Asked By: Jonah from Atlantic City, NJ
A: A pondless fountain is a low-maintenance way to add the soothing sights and sounds of moving water to your outdoor oasis. You can purchase ready-made fountains of all shapes and sizes, like basalt pillars, bamboo deer-scarers, vases, and ornate statues. If you are crafty, you can instead create a unique pond fountain using a DIY fountain kit. Before you start building, check out the following tips for how to build a backyard fountain you’ll love:
- Carefully consider the location. Ensure you build your fountain in a spot where you can enjoy it fully, such as in view of a window or near your patio. Additionally, pick a location with an electrical outlet nearby to power your pumps and lights.
- Install an auto-fill valve. If your basin runs dry, you risk damaging your fountain pump and shortening its lifespan. An auto-fill valve keeps your feature’s water level consistent to prevent unnecessary damage.
- Shut it down for winter. If you live in a region with sub-freezing wintertime lows, you must close your water fountain before it gets destroyed by ice. Build your DIY fountain so you can easily take it apart and move the pump indoors during winter.
- Use a stable base. A stone fountain can be quite heavy and might compact the soil beneath it, leading to performance issues and damage to your basin. Start with a strong and solid base, such as gravel or a durable vault or basin that can support the weight of your finished feature.
More Water Feature Advice
These simple tips will ensure your finished fountain provides years of enjoyment. If you have specific questions about building a water feature, contact our pond experts at 866-POND-HELP today!
Read more about pondless features in the following guides:
Pondless Water Feature Maintenance
Types of Ponds & Water Features
Reasons to Build a Water Feature
Ponds vs. Pondless Water Feature
Last Updated: March 11, 2025