7 Simple Steps for Your Own Outdoor Fountain

Imagine you're sitting in your backyard. The sun's broken through, there's a gentle wind and just before you nod off for an afternoon siesta, a moving truck rips through your neighborhood. The rig rattles your raspberry lemonade and growls "you live in the city" through the slits in your fence.
Does this scene sound familiar?

It's no secret that Portland is a Mecca of urban-planning. Yet because of the growth boundaries that keep it in the upper echelon of cities, many Portland communities are enveloped with traffic and neighborhood noise.

Even if you don't live sandwiched between major thoroughfares and just need a buffer between inner-city noise and domestic solitude, an easy-to-build fountain in your backyard could be the perfect solution. They're not only easy to assemble, but also easy on the wallet. In just seven steps, you can transform your backyard into a tranquil paradise.

Step One: Decide on a location and a look for your fountain.

A corner location or against a wall provide good places to hide electrical cords and imperfections of design. A good location must also be a reachable distance from an outdoor, grounded electrical source. Don't use an extension cord from an indoor outlet; a through-a-window-taped-to-the-sidewalk kind of job will only get you electrocuted. If you don't have an outdoor outlet, find a good electrician to install one.

Gathering design ideas is another important first step. What do you want the fountain to look like? How big do you want it to be? Layout in your mind not only where you'd like the fountain to go, but what you want it to look like. While there are numerous options, in the accompanying photos, igneous and slate rocks were used in design, as well as a simple round tub. It's important - especially in this wet climate - to choose rocks that won't be susceptible to corrosion.

(Tip: Check out the local library or go online for fountain design ideas.)

Step Two: Get out a tape measure.

Before heading to the store, it's helpful to know the rough measurements for your fountain. When measuring, include diameter of envisioned pond and anticipated height of falling water. Also, measure the distance between the fountain and the grounded electrical source. The length of the pump cord is printed on the back of each pump, so it's easy to see if you need an extension cord.

Step Three: Make field trips to a home improvement store and landscape center.

Fountain Pond Liners: You'll have lots of choices for the pond liner. Prefabricated tubs come in different shapes and sizes, from lagoon to your standard round tub. (See photo.) If you'd like to create your own design, try malleable, black underlayment in bulk, which you can cut and manipulate.

(Tip: Overestimate the amount you'll need if buying in bulk.)

Pumps and Tubing: You'll need a pump that meets the gallons-per-hour (GHP) needs for the size of your fountain. For example, a medium-size pump was used for the pictured fountain. It pushes a maximum of 185 gallons through the pump each hour and is recommended for fountains less than 3.7 feet tall. This information is also found on the back of the pump box. If you have specific questions, ask a clerk for help.

The box also lists what size tubing the pump requires. The tubing will attach to your pump and snake through the viscera of your fountain, sending the water up and out the top. Again, overestimate the tubing if buying in bulk.

(Tip: Don't get caught up in a sales clerk's pitch for unnecessary ad-on sales like diverter valves and filters. However, if you're building a pond that will contain several hundred gallons of water, inquire with a professional about filtration options.)

Materials for the exterior of the fountain: Landscape centers have the best selection of rocks and external materials for your fountain. Ask a professional which rocks are ideal for wet climates and fountains. Igneous rocks are dense and tend to remain intact after prolonged exposure to water. Slate is another good choice; its density and flat surface offer good pouring points. Overestimate on the number of rocks you'll need.

(Tip: It's important to ask for help, as some rocks crumble like coffee cake after a short amount of time in water.)

Step Four: Dig and build pond.

First, saturate the ground and mark a blueprint in the dirt for your intended fountain pond. Then, DIG. Be sure to keep the lip of the tub over the dirt, preventing soil from spilling over into the pond. Similarly, if using bulk underlayment, be liberal with how far you extend the rubber; this prevents dirt from pushing over into the water.

Step Five: Assemble pump and tubing.

Once you've created the pond, secure the tubing onto the pump according to box directions. DO NOT TURN ON THE PUMP. The pump must be submerged before operation or you'll find yourself back in the checkout line for another pump. They burn up easily. As water evaporates, the pump can become exposed to air, consequently burning up the motor. Keep this in mind once your fountain is complete and running, and make sure the water level is always high.
Not only must the pump be completely submerged to work properly, but the water gushing off the top of the fountain must flow into the tub containing the pump. The water recirculates through the fountain.

(Tip: To prolong the life of the pump, use it only when you're within earshot to enjoy it.)

Step Six: Design, design and design.

Now it's time to get creative, whether or not you have a lavish plan concocted. Gently bend and curve the tubing throughout the design. Be careful not to pinch the tubing between rocks or other pieces, as this will cut off the water flow. Keep in mind that you want to conceal the innards of the fountain design.

Step Seven: Fill it up with water and adjust pump speed.

Once you feel the design is nearing Feng Shui, plug in the fountain. At this point, you can see how the water is falling and make adjustments accordingly. (Check the box for a speed adjustment nozzle.)

Other things to consider include making sure as little water as possible falls behind or into the design. A drip or splash can drain the tub quickly. Use a larger rock or two inside the pond to hide the pump and attached tubing. This breaks the waterfall and can enhance the peaceful sound.

Be sure to inspect your fountain frequently for shifts in design caused by animals. Cats and opossums enjoy drinking from the pond. It's a good idea to clean out the fountain every three or four months, depending on how often you use it. The more often it's used, the less it stagnates.

In these seven easy steps, you, too, can build your own backyard fountain. It's not only a fun weekend project, but the tranquility it brings your backyard will drown out city noise and add a peaceful flow to your daily life.

By Gina Daggett

Learn more about garden design with water fountains.

Published in Portland Tribune, 16 May 2003