These days, mini-fountains are becoming increasingly popular, as well as decorative waterfalls. Such decorative elements allow you to relax, and in the summer they humidify the air, creating an optimal microclimate. Looking at the flowing water, it is convenient to concentrate, you can even meditate, if you are interested. This article will discuss how to create simple waterfall, and the pump is also made by hand. The homemade product is easy to assemble and requires a minimum amount of materials that are easy to obtain.
Materials and tools for homemade work:
- a small motor (can be found in a camera or phone);
- plastic gear (found in toys, watches, etc.);
- a piece of plastic a couple of millimeters thick;
- bottle cap;
- deodorant cap;
- foil;
- regular ball pen;
- LEDs;
- resistor;
- wires;
- shells;
- mobile battery;
- a small plastic box.
Tools you will need:
- drill;
- scissors;
- pliers;
- hot glue gun;
- soldering iron;
- Super glue;
- hacksaw.
Fountain manufacturing process:
Step one. Fountain device
To operate the fountain you will need a pump; here you can make it yourself. Its operating principle is shown in the diagram.
The number 1 indicates the hole for the liquid inlet.
Under the number 2 is the pump wheel.
3 is the pump body.
Well, the 4th pipe indicates the outlet for water.
Step two. We prepare the motor and make the impeller
The motor should be small, since the mini-fountain will not be much larger in size than a pack of cigarettes. The author uses a camera motor for these purposes. As an option for these purposes, a vibration motor from a mobile phone is also perfect.
Next you need to make an impeller; it is made from a regular plastic gear. These are found in toys, watches and other mechanisms. However, other materials can be used, the main thing is that the workpiece is suitable in shape and size. The gear needs to be ground in a circle to the size of the pump housing.
To make the blades for the wheel, you will need rectangular pieces of plastic. There will be 4 of them in total. The pieces need to be glued to the gear.
Step three. Pump body
The author makes the pump body from a deodorant cap. You need to cut off all unnecessary parts from it, and then drill holes as shown in the photo. The top needs to be drilled small hole so that the engine axis comes out through it. Water will come out through the large hole.
Step four. The final stage of pump assembly
To create the outlet tube you will need a ballpoint pen. You need to cut off all the excess from it, and then the handle is simply glued to the body.
As for the motor, it is also glued using hot glue. You need to glue the motor carefully so as not to pour it through the cooling holes and glue the axle. The impeller should be located evenly in the housing, it should not touch anything.
You will also need to make a cover for the pump. The lid is made from a bottle cap; you need to make a hole in it, as seen in the photo. Water will enter the pump through this hole. The lid is glued to the body with hot glue.
That's all, the miniature pump is ready. According to the author, it is capable of forming a water column 20 cm high, and all this from a 3.7V power source (mobile battery). This power is quite enough to create a miniature fountain or waterfall.
Step five. How to make a slide for a fountain. The final stage assemblies
Stone stylization was taken as the main idea. Here you need to use all your imagination. Externally, the fountain can be made any way you want. You can ensure that no one can distinguish it from a store-bought one. To create the “stones,” the author used crumpled foil glued with hot glue. The photo shows the preliminary painting.
To do decorative source water, you will need a shell of the appropriate size and shape. You need to make a hole in it for the tube. Well, then the whole structure is assembled as in the diagram.
How nice after hard times working day relax by the cool, calming fountain made by the murmur of water with my own hands. Even a small decorative fountain in a summer cottage will not only bright decoration landscape, but also a favorite place for relaxation, where you can enjoy unity with nature. It won’t be difficult to give yourself this incomparable pleasure if you realize the idea yourself, knowing how to make a fountain in your dacha with your own hands.
Garden fountains – the best way solving the issue of air humidification during the hot summer months. Regardless of the style in which the hydraulic installation will be made, be it classic, rustic, oriental, avant-garde, it will be a bright touch in the landscape design. The mesmerizing play of water streams, playing in the sun's rays with all the colors of the rainbow, will not leave anyone indifferent.
The key to successfully choosing a place for a fountain is proportionality with appearance plot and the overall harmony of the garden.
When choosing a location, it is important to consider the possibility of connecting to a power supply for uninterrupted operation pump
When deciding on the location of the fountain, you should take into account the presence and degree of slope of the ground. It is better if the installation is located in a lowland, which will increase the saturation of the air with moisture, as well as adjust the volume of groundwater.
It is not advisable to place fountains:
- too much open places area, since direct sunlight will provoke “blooming” of water;
- near trees, since powerful roots can deform the fountain bowl and damage the waterproofing, and leaves from trees, fruits, seeds and fluff entering the reservoir can cause malfunctions;
- in the immediate vicinity of the house so that wind currents do not bring moisture to the walls of the building.
The best place is a platform that is clearly visible from the house and various corners garden
Preparing a suitable container
When deciding to create a fountain with your own hands in the garden, it is important to wisely choose or make your own container for a hydraulic installation.
You can use ready-made ones as a fountain bowl. plastic containers various shapes that provide reliable waterproofing
To create larger fountains, it is necessary to dig a pit, at the bottom of which a foundation will be installed. future design. The bottom of the dug pit for the fountain is covered with a layer of sand, the side walls are reinforced with bricks. After that inner surface the tank can be covered plastic film, which does not allow water to pass through. Sealing of surface seams can be achieved by treating them with frost-resistant silicone.
An important point: the depth of the foundation must be below the soil level. This placement will eliminate the possibility of soil being washed away around the fountain bowl.
An emergency drain can be provided not far from the edge of the surface, the presence of which will prevent the water from rising above the required level.
Craftsmen, when creating a fountain with their own hands at the dacha, use any waste materials: natural stones, river pebbles, car tires, glass products, ceramic parts
The main requirement for the material is high strength characteristics and the ability to withstand temperature changes.
The finished bowl can be filled with water.
Pumping system installation
It is impossible to put a garden fountain into operation without connecting its “heart” - a powerful pump that ensures the continuous movement of a powerful flow. The success of the long-lasting operation of the fountain directly depends on the correctness. General principle The operation of the system is quite simple: the water thrown out through the nozzle is collected in a bowl. From the bowl it flows into the drain hole, from where it enters the pipeline and, as it moves, it first undergoes coarse and later finer cleaning. A pump from the pipeline forces already purified water to the nozzle.
When thinking about the question of how to make a fountain in a country house, you should definitely consider installing a drainage system. The piping for the system can be equipped with plastic pipes about 16mm in diameter. The plastic is excellent performance characteristics And for a long time services. Plastic construction Easily connected using a special soldering iron.
Decorative fountains for the garden are mainly equipped circulation pumps, in which water is taken from a bowl, passes through a circle, and is discharged back into the fountain
The power of the pump directly depends on the capacity of the fountain bowl, as well as the expected power of the jet, which will be knocked out of the water like a bright fireworks display.
The fountain's water circulation system can be supplemented by installing a receiver - a pressure tank. Installing a receiver allows you to ensure constant pressure for water to enter the nozzle and stable operation of the system as a whole. With this configuration, water is pumped into the receiver by a pump, and then transferred to a nozzle located a level below.
The action of cascading fountains is based on the same principle.
The water in the cascade smoothly flows down a small waterfall along several steps located at different levels
After installation, the pump should be checked for functionality and only then decorated with decorative elements.
Optional equipment
Installation additional equipment for a fountain will allow you to transform and diversify the design.
Special attachments allow you to give jets of emitted water the most unusual shapes: geysers, tulips, domes, umbrellas, hemispheres
The combination of nozzles and the effect of the shapes they form allows you to create fancy water pictures.
Additional lighting amazingly transforms a garden fountain, giving it a magical effect. Since light sources often come into contact with water and are located directly in the body of the fountain, increased requirements should be placed on their selection: contacts protected from water, hermetically sealed.
Decorative lighting, disguised in the bottom of the reservoir, will delight the eye in the coming twilight with the effect of glowing water
Underwater ones are very popular for decorating fountains. lighting, as well as all kinds of floating lamps.
An interesting decorative option is a small water mill. Making instructions:
Will help extend the service life of a hydraulic installation proper care behind the fountain: removable structural elements on winter period preferably dismantled. With the onset of cold weather, the tank itself should be emptied of water and securely covered with a film that protects from dust, dirt and precipitation.
The most extravagant and interesting decoration home or country land plot are bodies of water. The beating stream of water gives a special zest; such a piece of paradise not only arouses the admiration of guests, but also becomes best place for relax.
You can understand how to make a fountain with your own hands if you study all the nuances of constructing this mysterious hydraulic device.
Basic rules for installing a fountain
If you decide to make a fountain in your country house or at home, then you must initially understand what type and size it will be. It is recommended to design a device of medium size relative to the area of the site.
Also note that the power of the pump for supplying water will depend on the size of the fountain. It is highly not advisable to install it:
- Near a residential building. This can cause mold to form on the walls.
- Avoid open spaces. Due to direct sunlight, the water will begin to bloom.
- Near planted trees. Roots can damage the waterproofing.
- On the slopes and uneven areas land. Choose a lower, level place.
So, ideal option It is considered a place protected from wind and sun. It’s good if there is a source of water and electricity nearby.
Types of fountains
If you pay attention to the photos of home fountains, you can identify the following types of typical hydraulic structures:
Fountain with pump. This is the most popular option among consumers due to its practicality and operational efficiency. A pump placed at the bottom of the device ensures uninterrupted circulation of water.
Open design. Here water is supplied to the nozzle, and a jet is formed due to the difference in water level. Experts advise installing a water tank above the nozzle. This will help regulate the water supply pressure.
Unusual buildings
Decorative fountains for the home are not only beautiful, but very original for any interior. Let's look at a very simple water design.
For construction you will need:
- large flower pot with tray
- water pump
- paints and decorative accessories
Take a pot and make a small hole in the bottom, then install a pump under the pan, while the tube itself must be passed through the hole.
We paint the pot itself in the color you like using paints, fill the bottom with pebbles, and decorate with all possible decorative elements, for example, artificial figures. Finally, fill the container with water.
So, your DIY mini fountain is ready. You can emphasize its uniqueness by equipping it with lighting, this will give a unique and slightly magical atmosphere to the evening time days.
Beautiful waterfall
A self-made waterfall fountain looks very elegant. It is a mistake to think that only a professional can make such a design. A novice master can also create a wonderful creation.
To make a cascading waterfall one meter high, you need the following:
The initial stage is digging a pit under the water bowl, and it is necessary to build a compacted embankment in the form of a slide. Such a simple manipulation will help create elevation.
Waterproofing stage - for this, we cover the bottom and, accordingly, the walls of the pit with a special non-permeable material, while laying the canvas on the sides with a margin of half a meter.
Then we stretch the water supply pipe through the hole so that its end is at the top of the planned waterfall (we bend the edge by 30 centimeters).
We lay out a metal mesh at the bottom of the pits, then fill it with concrete, approximately 15 centimeters. It is also recommended to concrete the walls of the pond bowl. We leave the structure unchanged for a day.
We decorate the building. To do this, we make three steps on a compacted hill in increments of thirty centimeters. Smooth surface decorate with decorative colored stones, pebbles, etc. We fill the film around the perimeter with any material you like (for example, crushed stone, marble).
Finally, turn on the pump and fill it with water. We enjoy our work, watching how the water flows evenly down the steps of the home waterfall.
Photos of DIY fountains
It seems that the days have passed when Russians’ summer cottages and private courtyards were exclusively an area with laid out beds and planted trees and shrubs. Modern garden plot, large private yard or a tiny backyard within an urban home can become a work landscape art. Beautiful flower beds, neat garden paths, barbecue areas, swings and gazebos – there are plenty of options for arranging even modest-sized yards. But as the Japanese say - great specialists on creating an ideal landscape design– for a harmonious environment in your yard or summer cottage there must be three components: plants, stones and water. It is the introduction of a source of water into the arrangement local area will be the subject of this publication. let's consider possible options creating a fountain at your dacha or personal plot, within small courtyard or a huge local area.
Types of fountains for landscape design of a site
The generally accepted opinion that a fountain in a summer cottage is expensive, labor-intensive and generally troublesome has long been unfounded. Organize a source with constantly circulating water on our own It’s not difficult if you approach the issue with care and accuracy. Well, there are so many ready-made options in modern stores that it’s easy to get confused.
Choosing a fountain, like any device for decorating a local area, requires precise calculations and the correct selection of shapes, sizes and materials. Before you go to the store or on the Internet in search of videos with master classes on making a fountain with your own hands, you need to decide what types of fountains are and how they differ from each other.
This type of fountain can be considered the simplest in terms of design and installation. The peculiarity of the submersible mechanism is that the jet shoots directly from the water. But this option requires the presence or creation of a small reservoir - artificial pond or a large bowl of water that is immersed in the soil. The submersible version of the fountain is one of the least expensive. It is enough to select a suitable spray nozzle that forms a jet and fix the hose from the pump. There is no need to install additional technical devices.
These are the designs we imagine most often when we talk about fountains in parks and squares. This type of fountain requires the presence of some decorative elements that imitate a water source. In a stationary fountain for a summer house and a private courtyard, jets, sculptures or their compositions can be used, various elements landscape decor.
The design of a stationary fountain itself is somewhat more complicated than a submersible type mechanism, but it also looks like this decorative element landscape design is more respectable and effective. This is especially true in cases where it was possible to find a fountain model that fits the overall design concept of the site (or make it yourself).
Among the many models of stationary fountains, products made from polymer material, perfectly imitating natural stone. Products made from polystone look like models made from natural stone, but at the same time they are significantly cheaper, lightweight and easy to install and operate.
Fountains made of polystone can be either one object or a composition of several elements - there are countless options. In any case, the material is not subject to rotting or deformation, and is able to withstand jets of water even under fairly high pressure.
Fountains in which water flows over the main element or a whole composition of objects look stylish, modern and creative. It seems that the stone itself is a source of moisture. Meanwhile, water flows through a hose, which is located in the center of the hole of the boulder (or any other decorative element).
Fountain-waterfall “falling water”
Not fewer varieties fountains that imitate both jets and water falling from something like a waterfall. In such a combined composition, the fountain jets, rising upward, do not easily fall back into the water, but end up on a cascade of stones or stepped decorative elements.
Making a fountain with your own hands
So, you have decided on the type of fountain and are ready to get to work. But wait until you dig the pit. It’s not for nothing that popular wisdom says: “measure seven times, cut once.” You need to carefully plan your actions, do necessary calculations, carry out a number of preparatory work.
Choosing a place for a fountain
A successful choice of area for the location of the fountain is an important item on the to-do list for arranging the local area. After all, we do not want to decorate the site, but to create an atmosphere of peace and comfort, in which the sound of running water will allow you to relax and forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday work. On the one hand, I want the fountain to be in a zone of constant visibility, so that it can be admired from anywhere on the site (but most often this desire is unattainable, because there are buildings, trees and tall bushes on the territory), on the other hand, to be located near the recreation area .
If you are planning to manufacture a submersible fountain, then you need to consider the following nuances:
- the fountain should not be placed directly under a tree or tall bush– falling leaves will not only clog the water, but can also cause pump failure. In its turn root system wood can cause destruction of the entire structure;
- a fountain in even a small body of water will cause high humidity and possible damage to the facade if it is located in close proximity to a house or other buildings;
- It is also important to take into account the wind rose in your area, at least the predominant wind direction. If you place a pond with a fountain on the leeward side, then most of the time you will have to clean up garbage rather than enjoy the beauty of the structure and the sounds of flowing water;
- but a completely open area of the yard is not the best option for the location of the fountain (especially for regions of our country where summers can be very hot). During the day, light and shadow should replace each other. Otherwise, the water in the tank may become very hot, which will damage the pump. And the water will begin to turn green faster in constantly hot water.
Choosing a bowl for an artificial pond
In this matter, the determining criteria will be the type of fountain and the size of the reservoir being manufactured. In order to optimize the costs and time of making a fountain with your own hands, the easiest way is to choose a ready-made bowl made of composite from the available assortment of stores. A wide range of shapes, sizes and colors will allow you to do this without much effort.
Experts recommend choosing bowls made of composite materials because they do not undergo thermal deformation. If your pond is small in size, and it is not important for you to choose some original shape, then it is better to purchase ready-made option. Otherwise, you will have to make the bowl yourself - this is a labor-intensive process that takes a lot of time. But as a result, you will get the ideal vessel for your country pond. This topic is extensive and worthy of a separate publication. But not all elements for the garden fountain have been selected yet.
Choosing a pump for a DIY fountain
The fountain pump must not easily push a stream of water onto the the desired height, as required in a country waterfall or artificial stream, but also push the water out the right pressure to a certain height above the surface. Of course, there are formulas for finding the required pump power for a given jet height and optimal hose diameter, but for those who do not want to delve into the details of the calculations, we suggest next list matches:
- for a jet height of 50 cm, the hose diameter is 1.5 cm, and the pump capacity is 1000 l/h;
- for height 100 cm, diameter – 1.5 cm, pump 2000 l/h;
- jet 150 cm, diameter – 2.5 cm, productivity 3000 l/h;
- pressure height 200 cm, hose diameter 2.5 cm, power 5000 l/h;
- for a jet with a height of 300 cm or more, you will need a hose with a diameter of 2.5 cm or more, and a pump with a capacity of 8000 l/h or more (but such designs are used extremely rarely for country landscapes).
There are many varieties of attachments for creating original types jets, they all leave their mark on the choice technical characteristics equipment. In any case, all parameters of the pump will be indicated in its marking, on the box and in technical passport goods. If you want to make a “geyser” type fountain or use original attachments (such as “bell, etc.), then contact the consultants in the store for help.
Decorating a country or garden fountain
Of course, the main criteria for choosing decor for a fountain will be only your imagination and financial opportunities. Although, for many types of decor the costs will be symbolic. For example, if you choose a polystone fountain model, then decor is not needed at all. Such models are most often presented in a fairly laconic design and do not require decorations.
If you want to create the most natural atmosphere, close to the setting, throughout the entire area in general and near the fountain in particular wildlife, then it would be a good idea to adhere to the following simple recommendations:
- to decorate the fountain, use stones of one or maximum two types, because in nature it is rare to find a pile of stones that differ significantly in their aesthetic qualities;
- plants that will be in close proximity to a fountain or located in a pond are best chosen from the class of those for which water or very high humidity is their natural habitat;
- If your artificial pond will be inhabited by fish, then you need to find out in advance whether a particular decorative species is able to calmly tolerate the noise of falling water.
In custody
The listed fountain options and the photos proposed for them are only part of the ways to create an original source of water for summer cottage, a private yard or just a local area. Fantasies for creating combined models, using non-standard materials No limit. Whatever your choice, it is important that any fountain will give your site a special flavor, make the landscape design complete, more harmonious, increase humidity and create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere in the recreation area (or near it).
IN Lately Particularly popular are the so-called “vertical fountains”, which are literally “ water wall" They look stylish, modern and easily fit into almost any landscape design style without taking up much space.
Even the smallest fountain can transform the landscape of a dacha or private home beyond recognition. This decorative structure will definitely become a favorite relaxation spot on your site, because it will give you the opportunity to unite with nature at any moment. Do you want this to become a reality faster? There is nothing super complicated here - anyone can make a fountain with their own hands. Don't believe me? Then to your attention step-by-step instruction with a photo, following which you can quickly and without the involvement of professionals get an effective and functional fountain.
Choosing a fountain
First of all, you need to choose suitable option fountain for your site. It's about about its dimensions, shape and materials. When deciding this issue, focus on the area and style of the yard of your dacha or private house.
So, for a large area it is better to choose a classic sculptural model that will become the center landscape composition. And for a modest courtyard, fountains in the form of small architectural forms are suitable: sea shells, fairy-tale characters, houses, pots and other similar figures.
But you don’t have to buy a ready-made sculpture, because you can also build a fountain with your own hands. The simplest option is a structure made of stones. To make it, place large flat stones on top of each other, use an electric drill to make holes in each of them and string all the resulting products onto copper pipe- it is through it that water will flow to the top of the structure. Then close the gaps with small stones and treat the cracks silicone sealant.
Choosing a location
The next step is to decide where exactly on the site the fountain will be located. In order for a structure to fully fulfill its aesthetic function, it cannot be installed “anywhere” - it is important to choose the best location. And for this you need to take into account several nuances.
- Firstly, the fountain does not belong in an area that is too open, since under the influence of active sunlight the water may begin to “bloom.”
- Secondly, the fountain cannot be placed among powerful trees - their roots can cause deformation of the tank and waterproofing. In addition, leaves, fluff, fruits and tree seeds will constantly pollute the fountain.
- Thirdly, the structure should not be too close to the house, otherwise moisture will fall on its walls with the wind.
- Fourthly, it is undesirable to place the fountain in the open wind so that its gusts do not “disrupt” the jets.
Thus, the ideal location for decorative fountain– light partial shade surrounded by flowers and low bushes.
When you choose a place, proceed directly to arranging the fountain. It assumes phased implementation three main groups of work:
- tank preparation;
- pump installation;
- installation and decoration of the fountain.
Preparing the tank
In order for the fountain to be durable and solid, it is necessary to equip a special reservoir for hydraulic equipment and water. This is done as follows:
- Dig a pit of pre-calculated depth and the diameter you need.
Important! The depth of the reservoir should be below ground level so that the soil around the fountain bowl is not washed away and the base is not deformed.
- Place at the bottom of the resulting hole thin layer sand and carefully strengthen its side walls with bricks.
- Cover the inner surface of the pit with thick plastic film - it will prevent the passage of water.
- Fix the film along the upper edge of the tank and treat the seams with frost-resistant silicone sealant. Place stones at the bottom of the pit, distributing them over the surface of the film. The stones should not be sharp so as not to deform the film.
- Install a small emergency drain near the pit to prevent the water level in the tank from rising.
Installing the pump
The fountain will not be able to work without the most important mechanism - the pump. It is he who is responsible for the continuous movement of water flow. The general operating principle of the pump is simple: water is released through a nozzle into the tank, then enters the pipeline, where it undergoes coarse and fine cleaning, and then the already purified water is sent back to the nozzle.
The quality of the fountain’s functioning directly depends on the type of pump:
- Submersible - works on the principle of a centrifuge and is located in the center of the fountain tank under water. This is a cheap but reliable device, the installation of which does not require any fasteners - the submersible pump is quite heavy, so it does not budge on its own. It is suitable for small weak fountains.
- Surface is a more serious type of pump, which is installed not inside the tank, but on its edge on the surface of the earth. This device is designed for large fountains with complex designs.
The piping for the pumping system can be constructed from plastic pipes. Their optimal diameter is 16 mm.
Advice. In order to enhance the operation of the pump, additionally install a pressure tank - it will guarantee a constant pressure of the water flow.
Fountain decoration
After the main functional elements are installed, you need to take care of installing the fountain itself, or rather its upper part. If you are using ready-made sculptures, they should have special fastenings for installation. But a homemade stone fountain is best installed on metal slats previously laid on top of the tank.
Then start decorating the structure. The fountain can be decorated with plants, different-sized stones, clay figurines, microsculptures and any other details that seem appropriate to you on your site.
Don’t forget about such an effective decorative tool as lighting. These can be underwater lights, light strips, floating lanterns, land lamps - here you are also unlimited. But remember that lighting structures must be completely sealed, and all their contacts must be protected from water as reliably as possible, otherwise it will be unsafe to use them.
When all work is completed, fill the tank with water and start the fountain.
As you can see, to make a beautiful fountain with your own hands, you don’t need to work hard or spend a lot of money. Do not deviate from the instructions, use quality materials and don’t be afraid to experiment with decor – by following these three simple rules, you will definitely get a functional fountain that will delight your eyes and set you in a positive mood for many years.
Which fountain to choose for your dacha: video
Fountain at the dacha: photo
