DIY Fountain

Cement in 5 gallon bucket curing around pump's pipe

My parents were in town during the last weekend, so I created a project for my dad and me to complete: a simple water feature. I had been hanging on to an old water pump I bought at a farm auction 10 years ago, and it was finally time to put it to use or get rid of it. Add a little cement and a few lag screws in a five-gallon bucket, a submersed water pump, and there you go: instant fountain. I just need to paint/stain the concrete base so it blends into the rocks.

5 gallon bucket is removed to reveal cement base,
which also encloses the PVC pipe for fountain tubing

Of course, I realize that others may have liked the "rustic charm" of the unpainted version (or at least something less obnoxious than the green); however, once we paint our house a charcoal/slate color this fall, the color will make more sense (I hope). Once we got the pump installed, I quickly learned that my daughter was our project's biggest fan. The flowing water is perfect for "washing dishes," as she says.

The final product and its biggest fan