Deck Fountain

Water: the sound of music for your deck or garden

To many people, the sounds of ocean surf, forest streams or gentle waterfalls have always been a source of relaxation or meditation. Recordings of water sounds are available to bring the sound of water into your home, when the actual setting may be far away. This simple project will let you enjoy the gentle sound of running water on your porch or deck. Larger versions may be created to set into your garden or patio.

Any fairly large container may be used, from a ceramic bowl or pot, to a larger urn or concrete planter. The container must retain water, so if there is a drainage hole in the bottom, seal it with cement or a rubber stopper, or line the container with a waterproof membrane such as a pond liner.

A variety of aggregates may be used to fill the container, such as various sizes of river rock, quartz stone or other decorative material of your choice. To lessen the amount of aggregate required and reduce the weight, you may partially fill the container with a lighter non-buoyant material such as lava rock. Heavy containers should be placed in a final location to avoid having to move them later.

What You'll Need

Tools

• pipe cutter

Material

• fountain pump 5076-805
• 3/8" plastic tubing (1 foot)
• 1/2" copper pipe (12" to 18")
• 1/2" to 1/4" copper coupling 
• river stone or other aggregate

Here's How

1. Push 8" to 10" of 3/8" plastic tubing onto the outlet fitting of the fountain pump, and insert it at least 6" into a piece of 1/2" copper pipe. The size of the container, and the height of the fountain head will determine the length of copper pipe to be used. Use a length long enough to be cut later, after the container is filled.
2. Set the pump into the bottom of the container, with the flow control to maximum output (+ sign).
3. Pre-wash the aggregate that you will be using, and slowly add to the container. Guide the plastic tubing, copper pipe and the black cord for the pump as you add the stone, so that the copper pipe is centered in the container when reaching the top, and the cord hangs over the edge.
4. Cut the copper pipe so that it extends at least 4" above the surface of the aggregate. (The higher the copper pipe extends from the pump, the less the flow.) Cut the copper pipe at this time if necessary, and slip on the 1/2" to 1/4" copper coupling.
5. Add water to fill the container 1/2 to 3/4 full. You will need to add a little water from time to time due to evaporation, to prevent damaging the pump from running dry.