There’s something a little bit magical about a water fountain.
It’s always a pleasure of watching and listening to the sparkling water, and we all have memories of tossing coins into a fountain and making wishes as a child.
Not to mention, many fountains are architectural works of art. No wonder so many people dream of adding one to their property!
Of course, adding a fountain to your yard is a big project. If it’s something you’re considering, keep these tips for installing a water fountain in your yard in mind:
Look Up The Bylaws
Before making any changes to your property, especially changes that involve digging and water lines, it’s a good idea to look up the bylaws in your area.
There might be restrictions on where you put your fountain, high limits on the size of the feature you want to install, or water usage limits at certain times of year.
Knowing about any requirements ahead of time will let you make the best plan, as well as saving you time and money by ensuring you don’t have to make changes halfway through your project.
Bylaws will vary greatly depending on your location, so call your municipal office and ask any questions first. Some areas may have minimal restrictions, while others will have detailed guidelines to follow.
Survey Your Space
Before you decide on the actual fountain you’re going to install, you’ll need to survey your yard and determine where your fountain is going to go.
Remember, you’ll need to consider more than just the actual space the fountain will take. Think about the space you may want around the fountain as well.
You may want to put benches near the fountain so that you can relax outside beside your new water feature. Or, you may want to add flower beds or rose bushes around the base.
No matter what type of vision you have, deciding how much space you’re willing to give up for your fountain is a must.
And, if possible, consider any future DIY backyard projects you may have in mind, so that you can ensure your yard has space for everything.
Get Inspired
Once you know how much space you have for your fountain, it’s time to look for some inspiration to help you determine what style of fountain you like best.
Flip through magazines at the library, or peruse Pinterest boards on the internet. There are many fountain options, from large outdoor water features to teeny fairy-sized fountains.
Your budget for your new water feature will likely play a big role in deciding exactly which fountain you want.
Keep in mind that if you’re shopping online, a large, heavy fountain can have a hefty shipping cost.
Get Your Plumbing Ready for Placement
Once you’ve chosen your fountain and you know where you’re going to put it, it’s time to start preparing your space. Getting your fountain area ready will likely be a two-part job.
First, you need to install any water hookup requirements your chosen fountain requires. Second, you’ll need to prepare the actual ground where the fountain will go.
The instructions that come with your fountain should include a clear guide regarding any water requirements. To ensure that everything is installed correctly, it’s like a good idea to hire a plumber to handle this.
With plumbing in place, you’ll be ready to get the ground ready for the fountain.
Prep The Spot
When it comes to preparing the ground for your fountain, you’re probably going to want to start by removing the topsoil. This will help prevent grass and weeds from growing up beneath your fountain.
Depending on the size and weight of your fountain, laying down landscaping fabric underneath can help further minimize unwanted plant growth.
You may also want to nestle your fountain into the ground by digging down a little deeper. In both cases, ensuring the ground where the fountain will sit is completely level is crucial.
A simple base of sand and gravel is generally sufficient for most fountains, and is easy to adjust with additional materials to ensure your surface is flat and level.
For larger fountains or a more elaborate landscaping plan, you may want to consider a concrete base for the fountain.
Put Your Fountain In Place
Once the base for your fountain is ready, it’s time to put your new water feature into place.
If the fountain is a large, heavy one, make sure to work with multiple people to make the job easier. You don’t want to risk getting injured!
You may also want to consider borrowing or renting equipment to make moving the fountain easier.
Smaller fountains can likely be moved with a dolly or hand truck. Larger pieces may need to be lifted with a forklift or skid steer.
Regardless of how you decide to put your fountain into position, having at least one or two helpers nearby to ensure that the job goes safely is a must.
Water Flow
Once your fountain is in place, follow the hookup instructions provided by your manufacturer. Keep in mind that you may need to winterize your fountain during the cold months to avoid frozen pipes.
Of course, not all fountains require hookups. Many simply need to be filled with water, which is them cycled through the fountain indefinitely and topped up as needed.
Once your fountain is in place and functioning, you can add any planned landscaping, like a pathway around the fountain or garden plants.
Make sure you follow any cleaning and maintenance requirements, as these guidelines can extend the life of your fountain.
There’s no question that installing a water fountain in your yard is a big undertaking, but the reward can be well worth the effort.
Make sure to take your time and make a proper plan before getting started, and you’ll find that the installation may not be as difficult as you thought.
And the beauty and serenity that your water fountain adds to your yard is sure to make the work of installing it worth every minute!