Monday, June 24, 2013

DIY Water Feature

It seems that the dog days of summer are upon us here in Ontario.  Spending time in the garden is something that I really enjoy.   Years ago, when the kids were little, we had an above ground pool to keep us cool.  Once the liner went, we made the decision to take the pool down, since our kids weren't really using it anymore.

We turned the pool deck into a pergola (which is another post to come) and added stone and a patio table to the area.  I wanted to add the soothing sound of water back into the yard, but didn't want the upkeep of a pond.  There was still some wood left from taking the deck down, so I designed a water feature for McG to build.  It centered around a pond pump and a large Rubbermaid tub...
YES - a plastic storage container turned water feature!


McG drilled a hole in the upper right-hand corner to allow the electrical cord for the pond pump to go.


He then built a wooden box to house the container with the left-over wood from our pool deck to pergola transformation.  It has a 6 foot high back to hide the copper pipe that cycles the water from the plastic storage container.

I re-stained the wood once he built the frame (that was a couple of years ago, so it could be done again).
Once everything is in place there is a wooden frame that sits on top to hide the edge of the plastic container.



Once it's filled with water, it's plugged in to a ground-fault electrical plug and we are able to turn it on and off with an outdoor timer.

McG used plumbing fittings to make the "shower head" that brings that lovely water sound to the garden.


Here are a few shots of it running.  It is so soothing to hear.



This picture shows too the pergola that used to be our pool deck...and my solar chandelier - a Pinterest project I made.

This is probably my favourite DIY project in our yard...it was a lovely gift from McG to me!  It gives all the sounds of a pond and waterfall without all the work - and would work in a small yard or even on a balcony!

Don't you just LOVE it??!!

28 comments:

  1. Ohhh I bet the sound is wonderful....what a lucky lady you are and such a great hubby to help you get it done...

    Thanks for sharing it :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Christine - it does sound amazing - and yes McG is a handy guy to have around!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my goodness ~ your water feature is absolutely amazing!!!!! I love it. I've had two fountains break on me ~ one cracked {I left it out over the winter ~ stupid} and the other fell apart ~ I really miss the sound of the water *sigh* Thanks so much for sharing at Project Inspire{d}. Pinning and sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. thanks Mary Beth - it really was easy to put together

    ReplyDelete
  5. I adore this, Cheryl! Jo-Anna and I will feature your water feature next week. This is just what my yard is missing...I can't wait to show my husband this post!

    <3
    Nicolette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. so glad you liked it! It really is a wonderful addition to any space! If you decide to make one, please send me some pics!

      Delete
  6. I love water features! The sounds are so soothing! This is a wonderful addition to your yard!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is really nice Cheryl! I love water features too. There's just something about the sound....so soothing!~~Angela

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow you guys are creative!!! Now that you figured out how to do it, why don't you come and do one for me??? LOL..just thought I'd ask

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read your comments to McG and he said maybe we need to go on a road trip!!! LOL

      Delete
  9. I totally love this, how pretty. Great job and super tutorial also. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your water feature is beautiful, and I bet the sound is relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is amazing! What an ingenious idea. The fixture is just fabulous too. Who wouldn't love to watch and listen to that. Nicely done!
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  12. A fountain ! Wonderful and delightful in the yard I am sure! Great job!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your fountain turned out beautiful. I love the copper fixture. Thanks for stopping by and linking up to Fluster Buster's Creative Muster Party! Looking forward to seeing what you're going to link up next week.

    Robin @ Fluster Buster

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a creative idea! I love it :) That copper part is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  15. LOVE THIS, SO UNIQUE, I WOULD LOVE TO FEATURE IT, IF THAT WOULD BE OK PLEASE LET ME KNOW,
    LAUREN

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://westfurniturerevival.blogspot.com/2013/07/revival-monday-119.html

      you can check out the feature here, hope you like it and thanks again
      lauren

      Delete
  16. I do love it! How lovely it looks and sounds I am sure. A true gift! Visiting From SSF.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Cheryl,
    Just wanted you to know we featured your project at The Garden Glove! What a great idea!
    http://www.thegardenglove.com/diy-water-fountains/

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  18. You did a really good job with this! I've been looking into installing some water features on my property. Is it worth it to do it myself, or am I better off hiring someone else?

    Rico | http://www.thegardenersnursery.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for sharing this with us! I'd love to try making a water feature like this. We may do that this summer. We're definitely going to have to get one for the front yard as well. Thiago | http://www.thegardenersnursery.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  20. Very cool project Cheryl! Thanks for sharing it at the Outdoor Extravaganza link up. I'm featuring you tomorrow on my blog:)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Curious to what fittings McG used to make your 'shower' head. Looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mort I tried to reply to your email, but it says you are a no-reply blogger. I hope you see this. He used copper plumbing pipe with a six spigot copper water manifold that he found in the plumbing section of the Home Depot. He just soldered the pieces together. I hope that helps! Thanks for commenting!

      Delete

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog...please feel free to leave a comment or ask questions...and if you like this post - PLEASE SHARE!!!