How To Build A Rock Fountain
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- Опубліковано 9 вер 2021
- This rock fountain is an easy project that makes a big impact on your outdoor space. There is nothing like flowing water to bring your garden to life. With minimal tools, and about an hour's worth of work, you can transform your space into something spectacular!
No fuss or maintenance. Just plug it in and enjoy, it really is that simple!
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Visit backyardwatergarden.com for helpful tips and backyard DIY projects.
Visit Hahn’s Ponds before you start your rock fountain project.
☆☆☆☆☆
Hahn’s Ponds
3779 Lower Mountain Road
Sanborn, NY 14132
Give them a call
(716) 731-5513 - Навчання та стиль
Avoid using stone as a landscape mulch. I made that mistake and will never do it again. It does not matter if you lay down landscape fabric under the rock. Over the years, organic debris and dirt accumulate in the rock and so do weeds. It far more difficult to weed rock than than wood mulch. I would advise confining rock mulch to the fountain basin itself to keep the fountain water clean. You could extend the rock a little beyond the basin for aesthetics but no more than necessary for appearance sake. It is much easier to maintain the appearance of a shredded wood mulch than to try and keep a rock mulch free of dirt and weeds.
- Luv, luv, luv this water feature. Real CLASSY ! ! !
Thank you
Great video! This seems so simple and an excellent alternative to building/paying for an expensive waterfall. Thank you for this video!!
Yes, and it's super low maintenance, just keep it filled with water!
Love this! Can't wait to try this out in my wildlife garden. Thanks for good instructions and demo.
Good luck!
Excellent. Thank you!
Looks absolutely fabulous and so easily explained. Thank you.!!!
My pleasure 😊 Thanks for watching
Clear instruction. Much appreciated !
Thanks
Beautiful.
Thats really pretty! I am going to give it a shot. You did a great job at explaining how to install. Thanks.
Good luck with your project!
This was explained better than most the other videos. Thank you for step by step, you made it look easy.
Thanks
Because it is really easy
So cool!
Better than every other video I've seen on this subject! Thanks!
Wow, thanks!
Very nice you show each step in full!
Thank you so much 😊
I love the fountain in the rock
Thanks
I have learned something today!
Nice tip on adding the valve. Wouldn’t have thought of that.
Thanks
I love this 😍 looks great
I'm going to give it a go 😎
Thanks for sharing
Good Luck!
Man this is what I have been waiting for.
This is awesome! Thanks so much.
Thanks
Well made video. Thanks so much!
Thank you!
I love this.
Thanks
Very nice! I'm getting ready to make one with a bunch of rock of various sizes!
Good luck with your project!
Simple but beautiful.
Thank you! 😊
Looks great! Native grasses and sedges would look nice by it too.
Thanks. I agree.
If you add a vertical float switch you can make sure the pump get cutoff if the water level goes below a certain threshold.
We did a similar thing, however we (mostly my gf, I do the technical part, she the creative parts) created an imitation rock/bolder. Made from chicken wire, plaster, cement, some concrete paint to give it a stony look and feel and a clear coating in order to protect the paint.
Lp😊lpkn😂q
That sounds like some creativity and teamwork. I bet it turned out looking amazing, I want to make my own concrete planters, the huge ones are my goal, but may get some practice in making some on a smaller size scale to begin with.
Great video !! Love Step by step n end Result !! Sweet !! 😎
Thanks 👍
Here is an idea I used on my fountain to never run out of water. If you have a drip system nearby, it appears you do... tap into it and run a 1/4 inch line to the fountain reservoir. Connected to the line going into the reservoir is a vertical float switch (like a toilet bowl float). So when your drip system comes on it automatically fills your holding tank if it needs it to whatever you have adjusted the float switch to!... It worked like a charm. NEVER ran out of water. This also prevents overflow if you were to hook up a water line to it with a float valve. If the float valve sticks or malfunctions... you only get as much water as your timer allows to the drip system. Endless controlled water supply..!!! Also I did not use an expensive basin... I bought a 30 gallon plastic garbage can for the holding tank... and used some heavy duty wire mesh to support the rock(s)... I built a fountain out of sandstone that had 1 water opening in each of 3 rocks. Piled rock under the 3 to elevate them. Also put pond liner around the garbage can tapered to dump any splashing water back into the garbage can. Should have taken the 3 main rocks with me when we sold the house. Don't think the new owner appreciates the fountain! haha
Great info which makes it sound not too impossible to construct..
I'd really like to see the demo and finish on that. 😊
@@lynnclark4208 I have used this method 2 times..... and both work flawlessly. Don't know how to add a photo here to show you how I did this... very easy though. Feel free to ask any questions!!!
Awesome!, thank you.
You bet!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks!
Really like this ideal. But would be helpful if you could tell me or list where you got fittings and type of hose used. Thanks
Hello from New Zealand.
Fantastic. I wonder if I can source the water reservoir here - will investigate.
Beautiful rock fountain..wish you success and be healthy
Thank you, and health and success to you as well.
@@BackyardWaterGarden you're welcome and sukses always
Amazing
Thanks
Wow!
WOW!!!!!!! Just WOW!!!!!!
Thanks
I love ❤️ this ⛲️
Thanks
Yes you are awesome
Excellent video 📹!
Thank you very much!
Nice job
Thank you! Cheers!
Saw a bird visit at 10:09. Nice job.
Ha... yeah the birds love it. So do the bees in mid summer.
Thanks! Even I understood that. My husband has a new project.
He is a lucky man! 😆
SWEET...!
Nice
PRETTY ROCK
Thanks
Great!!!!
Thanks
Hint; heat the hose with a heat gun or hair dryer. It will go on easy and shrink tight when cooling.
That's a great tip... thanks!
Much easier if you take out a cup (or thermos) filled with hot water and let end of hose soak in it foe a few seconds. Also do this with drip systems, etc. keep it simple.
The only thing that I would suggest as an add-on is to install a float system via a hose or PVC line connected to account evaporation. Only reason I say this is because I can be horribly forgetful refilling pond basins and with this one you can't tell how much water is in it. But, that's just me. Love that kit! Your presentation is great!
👍👌👏
Thanks for the feedback. I agree, adding a float system would make this virtually maintenance free!
I just put two minutes on dedicated valve on sprinkler. far simpler.
@@emersonblake7ooh smart!
With a float system then you have to trench, run a water line, starting to get away from DYIs
Just overfill it once a week.
Colombia 🇨🇴 👏👏👏👏. I love
Thanks
#1#LOVE THIS ONE#LOVE IT
Thanks!
I really love this, but a $700 water basin is just outrageous. It costs more than some of the largest fountains at the nurseries and stores.
I agree. There are cheaper alternatives if you follow the steps but use a plastic tote and composite deck boards to hold your rock in place. If you get creative you can accomplish the same look at a fraction of the price.
it's basically a hardened plastic container that has a lid with drilled holes in the top, give it a cool name like "Aqua Basin and charging us $700, yeah right"
I'll try some old milk crates which are free and probably work just as good ! 😂
Kiddie pool with bricks and a screen…?
How do ya keep it from turning green and slimy?
Under $200 at home depot...
The Aquascape pieces are costly but they’re worth it if you live in extreme weather areas (hot and cold). Their basins and aqua-blocks last a lot longer than what we can get at Home Depot or Lowes, especially if you’re putting heavy rocks/fountains on the top.
Wow
THANK YOU for the step by step walkthrough!!! Loved your bits of humor!! ...and Questions: 1- How do you check the water? Move all the rocks on top, lift up the black basin cover and look in to see if it's below a certain level? 2- What level do we want the water at inside the basin? 3- Did the pump + valve fit in the triangular space in the corner of the basin, or is it hiding behind the big rock on top?
Thank you, and great questions. The pump i used does fit through the basin opening. I have the pump laying on its side.
When the water level gets low it will make noise because the pump is taking in air. When this happens you have a day or two to fill it before there is damage to the pump. I placed a flat rock over the triangular opening so it is easy to remove.
Whenever I fill the basin, I fill it to the top. It usually needs to be filled every three weeks in mid summer when its dry. This will vary depending on where you live obviously.
Good luck If you are attempting this project. You won't be disappointed!
@@BackyardWaterGarden Ah! So you fill it through the triangular opening?
@@BackyardWaterGarden Hilarious and awesome to see how much fun you were having with the hammer drill! Made me want to see you drill more holes, or find a reason to go drill some myself! (I'm not using a big boulder over my fountain.)
The rock I was trying to work with is actually a few tons. I'd need a crane to move it :/ will see how I can make this still work! Thank you
That's a tough one! Good luck.
Use pool liner one piece with a hole in the middle to skirt over rock , make the circumference of the liner about two feet out ....and slightly raised all the way around ....then hide with landscape...then turn your flow up higher...and enjoy a more traumatic event 🎉🎉
This is a really good idea! Thanks for the tip.
What if u have no electric near by, is there a good soloar pump you recommend? Great video!
Not sure about solar pumps. They are hit or miss. The best advice i can give is you usually get what you pay for. Don't expect to purchase a $20 pump on amazon and have it perform the way you want. Trial and error I guess.
Is the valve available on Amazon? And it also looks like you used some fittings to connect the valve between hose and pump, what type fittings did you use?
The valve was a 1 inch pvc ball valve that was threaded on one side. I used a fitting to thread into the valve and the other threads into the pump. Not sure if you can get it on amazon or not. Just about any home improvement store should carry them though.
You need a splash apron so you can turn it on stronger
Ok tnx
Where does one purchase the 1" drill bit. Any info on that bit would be appreciated. Great video.
If you plan on drilling your own rock, you will need to use a hammer drill. Here is an affiliate link to the bit you should use. amzn.to/3Osg8Hp good luck with your project!
How do you check the water level in the basin?
Love the way it blends into the rest of the area with the river rock.
Oh, one other question - do you have to empty the basin and all the piping in the winter? Thanks!
The basin is big enough that you don't have to check it on a daily basis. There is an opening in the back corner if you feel the need to. In the hottest part of the summer it needs to be topped off about once a week.
You don't need to empty the basin in the winter. I do recommend shutting it off and removing the pump. I made the mistake of letting it run too long into the cold season. The rock was encased in ice and all I could do was unplug the pump.
I was fortunate that everything is still working fine when I turned it back on in the springgl. To avoid this pull the pump when the first frost happens in your area.
@@BackyardWaterGarden That all makes sense - thanks!
I love it. Just to confirm I don’t know if I noticed but did u have the pipe inserted and a little upward to get that water flow and did u have more than whole drilled in?
If you can clarify to me so I can get this project done also I need suggestions on any less expensive pump .. I bought one that is pump with filter and it has a tubing and can I just use a smaller tub not really like that basin with mesh work?
You can build the whole thing on a smaller scale. Just make sure your basin or tub is large enough to collect any water that may splash out.
The hole was drilled into the rock and a barbed fitting was tapped into the hole. Your hose is connected to the other end of the barbed fitting. Hope this answered your question.
I've got a question if you don't have any Outlets can you do something with a solar panel or something period and would you happen to know of any you can use with a solar panel
I don't have much experience with solar panels, but I'm sure there are some on the market that would work. You would have to do some research to see which would work best for your application.
Hello love the video, can you suggest a way to reduce lime build up around your rock. My fountain ⛲ is made of pumice stone.
There are numerous products on the market that will reduce and remove calcium and lime build up in a fountain.
I've also read you could use vinegar and lemon juice. I have no experience trying any of these but it may be worth a shot.
Thank you I will look into it
How do you winterize this. Here in Wisconsin water pipes are buried 4' down to keep from freezing. I would love to make one of these fountains for our riding arena.
I have had this for a few years now, and all I do is simply unplug it. I am located north of Buffalo NY, and we get substantial winters here. If you were worried about your pump cracking you could simply take it out for the winter. Good luck with your project!
Wonderful! What hammer drill did you use?
I used a Dewalt hammer drill with a 1 inch drill bit, but you could use any brand as long as it is powerful enough.
What’s the easiest way to remove leaves and debree from the rock and surrounding? Blow with the leaf blower?
Yes, I've found that a leaf blower works best.
What brand of pump did you use and where did you get it. I'm in MN. Thank you
I got the pump from my local pond outlet, but you can get them on Amazon. Just make sure to get one with the flow rate you want for your project. The one in the video was a Tetra pond and the flow rate was 1000 GPH.
Very well done!! What about maintenance?? How often do you feel you need to dig it out and clean it up, service the pump, etc??
There isn't much maintenance besides keeping it full. Not much gets into the basin. Only need to check the pump once in the spring and again in the fall.
I weep at the thought of trying to dig a significant hole where I live. It is woods and there are tree roots *everywhere*. Now, building up the ground is an option...
Great idea, if you cant go down, go up! The hardest part is getting started. Good luck!
Where does the pump go? I didn't see that part. How do you check the water level? Looks like tub is completely covered with rock.
I just made a short video that answers all your questions
ua-cam.com/video/1usOX5zMh40/v-deo.html
I wish I could do this. Digging in Arizona dirt is impossible. :/
You can and Yes the reward is worth it!
Isn't it difficult to perform maintenance or cleaning on the pump if it is under landscape fabric and piles of rocks? Did I miss something ?
If you use the plastic resavour there is an access panel that can be easily hidden. This opening isn't covered with fabric allowing easy access to the pump.
😊
I'd like to install a small water feature alongside the patio in my back yard, but here in Phoenix AZ, with summertime temps so high, and relative humidity so low, I'm afraid the water would evaporate down too fast. I'd need to keep re-filling the basin every day May thru October. Anybody else out here in the Southwest tried it?
If you are worried about your basin drying up, you could install a float system. Similar to your toilet, when the water level goes down it will automatically fill the basin and keep the water level where it needs to be.
I'm in Phoenix with a water feature in my front and backyard. Believe it or not, evaporation isn't much of a concern at all. Both features are hooked up to an auto-fill valve but there have been countless times I've accidentally shut it off(not sure how long they were off before realizing) and they never ran low.
I know your question is a year old but figured I'd throw my two cents out there just in case it was needed.
So, do you have to run an extension cord to it and cover it with rocks? If so, do you have to do anything special to the connecting plugs to protect them from the elements? Like, do you have to wrap electrical tape around them? Does this require a 220v outlet?
It's a regular 110 outlet. The cord on this pump was long enough to reach my outlet, so an extension cord was not required.
@@BackyardWaterGarden Thank you 🙂
So do you keep water on or just fill basin once?
I need to fill the basin about once a week in the middle of summer. That's if it doesn't rain much. The fountain runs 24/7 all season long.
What kind of rock is it? I notice you didn’t use any cooling while drilling. I want to give this a go.
Not sure what type of rock it is, but the hammer drill i used would have drilled through just about any type of rock. If i was using a different kind of bit, then cooling may have been required. Good luck and have fun with your project, the end result is truly satisfying! Cheers
👍
how do you go about refilling the water for maintenance once all the rock is installed?
There is an access panel behind the rock that allows me to get to the pump and add water when necessary.
How do you keep the water clean and free of small debris that could clog things up on the pump especially??
Believe it or not the basin does a good job of keeping things out. Mine has been running for 2 years and I have yet to clean out any debris.
@@BackyardWaterGarden Thank you!
Where do you get one of those basins?
Here is an entire kit on Amazon amzn.to/3LjwEZ4
You sound exactly like the Jack in the Box guy.
What is the size and brand of the Water pump? And where can I purchase it from?
The pump is a Tetra pond pump 1000. Here is an affiliate link to it on Amazon. amzn.to/3xaoYDN
Can anybody tell me what pump and float system to buy to make this?
In the video a float system is not used. The pump in the video is a Tetra 1000 pond pump.
Hi nice job what size drill bit is that 16"
Yes, it's a 1" bit, 16" long.
@@BackyardWaterGardenmasonry bit or?
If you heat the pipe it makes life much easier. Heat guns and torches are great but a simple hair dryer will suffice.
Thats a great tip! Thanks for sharing.
How do you keep the water basin clean?
The basin doesn't let much debris pass through. If you need to its possible to clean it out where you have access to the pump.
Does the water recycle through?
@@pamperedchefdebolson2609 Yes the water keeps cycling through. Any sediment that may get into the basin settles on the bottom. The water stays clear.
10:07 you already see birds taking a look
Yeah they love it!
“They scream elegance and class” 😂😂😂
It’s pretty but it’s just a rock with some water on it.
You're not wrong! lol!
How often do you have to clean it out
I have had it running for two years now and have not had to clean it out once, only add water too it as it evaporates. This requires very little maintenance to keep it running perfectly.
I really like it just wondering if you had to clean it out it would be hard
Can you use fake rock ?? There's no way I move much more than one the size of a Rick or 2
You could use just about anything you wanted. If you used some kind of fake foam rock you would need to anchor it well so the wind wouldn't move it. Not sure how well something like that would hold up, but give it a shot and let me know how it works out.
Darn…. I wanted to watch you getting a hernia moving that rock 😂😂😂
So its kind of only a DIY if you have a Hammer Drill? I mean I have a pretty large selection of tools, including a regular power drill and a racheting, but I've never heard of a hammer drill. You even had to borrow one :-(
What if I wanted to do this on a smaller scale, like drill a hole in a rock that would fit in a birdbath? Would I still need a hammer drill?
Any time you want to drill through stone, or concrete you need to use a hammer drill with a masonry bit. Many of the cordless drills come with this feature already. I needed the large drill I used to for a 1 inch hole. If you were making a smaller hole you could use a cordless hammer drill.
Another option is to rent one from your local hardware store. Great question, and good luck with your project.
Cheers!
Hammer drills are pretty basic actually
I really love this. I would not recommend putting plastic around your japanese tree and bushes. Very difficult for them to get rain
The landscape fabric, although it looks like plastic allows water to pass through it.
@@BackyardWaterGarden The landscape fabric severely limits oxygen from reaching the soil, reducing soil respiration. It is really not a good idea around trees and shrubs. There's a lot more going on than just water infiltration. That maple just thanked me :)
This was more of a commercial than a diy project!!!!!!!!!!!
WISHED YOU COULD SHOW MORE OF A CLOSE UP TO REALLY SEE THE DETAIL OF THE TOOLS OR PIECES YOU'RE USING......
SO GOOD BYE
Sorry brick or 2
Those plastic AquaBasins start at, like, $300!!! Nice that it can hold some weight -- and I assume long lasting? -- but ridiculously overpriced.
Yes, they are pricey. If look around you may be able to find a more cost affective alternative.
oh boy the annoying music is way too much 🤮 the project is amazing!!!
That rock has a face on it