Step 3: Dry-fit the parts
Introduction
Overview
Step 1
Dig the pump hole
Step 2
Set the basin and conduit
Step 3
Dry-fit the parts
Step 4
Mark an opening
Step 5
Connect the pipe and pump
Step 6
Fit the decking
Step 7
Drill the stones
Step 8
Assemble the fountain
Step 9
Finish up
More in Landscaping
Tools List
-
Utility Scissors
to cut screening -
Duct Tape and String
to pull the power cord through conduit -
Pipe Cutter
-
Adjustable Wrench
-
Hammer
-
Drill
fitted with a 5 1/⁄8-inch masonry bit -
Hand Saw
to cut decking supports -
Caulk Gun
Shopping List
Available at home or garden centers. Look for one labeled “submersible.” Pumps are rated in gallons per hour (gph), a measure of how much water they can handle and how high they can push it. Anything larger than 250 gph is overkill for a basic fountain with a [FRACTION 12]-inch pipe. We used [XLINK "http://www.pondmaster.com" "Pondmaster's"] 250-gph model 2
2. ½-Inch Copper Pipe
to carry the water from the pump to the top of the fountain. Buy a piece 2 feet longer than your fountain’s height.
3. Waterproof Basin
such as a plastic storage bin, mason’s mortar-mixing bucket, or washtub, to hold the pump and collect the water. It should be 6 inches wider than the fountain base’s diameter and 1 foot taller than the pump so that it fits all the pipe connections while still keeping the pump submerged.
4. Stones
or other material to make the fountain body. Choose something that stacks easily; stones should have flat faces. The copper pipe will give some support, but the materials should stand well on their own.
5. Small Rocks
or large aggregate, such as terra-cotta shards or tumbled glass, to cover the top of the pit. One 5-gallon bucketful should be enough.
6. ½-inch-by-½-inch Compression Female Adapterto connect the pipe to the pump.
7. ½-inch Ball Valve
to regulate the water flow.
8. Screen
to protect the pump from debris. A fiberglass or aluminum window screen or grille, or anything that comes in a rigid frame, is best. Get one big enough to span the basin.
9. Composite Decking
such as Trex or TimberTech, to support the fountain.
10. Drainage Gravel
for in and under the catch basin. Get two 50-pound bags.
11. 1-inch PVC Conduit
to carry the pump’s power cord underground to the outlet.













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