Make this small DIY Fountain for your patio and garden in just 30 minutes. Perfect for your patio or garden for the soft sound of trickling water.
This Do It Yourself Fountain was one of the easiest DIY outdoor projects I’ve done. Here in the PNW, we only have about 4 months if we’re lucky to enjoy outdoor living. But once we’re outside, I want it to be inviting.
As one of Lowe’s Creators & Influencers, this DIY Fountain water feature was my project for our outdoor fun challenge a few years ago. I had been wanting to make my own garden fountain for a while, as well as my DIY Tabletop Fire Bowl.
DIY Fountain Water Feature
This project was so simple. Once I had my main components, it was quick to assemble and I was enjoying it that afternoon. The pump does require electricity, so you’ll want to plan for where you want to use it. We use a long extension cord and haven’t had any issues.
I like creating simple projects for my patio, deck or garden for more personal style. Now that we’ve built our own DIY Fireplace, I may bring this fountain closer.
I wanted to choose a bottom portion large enough to hold the amount of water needed for good circulation. I placed my egg in to measure and it looked perfect to me. 
DIY Fountain Supplies
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- A Ceramic Sphere Fountain Top that is pre-drilled- I found mine at a local nursery for $5! I asked my nursery where they got them or if they’re getting more and they said they couldn’t remember and no they weren’t getting more. I did find a blogger friend who made her own. See her garden fountain here. If you’re not crafty, you can find them on Etsy like the one below.
Available for purchase with my affiliate link. - Fountain tube and pump – Found at Lowes.
- Bowl– I plugged the hole in this ceramic planter and I also painted it with spray paint.
- Pea Gravel
- Water
How to Make A DIY Water Fountain
Easy to make water fountain for a small space.
Materials
- Piped Fountain Topper or Ball
- Large Shallow Ceramic or Terracotta Planter Bowl
- Small River Rock or Pea Gravel
- Small Fountain Pump with hose
Instructions
- Gather your Supplies.
- Rinse your rock or gravel. I made the mistake of not doing this and ended up with cloudy water for awhile.
- Place the rocks in the bowl about 1/2 way full.
- Thread the pump hose through your fountain top so the top of it is at the opening hole.
- Keeping the pump upright and inside as you set the topper on the gravel.
- Fill with water.
- Plugin and enjoy!
How to Keep Fountain Water Clean
There is a bit of upkeep to keep fountains free from algae and debris. First of all, if you’re using any type of rock, be sure to rinse first. As you can see, I skipped this step and I ended up with murky water. I use this birdbath and fountain cleaner. It’s safe for wildlife and keeps things from getting cloudy.
There are many products to keep fountains clean that you can pick up at your local garden store, however, I have also just used a brush to scrub off any algae that may build up and then I add a capful of chlorine bleach. You want to make sure you have it diluted properly to keep your pump healthy and to keep it safe for birds. For larger fountains, you’ll want to use 1/4 chlorine bleach to 5 gallons water.
This DIY water feature took me about 15 minutes! I can now enjoy the soft sound of water, as well as enjoy my beautiful blue egg.
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This DIY Fireplace requires no building experience. If you can stack and glue, you can do it!
How to Make Planter Poles for String Lights
Stringing outdoor string lights is easy with planter poles
Lori P says
Where do you find a piped fountain topper? I’ve searched everywhere.
Kim says
Hi Lori, When you say “fountain topper” are you talking about the blue ceramic egg? Or the hose sticking out of the top? As mentioned in the article, I bought the blue egg shaped fountain spitter at a local garden shop that was going out of business. I wish I could also find more.
Christa Norvell says
I love the sound of flowing water…always have.
I would use a Lowe’s card to purchase paint to repaint our master bedroom. We’ve lived in our house 7 years and I have been feeling the urge to change the colors in our bedroom lately. I’d also update the light fixture. It’s time for something new…..
Jana says
Just signed up for the Lowe’s subscription. A gift card would be awesome. I would make a fountain like yours with one. I am having fun by going to the pool and playing with my son in the water.
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
Your fountain looks really great! I love the little pebbles combined with the bright blue. Really neat.
Rose says
Good to know about washing the pea gravel first, I wouldn’t have thought of that either. Your fountain is beautiful and something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. You’ve inspired me! I already get the Lowes magazine and love it.
My summer fun has been having parties in my Outdoor Kitchen. My husband is always inviting people over to cook for them and hang out at the bar. We’ve had lots of great times out there!
Tabathia B says
I have been taking the kids to camps and we have went to movies in the park, ice skating
Kati says
We are having fun this summer by swimming, going to Sea World (yay for passes), going to the library and going camping! Sadly summer is almost over!
Karen B says
Love your fountain, our backyard needs help! I already receive the newsletter. This summer we’ve just been doing fun stuff locally (water parks, aquarium – stuff we don’t normally do)
Tiffany H says
I am reading a lot this summer, just trying to relax before home school starts up again in September. Also planning a camping trip to the coast in a few weeks. Can’t wait!
Amy Hay says
Having fun this summer spending a lot of time with my Step Daughter. She is keeping me busy! So much fun!
Jenniffier says
We went camping by the beach for a few days and then mostly I have been working. Summer is just about over for me. I start teaching again on the 8-6.
Angi B. says
My parents always give me their Lowe’s creative mag since they know I’m crafty…but I just signed up to receive it myself. 🙂
Angi B. says
I’m having fun this summer creating new projects now that I have free time. I’ll be back to teaching in a couple of weeks. Wish we had a longer summer break. 🙂
Priscilla says
I already get the Lowe’s Magazine and I love it! This summer, the hubby and I have been spending our weekends finishing the inside of our new shed. We’re planning to use it as an office so we’ve installed drywall and flooring. The Lowe’s gift card would come in so handy to make our new shed/office comfy cozy!
Virginia says
We are enjoying the little bit of summer in Seattle by adding more plants to the yard.
Flowers, flowers and more flowers. Now, I will have to add your fountain – very pretty
and I need one!!!
Jennie P. says
Right now my summer’s not so fun. Hopefully that will change! I love your fountain 🙂
jessica w says
Our office is needing some more storage ideas and maybe one long desk rather than our two shorter ones that are falling apart!
kaybee says
i’m having fun this summer by finding inspiration from my favorite blogs (mostly diy)
🙂
Jen says
I receive the Creative Ideas e-letter {still waiting for my 1st hard copy to arrive – sigh} and love all the great inspiration! This summer I started transforming our home to a coastal style decor which means lots of fun DIY projects and I’m spending at least 3 days a week lounging & swimming in the pool for 45 minutes as my “moment of zen” to relax & clear my mind :~)
Lyndee says
Busy being an overtime student. For fun, I take little breaks and hang out with the kids, doing what they’d like to do.
vivian lee says
Hi Kim, I am enjoying this summer as a new novice bee keeper, and working on outdoor projects including making a mosaic tile project and building hypertufas (English gardening container that require building a form and mixing concrete, and and peat moss to make the containers) The Lowe gift card would be perfect to help me complete my summer projects. Next on my list to build a bee hive. Thank for the opportunity!
vivian lee says
Hi Kim, I am enjoying this summer a new novice bee keeper and, a mosaic tile project and building hypertufas (English gardening container that require building a form and mixing concrete, and and pete moss to make the containers) The Lowe gift card would be perfect for my summer projects. Thank for the opportunity!
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
We have been doing things with the kids this summer for fun….Disney, a tractor pull, the TN river….they start school this week though. 🙁
Robin Troxell says
we’ve been having so much fun swimming, and I have to over-document everything with photography!
Sara @ CleverPinkPirate.com says
We made a Summer bucket list and we are having so much fun! So far we’ve been camping, went to the aquarium, to the Science center, to the Ski Lift rides up north, to Slide Rock (a giant creek where you can actually slide), to the movies, to the waterpark about a dozen times and this weekend we are surprising the kids with a trip to the beach and to Legoland!
Shatzi says
I love the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine! I’ve been on the list for a couple of years! Our summer fun so far has been on the road. We’ve clocked over 2500 mile so far!
Kim says
Lisa, I bought my blue egg at a local nursery.
Kim @ seven thirty three says
We’ve been enjoying summer in our travel trailer camping with family and friends. We’ve also been enjoying our pool.
Denise says
I’m having fun this summer gardening with my grandbabies, growing heirloom tomatoes, picking blueberries painting a landscape scene on a piece of furniture (curved office desk….very unique/interesting), and visiting and receiving family from Canada. I’ve been fending off the heat by visiting neighborhood pools and having dinner with friends. My life is not quite as full as I would like for it to be, but I’m blessed none-the-less!
Denise Monday says
I am already a subscriber to Lowes Creative Ideas. My summer has been extremely fun. We are expecting our first grandchild!!!!! It has been so fun planning the nursery at their house and doing one at my house as well!!!
Jennifer says
I’d love to have done more this summer, but being 7 months pregnant in Texas makes that hard.
Nicole Blean says
From Cirque de Soliel in Las Vegas to camping, the fair, and Sea World, my daughter and I are having a blast this summer. While on vacation next week, I plan to fix up the house and would be thrilled, as a single mom, if I won a gift card to Lowe’s. I already subscribe to their awesome magazine and frequent their stores often since I just bought a house!
Stephanie says
What an awesome give away! I joined the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine, which I am super excited about. We are having fun this summer by traveling to see family and crafting away!
Gail says
I am enjoying tending my “raised bed container garden” full of assorted vegetables this summer! Love the fountain!
Susan H. says
For fun this summer we have been hanging out at my mom’s pool staying cool and having cookouts. Will be going to the beach in Augsust and then again in September.
Becky Neal says
I currently receive the Lowes Magazine and I love it! Even my 3 three year old little boy gets excited when we pull in the parking lot of our local Lowes Store….he knows the store from front to back and they know us so well that they will let him sit in the little forklift because he is all about construction equipment :o)
This summer we have been working on making our house a home and spending time doing projects together as a family. My elderly father just moved in with us after having a stroke and with the gift card we could purchase the items needed to make getting around the house a little easier for him with his physical disabilities.
Thanks!
Steph says
We have gone to the beach and trying to finish our screened in porch.
Amber Malarsie says
I receive my Lowe’s subscription in the mail and on my iPad. I love it! We recently bought a pop-up camper and I love to celebrate summer by going camping. Not to mention what seems like an endless supply of birthday parties, weddings, , baby showers and housewarmings to attend. None the less, it wouldn’t be summer without those things!
Jacque Avant says
I already receive the creative ideas mag and i look forward to each new issue. I would love to have the gift card to spend on some outdoor seating. Glad you have had a great summer so far. It has been so hot here in Ga.
Jacque
Anne Marie says
I have been having fun with the grandkids visiting – never a dull moment. I already receive Lowes magazine.
jengd says
I’ve actually been getting the Lowes’ magazine for years and LOVE it! Great fountain- fabulous colors! We’re doing a bit of travel right now and visiting some friends we haven’t seen in over a year. Wonderful time but I’m looking forward to going home too.
nik says
This summer we’re just hanging out with family and reminiscing about our youthful scandals. 😉
If I won? House paint for us (booorring!) and Step2 Kickback Soccer Goal & Pitch Back for my nephew (yay!)…I didn’t know they had so many playgroundy things for kids!
Thanks!
Bekah Lynn says
The fountain is gorgeous–and simple enough to tackle! Thank you for sharing! I am a Lowe’s subscriber, and stack them up and fold pages over for my DIY days 🙂 This summer is all about enjoying my husband returning from Afghanistan, sand under the toes, and taking time to smell the sea breeze.
Thanks Kim!
Leslie says
I love your fountain- I will c.a.s.e you on that:). Thanks for reminding me to re subscribe to Lowe’s magazine- so helpful! I have been enjoying my deck this year! I’ve been able to keep the flowers beautiful and love reading in my compfy deck furniture! My shed redo is nearing completion so that Lowe’s gift card could go for some lovely finishing touches! Thanks!
nancy cresser says
I already receive Lowe’s Creative Ideas. I am having so much fun this summer – hanging with my kids, going on a road trip with my sister, going to Myrtle Beach with my family, and just relaxing!!! I love Lowe’s & I would really love a Lowe’s gift card!!
Jeni says
I get the Creative Ideas magazine and love it! Just moved back to the midwest so we are trying to get used to the heat and humidity again!
Gretchen Neal says
This summer I decided to let the house go! Not completely of course, but I gave myself to my children this summer. I realized time was flying at a speed I could’nt keep up with and I wanted to make lasting memories with my boys! It has been AWESOME! School starts in 9 short days and plenty of housekeeping, oraganizing, etc awaitws me.
terri says
Having fun this summer by decorating an apt we just moved into after selling our home of 30 years. Quite a change!
Chelsea r says
We have been spending time outside, in the garden and flower beds. Going to the Greene for their free live music events too.
Lora W. says
I just joined Lowe’s Create Ideas Mag. I am having fun this summer by doing things around town with my son. We live near the beach so summers are great!
Connie Haack says
We just returned from a 4 day vacation. Our first vacation in four years when my husband lost his job. We drove around Michigan stopping at different Thrift stores and garage sales. We had a really good time.
Liz Rasmussen says
I really love this idea.
I have been having lots of fun sewing on small wall hangings, and about three purses this summer.
Maureen says
I’m at the beach right now having fun. When I get home I am redoing a Cromatic step stool seat!!!
Sue says
Forgot to mention that I am being very productive this summer working on projects inside and outside my home. However, I have to pencil in some lazy beach days and I hope to go and visit my son and his wife before school begins.
Sue says
I have been signed up to the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine for a number of years and they have some nifty projects.
I just picked up some paint samples yesterday for my bedroom. I want to see how they look during the day before I decide which color is the best choice. If I won, I would be able to buy the paint, tape and brushes with the gift card. That would be just perfect timing, wouldn’t it? I also want to paint the blades on my ceiling fan. I love, love, love my fan and wouldn’t take it down for anything. The rug needs to be replaced too, but that would be for another time.
Terri says
Having a blast this summer with 3 of our 7 grandchildren. Have the 3 two days a week going to beach,waterparks,fishing,and plain homegrown slip n slides. Took older of the three up the Ca. coast from our house up to San Fransisco a fun 6 day trip and got out of the heat where we live it was 101 at home and 57 in Frisco. Loved touring the coast with them.
Nicole W says
I have been working on a bedroom redo for my daughter this summer. We’ve had a lot of fun picking out furniture and painting everything. Now we just have to build her bed!
Janelle says
Love DIY projects in my super cold air conditioned apartment 🙂 Enjoying my summer reading blogs like this and trying out myself!!
Cynthia B. says
We’re having fun this summer by watching movies, going to the local waterpark, and watching the summer Olympics! 🙂
Karen says
Joined the Lowes site and have been remodeling a townhome on the water this summer…..LOVE Lowes and could really use that remodel for the master bath….that would be awesome since I’m looking for ideas now to make this dream complete!
Cynthia B. says
I think your fountain looks great! I already signed up for the Lowe’s Creative Ideas magazine.
Kim says
I found the egg at my local nursery on sale for $5!
Sarah S. says
Our summer fun was a trip to Florida with extended family for a wedding. It was a blast!
brittany childress says
I am having fun this summer by taking the summer off from my college courses and finally moving into my first place 🙂 now it is time to paint, decorate and make my place my home, all before the next semester starts!
Rebecca says
Love the blue egg! I would use a gift card towards new flooring for my kids’ bedrooms. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Whitney Ahern says
I have been a crafting fool this summer! Go back to work in a week and a half and still have so much to do! Love your fountain, I need to get another pump for mine. Love the water sounds on a summer’s night!
Sandra says
Love your fountain. I went over and signed up for the Lowe’s subscription. I would love to win a gift card, if I did, I think I would use it for a new fountain, I have one, but it is looking really tired, yours is so bright, I think I need a new one!