DIY Backyard Fountain: Transforming an Eyesore into a Stunning Water Feature

Updated at: 19/05/2025

Tired of that unsightly corner of your backyard? A neglected patch of land or an old, broken structure can dramatically detract from the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. But what if you could transform that eyesore into a captivating focal point? This article explores the rewarding process of creating a stunning DIY backyard fountain, breathing new life into a previously undesirable area. We'll guide you through transforming a forgotten space into a tranquil oasis, adding value and beauty to your property without breaking the bank.

Forget expensive landscaping contractors and pre-fabricated features. With a little creativity, readily available materials, and a dash of elbow grease, you can craft a bespoke water feature that reflects your personal style. From choosing the right pump to selecting the perfect stones and plants, we'll provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you build your own beautiful backyard fountain. Let's get started with the first step in this exciting project!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Poly resin planters
  • Geotextile fabric
  • Pea pebbles
  • Pavers
  • Cinder blocks
  • Pressure treated spindles
  • Galvanized mesh
  • Stainless steel staples/screws/washers
  • PVC pipe
  • Bulkhead fitting
  • Coupling
  • Barbed fitting
  • Pump (Aldo osw waterfall pump)
  • River rocks
  • Stones
  • Driftwood
  • Plants (hostas, ferns, sedums)
  • Moss
  • Expanding foam
Safety Guidelines
  • Always disconnect the power supply before working on any electrical components of the fountain pump or lighting. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
  • Use appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, when working with tools, rocks, or other materials. Some materials can be sharp or cause irritation.
  • Ensure the fountain's location is stable and won't cause flooding or damage to surrounding structures. Proper drainage and waterproofing are crucial.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Site Preparation

    • Remove mulch, leaves, and weed root systems.
    • Excavate a 4x4 foot hole, approximately 20 inches deep at the lowest point, creating a reservoir of about 200 gallons.
    Dig the hole: Excavate a 4x4 foot hole, approximately 20 inches deep at the lowest point, creating a reservoir of about 200 gallons.Dig the hole: Excavate a 4x4 foot hole, approximately 20 inches deep at the lowest point, creating a reservoir of about 200 gallons.
    Site Preparation

  2. Base Preparation

    • Line the hole with geotextile fabric to protect the liner. Add a layer of pea pebbles to level the bottom.
    • Use pavers to create a flat, stable surface on the bottom, ensuring it's level.
    Create a stable surface: Use pavers to create a flat, stable surface on the bottom, ensuring it's level.Create a stable surface: Use pavers to create a flat, stable surface on the bottom, ensuring it's level.
    Base Preparation

  3. Fountain Structure Construction

    • Use cinder blocks to create a raised platform for the planters, leaving space for tubing and ensuring water flow.
    • Construct a frame around the Basin using pressure-treated spindles to support the liner and galvanized mesh.
    Create a frame: Construct a frame around the Basin using pressure-treated spindles to support the liner and galvanized mesh.Create a frame: Construct a frame around the Basin using pressure-treated spindles to support the liner and galvanized mesh.
    Fountain Structure Construction

  4. Planter Placement and Support

    • Place the largest planter on top of the cinder blocks, cutting a hole for the pump tubing. Position the smaller planters on the sides, using stones and driftwood for support and height.
    Position the planters: Place the largest planter on top of the cinder blocks, cutting a hole for the pump tubing. Position the smaller planters on the sides, using stones and driftwood for support and height.
    Planter Placement and Support

  5. Plumbing and Spillways

    • Drill holes in planters for spillways, install bulkheads and couplings for tubing, and create standpipes to prevent water drainage.
    Plumbing: Drill holes in planters for spillways, install bulkheads and couplings for tubing, and create standpipes to prevent water drainage.
    Plumbing and Spillways

  6. Securing and Leveling Planters

    • Level the planters, ensuring they tilt toward the front for spillover. Use expanding foam and additional stones to secure everything.
    Secure planters: Level the planters, ensuring they tilt toward the front for spillover. Use expanding foam and additional stones to secure everything.
    Securing and Leveling Planters

  7. Concealment and Landscaping

    • Hide the pump and frame with stones, moss, and river rocks. Add plants around the edges.
    Conceal the pump and frame: Hide the pump and frame with stones, moss, and river rocks. Add plants around the edges.Conceal the pump and frame: Hide the pump and frame with stones, moss, and river rocks. Add plants around the edges.
    Concealment and Landscaping

  8. Testing, Refinements, and Final Touches

    • Test the water flow. Secure the mesh with screws and washers. Add final landscaping touches, including plants and pebbles.
    Test run and final touches: Test the water flow. Secure the mesh with screws and washers. Add final landscaping touches, including plants and pebbles.Test run and final touches: Test the water flow. Secure the mesh with screws and washers. Add final landscaping touches, including plants and pebbles.
    Testing, Refinements, and Final Touches

Read more: Build a Sag-Proof Wood Fence Gate: The Ultimate DIY Guide

Tips

  • Use geotextile fabric to protect the liner from soil and rocks.
  • Ensure a level base for the pavers to create a stable foundation.
  • Consider water flow when building the cinder block structure.
  • Use expanding foam to secure stones and plants, and to provide a base for moss.
  • Choose plants that won't grow too tall and will complement the fountain.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Improper Pump Placement

Reason: Incorrect pump placement can lead to insufficient water flow, noisy operation, or even pump burnout.
Solution: Ensure the pump is submerged at the correct depth and positioned to avoid obstructions and maximize water circulation.

2. Inadequate Sealing and Waterproofing

Reason: Leaks can occur if proper sealing techniques are not used, resulting in water damage and wasted water.
Solution: Use high-quality sealant and waterproof materials throughout the construction process to prevent leaks.

FAQs

What materials do I need to build a DIY backyard fountain?
The materials depend on your design, but common essentials include a pump, a basin (either a pre-formed basin or materials to build one, like concrete or a large, waterproof container), plumbing connectors, sealant, gravel, rocks, and optional decorative elements like plants or statues. A detailed list will be provided in the step-by-step guide.
How much does it cost to build a DIY backyard fountain?
The cost varies greatly depending on the size and complexity of your design and the materials you choose. You can create a beautiful fountain for a few hundred dollars, or spend more for elaborate designs and higher-quality materials. A budget-friendly approach focuses on repurposed materials and simpler designs.
How much maintenance does a DIY backyard fountain require?
Maintenance is relatively low. Regularly check the water level, clean debris from the pump and basin as needed (typically every few weeks), and ensure the pump is functioning correctly. You might also need to add water periodically, depending on evaporation rates in your climate.