How to Build Patio Fountains

A patio fountain can change a simple yard into a place of refuge. Paying someone to build a patio fountain for you can be very costly. You can save hundreds by building it yourself. There are various styles, colors, sizes, and difficulty levels in fountains that you can choose from.

Visit your local hardware store in order to have all of the supplies that you need to begin building your fountain. You will need a drill, sealant, a shovel, gravel, a plastic garden planter, flagstones, plants, an extension cord and an outdoor electrical outlet.

1. Choose the style of fountain that you want to build. Style choices may include a water wheel patio fountain, a terra cotta fountain, a freestanding fountain, a pond-based fountain or a sunken fountain. The sunken fountain will be the most difficult to build.

2. For a sunken fountain, dig a hole large enough to fit the garden planter. Drill a hole at the bottom of the planter. If you have decided on the freestanding fountain, you will drill the hole in the bottom of the pot for drainage.

3. Run the extension cord through the bottom hole and place a submersible pump at the bottom. Use the sealant to close the drainage hole; apply the sealant to both sides of hole.

4. Place the pump on top of bricks at the bottom of the pot. If you have chosen the sunken fountain, put the pot in the hole you have dug. Pull the cord out. Fill the sides with dirt in order to fill in any visible gaps.

5. Plug the cord from the pump into the extension cord. Bury the cord along the border of the garden near the outdoor electrical outlet.

6. Cover the area of your fountain with plants and foliage to hide the cord. Plug the extension cord into the electrical outlet.