How To: Build a pot fountain

Nothing is more relaxing than the sound of moving water in the garden. Here's how to build a one-of-a-kind water feature in a weekend.

How to:
Step 1: Plumb the pot
For this step, you'll need your decorative pot, a 1 3/4" by 1" barb fitting, a 1 3/4" PVC female adapter, plumbers epoxy, and a drill with a half-inch masonry bit.

First, using a masonry bit, create a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. If yours already has a hole, it'll probably need to be widened by slowly rotating the masonry bit around the sides of the hole.

Then put the barb fitting into the hole so the threaded end goes inside the pot.

Next, thread the PVC female adapter onto the end of the barb inside of the pot.

Step 2: Install the reservoir
For this step, you'll need a waterproof catch basin, a few cinder blocks, some sand, a heavy duty plastic grate, four feet of flexible tubing, a submersible pump, two hose clamps, flexible screen/mesh, and a reciprocating saw.

Place two or three cinder blocks in the center of the basin to give additional support to the pot.

Cut a trap door in the corner of the plastic grate that is large enough for the pump to easily pass through.

Place the screening over the grate and cut a corresponding hole for the flexible tubing.

Step 3: Place the fountain
For this step, you will a length of 3/4" PVC pipe, black spray paint, and some decorative stones.

Cut a piece of 3/4" PVC pipe so that it is the same height as the pot and spray the top 6" with black paint.

Then, place the PVC pipe (black side up) into the PVC female adaptor in the bottom of the pot.

Place decorative stones on top of the screening to disguise the reservoir.

Then, fill the reservoir with water, turn on the pump, and enjoy