Transform your yard into a calming oasis with the soothing sound of moving water. While a waterfall or fountain in a pond is a popular use of garden fountain pumps, these machines have many other uses around your home and garden. Whether you have a spacious yard or a tiny balcony, a large or small budget, DIY skills or a favorite contractor, there’s a water feature for you.
Check out these 10 creative ways to enhance your outdoor spaces with beautiful and functional water features.
1. Pondless Fountain
You might be interested in a water feature even if you don’t want a traditional waterfall or pond fountain. Consider a pondless or disappearing fountain. These are ideal for smaller yards or homeowners concerned about safety for children or pets. These fountains still have a basin, but it’s hidden from view, usually under rocks. Pondless fountains are also relatively inexpensive and a straightforward DIY project.
2. Private Creek
Embrace a natural slope on your property with a creek. Collect water in one place and pump it to create a creek for a beautiful, naturalistic solution. Creeks can also help regulate water runoff, reduce flooding, filter pollutants and attract wildlife. This project is more difficult to do yourself, but it’s possible if you’re experienced with DIY projects.
3. Fire and Water Feature
If you have a smaller yard and don’t want to have to choose between a fire pit and a water feature, consider a combination. These fixtures typically have gas burners or electric lights to mimic fire and fountain components nearby but separated from the fire area for safety. Hire a professional for this one, or buy something premade.
4. Hanging Fountain
A hanging fountain is ideal if you have a tiny yard or want to guarantee your dog never uses the water feature as a water bowl. These small water features attach to a wall, so you can still enjoy the soothing sounds of bubbling water even if you need to keep the ground clear and maximize how you use your outdoor space.
5. Freestanding Fountain
Bring the soothing sounds of water to your outdoor living area with a small tabletop fountain, or make a statement with a larger freestanding fountain or water wall. Whatever your style is, there’s a fountain for you:
- Traditional and sculptural
- Modern and minimal
- Simple and naturalistic
- Colorful and quirky
- Classic and architectural
6. Birdbath Upgrade
Prevent your birdbath from stagnating or freezing by adding a small solar fountain pump or bubbler to keep the water circulating. The moving water may attract more birds and will add visual interest and pleasing sounds to your yard. Many freestanding fountains have shallow basins and could double as birdbaths.
7. Aboveground Multitasker
Creating a water feature above ground with a wide ledge means it doubles as bench seating. Depending on the materials used, it could also serve as a retaining wall and raised garden bed for aquatic plants.
8. Hydroponic or Aquaponic System
Take the garden bed concept a step further and turn your water feature into a kitchen garden to grow snap peas, lettuce and other plants. A hydroponic system uses only water, while an aquaponics system incorporates fish to support plant growth. With either system, a water fountain pump is necessary to circulate nutrient-rich water, ensuring the plants and fish get the food and oxygen they need.
9. Misting Area
If summer heat keeps you from using your outdoor spaces as much as you’d like, consider installing a misting system. With a few misting nozzles, tubing and a pump, you can string up a cooling mist around your porch or deck to help family and friends keep cool during backyard barbecues.
10. Custom Water Feature
Create a one-of-a-kind water feature by designing your own fountain. All you need is a basin for water, a submersible pump, tubing and a water-resistant object to run the tubing through. For example, you could repurpose an antique well pump, watering can or teapot. Maybe you want to make a disappearing fountain with only one boulder or turn a glass tabletop into a water wall. The possibilities are endless!
Fountain Pump Maintenance Tips
To keep your pump functioning properly, maintenance is necessary. The exact maintenance routine will vary depending on your specific pump and application. Generally, maintaining a pump requires the following tasks:
- Regular cleaning: Turn off the pump and remove it from the water to give it a quick cleaning. Remove debris, dirt, algae, mineral deposits and other grime with a soft cloth or brush and clean fresh water. Check the filter and clean or replace it as needed. Once a year, disassemble the pump and clean all the parts individually for a thorough, deep clean.
- Damage checks: While washing the pump, inspect it for excessive wear, cracks and damage. Examine the cord for tears, cuts, corrosion or fraying. When you turn the pump on again, listen for unusual noises, such as grinding or rattling, which could indicate that the pump needs repairs.
- Water level monitoring: Ensure there’s enough water surrounding the pump at all times, and add more if it’s getting low. It’s especially important to check during hot weather when water evaporates more quickly. Running a fountain pump dry can overheat and damage the motor, so an adequate water supply is essential.
- Winterizing: Depending on your location and use, you may need to winterize your pump. Winterization generally includes removing the pump from the water, draining it and storing it in a dry place to prevent freezing and cracking.
- Lubricating: Many fountain pumps are water-cooled, but some require lubrication. Check the owner’s manual for details about what parts need lubricant and what kind is appropriate for your pump and water use to avoid polluting or contaminating the water.
Explore Water Pumps From Zoeller Pump Company
Ready to enhance your outdoor decorating with pumps for water features? For large installations, consider the Zoeller fountain pump. This 0.5-horsepower motor is water-cooled, so you never need to worry about lubrication or pollution. It produces a fountain up to 15 feet high in three different patterns and circulates up to 4,900 gallons per hour.
Since 1939, Zoeller Pump Company has manufactured reliable water pumps for various applications. We invest in continuous improvement to provide the highest quality products to our customers and end users, and we pride ourselves on excellent support throughout and after the sale. To learn more about water features and find the best pump for your outdoor space, find a dealer near you today!
