

Grate for pondless water feature

Set your grate on top of the basin and dirt. Make sure it overlaps the edge of the basin so that any rocks or other items you place around the fountain won’t fall in.

FYI: I do recommend using a grate, although it will make it a bit more difficult to remove/replace/service your pump at a later date. You can cut an opening into the grate that aligns with the hardware cloth trap door (step 7) to alleviate this problem.

Stakes inside basin add extra support

I also received an email from a reader that drilled holes near the top of the basin and inserted cut green stakes through the holes to add extra support.

6- Cover the grate with hardware cloth (screen)

DIY Pondless Water Feature

Once your grill is in place, cover the grate with the hardware cloth.

This is basically chicken wire, and adds an extra layer of support for any rocks. Since the hardware cloth has really small gaps between the wires, you won’t have to worry about smaller rocks falling through the grate. (Note: There is no grate in this photo… but there should be! I had to go back later and add it).

7- Cut a trap door into the hardware cloth for servicing the pump

cut a trap in the hardware cloth to remove the pump

An additional optional step you can take at this time is to cut a “trap” into the hardware cloth.

I did this by measuring my pump and cutting 3 sides of a rectangle into the hardware cloth to create an opening I can put my hand into. I then folded the cloth back down.

If I ever need to access my pump I know that I can reach it through this hole without having to take the entire fountain apart. Why would I access the pump? To fix a clog, to service or clean the pump or to bring the pump inside for winter are a few reasons I use it. If you live in a colder climate where it freezes in winter, it’s best that you remove the pump from the basin and store it away for the winter.

Make sure you remember where the hole is. Yeah, that’s pretty obvious right? But… after this is all set up, it’s pretty easy to forget where it is so I’m going to say it anyway.

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8- Make the pump easy to access in the future

Make it easy to access the trap in the future. That means you need to place your stones carefully around the trap so it’s covered but not a big PITA to move them. Trust me… this will save you a lot of trouble when you have to take your pump in for the winter. Or when have to replace the pump if it wears out from you running this every day of your life because it’s so awesome. ?

Garden Stakes or Garden Staples

Use the garden staples to secure the hardware cloth to the ground so it won’t slide around.

9- Bury edges of screen with soil

Cover the edges of the hardware cloth and grill with dirt. Really all we’re doing here is camouflaging the edges of the hardware cloth and grate so that you can’t see them.

10- Add rocks to the screen area above the basin

Cover hardware cloth with rocks

Place decorative rocks or other objects onto the hardware mesh/grill area that is above the basin. 

FYI: When I took this photo I did not have a grate installed. I actually went back and put a grate under the hardware cloth to remove the “sagging” look that you see here. It didn’t seem like the cloth alone would hold the weight of the stones.

11- Fill your basin with water

This is a pretty self explanatory step. Here we will fill the basin with water. Fill the water all the way to the top. The water won’t stay in here forever… some may evaporate over time (although it will stay a lot longer than an above-ground water feature). Be sure to check the water level every so often and refill your basin as needed. If you let the water level get below the pump, you can permanently damage the pump.

12 – Turn on & enjoy

Turn on your pump & enjoy! Make sure you check the water level of your basin from time to time so that you don’t burn out the pump.

Since the water is underground, you are less likely to have evaporation so you shouldn’t have to fill the basin up too often.

DIY Pondless Water Feature
Watching this how-to video usually clears up ANY questions you may be having right now. I’ve also included an FAQ & Troubleshooting section near the bottom of this post.

Get creative with your pondless water feature project!

You can turn this same project into a pondless waterfall, pump station, or any other awesome idea you find on Pinterest. This type of fountain works the same as the regular pond fountains, so go crazy!

Experiment with all of the sprayers that come with the pump and see which one you like. You can also purchase packs of additional fountain nozzle heads if you’d like to.

Just be sure that when the water splashes off your stones that it will still make it into the bucket. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep filling your basin and that’s really no fun.

So, if you want a big, old splishy splashy fountain, you may need to get a wider basin than I used (like this 15 gallon oval tank on Amazon). They do sell options that look more like a pond or even a large plastic tote size if that’s how you roll. I like keep my fountain at a little bubble bubble not a big splish splash… so the round, deep basin I chose works really well for that. 

If you like this water feature, you’ll also like my list of 20+ amazing water feature ideas and my DIY self-watering planter project.

FAQ’s / Troubleshooting

Over the years I’ve received a lot of great questions about this project. So, here are some of the most frequently asked questions and problems you may need to troubleshoot along the way.

Can I use a solar pump or power this by battery?

Yes, you can use a solar pump for this project. I have purchased this solar pump and the add-on battery backup. This is not as powerful as the electric pump I have listed, however, I never used my fountain on “full strength” using the electric pump.

After using this solar setup for a few weeks now, I would definitely recommend it. The solar panel is also quite large (about 11×14″, which i something to consider.

My favorite thing is that the battery backup actually CHARGES via the solar panel. I think this is an incredible feature that you should look for. This means that any time the sun “cuts out”, the battery will take over and the fountain will continue to run. It also runs for hours into the evening using the sun’s charge from the day. Without the battery backup, though, I would not have been happy using a solar pump. It cuts out a lot without the battery.

Keep in mind that solar does NOT mean wireless. There’s a 16′ cord that runs from the pump to the solar panel. An extension cord is available for purchase separately. You will need to find a place to put the panel that’s going to get adequate sun and not be in the way… while still being attached to the pump.

Learn more about electric vs. solar pumps in this article. It will help you decide which is right for you.

Can I use pond liner instead?

Absolutely you can. However, I find pond liner to be a bit difficult to work with. And, since the water feature is underground and you don’t actually see the water reservoir, you don’t need to make your basin into an organic/fun shape… which is why I find that a bucket/basin easier to use.

Can I just use a plastic bucket? Why do I need a “pond basin”?

I suppose the answer will depend on where you live and the quality of the materials you want to use. Because this is a permanent structure and sits underground, I am more inclined to buy the type of basin that is made for this use. A plastic bucket could easily crack and leak and you’ll have to take the whole thing apart. And, if you live in a colder climate like I do (Pennsylvania), the ground will freeze and will likely cause a regular old bucket to crack. Pond basins are flexible and won’t crack over the winter.

How do I get the wire from my water feature all the way to my outlet?

My water feature is right next to my house making a simple outdoor extension cord very easy to use (be sure to connect the cord to your pump inside of a water tight cord protection case.

However, if you are planning to put this water feature in the middle of your yard, you may need to hire an electrician to run underground wiring and connect it to your home. This is definitely something to consider when choosing the location of your water feature.

How do I get the pump out of the basin?

If you take a look at step 7, I’ve cut a trap door into the hardware cloth so I can “open” up that section and reach my hand into the basin to retrieve the pump. This makes it easier to take the pump out in the winter and to do any servicing you may need to do. If you didn’t cut a trap into the hardware cloth, you’ll have to remove all of the rocks/stones, then take off the hardware cloth and grill to retrieve the pump. So, thinking ahead and creating that trap door can save you a lot of time and effort in the future!

Do I NEED to put a filter on the fountain?

No… not necessarily. But I’ve found that using a filter will help to maintain the pump and make it last longer. If debris from above fall into your water basin they can get sucked up into the pump and clog it and/or break it. So, this is just a precautionary step to avoid that. Check out my video to make your own $3 external filter for your pump.

My basin needs to be refilled every few hours… what gives?

Over time, you will need to “top off” the water in your underground basin. However, if the water is running out within a few hours there’s a bigger problem. Usually the reason is that the splash of your fountain is going OUTSIDE of the diameter of your underground basin. The water needs to trickle down the rocks and go back into the basin for this to work properly. First, try positioning your rocks in a way that funnels the water back into the center of the basin. If you want a larger splashing fountain you may need to invest in a large and WIDE basin (or use pond liner as mentioned above).

My pump is pumping, but the water is not coming out on the top of the fountain!?

Likely, you have not connected your pump to the top of the fountain. If you don’t connect a hose, the water will likely not leave your bucket. You will need to use flexible hosing to do this. The hose connects to the pump and then travels upward to the top of the fountain (where you want the water to splash). You can watch my how-to video to follow along with how I did it.

If this isn’t the problem, it’s possible that your hose is leaking or that the connection point where it secures onto the pump has come undone, is loose, or there’s an actual hole or leak in the hose. Try using a hose clamp to secure the connection of the tube to the pump.

What do I do with the pump/water feature in the winter?

That’s really up to you. Each winter, I usually drain the water basin as best as I can and use the trap door to remove the pump from the basin and store it. I’ve also left the pump inside (unplugged) and used a waterproof tarp to cover the entire fountain/rock area so that no water gets into the basin over the winter and freezes. If the pump freezes inside of the basin you’ll likely do permanent damage. If you live in a warmer climate you can probably get away with unplugging the pump and draining the water a bit, then refilling the basin in the spring.

What size pump do I need for my fountain? The specs are so confusing?!

I agree, it can be confusing. I’ve demystified all of the fountain pump specs in this post (there’s also a video that you can watch on that page).

If you have another question, feel free to contact me and I’ll do my best to answer it for you 🙂

Wrapping Up

I told you this was an easy DIY project! And, there’s just so much room for customization and creativity. Just think, in an afternoon you can have a beautiful, soothing pondless water feature to relax near all summer. First you’ll have to decide whether you want to go with a solar or electric fountain pump.

Then, dig a hole for your basin and put your pump in, cover it with a grill and hardware cloth, and decorate with rocks or other found objects.

I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with… so PLEASE send me a photo… the easiest way is to sign up for my email list then hit REPLY to one of the emails. It goes straight to me!!

-Amy

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Pondless DIY Fountain Bubbler

DIY Solar Birdbath Fountain for less than $50!

DIY Solar Birdbath Fountain for less than $50!

ByAmy Fedele Posted on Updated on Garden, Garden DIY, Garden Inspo, Water Features

Bird Baths and water features for your outdoor space can be so relaxing and enjoyable. And, if you add a bird bath, you’ll also have the additional delight of inviting wildlife into your backyard.

The best part is that you can make a solar birdbath fountain out of literally ANYTHING. Here’s a quick tutorial on how I made a DIY solar birdbath fountain out of a candle pillar stand, large bowl, spray paint and a solar fountain.

My total cost for this project was $36!!

solar birdbath fountain collage

If you want the honest truth I had most of these materials at home, which is how I kept the price down. But the price really wasn’t much more than that.

And, if you’re looking to just purchase an outdoor water feature, head over to this article to get 20+ more unique water feature ideas.

Materials for DIY Bird Bath Fountain

Here is a run-down of the materials and pricing for everything:

  • XKTTSUEERCRR 1.4 W Power Panel Kit Solar Water Pump for Birdbath Fountain Pool Garden (about $15)
  • Candle pillar stand (I got mine at Christmas Tree Shop for about $15 with a coupon — but these are also a dime a dozen at flea markets)
  • Large bowl / vase — I’ve had this for years so I didn’t count it in my total, it was a steal at Burlington at $12.99
  • Glue — to glue your pieces together. I used ZEP Fast Gasket but I’ve heard great things about Gorilla glue as well.
  • Spray paint works wonders for making two seemingly strange pieces look like they were meant to go together, so I would highly recommend painting whatever you decide to put together so that it looks like it was supposed to be one piece.

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Assemble Your Birdbath Fountain Pieces

Here are my two pieces. I decided to paint the outside of the bowl and the candle pillar stand a shiny copper to match the color of the INSIDE of the bowl.

solar birdbath fountain before

I then rubbed off some of the spray paint around the stand and touched it with some darker black paint to give it a more aged look.

solar birdbath fountain paint detail

We put some of the glue on the base of the solar birdbath fountain after the paint dried, and carefully put the bowl on the base. and let it dry.

diy solar birdbath fountain zep glue

Adding the Fountain and Water

Only a few more steps left to complete the solar birdbath fountain. Adding water and putting in the fountain of course! The fountain is a great touch and the fact that it’s solar makes it so much easier.

Make sure that you give the birds enough water but also some things to stand on so that they will play in the solar birdbath fountain. I’ve also read that if the water is squirting all over the place sporadically they may not like it too much. After playing with all the nozzles I just decided to keep it at a low bubble.

solar birdbath fountain in landscape

Buy the fountain here: XKTTSUEERCRR 1.4 W Power Panel Kit Solar Water Pump for Birdbath Fountain Pool Garden

Wrapping Up

This DIY Bird Bath was a really low cost project that adds a nice focal point to my outdoor space. If you’re looking for a bird bath or other water feature to just purchase instead of DIY’ing it, head to this article to get 20+ more unique water feature ideas.

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