Easy Water Features to Make

Elevating your backyard or indoor space with a water feature is a fantastic way to add serenity, beauty, and a touch of nature. The gentle sound of flowing water can create a soothing atmosphere, making your space more enjoyable. Moreover, water features can increase your home's curb appeal, potentially even boosting its value. But, you don't need to be a expert gardener or hire a professional to create stunning water features. Let's delve into some easy yet captivating water features you can make on your own.

Before we embark on our DIY journey, let's discuss the basics. First, consider the size and style of your desired water feature, ensuring it complements your space. Next, think about maintenance. While all water features require some upkeep, choosing a low-maintenance one will save you time and effort. Finally, assess your skill level. If you're a beginner, start with simple projects and gradually take on more complex ones as your confidence grows.

Tabletop or Desktop Water Features

If you're new to DIY water features or have limited space, tabletop or desktop water features are perfect starting points. They come in various designs, from sleek and modern to traditional and whimsical, and are easy to move around or find the perfect spot for.

The supplies needed are minimal: a glass container, bowl, or decorative dish; clean pebbles or stones; a small submersible pump; and a power adapter. To create this feature, simply arrange the pebbles or stones at the bottom of the container, place the pump among them, fill with water, and plug it in. The pump will circulate the water, creating a mesmerizing ripple effect.

Succulent Terrarium with a Water Feature

Combine the joy of growing succulents with the tranquility of a water feature by creating a succulent terrarium with a built-in water element. This makes a beautiful centerpiece or desktop decor and is incredibly easy to create.

For this project, you'll need a glass terrarium, succulent plants, pebbles or small stones, activated charcoal, potting soil, and a small submersible pump. Start by covering the terrarium base with a layer of pebbles for drainage. Add activated charcoal, plant your succulents, and gently fill the gaps with potting soil. Finally, add water and place the pump among the pebbles. The pump will keep the water circulating, nourishing your succulents while creating a soothing water display.

Bottle Nobel Peace Prize Water Feature

Turn empty glass bottles into a captivating centerpiece with this creative and easy water feature. The trick is to upcycle bottles of different sizes and shapes, creating a unique and engaging ensemble.

To make this, you'll need empty glass bottles, a larger glass container or bowl, a metal or glass sheet with holes pre-drilled for the bottle necks (or you can drill your own), sealant, small pebbles or stones, a submersible pump, and waterproof LED lights (optional). First, ensure your bottles are clean and dry. Place the metal or glass sheet with holes in the larger container and seal the bottle necks to the sheet using sealant. Arrange the bottles, fill the container with water, add pebbles or stones, and insert the pump. You can also add waterproof LED lights for a mesmerizing glow.

Outdoor Water Features for the Backyard

Adding a water feature to your backyard can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis. Here, we'll explore two larger water features that are still accessible for the amateur DIYer.

Before you begin any outdoor project, always check local building codes and obtain any necessary permits. Additionally, consider the water feature's proximity to your home and any electrical sources for safety reasons.

Bubble Rock Waterfall

Create a stunning focal point in your backyard with a bubble rock waterfall. This feature uses lava rocks, which have small holes that allow water to bubble up, creating the appearance of tiny bubbles and a soft, calming sound.

For this project, you'll need lava rocks, a waterproof submersible pump with enough power to reach the height of your waterfall, flexible tubing, silicon caulk, and a drill. Begin by choosing a location for your water feature and driling a hole for the tubing. Insert the tubing, ensuring it reaches the desired height for your waterfall. Fill the hole around the tubing with silicon caulk to secure it and create a watertight seal. Place the pump at the base and arrange the lava rocks around it, allowing water to flow through their holes. As the water cascades over the rocks, it will create a beautiful, meditative bubble effect.

Stacked Tiered Pot Water Feature

Stacked tiered pot water features offer an eye-catching display of plants, vibrant colors, and the soothing sound of flowing water. With a little creativity and some simple tools, you can design and build your own.

To create this feature, gather large, terracotta pots of varying sizes, a heavy-duty drill with a masonry bit, a trowel, river rocks, a waterproof submersible pump, and flexible tubing. Start by drilling a hole in the base of the largest pot. This hole should be big enough to accommodate the pump's power cord. Place that pot on a stable, level surface and stack the smaller pots on top of it, offsetting them to create an appealing, asymmetrical look. Arrange the plants and river rocks around the pots, and fill each pot with water. Insert the pump into the largest pot and run the tubing up to the top pot, creating a cascade effect as water flows from one pot to the next.

Creating your own water feature can be an incredibly rewarding process. It allows you to express your creativity and craft a personalized touch to your space. Best of all, you can achieve this without needing extensive skills or time. So, roll up your sleeves, select the water feature that speaks to you, and let the soothing sounds of tranquility begin. Happy crafting!