Installing a fountain in the yard. Original stone fountains - naturalness and classic landscape design

In this description, I am going to tell you how to make a Heron fountain that does not require electricity. Although, you can fool people into thinking that this is how it works. We will make Heron's fountain with our own hands from ordinary household materials. It's very easy to build and it will ideal project to do it with your children. Maybe you could even teach a lesson on fluid dynamics or constant motion?

Heron (Heron, Hero) of Alexandria was a mathematician and inventor. He is well known for his steam engine, Aeolipile and many other inventions that use pneumatics (Wikipedia). I'm going to try to recreate one of my favorite Heron inventions - Heron's Fountain.

Total cost to build = $2 (you will need to drink 3 bottles of soda).

What you need: Supplies

(3) 0.5 liter water bottles
(1) 9" tube length
(1) 11" tube length
(1) 15" tube length
A small amount of plasticine or sealant

Note: 3/16" (5mm) aquarium tubing or any other thin, rigid tube. Almost any tubing will work, even flexible tubing, but rigid tubing is very easy to work with. I, for example, got some suitable tubing from my local pet supply store at a cost of about $0.50 per foot.

What you need: Tools and equipment

Scissors
Drill (manual or electric)
5/32" (4 mm) drill bit (slightly smaller than tube diameter)

You have prepared the materials and tools, and let's begin the story of how to make a Heron fountain with your own hands.

Step 1: Make a Fountain Tank

Cut one of the bottles in half as shown in the picture. Don't throw away the bottom of the bottle, you can use it to fill the fountain when we're done.

Step 2: Drilling Holes

You will need to drill 2 holes in each cover. Before you start drilling holes in the cap, place a piece of wood to support the cap.

When you are done with the first cover, use it as a guide to drill holes in the second cover. You can align the caps with the top caps when drilling the holes. You should now have the lids each with holes drilled in approximately the same location.

Step 3: Drilling Holes Part 2

Take one of the caps and use it as a guide to drill holes in the bottom of one of the remaining untouched bottles. This will end up being bottle (B) as shown in the picture below.

Step 5: Connecting the Heron Fountain Tubes

Connect the tubes as shown in the picture above. All connections must be tight. If you used a 5/32 drill bit you should get them. If not, simply add a small amount of play dough (or caulk) to seal the hole around the tube. It is also necessary to seal the connection between bottle (A) and (B). You can see it in the first picture. The other connections won't leak and I didn't use any sealant there.

Note: Make sure the tubes are at the appropriate heights in each bottle. These heights are very important!

Step 6: Add water and enjoy!

Now all you have to do is fill bottle (b) with water, and screw the whole system together. To make the self-assembled Heron fountain work, add water to the top bottle (a). Enjoy your home fountain without electricity!

Based on materials from makezine.com

Even the smallest body of water can decorate your own summer cottage and give it some zest. And a fountain made with your own hands will not only become a favorite place to relax and provide aesthetic pleasure, but will also become a reason for compliments from invited guests.

But not everyone decides to build this mysterious hydraulic device. Some summer residents mistakenly believe that building a fountain is a labor-intensive and expensive process and cannot be done without the help of specialists. But every lover of spending time in nature can give themselves such pleasure; the main thing is to know all the nuances of constructing a fountain with your own hands.

There are two types of fountains based on the type of design.

1. The open version involves supplying water to the nozzle. The formation of a jet in this version of the device occurs due to changes in water level. In this case, the water pressure is weak, so it is necessary to constantly monitor the water level. In addition, the water in such a fountain becomes polluted quite quickly. To create it, you need to install a small reservoir at a height of about one meter above the nozzle.
2. A fountain with a pump installation is the most practical and spectacular option. By placing the pump at the bottom, continuous circulation of water is ensured. Here the pressure is stronger and visual effect more beautiful.

By design, pumps that act as fountains are divided into submersible and surface (stationary).

The optimal place to place a fountain

Picking up comfortable spot For the construction of a fountain, it is recommended to take into account the degree of slope of the ground. If the area is uneven, it is better to place such decoration in a low area. This option for the location of the reservoir will not only allow you to adjust the volumes groundwater, but will increase the oxygen saturation of the air.

• too close to the house so that moisture does not fall on the walls in windy weather;
• on open areas, in order to prevent water from blooming due to sunlight entering the reservoir;
• near trees so that leaves, seeds, fluff falling from them do not clog it, and roots do not damage the waterproofing.

The fountain must be positioned in such a way that it is not an obstacle to other buildings and is visible from all points. It is recommended to place the structure near the resting place.

The minimum distance that must be maintained between the fountain and plants, buildings, and furniture is 50 cm. This way, the plants will not die from excess moisture, and the furniture will not become unusable. Perfect option for the location of the fountain - partial shade and a place protected from the wind, located close to a source of water and electricity. This arrangement will save you from unnecessary wires and additional work on their insulation.

Having decided on the location, it’s time to think about the shape and depth of the future fountain.

Preparation of materials for construction

To build a fountain in order to save money and effort, you can use construction technology decorative pond with its pump equipment.

Materials required to build a fountain:

• fountain container;
• pumping station;
• durable film;
• bayonet shovel;
• natural stones of various sizes;
• sand, gravel;
• decorative elements.

Selection and installation of capacity

If you plan to build a miniature fountain, you can use an ordinary plastic basin or any other small container as a reservoir.

For large bodies of water, old bathtubs or a self-dug pit are suitable. If a bathtub is used, it is necessary to dig a hole of such a size that its edges are not higher than the surface of the ground. All holes in the bathtub are securely sealed, after which it is lowered into the pit and strengthened with earth, stones and sand.

For a homemade tank, make a hole of the required depth and cover it with a thick, high-quality film, which is secured along the edges on the surface with stones. Stones are also poured at the bottom various forms and sizes. It is important that the stones do not have sharp edges and cannot cut the film. The stones are evenly distributed along the entire bottom of the future fountain.

Choosing a pump for fountain construction

In order to construct a fountain on the site yourself, it is not necessary to purchase expensive materials, you can adapt any old elements. However, you should not spare money - the pump, the better quality it is, the more beautiful the fountain will be and the longer it will decorate the area without causing problems.

Submersible pump - best option for the construction of a fountain on a summer cottage. It works on the principle of a centrifuge. You can also install surface pump, it is mounted on the edge of a pond, but is most often used on large fountains and cascading ponds.

When choosing a pump, you should take into account the pressure that is constantly present in the pipe and the differences in this pressure. Therefore, the purchase itself powerful pump may be unjustified, since not in all cases it will be able to work out its full power.

Regardless of which type of pump is chosen, it is important to remember that its power must be related to the diameter of the pipe. The fountain jet should come out under powerful pressure, and not slowly flow out of the pipe, since there will be no effect from such a design.

How to make a fountain with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

The construction of a fountain includes several main stages:

• pit preparation;
• securing the trench;
• installing a container or covering the bottom and edges with film;
• installation of pumping equipment;
• fountain decoration.

To build such a fountain you will need:

• old tire from truck or tractor;
• cement mixture, water, crushed stone and sand;
• a container for mixing cement and a shovel;
• sealant;
• building level;
• mastic;
• stones;
• pump.

Stages of work:

Video - DIY tire fountain

For such a fountain you will need to prepare:

• thick film;
• shovel;
• sand;
• pump;
• stones different sizes no sharp corners.

Stages of work:

• we dig a hole, clear it of stones and compact the bottom;

New life for an old bath

For this version of a country fountain you need to prepare:

• shovel;
• pebbles;
• pump equipment;
• bath;
• insulating tape;
• metal scissors;
• non-ferrous iron sheet;
• drill.

Stages of fountain construction:

• we dig a pit corresponding to the size of the existing container;
• place the bath inside and plug all the holes;

• We cut out wide strips of iron and lay them around the bathtub, covering it with stones;

For this sprinkler you will need:

• plastic bottle;
• metal, strong wire or nail;
• insulating tape;
• garden hose.

Stages of constructing a fountain:

• place a mini fountain in Right place and turn on the water.

This option is perfect for watering your garden.

Decorative fountain for home

To build such a fountain you will need:

• large flower pot with tray;
• paints for glass and ceramics;
• small water pump;
• contours;
• decorative balls, aquarium decorations.

Construction stages:

• decorate the pot with paints;
• make a small hole in the bottom of the pot;
• install a pump under the pan;
• we drag the pump tube through the hole made in the pot;
• fill the bottom with pebbles;
• decorate artificial plants and figurines;
• fill the pot with water.

Video - DIY decorative fountain

Fountain decoration

You can emphasize the uniqueness of a hand-made fountain by decorating it. It is recommended to lay out beautiful, colorful stones of different sizes around the pond, put flowers in pots, place cute figurines of animals, birds, etc.

To make the fountain amaze with its beauty and unusualness at night, you can backlight it using special equipment. Lamps installed around the perimeter of the fountain and lighting at its bottom will create a fabulous, magical atmosphere.

The bottom of the reservoir can be landscaped using special plants, plant bushes around the fountain.

Any country pond and fountain, including one, needs careful care. To maintain order and clarity of water and a pleasant spring appearance of the structure, it is necessary to regularly clean the tank. By using special devices It is necessary to remove leaves, seeds, fluff and other objects from the surface of the water that can not only spoil the appearance of the reservoir, but also lead to malfunction of the fountain.

Upon completion summer season it is necessary to drain all the water, transfer the removable parts of the structure to closed room, and cover the remaining parts and the bowl with film to prevent dirt from getting into them.

Building a fountain with your own hands in a country house or even in an apartment will not be difficult and will not require large financial resources. Before building a decorative fountain, you need to decide on the shape, size and installation location. There are many options for the location of such structures - near the gazebo, on the lawn, in the garden. After constructing the fountain, you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the water, regularly remove debris and add water, as it will evaporate.

Such designs are widely used in design suburban areas. Fountains can decorate any ownerless area or become the highlight of a summer cottage. And by adding imagination and decorative elements, you can make it even more beautiful and unusual.

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 a decoration of a summer cottage, but also a harmonious combination different zones on one square. How good it is after working day dine in the gazebo with your family or, in the hot summer, relax on a bench 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 the 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 the general style of landscape design, the design of the fountain is 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, a special device is installed in it to regulate 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 it once required volume water 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:

1. The structure should be visible from anywhere on your site and not block the paths.
2. If there is a gazebo or summer kitchen on site, then a cozy DIY 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.
3. 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.
4. The presence of trees nearby is not the most in the best possible way will affect the operation of your fountain - 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.
5. 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 resistant to aggressive weather conditions.

For large plot an 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 of different sizes;
• gravel or crushed stone for drainage;
• water bowl;
• water pump;
• copper tube;
• coupling;
• small diameter plastic pipe;
• 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 part of the entire structure is the 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. Appearance 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:

1. 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.
2. 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’s not at all necessary to use standard options– the multi-colored glow of the water will definitely fascinate any viewer.
3. 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 with your own hands, photos of which are below.

Ideas and important little things

There are many photos on the Internet country fountains, methods of 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Stationary option 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.
4. The fountain does not have to be installed separately - it can be part of a wall or landscape composition.
5. 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.
6. Fountain elements can be painted in various colors, often used special compounds for treatment 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. long years.

Photo gallery

We present to your attention a successful selection of 30 photo ideas for do-it-yourself fountain design.

In specialized stores today you can buy very original ones. The range of such goods is quite large, as they say, for every taste and color. Many people like it when they can hear the sound of a small trickle of water in their home. These sounds allow you to relax and calm down after a hard day at work. However, most consumers have no idea what can be done. special costs It does not require, nor does it require knowledge.

Material for construction

So, below we will describe how to make a fountain at home. For creating original design you will need:

1. Glue.
2. A container that will serve as the base for the fountain.
3. Approximate diagram of the fountain
4. Large sink.
5. A small piece of hose commonly used for cleaning aquariums.
6. Polyethylene film.
7. Expanded clay, decorative multi-colored soil and shells of various shapes and sizes.

A large sink will serve as the central detail of the entire composition. A pump and hose are needed to pump water, and multi-colored soil, shells and expanded clay are needed for decoration. In addition, you need a small piece polyethylene film. So, expanded clay can be purchased at any flower shop. As for black, red primer, it is better to use special mixture for aquariums.

Selecting a container

A home fountain should be durable enough and at the same time beautiful. Therefore, the container for its base should be selected more carefully. The first step in making a structure is selecting a vessel. For the fountain in in this case you can take flower pots. If there is no such container, then you can use a flower pot, a beautiful basin, a clay vase, etc.

The most important thing is that the vessel does not leak. If, for example, in flower pot If there are holes, they should be sealed with epoxy glue.

Choosing a pump

Since anyone can make a fountain at home, it’s worth Special attention pay attention to the pump. After all, not everyone understands them. There are several with a sprinkler on the tip and a regular one. In this case, the first option is not suitable. First of all, splashes can get outside the main container. And one more thing - we have a completely different idea.

Therefore, to make a mini fountain with your own hands, a regular pump will be enough. You can make the tip yourself. In this case, the pump should simply raise the stream upward.

First stage

So, how to make a fountain at home without much expense? First, you should cut off a small piece of hose, about 10 centimeters long. After this, you need to put it on the tip of the pump and see if the hole in it is completely open. The power of the jet that will be supplied to the fountain depends on this. Ready design should be installed at the bottom of a previously prepared container.

The home fountain in this case will have a large sink in the center. It is from this that the water will flow. Therefore, it is necessary to make a hole in the sink that will be sized to fit the hose. This can be done using conventional drill. Of course, you should drill the sink carefully so that its walls do not crack.

Stage two

The fountain layout is quite simple. With its help, everyone can assemble a similar decoration for their interior. When the pump is installed in the container, you can fill in expanded clay, which must be covered with polyethylene on top. A hole for the hose should be made in advance in the film.

Polyethylene is necessary so that expanded clay does not float when wet. After all, water will be poured into the container. After this, multi-colored aquarium soil should be poured onto the film.

Sink stand

The composition will not look good if the main element is simply installed on pebbles. Therefore, you should make a neat stand. So, how to make a fountain at home that will not only soothe with the pleasant sounds of flowing water, but also be a wonderful addition and highlight of the interior? A beautiful stand can be created from pebbles. They can be attached using epoxy glue. When making a stand, do not forget about the hole for the hose.

Assembling the structure

When the stand is ready, a hose should be passed through it. If it is too long, then it needs to be shortened. Otherwise, it will be visible where the water is coming from. Now you can install the main element - a large sink. The hose should be pulled only one centimeter into the pre-made hole.

That's all, all that remains is to decorate the fountain. To do this, you should sprinkle some shells around the sink and put the most beautiful pebbles. All this can be purchased in the store - for lovers aquarium fish or as a gift.

If there is no large sink, then it can also be replaced with any suitable item. The main thing is that you can make a hole in it for the hose. The design of a decorative fountain for a room depends entirely on the imagination of its creator.

The final stage

After the composition is completely folded and all its elements are secured, water must be poured into the container. There is no point in completely submerging the soil. This way the fountain will lose its main idea and its charm. The most important thing is that the pump is completely hidden under water.

Now you can turn on the fountain. To do this, you need to plug the cable from the pump into the outlet.

That's all, the homemade fountain for the room is ready. However, it is worth remembering that the water from it will gradually evaporate, especially in the hot season. Therefore, it will be necessary to add liquid to the decorative fountain at least once a week. If necessary, it can be done more often.

You can disguise the cable from the pump going to the outlet. Besides, indoor fountain can be decorated with artificial flowers. This will give the composition a more impressive look.

Finally

Now you know how to make a home fountain. To create it you do not need large expenses and special talents. It is enough to turn on your imagination. It doesn’t take much time to make such compositions, but they will delight you for many years.