Create a Unique Fountain

Enjoy the soothing sound of running water by creating a container fountain. It’s easy, affordable and a great way to personalize your outdoor living space. You can purchase a fountain kit with many of the items listed below, or build your own with various components.

Getting Started:

• Begin by choosing a unique container to suit your personal style; just about any container can be made into a fountain. Be creative.
• Think about the ideal water sound you want to produce:  peaceful and meditative, or do you need white noise to drown out traffic or noise?
• Choose a spout or spitter for your fountain. There are many types and styles and they will directly affect the type of sound produced and the aesthetic of the fountain.
• Choose a pump size. It needs to produce the desired water flow and project water to the desired height.  Feel free to ask a Molbak’s associate for help in calculating pump size.
• Additional odds and ends: You may need flexible tubing for your fountain to connect the pump to the spout or spitter. (Check the size of the connection coming out of the pump and the size of the connection to the spout or spitter before purchasing tubing.); you will need a rubber plug to fill the hole where the electrical cord travels from the pump to the electrical outlet; and if you need to control the water flow in your fountain, restrictor clamps will help.

Creating Your Fountain:

• Seal the container*: Create a mixture by starting with a 5:1 ratio of mineral spirits and 100% clear silicone rubber sealant. Mix well and dilute with mineral spirits until the consistency resembles paint. Brush mixture all over the inside of the pot. Let dry (about 4 hours). Apply a second coat and allow curing overnight.
  *Always apply in a well ventilated area following all instructions on the label.
• If the container does not have a hole for the pump’s electrical cord, you will need one drilled with a masonry drill bit (Molbak’s provides this service for containers purchased at the store). Once the hole is drilled, slice the rubber plug to the center, and thread the pump’s electrical cord through.
• Place the pump in the container and the rubber plug in the hole. Connect the pump to the spout or spitter, fill container with water and turn on the fountain. Remember, never allow your pump to run dry.

Personalizing your fountain:

• Water plants can be a great addition to your fountain. Molbak’s carries a selection of aquatic plants which will also help soften the look of your fountain and make it appear more natural.
• Fish are generally not recommended in a fountain unless the fountain includes a large pool.
• Adding polished rock or pebbles to the fountain is attractive and will affect the sound of the falling water. Experiment with the placement of the rocks until you achieve the desired sound.

Caring for your fountain:

• Remote controls are handy to turn your fountain on and off; using them will increase the lifespan of your pump.
• Filters are typically pre-installed on pumps and need periodic cleaning. If your pump flow is weak or sounds like it is laboring, check the filter on your pump.  
• Drain your fountain before winter. Frozen water may cause the container to crack or break.

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