Every owner of a suburban area strives to make his home and the space around it as comfortable as possible and at the same time beautiful. After all, a well-designed landscape design is not only decoration. summer cottage, but also a harmonious combination different zones on one square. How nice it is to have dinner in the gazebo with your family after a hard day, or to relax on a bench in the hot summer, enjoying the coolness of the fountain. This is exactly what we will talk about in our article, and more specifically, how to make a fountain with your own hands.
Advantages
Most would agree with the statement of psychologists that the sound of water has a calming effect on the nervous system. A person watching the flow of water internally relaxes and gains emotional balance. You can sit by the fountain for hours, watch its play and splashes, and think about your own thoughts.
There is nothing complicated in the design, so almost anyone can install a fountain in their dacha with their own hands - you just need to have the desire and necessary materials. We will also consider the latter in our article. 
The incomparable advantage of the fountain is that it can be an excellent addition to the landscape design of any suburban area. Besides, homemade fountain with the right lighting it will become your guests’ favorite place to relax.
Depending on your preferences and general style landscape design The design of the fountain is also selected, just take into account the size: if the area is small, then it is better for you to install a small garden fountain with your own hands. 
How it works?
The device uses the principle of circular water supply. In other words, initially a certain amount of water is poured into the reservoir (bowl), which, using a pump, then circulates throughout the entire structure. There is a nozzle above the surface of the bowl, to which water is supplied. To prevent the bowl from overflowing, install special device, regulating the amount of water.
This is a generalized diagram that describes the simplicity of the design. Therefore, having installed a fountain in your dacha, you don’t need to think about the fact that water consumption in the area will increase. Just fill in the required volume of water once and from time to time just check the degree of contamination. Even though the pump has a filter, the water should still not be too dirty. 
Choosing a place
Of course, before installing a fountain with your own hands, it is necessary to at least visually determine the most appropriate place for him. Better yet, draw a plan in order to have a specific idea of the location of the structure and take into account all the nuances in advance. We offer you several practical advice by choice of location:
- The structure should be visible from anywhere on your site and not block the paths.
- If there is a gazebo or summer cuisine, then a cozy do-it-yourself fountain will be an ideal addition to such a recreation area. If you have a playground, you can make a mini fountain nearby with your own hands - children will be happy to splash in it in the summer.
- Study the topography of your site and find a low-lying place - it is best suited for installing a fountain on the site with your own hands - in the warm season it will be cool and comfortable here.
- The presence of trees nearby will not have the best effect on the operation of your fountain - the roots can damage part of the structure underground, and falling leaves can clog the water. At the same time, the space under the straight lines is too open sun rays can cause water to bloom.
- It is best to install the structure away from the house, since gusts of wind can blow the stream of water to the side, causing the walls to be constantly wet.
Varieties
Surely many have noticed that the fountains differ in appearance not only in design, but also in design. Some are made in the form of reservoirs with nozzles, others are on a stand in the shape of jugs, statues and other devices from which water flows.
Accordingly, fountains come in two types:
- submersible;
- stationary.
The first option has simple design and is often found on suburban areas and even in houses. To make something like this home fountain with your own hands, you will need a bowl, plastic pipe, pump and nozzle.
Stationary have more complex design and pompous appearance. Such devices can often be found in city parks and squares. For this option, you already need to lay the foundation, since the body is made mainly of stone or marble - durable materials that are resistant to aggressive weather conditions. 
For a large area of ten to twenty square meters A large stationary fountain is suitable, but for a small area it is best to install a submersible one. Well, the style of landscape design also dictates its own rules: for Japanese garden, for example, a submersible type is suitable.
Construction design
As we noted earlier, design style also plays a role important role. After all, all elements of landscape design should complement each other and be in harmony with each other. The most common option is the classic submersible jet fountain. Its construction does not require large financial and physical costs, and it will look advantageous in any design. Especially if you want to complement an artificial pond with it. If you want to see options for what do-it-yourself fountains for a garden might look like, we presented a photo of the idea at the end of the article. 
The shape of the bowl is most often symmetrical - it is either a circle or a square. You can put it around the edges decorative rock or pebbles, add greenery. Only the plants must be moisture-loving, otherwise the appearance of the composition will be hopelessly spoiled by rotting plants. 
Necessary materials
Before you make a decorative fountain with your own hands, you should take care of the materials and tools for construction in advance. If you want to make a stone fountain, then you will need following materials:
- smooth round and flat stones different sizes;
- gravel or crushed stone for drainage;
- water bowl;
- water pump;
- copper tube;
- coupling;
- plastic pipe is not large diameter;
- silicone;
- boards to strengthen the structure.
In accordance with the above materials, you will need the following tools:
- hammer;
- jigsaw or small saw;
- scissors;
- fum tape;
- drill;
- sliding key.
Depending on the desired decoration method, you may need Additional materials and tools. Here you can get your bearings on the situation or make a list of necessary items for work in advance, so as not to be distracted during the process. 
Pump installation
Undoubtedly, the main and important detail The whole structure is a pump. If you are a beginner and don’t yet know how to build a fountain at your dacha with your own hands, listen to our advice: you need to approach the choice of pump thoroughly. First, consider the volume of the bowl - the larger it is, the more powerful the pump will be required. The presence of a filter will protect it from various debris and extend its service life. 
There are two types:
- surface;
- submersible
The first type is installed on the surface, but in no case above the water level. The principle of communicating vessels works here.
It is advisable to install the submersible pump not at the very bottom of the bowl, but at some elevation - then sediment will not fall into the filter. Keep in mind that the pump will consume electricity, so make the necessary communications in advance and provide a shield for safety. 
Even if it is not possible to install an electric pump, do not be upset - then we will tell you how to make a fountain in the country without one.
Design without pump
Out of stock submersible pump, you can make an open fountain. If you have a well with a pump on your site, you can remove this water through a pipe into a fountain. The only thing you will need to decide is where the water will flow - for example, you can simultaneously turn on the fountain and water nearby plants.
Thus, you can create mini fountains for your garden with your own hands at several points on your site. 
Exterior design
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about the end result of your work. The appearance of the finished structure should please the eye, and the lighting will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the fountain in the evening. We offer you some decorating tips:
- You can use a variety of nozzles: the shape of the jet will depend on their shape. It can be in the form of a dome, an umbrella, or even a geyser.
- Properly selected lighting will add zest and mystery to the pond. Light sources can be installed not only around the perimeter of the fountain, but also under water. And it is not at all necessary to use standard options - the multi-colored glow of water will definitely fascinate any viewer.
- Use flowers and shrubs to decorate the pond - they will create the impression of a truly “paradise” corner.
We invite you to see how beautifully decorated garden fountains are with your own hands, photos of which are below.
Ideas and important little things
There are many photographs of country fountains on the Internet, and methods for their construction are described. You can also find enough information on how to make a home fountain with your own hands. Yes, yes, such mini-devices look very original and complement the interior. Such designs are especially popular among supporters of Feng Shui. Of course, the process of their construction is much simpler and cheaper - and their dimensions are quite small. 
If you still have a desire, but don’t know how to make a fountain at home, we will help you make a choice and give you a few useful tips:
- If there is no space on the site, a fountain can be made even at home - in the hallway, for example, or in the greenhouse. Its dimensions can be completely different - depending on your desires and the available space.
- A submersible fountain can be made from available materials - the bowl can be an old cast-iron bathtub or a bathtub cut lengthwise car tire, large flower pot, wide basin.
- The stationary version can be made in the form of a jug, bottles, stones, in the middle of which there is water hose- it is too great option For homemade design.
- The fountain does not have to be installed separately - it can be part of a wall or landscape composition.
- The cascade fountain is a stationary type, and has an undeniable advantage - such a structure can become the fruit of even the wildest imagination. The matter may be limited not only to traditional pots from which water flows and overflows, but also to entire structures in the form garden carts, teapots, samovars, watering cans with buckets, etc.
- Fountain elements can be painted in various colors; special treatment compounds are often used to prevent the appearance of moss and mold.
And, of course, you shouldn’t forget about maintenance - with the onset of cold weather, you need to turn off the fountain, drain the water from it and cover the entire structure with film until it warms up. In this case, your little country oasis will delight all household members and guests with its joyful murmur for many years to come.
Photo gallery
We present to your attention a successful selection of 30 photo ideas for do-it-yourself fountain design.
The intense rhythm of our life requires periodic rest, both physical and moral, and there is nothing more pleasant than to sit in silence and enjoy beautiful view and pleasant sounds.
Decorative fountains for apartments that fully meet all these requirements may be suitable for this purpose.
After all, there is nothing more pleasant than listening to the sound of rushing water and looking at a flowing fountain. And build it in an apartment, even if not large sizes, a completely solvable problem.
In addition to those listed beneficial properties This structure, the fountain in the apartment is a good air humidifier.
Types of mini-fountains by location
Small home fountains can be divided into several types. Depending on the place of application, they are divided into country and indoor fountains. It is clear that a country fountain, in most cases, is installed on the street, and an indoor one in a city apartment. The country fountain is made in large sizes and for its installation it is important to choose right place.
Do-it-yourself decorative fountain in an apartment video:
Place for installing a country fountain
When choosing a location, it is important to observe three important conditions:
- It is very undesirable to install near trees. First, growing roots can damage the fountain bowl and its waterproofing. Secondly, falling fruits and leaves can also disrupt the water supply and bowl.
- If the fountain is installed on open areas, then water bloom may occur due to direct exposure to the sun's rays.
- If the fountain is installed in close proximity to the house, then additional dampness may form on the building during windy weather, due to the drift of water drops from the fountain towards the house.
Classification of fountains by type of falling water
Depending on the type of falling water, a decorative fountain can be divided into several types.
- Waterfall. This type has a ledge design with falling water. It has a beautiful appearance and is used most often.
- Cascade. The installation diagram is the same as the first type, only it consists of several water streams. The liquid flows into them over thresholds or inclined ledges.
- An ordinary fountain, made in the form of a jet beating upward and spraying splashes around itself.
- Fountains made in the form of streams and lakes. They have an original appearance and are becoming increasingly popular.
DIY indoor fountain
Looking at the decorations of some fountains, it seems that their manufacture and installation are very complicated. Yes, there are designs that are quite bulky, and their installation will require serious professional skills and knowledge from you, but almost anyone with simple skills in construction and installation work can make a small mini-fountain with their own hands. In addition, you will create a design based only on your preferences and taste, which best suits your home interior. In addition, you will save a lot of money.
Materials and tools
So, if you don’t yet know how to make a mini fountain in your apartment, then read our step by step instructions. Before you begin this work, you need to purchase the necessary materials and tools.
- Fountain container. This could be a basin, a flower pot, or something else at your discretion.
- The hose used to clean the aquarium is about 10 cm long.
- Polyethylene in dimensions slightly larger than the container.
- Waterproof glue, expanded clay.
- Pump used for an aquarium.
- A medium or large sink, as well as stones or pebbles to strengthen it.
- Small shells and colored soil used for decoration.
The bowl for the fountain that we choose must be checked for cracks and holes to prevent future leaks.
Materials for the fountain
Pump installation
If you are making table fountain, then first you need to find a hose to work through, through which a stream of water will come out. To do this, cut 10 cm from a regular aquarium hose and insert it into the pump. Immediately check whether your system is in working condition, so as not to return to this issue later. We install the pump to the bottom of the container and fill it with expanded clay. Do not forget to level the surface after filling.
Final work
After you have filled in the expanded clay, you need to cover it with film, after making a hole for the hose. Then we pour decorative soil onto the film.
Note!
For a sea shell, it is advisable to make a base of stones and fix them to the shell using waterproof glue.
The next step is to push the tube through the stones and the sink, having previously made a hole in it. The end of the hose should protrude approximately 1 cm from the sink. The surface of the fountain should be decorated with stones and shells at your discretion. Thus, you have seen that you can make a tabletop fountain with your own hands without spending significant effort and money.
Advantages of a fountain without a pump
If you think that when constructing fountain structures you must use a mini fountain pump, then you are mistaken. You can make a small fountain without using a pump, and it will work solely thanks to the laws of physics.
Yes, in these designs there are some restrictions on the power of the jet, but you do not have to spend money on electricity and deal with the purchase and connections of the pump. You need to know that such a fountain should not be large, otherwise you will not be able to do without a pump.
Decorative fountain
How the fountain works
Such a fountain will work on the principle of communicating vessels, only with some features. They need to be placed at the same level, connected to each other by two tubes. It is better to take plastic containers and preferably of the same volume, and tubes with a minimum thickness for longer uninterrupted operation of the fountain. Tubes are inserted into the bottom of each vessel, preliminarily drilled holes, which then need to be sealed.
Illuminated fountain
Final assembly and installation of the fountain
In order for such floor fountains to work without a pump, you need to use a third vessel, equal in volume to or larger than the previous two. To this vessel, in the walls, closer to the bottom, you make two more holes, where you insert the two ends of tubes from smaller containers.
We also tightly seal the entrances of these tubes, and insert a T-shaped adapter into the bottom of a large vessel. After this, your fountain design is considered complete. All you have to do is decorate it according to your taste, preferences and combination with the interior of the apartment.
Garden fountain
Where can apartment fountains be installed? As you probably already understood from the above, apartment fountains come in the most various types. In addition, they can be installed not only on the floor, but also on a table and even on a wall.
Note!
Tabletop structures are usually the smallest in size and can even be placed on bedside tables and windowsills.
Floor fountains depend on the size of your apartment and can have a very impressive appearance. Wall fountains look like real works of art and have the appearance of a panel or painting.
An indoor fountain will decorate the house, humidify the air in the room, and give a little coolness on a hot day. There is no need to buy expensive installations. If you consider yourself a creative person, then be patient, give free rein to your imagination and start creating a fountain with my own hands.
The design of an indoor mini fountain is quite simple. It is based on the principle of a closed cycle: water is poured into a system connected to a power source, while a submersible electric pump lifts the water upward, and then, depending on the type of structure, it flows into a storage tank.
An indoor fountain can be of three types depending on the method of water discharge:
- gushing: the stream shoots up and falls into the mini-pool;
- cascading: water falls from a small height, flowing over decorative ledges;
- closed: water circulates in flasks or flat wall-mounted containers in the form of pictures.
Photo source: http://svoimirykami.ucoz.ru
Indoor fountain location
Before starting work, decide on the size and location of the future fountain. A bulky, large fountain will look out of place in a small apartment.
An indoor fountain can be floor, wall or tabletop. The choice depends on the size of the room and the functions assigned to the fountain. For small room A small tabletop fountain would be optimal.
Functionally, the fountain serves not only as a decorative item, it humidifies the air well. Therefore, fountains should not be installed near wooden furniture: It can deteriorate from constant moisture. When choosing the location of the fountain, also take into account the presence of small children or pets in the house: install the structure where it will not disturb anyone.
Photo source: http://www.coonplace.ru/
Materials for creating a fountain
More often indoor fountains are created from glass and stone. The glass part is a kind of foundation for the fountain, its basis. Stones are used to stabilize the structure. For fountain parts that do not come into contact with water, you can use wood, ceramics, and synthetic materials.
Photo source: http://www.zoloto72.ru
An indoor fountain can be supplemented with lighting. At night, such a fountain will serve as a kind of night light. A sound background and an additional built-in clock or barometer will make the fountain functional.
The main element for creating an indoor fountain is a pump ( water pump) for water circulation. An indoor fountain is a small installation, so don't go overboard. Choose low-power, silent pumps for aquariums or specifically for small fountains with a capacity of approximately 6 W and 240 l per hour. The higher the power, the noisier the pump. You should hear the murmur of water, not the operation of an electric motor.
Photo source: http://svet-lanka.blogspot.ru
Indoor fountain decor
The beauty of creating a fountain with your own hands lies not only in saving money, but also in the opportunity to decorate it to your own taste. If you have difficulties with inspiration, you can always take advice from people who know: look through magazines about interior design.
What might be suitable as decor? Before you run to the store, think about how many cute little things you have lying around your house, unused. A pot, ceramic pot or vase, shells and pebbles brought from the sea - the most popular “filling” for fountains – can be used as a base. Even souvenir figurines can find a second life. Artificial trees and flowers, gravel, living plants - all this can become decor for a fountain.
To create flowing water, you can use different containers: bowls, sea shells, lakes, etc.
Photo source: http://domgvozdem.ru/
Indoor fountain step by step
Making a fountain with your own hands is very simple. The main things you will need:
- sealed container for a fountain: flower pot, vase, pot, bucket;
- water pump (pump for moving water). The pump can be purchased at hardware store or at a pet store, a low-power water pump for aquariums will do;
- a piece of hose (for example, for cleaning aquariums);
- decorative elements.
Photo source: http://www.trozo.ru
We install the pump at the bottom of the selected vessel (the pump has suction cups) and attach a hose to it. We cover the pump with stones, and the water supply tube is brought up between them. We cover the space around the pump with large decorative elements (expanded clay, stone), then with smaller ones (pebbles, shells, glass). We leave only the outlet of the filter, and fill the rest with water. The tube, like the pump itself, should be completely masked so as not to disturb the harmony of the composition. And then the decor and design at your discretion.
Photo source: http://home-sweet.ru
A good solution is to “seat” a figurine (frogs are often used) on a tube supplying water. To do this, you need to drill a hole in the figurine and thread a tube into it, water will flow from the frog’s mouth.
Reliable fixation and sealing of the entire structure is achieved through the use of waterproof adhesives.
The power of water emission is controlled by a wheel located on the pump body. This power also depends on the diameter of the tube: the smaller it is, the higher the jet, accordingly. If you want water to flow out in several streams, install a divider on the tube.
Operating an indoor fountain does not require much effort and consists only of maintaining a sufficient water level for circulation. There should be enough water so that the pump is constantly in the water. The water will evaporate, so it will have to be added to the fountain every week.
Photo source: http://tvoidizain.ru/
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To humidify the air in an apartment, a bowl of water is enough, but many owners prefer to have unusual thing which will decorate your home. Such products include a home fountain. Fountains for every taste are presented in stores, and you can also hire builders to make them to your liking. However, economical and original version- make it yourself from available items.
Decide on the purpose of the device. A small structure is used primarily to humidify the air, while a large fountain will create a certain microclimate in the apartment. A small fountain will get lost in a spacious room, but looks good on the table. For large rooms, a device of at least 1 m in diameter is suitable. The design may be different, but the principle of operation is the same - water must move in a circle. The container for the fountain will suit any shape and size to suit your taste. You can use a flowerpot or plastic bottle large diameter. The main requirement is that the dishes should not allow water to pass through. In our case, the fountain will be in the form of a waterfall, so prepare two containers. The base of the structure on which everything will be placed is a hard surface, for example, a tray measuring about 30x30 cm. The device will require a low-power liquid pump that lifts water from the lower reservoir to the upper one. A pump pump will do. If the device is not available in stores, use a pump from an old household appliances, for example, from an electric samovar. Let's make the lower part of the fountain (water reservoir) from plastic five liter bottle, cutting off the bottom with walls 5 to 8 cm high. Make a hole in the wall of the container for the pump tube. The diameter should be 0.5 mm less than the diameter of the tube. Install a hose into the hole and check the connection for leaks. If necessary, seal the joint by wrapping soft rubber around the tube at the joint. Glue the container and pump to the base. For the pump, make a cardboard box and cover it. Pour water into the container and check the operation of the pump.
For Feng Shui lovers, a small fountain installed in the northwestern part of the room will provide residents with prosperity.
Content:
The fashion for fountains for apartments and houses appeared in our country quite a long time ago and is currently experiencing its rebirth. A similar decorative technique for interior design living rooms and today it is considered original solution to revitalize it and give some freshness to the interior space.
How to make a fountain with your own hands? If you have enough space, it is possible to build a home fountain or a small lake with water lilies - it’s all a matter of your imagination and taste.
A home fountain may be a good way to decorate little-used corners of your apartment (loggias with plants, for example). If the area is small, then you can make a mini waterfall.
Video: making a mini stream yourself
Before you start building a waterfall, you should study a number of examples in photos and videos on the Internet, where indoor fountains are presented in all their diversity. Having decided on the size (mini or larger option), appearance, design (waterfall, stream, etc.), you can start creating a fountain with your own hands.
Video: pond, stream, for home
Principle of operation
An indoor fountain is very simple and consists of organizing the circulation of water mass in a closed cycle, which is carried out through a compact electric pump. In this case, the water rises to a collection point located at some elevation, from where it flows or falls like a small waterfall into a special storage tank.
Video: a small version made of stone yourself
The choice of a suitable shape and design according to which a home fountain will be created will depend, of course, on the features of the interior of your apartment. At the same time, you can always complement the waterfall with well-designed lighting and unobtrusive sound so that it turns into decorative element your dreams. Home fountains should relax the owners and decorate the room, delighting the guests. Suitable options you can look in the photo.
Design Features
The simplest indoor fountain with your own hands can be made from the following minimum required set of components:
- the base on which indoor fountains are mounted (receiving tank);
- standard silicone hose;
- mini pump from an aquarium or another pump option;
- a container used as a source (or several to make a waterfall, as in the photo at the beginning of the article).
In addition, to design the composition and finish you will need decorative primer, expanded clay and other auxiliary materials. Home fountains should look interesting to decorate your interior. Examples can be seen in the photo.
As a source, you can use a large sea shell or an elegant mini jug in which you drill an inconspicuous hole. It will be needed to install a piece of silicone hose into the “source”, through which water will be supplied to this container using a pump or pump. You can use a regular flower pot as a base (receiving container).
