DIY Water Features

Water features can be a great addition to your outdoor space, creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. If you can’t find the water feature you’re after, DIY garden water features can be a fantastic alternative.

Designing your own water feature can be extremely satisfying, and it’s really not so hard once you know how. Just a few simple materials, such as a container, a fountain pump and decorative elements like pebbles or pond plants, could be all you need.

SHOP ALL

Why Choose DIY Water Features?

A homemade DIY water feature makes the perfect landscaping feature for any garden. Not only does the sound of trickling water create a tranquil, restful environment, but the addition of water can function as a drinking source for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

For gardens in busy urban areas or located close to roads, water features can also bring noise reduction, masking the sound of traffic, construction work or noise from neighbours.

When you build your own water fountain or feature from scratch, you have so much more flexibility with colour, texture, shape and movement. With a little bit of creativity, the options are limitless! Plus, if you already have access to materials to create a fully upcycled DIY water feature, you can enjoy a beautiful centrepiece in your garden in the most cost-effective way.

The Basics of Water Feature Design

For self-contained water features, you will need the following components:

• A container or reservoir – this is where the water is stored.
• A pump mechanism – this is used to keep the water circulating.
• A power source/box – solar, battery or electric.
• A waterproof cable box – this is used to keep your connections safe and dry if opting for electric power sources.

It’s also important to consider the direction that the water will be moving in. The pump is required to generate water flow against gravity before the water flows back down again. Whatever style of fountain or feature you design, make sure gravity is working in your favour. For instance, if you need water to cascade down, ensure your feature is designed with the correct angles for water to flow freely.

Pumps can be solar or mains powered. If you want to make a DIY solar water feature, we highly recommend getting a solar panel with a back-up power source. Especially if your garden doesn’t receive much sunlight throughout the day.

At Festive Lights, many of our ready-made water features are solar and plug-in or solar and battery, giving you added reliability and versatility.

DIY Water Feature Ideas

Not sure what style of water feature to build? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pots and Containers: These can be upcycled from old vases or planters that are no longer being used. For single container features, a fountain pump is ideal for creating movement in the water.
  
• Cascading Pots: These can be upcycled from old vases or planters that are no longer being used. For single container features, a fountain pump is ideal for creating movement in the water.
  
• Rocks and Pebbles: A DIY rock water feature can be made by filling a pot with pebbles from a garden centre. For large containers, you can fill them with bricks and finish with decorative rocks and pebbles at the top. Not only will adding bricks help to weigh the pot down, but it can also save on the added expense of additional pebbles.
  
• Bathtubs and Sinks: Don’t be afraid to get creative with alternative containers for the garden. You can upcycle anything around the house that is no longer in use, including old sinks and bathtubs.
  
• Japanese Water Features: There’s something incredibly peaceful about Japanese water features. To recreate this look in your garden, opt for a natural stone bowl/container and install a bamboo water spout. Bamboo water features, including ones with pivoting spouts known as ‘shishi odoshi’, make soothing sounds that inspire relaxation.
  
• Raised Ponds: Another option is to build a raised pond, which can be much safer than in-ground ponds for families with children and pets. These can be built to any size, depth and height you like, and you can use a variety of materials, from brick and stone to wood and metal.
  
• Natural Stone: Using natural stone will blend in seamlessly with your outdoor environment, especially if you are looking for a focal point to finish off a rock landscape. While DIY stone water features are not so easy to build from scratch, there are some in our decorative water feature collection, ready for you to browse. Our products are simple to set up and can be immediately turned on for use once installed.

Adding Plants, Rockery and Decorations

When it comes to decorating your DIY garden water feature, there are many options out there. You can choose to decorate with natural rocks and pebbles, which can be easily sourced from your nearest garden centre or plant nursery.

Choose pebbles of different sizes, as well as a range of colours to match your landscaping. Remember that when adding rockery, regular cleaning will be required to keep the surface area of the pebbles algae-free.

Or you may wish to add some plants to your water feature. Plants add much more than aesthetic value, and improve your water quality by providing oxygen, reducing algae and absorbing excess nutrients. They can also attract more wildlife to your garden.

Some of the best plants to add to your feature include Water Lillies, Water Mint, Water Forget-me-nots, Fanwort, Waterweed, Hornwort and Creeping Jenny.

How to Make a DIY Solar-Powered Water Feature

You only need a few things to get started with your project. Here’s how to make a simple DIY solar water feature with basic materials.

1. Find the Right Location for your Feature: You only need a few things to get started with your project. Here’s how to make a simple DIY solar water feature with basic materials.
   
2. Choose your Container or Reservoir: Select the pot or bowl that you want to use for your self-contained DIY garden water feature, and make sure it’s cleaned thoroughly. You’ll also want to repair any cracks or holes to prevent leakage.
   
3. Add Water and Decorations: After placing your container in position, fill it with fresh water. Add any decorative elements, such as pebbles or plants, and check the sturdiness of the water feature to make sure it will stand firm even in adverse weather or if knocked by people walking by.
   
4. Install the Pump: By choosing a solar-powered pump with a freestanding base, you can reduce the amount of work required. Pay attention to things like water splash radius when installing the pump, as this could affect placement or surrounding decorations and plants. You’ll also want to ensure the panel element is facing the direction with the most sun.
   
5. Check the Pump is Working: To prevent algae build-up in your water feature, make sure the pump is working effectively and adjust it if necessary. Do not turn off the water feature, unless for cleaning or maintenance, as keeping the water running continuously is the best way of maintaining oxygen flow and preventing algae build-up.

Guidance for Plug-In DIY Water Features

If you are designing a water feature that needs mains power, you may be limited in where you position it outdoors. You will need to have access to a power point, and you may also want to consider running the cable underground to avoid untidiness or people tripping over it.

For underground cables, it’s highly recommended to use armoured trunking. This will stop you from digging through it by accident while gardening.

Housing overground outdoor connections is possible, too, but you may need something like the Dribox Weatherproof Connection Box. This box is secure, portable and waterproof, and keeps any wires or extensions safe and tidy.

Maintenance Tips for DIY Garden Water Features

Caring for water features is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. Whether you have a DIY solar-powered water feature, DIY plug-in, or a battery-powered feature, here are the things you’ll need to do:

• Routine Cleaning: Clean your water feature every so often to stop green algae from forming. Be sure to clean the pump as well as the container. You can use a cloth, as well as a small brush, to target any stubborn areas.
  
• Check Water Levels: For your feature to operate properly, there needs to be enough water in the reservoir. So, top up your water routinely, or install an autofill kit, which can do this for you by automatically opening a valve when the water level gets too low. Remember, water loss may occur during high winds or prolonged hot weather.
  
• Check Pumps and Filters: Inspect all the parts of your pump to ensure there aren’t any blockages to the water system. Stagnant water can cause algae build-up, and water needs to be able to flow effectively and continuously.
  
• Add Algae Treatment: It could be worth adding algae treatment to maintain the health of the water – just make sure it’s non-toxic and not harmful to plants or wildlife.
  
• Winterise your Feature: To prepare your water feature for the colder seasons, it may be a good idea to drain it and store it away until spring. This is usually advisable for small water features (300mm or less in water depth). Just be sure to clean it and dry it thoroughly and store it away from damp.

Browse our Water Features Online

If you love the idea of DIY water features for the garden but don’t know where to start, why not browse our ready-made water feature collection for inspiration? We stock water fountains, cascading water features, natural stone-effect water features, light-up water features, pagoda-style water features, fairy-themed water features, Buddha water features, animal water features and more.

All our water features are self-contained, making them highly versatile for any type of outdoor space. You’ll also be able to choose from solar-powered, plug-in and combined solar and battery or plug-in and battery.

Shop online now or contact us here if you would like any help or advice with our product range.

---