Nothing pleases the eye of homeowners and summer residents like a do-it-yourself fountain in the country, surrounded by beautiful vegetation. It is not only a non-trivial decoration of the site, but is also able to positively affect the microclimate of the surrounding space. You can look at the descending surface of water endlessly, renouncing everyday problems in these moments and enjoying the unity with nature.
Content
- 1 Do-it-yourself fountain in the country: the main advantages
- 2 Varieties of fountains for summer cottages and their characteristics
- 3 Choosing a container for arranging a garden fountain with your own hands
- 4 Choosing a pump for a home fountain with your own hands
- 5 Stationary fountain in the country with your own hands: step by step instructions
- 6 DIY table fountain making process
- 7 Original options for creating a fountain in the garden with your own hands
Do-it-yourself fountain in the country: the main advantages
Do-it-yourself pond with a fountain in the country house with flowing water is the personification of the transience of life. This is a symbolic structure with special magical powers. The murmur of water creates a sense of peace, tranquility and unity with nature. The water stream thrown upward can take various forms, which is mesmerizing, conveying the atmosphere of the holiday. In the descending water surface, exquisite water patterns drawn by the sun's rays are visible.
The fountain in the country house is a real decoration of the site, which will make an unforgettable impression on the guests and will be a real aesthetic joy for the owners of the site. It will surely become the basis for the emergence of the tradition of throwing coins to return to this place again. Using various lights, organizing unusual effects of water pouring, you can create with your own hands a real landscape masterpiece, which will noticeably highlight the suburban area against the background of neighboring territories.
Important! A fountain or waterfall on site allows you to optimize the humidity and temperature of the surrounding space.
It will be pleasant to just stand near such an oasis, enjoying the coolness on a hot summer day. Resting near the water after a week of work is very beneficial.The water element is able to saturate a person with energy, relieve fatigue, give calmness and a feeling of absolute harmony with the surrounding world.
Varieties of fountains for summer cottages and their characteristics
According to the technique of execution, do-it-yourself fountains in the country with a pump can be submersible and stationary. The first option is simple to implement and is located inside the reservoir. To create it, minimal financial costs are required. The submersible structure consists of a pump, a pipeline that supplies water, and a nozzle, thanks to which the water is sprayed in the form of a specific composition. With the help of such fountains, you can get a trickle that flows from the depths of the reservoir.
Stationary structures are most often found in city squares and parks. The structure contains various decorative elements that play the role of a water source. There can be statues, sculptural compositions, landscape decor items. Such works of art are made from polymer concrete stone, which is characterized by strength, reliability and frost resistance. These fountains are lightweight and do not rot or deform. The construction of such a structure requires special skills and imagination. The process is time consuming. However, such a composition will have a very effective look and will decorate the overall concept of landscape design.
Depending on the device, flow-through and circulation fountains are distinguished. The first option is installed with the involvement of a water supply system or a well and sewerage. The stream of water flows upward, falls down and goes into the sewer. Despite the fact that this is an irrational type of fountain, it has its advantages from the point of view of saving water resources. Such an aesthetic structure will be a source of drinking water.
Helpful advice! Flow fountains can be used to irrigate flower beds, lawns, trees and shrubs.
Circulating structures involve the circulation of water that fills the reservoir. From it, with the help of a pump, water rises to a certain depth, is sprayed in the form of a spray through a special nozzle and falls into the reservoir. In this case, there is no need for a constant supply of water. It is enough to periodically replenish its reserves, which are spent on evaporation and spraying.
By their appearance, fountains can be classified into single, group, single-level, multi-level, jet, cascading, waterfall, dancing, colored, singing and others.
Choosing a suitable location for a fountain
When choosing a place to install a fountain, one should not only take into account the type of structure and its dimensions, but also a number of additional factors. The structure should not be located under trees or in close proximity to them. Falling leaves, seeds, fruit will clog the filter and may damage the pump. The root system, sensing moisture, will grow rapidly and sooner or later destroy the structure.
It is also impractical to place a fountain near a house or other building. As a result of constant high humidity and splashing water, the foundation and facade will be negatively affected, which will affect the technical performance and appearance of the structures.
When choosing a good location, you should take into account the wind direction characteristic of a particular area. If the fountain is placed on the leeward side, various large and small debris will constantly fly into it. As a result, instead of enjoying the view of falling water, you will have to constantly clean the structure.
Do not install the fountain in a completely open area that is exposed to direct sunlight. Water, gradually heating up, can reach a high temperature, which will lead to its bloom and a high probability of failure of the pump unit. Throughout the day, light and shadow should replace each other.
Helpful advice! The ideal place for the location of the fountain in the country is an area with light partial shade, surrounded by low-growing shrubs and flower arrangements.
Since the operation of the fountain is provided by an electric pump, you should worry about the presence of an outlet near the structure. The farther it is from it, the longer the cable will have to be laid, which will not only increase the economic component, but also increase the likelihood of damage to the wire during operation.
It is better to install the fountain in the lower part of the site. This technique will saturate the air with additional moisture, which is especially valuable on hot summer days. In addition, in this way, the volume of groundwater can be adjusted in the desired direction.
The water structure can become an original decoration for a playground or complement a relaxation complex. Also a good solution is to install a fountain near a gazebo or an open terrace, which will allow you to enjoy the unobtrusive murmur of water while drinking tea.
Stylistic design of a homemade fountain
The fountain must harmoniously fit into the exterior of the territory, therefore, its appearance should be properly considered.
For a classic garden, a stationary hydraulic engineering installation in the form of a sculpture of a young virgin, an angel, a mythical monster or an ancient deity is ideal. The natural style of the site design requires naturalness from the structures located on it. Waterfalls, geysers, springs framed with wood, pebbles or stone will look harmonious here.
For a modern style, a fountain made of concrete, steel, glass, polymers, artificial or natural stone is suitable. When creating a structure, it is important to strictly adhere to clear lines and correct geometric shapes. Boulders, earthenware jugs, a millwheel or an old borehole are perfect for creating a country-style fountain.
Choosing a container for arranging a garden fountain with your own hands
A properly sized or crafted container will hold the water inside the reservoir, keeping it clean. To equip a mini-fountain with your own hands, you can purchase a ready-made bowl of various designs made of composite or plastic. The first type of material has increased resistance to temperature fluctuations and does not deform under various weather conditions. The plastic container for the fountain has a lower cost and is less strong and durable. However, such a bowl can be matched in different colors.
The prepared container can be dug into the ground flush with the surface or you can leave a small side. To do this, you need a pit, the bottom of which is carefully compacted and leveled. Next, a sand cushion with a thickness of about 10 mm is laid, which is watered and compacted. A bowl is installed on the prepared base, which should be immediately filled with water.
The space between the pit and the walls of the bowl is filled with soil, if it drains well, or with sand (in the case of clay soil). The gasket compresses well. However, you should take into account the fact that after a few weeks you will still have to add more sand or soil, which will settle down a few centimeters.The sides of the bowl are usually decorated with pebbles or stones.
Helpful advice! As a container for the fountain, you can use an old acrylic bathtub, which must be dug into the ground and decorated.
How to make a bowl for a garden fountain with your own hands
There are two ways to create a large stationary home fountain in the country. Both options involve digging a pit of the required size and shape. All roots and stones are removed from the pit.
The first method is cheaper and less labor intensive. After creating the pit, it is necessary to align and tamp its bottom and walls. Upon reaching the required result, the base is covered with a layer of sand, on top of which a special film for swimming pools is laid. It will last for many years without losing the integrity of the structure. Its main disadvantage is its high cost. You can also use any high strength plastic wrap, but after 2-3 years it will let water through.
The film should be laid loosely, without tension. Its edges are covered with soil and pressed against boulders. To prevent plant roots from growing through the film, it is recommended to spread geotextiles under it. This non-woven fabric is used when laying highways to prevent soil collapse and root germination. This material is very tear resistant. Stones, boulders, pebbles or other decorative material are laid out on the laid out film.
Important! To prevent deformation or tearing of the film, the stones for the fountain should not be sharp.
The second option for creating a structure involves making a bowl made of monolithic concrete, the sides and walls of which can be laid out with bricks. This is a more time-consuming and costly process, which will be discussed later in this article.
Choosing a pump for a home fountain with your own hands
The pump is the main mechanism of the fountain, which carries out a continuous movement of water in the reservoir. The principle of its operation is as follows. Water is taken by a pump, on the suction line of which a filter is installed, where coarse and fine cleaning of the liquid is carried out, and is thrown into the reservoir through the nozzles.
By choosing fountain pump, it is necessary to take into account the operating voltage, performance, height of water rise and power of the unit. It is better to give preference to models equipped with various hoses, nozzles and spray heads, since it will be extremely problematic to buy additional elements if necessary.
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Fountain pump: the heart of an artificial water source
Principle of operation and purpose. Varieties. Criterias of choice. Manufacturers. Installation. DIY pump for a home fountain.
For the fountain, two types of pumping units are used: piston and surface. The first option is installed at the bottom of the tank and works on the centrifuge principle. It is a small, low-power, inexpensive device suitable for small fountains. The unit works silently, consumes little electricity.
Important! The piston pump belongs to low-voltage devices and can be powered either from the mains or from a transformer.
For more complex multi-level structures (in the form of do-it-yourself home waterfalls), a surface type of pumping equipment should be used. It is installed in the immediate vicinity of the tank and must be reliably protected from the effects of precipitation and direct sunlight. To do this, it can be covered with a special protective casing or placed in a pavilion or box. The pump is noisy and expensive.However, this is a reliable and durable type of unit that can last for many years without additional maintenance.
Additional equipment for creating a home fountain with your own hands
Thanks to various sprays, nozzles, water flow regulators, you can create unusual visual effects by changing the shape and adjusting the flow rate of the jet, which can be smooth, intermittent, high or low. Due to the use of different types of sprayers, the fountain can move around its axis, let bubbles of different shapes out of the water.
Single sprayers throw small vertical jets of water at a certain height, tiered sprayers - at different heights, forming several layers. The geyser nozzle provides a large amount of soap bubbles. A solid cascading water wall can be created with a fishtail sprayer.
Decorative illumination of a home fountain will help make the place truly magical. To do this, you can use moisture resistant spotlights. With the help of multi-colored LED strips that fit around the perimeter of the fountain, the contours of the tank are favorably emphasized. You can install solar panels along the shore of the pond, which accumulate energy during the day, and in the evening spend it on waterproof lamps. It is recommended to provide soft, diffused light by using diode lamps.
Helpful advice! Floating devices and lamps illuminating the water surface from the inside will look unusual and fabulous.
Stationary fountain in the country with your own hands: step by step instructions
The creation of a stationary fountain for a summer residence with your own hands with a concrete bowl occurs in the following sequence. The first step is to pull out the pit, which is carried out based on the selected shape and size of the future tank. The depth of the pit is usually 50-60 cm. The bottom is leveled and compacted. Then the crushed stone pillow is laid.
The next step is to create the formwork. There are two possibilities here. If the bowl is made entirely of concrete, then two formworks are built: along the outer and inner borders of the fountain. There should be a distance of 30-40 cm between the sides. Next, the bottom and walls of the fountain are reinforced, which is carried out using reinforcing bars welded together in the form of a mesh. After that, the bottom is poured with concrete to the desired height. Then the space between the inner and outer borders is filled, necessary to create the sides of the fountain.
Important! First, the bottom of the bowl is poured. After the concrete has hardened, you can start building the sides.
There is another option, which involves the implementation of a concrete bottom, while the walls of the fountain are erected using brickwork. This method is used less often, since it is more laborious and costly.
After creating the bowl, proceed to the installation of the pump, which is determined by the type of equipment selected. The unit is connected to a source of water supply and electricity. After filling the tank with water, the system is checked for performance by adjusting the power of the equipment to create the required intensity of the water jet.
The final stage is decorating the fountain. Various techniques and materials are used here. The fountain bowl can be overlaid with stones of different sizes. It is recommended to cover the top of the tank with a fine mesh, the size and shape of which should correspond to the construction. Large and small pebbles are laid on it. On the sides of the structure, you can install figurines or arrange plants, which will give the structure a more natural appearance.
How to make a waterfall in the country with your own hands: process features
To create a structure, a pit should be dug, the shape and size of which correspond to the selected fountain scheme. It can have different depths, which is determined by the further purpose of the pond. If you plan to use the recess for breeding fish and underwater plants, its depth should be at least 1 m. The pit is multi-level. To prevent its walls from crumbling during operation, they should be periodically moistened and tamped.
At the bottom, you need to pour a layer of sand 10 cm thick and compact well. Next, the structure is waterproofed. To do this, you can use PVC film, which is covered with the entire area of the pit, organizing steps, or the tank is filled with concrete.
The next step is to execute the cascade itself. To do this, it is recommended to use a ready-made form, which can be purchased in a specialized store, or to make a structure made of stone.
The second option will require a large amount of sandstone or boulders. In order for the elements to be well connected to each other, they should be fastened with cement mortar. You can create a rapid water stream that will break on the stones at the bottom of the structure. For this, the lower tier should be located at some distance from the upper one. The water will pass between the cascade of stones, foaming and breaking on the lower stone layer.
Useful advice! To ensure a beautiful and even flow of water to create a waterfall, flat stones should be used to create a cascade.
The next step is to install the pump. For a waterfall 1.5 m high, it will be enough to purchase a 70 W unit. The outlet of the pressure hose from the pump is located at the highest point of the cascade. It is recommended to hide the pipeline behind stones so that it does not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the structure.
Do-it-yourself fountain device without a pump in the country
In the country, you can create an open fountain without a pump with your own hands. To do this, it is necessary to bring a pipeline into the tank, which is connected to the centralized water supply system. Water escaping under some pressure will rise to a certain height. At the end of the pipe, a tip can be mounted, due to which the shape of the outgoing stream changes. For this method, an important measure is the organization of water drainage. It can be redirected to a well or river, and also used to water plants on the site.
There is another way to organize a fountain without a pump. To do this, you need a storage tank, which is installed at a certain height. Below such a tank, there is a fountain, where water flows through a pipeline leaving the tank. The water jet will be pushed outward by the pressure drop. However, in this case, it will be quite lethargic, which is suitable for a stream fountain. With this method, it will be necessary to monitor the liquid level in the container so that at least a minimum pressure is ensured.
How to make a stone mini-fountain in the country with your own hands
In order to make a small fountain in the country with your own hands, you will need the following materials:
- a plastic flowerpot without square holes;
- small pump for the fountain;
- plastic pipe 80 cm long, with a diameter corresponding to the outlet from the pump;
- a bag of small decorative pebbles;
- bricks in the amount of three pieces;
- slabs of red granite.
A pit is made in the prepared place, corresponding to the size of the pot. A flowerpot is inserted into it, into which three bricks are placed on the sides of the product.They provide stability to the structure and reduce the consumption of pebbles to fill the space of the fountain. Bricks are also a support for future granite stone structures. A pump is installed in the center of the tank with a tube put on it.
In granite slabs, holes are created in the central part of the products, the size of which corresponds to the diameter of the tube from the pump. The first slab is built on bricks. The inner space of the fountain is filled with pebbles. All other slabs, like elements of the pyramid, are strung on the pipe. After placing the last stone, a mark is made on the pipe. The top element is removable. The pipe is cut just below this mark. This solution allows you to create a waterfall with your own hands (the photos clearly demonstrate this), in which water runs directly from the stone. This design looks unusual and original.
Another option for creating a small fountain in the country with your own hands is to use a flexible hose instead of a pipe, and driftwood instead of stones. To create a structure, you will need a round plastic flowerpot. It can only be dug halfway into the ground for greater stability. Bricks and a pump are placed in the container. The pot is covered with a net on top. A flexible hose from the pump is displayed near the wall of the flowerpot. A wooden driftwood is installed in the net and fixed with a wire. The structure is covered with large pebbles. The hose is fixed along the driftwood. Thus, a fountain is obtained, in which the stream of water supplied from above breaks against the stones.
DIY table fountain making process
In order to make a room fountain with your own hands, you will need a low-power pump. You can use the aquarium unit without aeration. It is also necessary to prepare an oval ceramic container made of fired clay. At the flower shop, buy bamboo no more than 80 cm long, a bunch of growing plants and small pebbles.
You need to immediately saw a piece of bamboo into three pieces of different lengths, which can be done with a hacksaw for metal, since the process is quite complicated. Thanks to the hollow inner surface, the plant is a natural pipe that does not rot when exposed to water. One side of each piece should have an oblique cut, the other should be straight.
A pump is installed in the ceramic flowerpot of the table fountain. The longest piece of bamboo should be put on it. On the opposite side of the container, a live plant bunch is placed. The space between them is filled with pebbles. The other two pieces of bamboo are tied with twine to the main pipe. The container is filled with water, and the pump is turned on. The result is an original Japanese-style indoor fountain.
Useful advice! Small stones should be used to create indoor fountains, as large items can make the structure rough.
Using the same technique, you can make a table waterfall with your own hands. For this, flat stones should be additionally prepared. A bamboo pipe is also mounted on the pump outlet. The container can be filled with large stones. On top of the do-it-yourself waterfall flowerpot in the apartment is covered with a grid, on which flat stone slabs are installed in the form of a pyramid along a piece of bamboo. They are fastened together with a sealant. The surface is covered with small pebbles. Water will flow to the top of the structure and cascade back into the container.
Original options for creating a fountain in the garden with your own hands
A decorative fountain with your own hands against the wall will look unusual. For this, a structure is created near any structure or fence.In this case, you should properly organize the waterproofing of the surface that you want to cover with a hydrophobic compound. There is a fountain bowl near the wall, into which the pump is installed. The piping from the unit is fixed along the wall at the required height. The surface along the hose is masked by decorative elements through which the water flow will descend into the tank. It can be covered with ceramic tiles or clinker bricks.
Another interesting execution of the wall structure is a fountain made of several bowls stacked on top of each other. In the upper container, a flat surface is made, from which the stream of water flows down the wall, after the bowl is completely filled. Such a mirror-like and absolutely horizontal water surface produces a stunning visual effect.
Do-it-yourself cascade fountains in the country house will look interesting, the photos clearly display various design variations. This design allows water to be poured from one bowl to another. You can use a kettle, cups, watering cans, buckets, and even garden carts for this. The principle of organizing such structures is to fix the capacitive elements one above the other in such a way that the water flow overflows from one to another. The largest bowl is located at the bottom of the structure. A pump is installed in it, supplying water through a pipeline to the uppermost vessel.
Having understood in detail the question of how to make a fountain in the country with your own hands, it becomes clear that the process does not cause any difficulties, as it might seem at the initial stage. With a little imagination, you can create a real work of art, thereby transforming your summer cottage beyond recognition.