Even the most small fountain capable of transforming the landscape of a dacha or private home beyond recognition. This decorative structure will definitely become a favorite relaxation spot on your site, because it will give you the opportunity to unite with nature at any moment. Do you want this to become a reality faster? There is nothing super complicated here - anyone can make a fountain with their own hands. Don't believe me? Then to your attention step-by-step instruction with a photo, following which you can quickly and without the involvement of professionals get an effective and functional fountain.
Choosing a fountain
First of all, you need to choose suitable option fountain for your site. It's about about its dimensions, shape and materials. When deciding this issue, focus on the area and style of the yard of your dacha or private house.
Yes, for large plot it’s better to choose a classic sculptural model that will become the center landscape composition. And for a modest courtyard, fountains in the form of: sea shells, fairy-tale heroes, houses, pots and other similar figures.
An original fountain made from scrap materials
But you don’t have to buy a ready-made sculpture, because you can also build a fountain with your own hands. The simplest option is a structure made of stones. To make it, place large flat stones on top of each other, use an electric drill to make holes in each of them and string all the resulting products onto copper pipe- it is through it that water will flow to the top of the structure. Then close the gaps with small stones and treat the cracks silicone sealant.
Choosing a location
The next step is to decide where exactly on the site the fountain will be located. In order for the structure to fully fulfill its aesthetic function, it cannot be installed “anywhere” - it is important to choose the best location. And for this you need to take into account several nuances.
- Firstly, the fountain does not belong in an area that is too open, since under the influence of active sunlight the water may begin to “bloom.”
- Secondly, the fountain cannot be placed among powerful trees - their roots can cause deformation of the tank and waterproofing. In addition, leaves, fluff, fruits and tree seeds will constantly pollute the fountain.
- Thirdly, the structure should not be too close to the house, otherwise moisture will fall on its walls with the wind.
- Fourthly, it is undesirable to place the fountain in the open wind so that its gusts do not “disrupt” the jets.
Position the fountain so that it can be seen from different parts plot
Thus, the ideal location for a decorative fountain is light partial shade surrounded by flowers and low bushes.
When you choose a place, proceed directly to arranging the fountain. It assumes phased implementation three main groups of work:
- tank preparation;
- pump installation;
- installation and decoration of the fountain.
Preparing the tank
In order for the fountain to be durable and solid, it is necessary to equip a special reservoir for hydraulic equipment and water. This is done as follows:
- Dig a pit of pre-calculated depth and the diameter you need.
Important! The depth of the reservoir should be below ground level so that the soil around the fountain bowl is not washed away and the base is not deformed.
- Pour a thin layer of sand onto the bottom of the resulting hole and carefully reinforce its side walls with bricks.
- Cover the inner surface of the pit with thick plastic film - it will prevent the passage of water.
- Fix the film along the upper edge of the tank and treat the seams with frost-resistant silicone sealant. Place stones at the bottom of the pit, distributing them over the surface of the film. The stones should not be sharp so as not to deform the film.
- Install a small emergency drain near the pit to prevent the water level in the tank from rising.
Construction of the fountain
Installing the pump
The fountain will not be able to work without the most important mechanism -. It is he who is responsible for the continuous movement of water flow. General principle The operation of the pump is simple: water is discharged through a nozzle into the reservoir, then enters the pipeline, where it undergoes coarse and fine cleaning, and then the already purified water is sent back to the nozzle.
The quality of the fountain’s functioning directly depends on the type of pump:
- Submersible - works on the principle of a centrifuge and is located in the center of the fountain tank under water. It's cheap, but reliable device, for the installation of which no fasteners are needed - the submerged pump is quite heavy, so it does not budge on its own. It is suitable for small weak fountains.
Diagram: fountain pump operation
- Surface is a more serious type of pump, which is installed not inside the tank, but on its edge on the surface of the earth. This device is designed for large fountains with complex designs.
Pipeline for pumping system can be constructed from plastic pipes. Their optimal diameter is 16 mm.
Advice. In order to enhance the operation of the pump, additionally install a pressure tank - it will guarantee constant pressure water flow.
Fountain decoration
After the main functional elements are installed, you need to take care of installing the fountain itself, or rather its upper part. If you are using ready-made sculptures, they should have special fastenings for installation. But a homemade stone fountain is best installed on metal slats previously laid on top of the tank.
Then start decorating the structure. The fountain can be decorated with plants, different-sized stones, clay figurines, microsculptures and any other details that seem appropriate to you on your site.
You can decorate the fountain with stones, sculptures and plants
Don't forget about this one spectacular instrument decor, like lighting. It can be underwater lamps, light strips, floating lanterns, ground lamps - here you are also unlimited. But remember that lighting structures must be completely sealed, and all their contacts must be protected from water as reliably as possible, otherwise it will be unsafe to use them.
When all work is completed, fill the tank with water and start the fountain.
As you can see, to make a beautiful fountain with your own hands, you don’t need to work hard or spend a lot of money. Do not deviate from the instructions, use quality materials and don’t be afraid to experiment with decor – by following these three simple rules, you will definitely get a functional fountain that will delight your eyes and set you in a positive mood for many years.
Which fountain to choose for your dacha: video
Fountain at the dacha: photo
For any owner, the appearance or yard has great importance. Its design can be done by specialists, but, if desired, you can do it yourself. A fountain will be a successful decoration for a yard or area. It can also be built according to your own design.
Types of fountains
Garden fountains come in different types. They are divided into types: by device, by appearance, according to operating features, etc. According to the method of installation country fountains there are circulation and flow, they are also called “Roman”.
Did you know? The first fountains appeared in Ancient Greece and in Ancient Rome.
Circulating suggest the water cycle. Water fills a certain reservoir (bowl, vase, reservoir) and is supplied with the help of a pump to a device from which a stream of water directly shoots out.
Everything is arranged in such a way that the outgoing water enters the reservoir and is pumped upward again. Thus, the device does not require water supply from a water supply system or a well. The only thing that is necessary is to add water to a certain mark, since it tends to evaporate or splash.
Flow fountains are arranged using water supply (well) and sewerage. Water flows upward, falls down and goes into the sewer. The method is, of course, irrational, but Such fountains have a number of advantages:
- aesthetic appearance;
- drinking water;
- possibility of using water for, and.
Did you know? Tallest fountain in the world- 312 m. It's called a fountain« Fahda» , is located in Saudi Arabia.
Choosing a suitable location
If you decide to build a fountain on the site with your own hands, then, first of all, choose a suitable place for this. If there is a pond or a pond in the country, the choice of location is obvious. Where the pond is located, there will be a fountain. The structure of the pond, of course, will have to be modified and adjusted, but the foundation will remain.
If you are starting from scratch, then you need to choose a place, carefully weighing all the pros and cons. DIY garden fountains perform different functions: they humidify the air in the garden, which is good for trees, create cool conditions, can be used for irrigation, etc.
For this reason, you need to choose a place so that the fountain not only brings aesthetic pleasure, but is also useful. A suitable place for arrangement would be an open area between trees, bushes or.
Trees and bushes should not hang over a pond or reservoir to prevent debris from falling into the water and leaves falling. This is harmful to water filters. Also, due to the proximity of trees, and therefore their root system, the underground part of the fountain may be disrupted or even destroyed. If your dacha has plants that cannot tolerate waterlogging, arrange the fountain away from them.
Important! Do not place the fountain near buildings.
There is no need to set up the structure in the open sun, as this can lead to water blooms. There is one more condition: a fountain in the country, made by yourself, must be in harmony with the overall design. Everything should be done in the same style. This should be an area that is clearly visible from the windows of the house and from any part of the yard, because you are building a fountain, first of all, for aesthetic pleasure.
Preparation of materials for construction
When a place for a fountain and its type have been chosen, a project has been developed, you need to determine what materials will be needed for construction. Let’s assume that the project is designed for a circulating jet static fountain with a single release of water, i.e., the “Geyser” type.
At home, to set up a fountain with your own hands you will need cement, sand, crushed stone, durable plastic film and construction material. façade mesh size according to the diameter of the structure (both the film and the mesh must be the same size). In addition, you need a plastic container with a volume of about 50-70 liters, depending on the size of the structure.
If you plan to decorate everything with stones, then prepare them right away. It could be a wild stone the right size, cobblestones, granite, large pebbles, etc. To ensure proper operation, you will need a fountain pump.
Pump selection criteria
Depending on the type of fountain you need to choose. For "waterfall" we would choose surface pump, and since we have a traditional fountain, we choose a submersible one.
As a rule, submersible pumps perform their function perfectly. They are compact, quiet, easy to install and, importantly, affordable. Submersible pumps come in different capacities. It is calculated in the amount of water pumped per 1 hour (l/h). 
The height of the jet will depend on the power of the pump. The maximum height is calculated based on the diameter of the “foot” you made. In this case, the pump does not need to be selected according to the principle “the more powerful, the better.” For the arrangement, we need one so that the jet is high enough and so that the spray does not fly beyond the “foot.” For a summer residence, the jet height is suitable from 80 cm to 1 m.
Important! It is necessary to ensure that water does not splash outside the fountain. Excessive humidity can lead to the death of plants and damage to things.
Manufacturers, as a rule, provide in the instructions a table of the relationship between power and jet height. Since we are equipping the Geyser, such a device will require a pump with a capacity of about 7000 l/h.
Installation principle of the pumping system
The pumping system is installed 10 cm above the bottom on a stand (laid brick or mounting pedestal). A hose or pipe with water supply is connected to it. Usually the sprinkler comes complete with a pump, but if you don’t have one, you can make it yourself.
To do this, you can take a regular pipe from stainless metal. The diameter will depend on the height of the jet and the diameter of the water spray. For a small fountain of 0.8-1.0 m, a diameter of 2-2.5 inches will be sufficient. The length will depend on how deep the pump is immersed. It is enough to leave 10-15 cm above the water. 
To give the stream a shape, you can flatten the pipe, roll it, leaving a hole, drill several holes, or cut a thread and screw on the desired nozzle. Connect to the pump directly or via an adapter (if necessary).
Installation of a fountain. Step-by-step instruction
Master class on installing a fountain in a country house with your own hands step by step photos easy to find on the Internet. Typically, installation takes place in several stages. Construction of the selected project includes 10 steps:
Important! Be sure to follow safety precautions when performing any work on installing the fountain.
Construction of a fountain in a country house is not as complicated a procedure as it seems at first glance. Such designs are closed systems water circulation. Each system consists of two parts - a smaller one, mounted in open form, and a larger one, hidden under water.
If we simplify the flow diagram of the fountain, it would look something like this. The element of the system, which is considered to be a fountain, is just a decorative bowl where the ejection nozzle is located. The shape of the bowl, as well as the nozzle itself, can be very diverse (just remember the famous Bakhchisarai fountains).
When water is thrown out of the nozzle, it fills the container, from where it enters the cleaning filter through a special hole and is fed back to the nozzle. It is typical that to adjust the filling level, the bowl is equipped with a special overflow device.
Main types
Depending on the method of execution, fountains can be of two types:
In the first case, they are similar to architectural structures decorating municipal squares and parks. They are not just water “fireworks”, but true work art. Typically, such fountains are based on some kind of figure - for example, a plant or a woman with a jug. For their manufacture, polymer concrete (artificial stone) is used, which is characterized by strength, reliability and resistance to low temperatures.
Submersible systems are created in the reservoirs themselves and consist of several basic elements:
Such fountains are used mainly in suburban areas and from the outside they look as if an underground spring is spewing water spray.
Decorative aspect of the issue
Note! The most popular is the regular jet fountain. In it, a stream of water is directed upward, dividing into several smaller streams. Very primitive, but at the same time original. With such a miniature fountain, the garden pond will look new.
Often the shape of fountains is symmetrical, that is, it obeys all the laws of geometry. They can be round, rectangular, etc. Regardless of the shape, in addition decorative design structures are not needed - the boundaries of the reservoir are simply marked (for example, with stucco or natural stone), the main thing is that the style matches the overall landscape design.
It’s probably not worth talking about once again about what large area has a plot, the larger the fountain can be built. A huge structure on a miniature five hundred square meters would look ridiculous.
Choosing a suitable location
The optimal place to build a fountain is considered to be one that is clearly visible from different points in the garden. It would be great to equip a water structure in a recreation area or on.
Note! The fountain should not block approaches to other elements of the garden or buildings on the site.
When planning construction, the relief features of a particular site should be taken into account. It is advisable that the fountain be located in a low area - this provides several advantages:
- volumes groundwater it will be easier to adjust in the required direction;
- the air will be saturated with moisture, which is important on hot days.
Note! You cannot install fountains near trees or in the center of the site, otherwise the waterproofing or the entire internal structure will be damaged by roots, and fallen leaves will clog the filtration system.
Regardless of the type of structure, installation involves the following activities:
For a small structure you can use a regular one plastic container, while massive fountains require preliminary construction of a foundation. For water supply it is recommended to use plastic pipes, which do not rust and are connected with a soldering iron.
Note! The main element of any design is hydraulic equipment, which generates pressure and throws water out of the nozzle.
Pump equipment
The service life of a fountain largely depends on quality, so it is better not to skimp on this element. The operation of the pump is quite simple: through the drain hole in the bowl, water enters the pipes and flows through them to the pump intake pipe. That, in turn, creates the necessary pressure and throws it out through the nozzle. Thus the cycle repeats.
Pump power depends on two factors:
- bowl volume;
- required ejection force.
Note! The circulation pump requires electricity, so the connection should be taken care of during planning. Don’t despair if you can’t power the device with electricity - a small domed fountain can be made without the help of a pump.
Similar models have more natural look, but they can only be equipped on sloping terrain. Here water circulates according to the principle of several communicating vessels located on different tiers.
When planning, you can use ready-made options that have been repeatedly tested in practice:
- a fountain made of stones;
- construction from scrap materials.
Let's consider the technologies for their production.
Prices for a linear series of pumping stations
Pumping stations
Option #1. Making a fountain from scrap materials
Required tools:
- electric drill;
- metal scissors;
- insulating tape;
- shovel.
Consumables:
- iron sheet;
- stones of appropriate size;
- acrylic bath;
- Earth;
- circulation pump;
- decorative elements (lamps, sculptures, plants, etc.).
Having prepared everything you need, you can start working. The procedure is as follows.
Step 1. First, stones are selected (they can be found near a pond or a country road). They should be oval or round.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4. Wide inserts necessary to protect the playground or recreation area from splashes are cut out of non-ferrous metal (copper, aluminum, etc.). The inserts are laid and decorated with stone.
Step 5. Smaller stones are placed on the bottom, and lighting is installed (if planned).
Step 6. The circulation pump is installed, the bowl is filled with water. The final decoration of the structure is carried out (depending only on personal preferences and taste - there are no restrictions).
Note! Natural stones will look beautiful in combination with sculptures - a frog, leopard, gnome, etc. The sculptures will merge with the stone and will focus attention on the original decor.
In addition, you need to select bright vegetation (it is advisable to place it in vases), as well as elements made of wood - ordinary branches, wheels, mill blades.
Option #2. Making a stone fountain
Required tools:
- mounting syringe for filling seams;
- hammer;
- adjustable wrench;
- hacksaw;
- electric drill;
- metal scissors;
- insulating tape;
- pipe cutter
Consumables:
- boards and slats to strengthen the structure;
- stones (flat);
- copper pipe;
- PVC pipe;
- gravel for the drainage system;
- coupling;
- water pump;
- airtight container for the bowl.
The construction of this type of fountain consists of the following stages.
Step 1. First, a hole is dug 5 cm deep than the height of the container. A small ditch is also made to the outlet.
Step 2. A 5-centimeter “cushion” of gravel is poured.
Step 3. The container and PVC pipe are laid, both elements are connected. The ditch is covered with earth.
Step 4. A pump is installed in the container, outlet holes are marked and made.
Step 5. The container is connected to a copper pipe.
Step 6. Gravel is poured into the bottom of the container and the pump is fixed.
Step 7. The fountain is strengthened - slats and boards are laid on the bowl.
Step 8. Flat stones are stacked on top of each other, and places are marked for making holes in each of them.
Step 9. Holes are made, stones are strung on a copper pipe.
Step 10. Decorating the structure is the final stage of the work. Large gaps between stones are filled with small stones; silicone-based glue is used to fill the gaps.
When the glue dries, the bowl is filled with water, the pump is connected, adjustments are made and that’s it - the fountain is completely ready for use.
Prices for fountains and ponds
Fountains and ponds
Video – Construction of a stone fountain
And in conclusion - another thematic video.
Video - Fountain from a teapot
It seems that the days have passed when Russians’ summer cottages and private courtyards were exclusively an area with laid out beds and planted trees and shrubs. Modern garden plot, large private yard or a tiny backyard within an urban home can become a work of landscape art. Beautiful flower beds, neat garden paths, barbecue areas, swings and gazebos – there are plenty of options for arranging even modest-sized yards. But as the Japanese say, they are great specialists in creating the perfect landscape design– for a harmonious environment in your yard or summer cottage there must be three components: plants, stones and water. It is the introduction of a source of water into the arrangement local area will be the subject of this publication. let's consider possible options creating a fountain at your dacha or personal plot, within a small courtyard or a huge local area.
Types of fountains for landscape design of a site
The generally accepted opinion that a fountain in a summer cottage is expensive, labor-intensive and generally troublesome has long been unfounded. Organize a source with constantly circulating water on our own It’s not difficult if you approach the issue with care and accuracy. Well, ready-made options in modern stores There are so many that it’s easy to get lost.
Choosing a fountain, like any device for decorating a local area, requires accurate calculations, correct selection of shapes, sizes and materials. Before you go to the store or the Internet in search of videos with master classes on making a fountain with my own hands, you need to decide what kind of fountains there are and how they differ from each other.
This type of fountain can be considered the simplest in terms of design and installation. The peculiarity of the submersible mechanism is that the jet shoots directly from the water. But this option requires the presence or creation of a small reservoir - artificial pond or a large bowl of water that is immersed in the soil. The submersible version of the fountain is one of the least expensive. It is enough to select a suitable spray nozzle that forms a jet and fix the hose from the pump. There is no need to install additional technical devices.
These are the designs we imagine most often when we talk about fountains in parks and squares. This type of fountain requires the presence of some decorative elements that imitate a water source. A stationary fountain for a summer house or private courtyard can use jets, sculptures or their compositions, and various elements of landscape decor.
The design of a stationary fountain itself is somewhat more complicated than a submersible type mechanism, but it also looks like this decorative element landscape design is more respectable and effective. This is especially true in cases where it was possible to find a suitable general concept design the site a fountain model (or make it yourself).
Among the many models of stationary fountains, products made from polymer material, perfectly imitating natural stone. Products made from polystone look like models made from natural stone, but at the same time they are significantly cheaper, lightweight and easy to install and operate.
Fountains made of polystone can be either one object or a composition of several elements - there are countless options. In any case, the material is not subject to rotting or deformation, and is able to withstand jets of water even under fairly high pressure.
Fountains in which water flows over the main element or a whole composition of objects look stylish, modern and creative. It seems that the stone itself is a source of moisture. Meanwhile, water flows through a hose, which is located in the center of the hole of the boulder (or any other decorative element).
Fountain-waterfall “falling water”
There are no less varieties of fountains that imitate both jets and water falling from something like a waterfall. In such a combined composition, the fountain jets, rising upward, do not easily fall back into the water, but end up on a cascade of stones or stepped decorative elements.
Making a fountain with your own hands
So, you have decided on the type of fountain and are ready to get to work. But wait until you dig the pit. It’s not for nothing that popular wisdom says: “measure seven times, cut once.” You need to carefully plan your actions, do necessary calculations, carry out a number of preparatory work.
Choosing a place for a fountain
A successful choice of area for the location of the fountain is an important item on the to-do list for arranging the local area. After all, we don’t want to not only decorate the site, but also create an atmosphere of peace and comfort, in which the sound of running water will allow you to relax and forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday work. On the one hand, I want the fountain to be in a zone of constant visibility, so that it can be admired from anywhere on the site (but most often this desire is unattainable, because there are buildings, trees and tall bushes on the territory), on the other hand, to be located near the recreation area .
If you are planning to manufacture a submersible fountain, then you need to consider the following nuances:
- The fountain should not be placed directly under a tree or tall bush - falling leaves will not only clog the water, but can also cause the pump to break down. In its turn root system wood can cause destruction of the entire structure;
- a fountain in even a small body of water will cause high humidity and possible damage to the facade if it is located in close proximity to a house or other buildings;
- It is also important to take into account the wind rose in your area, at least the predominant wind direction. If you place a pond with a fountain on the leeward side, then most of the time you will have to clean up garbage rather than enjoy the beauty of the structure and the sounds of flowing water;
- but also absolutely open area yard - not the best option for the location of the fountain (especially for regions of our country where summers can be very hot). During the day, light and shadow should replace each other. Otherwise, the water in the tank may become very hot, which will damage the pump. And the water will begin to turn green faster in constantly hot water.
Choosing a bowl for an artificial pond
In this matter, the determining criteria will be the type of fountain and the size of the reservoir being manufactured. In order to optimize the costs and time of making a fountain with your own hands, the easiest way is to choose a ready-made bowl made of composite from the available assortment of stores. A wide range of shapes, sizes and colors will allow you to do this without much effort.
Experts recommend choosing bowls made of composite materials because they do not undergo thermal deformation. If your pond has small sizes, and it’s not important for you to make any choice original form, then it’s better to buy ready-made option. Otherwise, you will have to make the bowl yourself - this is a labor-intensive process that takes a lot of time. But as a result, you will get the ideal vessel for your country pond. This topic is extensive and worthy of a separate publication. But not all the elements for garden fountain selected.
Choosing a pump for a DIY fountain
A pump for a fountain must not only push a stream of water to the desired height, as is required in a country waterfall or an artificial stream, but also push the water out from the right pressure to a certain height above the surface. Of course, there are formulas for finding the required pump power for a given jet height and optimal diameter hose, but for those who do not want to delve into the details of the calculations, we offer the following list of correspondences:
- for a jet height of 50 cm, the hose diameter is 1.5 cm, and the pump capacity is 1000 l/h;
- for height 100 cm, diameter – 1.5 cm, pump 2000 l/h;
- jet 150 cm, diameter – 2.5 cm, productivity 3000 l/h;
- pressure height 200 cm, hose diameter 2.5 cm, power 5000 l/h;
- for a jet with a height of 300 cm or more, you will need a hose with a diameter of 2.5 cm or more, and a pump with a capacity of 8000 l/h or more (but such designs are used extremely rarely for country landscapes).
There are many varieties of attachments for creating original types jets, they all leave their mark on the choice technical characteristics equipment. In any case, all parameters of the pump will be indicated in its marking, on the box and in technical passport goods. If you want to make a “geyser” type fountain or use original attachments (such as “bell, etc.), then contact the consultants in the store for help.
Decorating a country or garden fountain
Of course, the main criteria for choosing decor for a fountain will be only your imagination and financial capabilities. Although, for many types of decor the costs will be symbolic. For example, if you choose a polystone fountain model, then decor is not needed at all. Such models are most often presented in a fairly laconic design and do not require decorations.
If you want to create the most natural atmosphere, close to the setting, throughout the entire area in general and near the fountain in particular wildlife, then it would be a good idea to adhere to the following simple recommendations:
- to decorate the fountain, use stones of one or maximum two types, because in nature it is rare to find a pile of stones that differ significantly in their aesthetic qualities;
- plants that will be in close proximity to a fountain or located in a pond are best chosen from the class of those for which water or very high humidity are a natural habitat;
- If your artificial pond will be inhabited by fish, then you need to find out in advance whether a particular decorative species is able to calmly tolerate the noise of falling water.
In custody
The listed fountain options and the photos proposed for them are only part of the ways to create an original source of water for summer cottage, a private yard or just a local area. There is no limit to the imagination for creating combined models and using non-standard materials. Whatever your choice, it is important that any fountain will give your site a special flavor, make the landscape design complete, more harmonious, increase humidity and create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere in the recreation area (or near it).
Recently, so-called “vertical fountains”, which are literally a “water wall,” have become especially popular. They look stylish, modern and easily fit into almost any landscape design style without taking up much space.
