To ennoble summer cottageA decorative fountain will help create a cozy oasis and a beautiful relaxation area. The sound of water is calming and provides a refreshing welcome in hot weather. Building a fountain in your dacha yourself doesn't require any special construction skills. This element landscape decoration It's easy to build and can be used to decorate any garden plot. A cool oasis with a fountain creates a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
Types of fountains for summer cottages
Specificity summer cottage building The goal isn't just to move the water, but to create beautiful lines. Flows can be controlled using compressors and water supply systems. There are several common types of fountains available on the market.
When choosing a pump, consider the volume of liquid being pumped and the jet height, which will determine the required pump power. For example, for a jet height of 1.2 m, a compressor capable of delivering 800 liters per hour is required.
Submersible fountain
This model is placed directly on the bottom of the pond. It's suitable for smaller basins. The convenience of a submersible system is its ease of installation and removal, if needed. The device's power is sufficient to create a pipe up to two meters high.
To install the structure, you'll need substrates and cascades to protect the system from sand, silt, and other debris. Liquid is drawn from the bottom layer of the pond and discharged through a nozzle. A hose can be connected to it, allowing the stream to be directed anywhere for a more decorative effect.
The system operates off the mains, so the entire structure must be grounded. Small devices require 24V, supplied by a transformer. High-power pumps should be powered from the mains, with the electrical cable covered with a waterproof material.
Stationary fountain
Requires additional structures and equipment. The entire structure is a closed system in which water circulates in a circular motion. With a proper cleaning system and high-quality materials, the fountain will function for a long time without maintenance.
A permanent structure requires a solid foundation and a reliable pump. The system is often installed nearby and hidden behind decorative elements.
Falling Water Fountain
Ideal for those who enjoy natural landscape design, the structure often features an alpine slide, a simulated mountain stream, or a rock face. Stone and concrete are the primary materials. There's also an option for lovers of contemporary design. Waterfall They are made in the form of a wall or other structure down which water flows. This design looks impressive, especially with proper lighting.
A step-by-step guide to installing a fountain at your dacha.
A unique fountain at the dacha with your own hands It can be constructed using inexpensive materials. The simplest option is to build a decorative element out of stones. However, you can also let your imagination run wild and create an original structure to decorate your garden.
Choosing a location for a fountain
When choosing a location, consider the aesthetic purpose of the structure. Consider the size of the pond, the direction of the water jets, and any decorative elements surrounding it.
Recommendations for choosing a location:
- Do not place near bushes and trees, as falling leaves will clog the water, which can cause the pump to break, and the root system will also destroy concrete structures;
- It is not recommended to install a water tank and a spray system near a house or other buildings, so as not to damage the building’s façade;
- It is advisable to choose a place where the wind blows the least, otherwise you will need to clean up the trash frequently, and instead of the sound of pouring water, you will hear the noise of the wind and drops of water will fly in different directions;
- It should not be installed in an open area to prevent the water from overheating and blooming, and to prevent the plants from drying out.
Preparing the tank
At the chosen location for the pond, it's worth marking it out. Dig a pit along its outline, but deeper than the basin and 5 cm larger around the perimeter. An additional depression of at least 40 cm will be needed in the direction of the drainage.
Preparation of the water tank is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- lay geotextile on the bottom and around the perimeter of the container;
- pour a drainage layer of coarse sand, level it so that the sand is 5 cm thick over the entire surface;
- Place a water container in the hole.
Unique tank shapes are easy to create using cement mortar. The pouring and curing process takes about three weeks. The construction process for such a tank consists of the following steps:
- digging a pit, but 20 cm deeper and 20-30 cm wider;
- cover the pit with geotextile or thick PVC film;
- pour a 10 cm layer of crushed stone on the bottom and 5 cm of sand on top;
- strengthen the walls and bottom with reinforced mesh;
- fill the bottom with concrete and wait until it hardens completely;
- then build the formwork on the walls and fill with concrete;
- wait until the concrete has completely hardened.
Installing the pump
The fountain's water circulation system depends on the pump type and power. The general operating principle is as follows: liquid enters the reservoir through a nozzle, moves through a pipeline, is purified, and then returns to the nozzle. The liquid is moved under pressure, and depending on the pump's power, high jets of water can be produced.
Two types of pumps are used for reservoirs:
- The submersible sensor is positioned in the center of a small tank and placed on its bottom. No fasteners are required for installation, as the device is heavy and remains in place on its own;
- A surface pump is placed next to the reservoir on the ground. The device is powerful and ensures fluid circulation in complex and large structures. A pumping system requires a pipeline constructed from plastic pipes.
Fountain decoration + lighting
The final stage of designing a recreation area is decoration. Decorative elements for the pond include clay figurines, plants, stones of various shapes and textures, glass figurines, and more. They are selected to match the style of the property and the entire garden. All elements are selected by the owners based on their personal style preferences.
Lighting is an interesting and vibrant way to decorate water features. Suitable options for water features include:
- LED strips;
- underwater lights;
- floating lanterns;
- ground lamps;
- decorative lampshades.
Lighting elements can be combined to create the perfect fountain composition. Lighting fixtures must be sealed, with contacts covered with reliable waterproofing. This ensures the safe use of electrical devices.
You can build a fountain in your backyard yourself for a modest budget. First, create a construction plan and follow it. When constructing a decorative pond, choose high-quality materials. There are no restrictions on decoration, so you can experiment and change the design. This will ensure the pond will be a lasting delight and a source of positive emotions.