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How to make a solar powered water feature

By Bunnings magazine /

A small water fountain in a round basin surrounded by various plants and mulch in a garden setting.

Overview

This self-contained solar powered water feature suits all situations, from big backyards to compact courtyards. We have created a firm base for the bowl in this garden bed, but the bowl could also stand on any stable paved substrate, making the project renter-friendly – just pack it up and take it with you when you move! Of course, as this is a solar feature it won’t run without sunlight, but this adds to its charm as the flow is ever changing with light levels, from sparkling fountain to quiet, reflective pond.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

 

Steps

  1. 1

    How to make a water feature

    A water feature is a fabulous addition to any outdoor space, large or small. Featuring a solar-powered pump in a repurposed bowl planter, this elegant fountain is super simple to install with no specialised tools or tradies needed, so you can enjoy its soothing sight and sound in just a few hours.

    A typical pond pump uses mains electricity – it has to be plugged in to run. Solar pumps are run by a panel which generates safe, low-voltage power when the sun is out. This kit uses a 5m cable from the pump to the panel, which can be ground staked, wall or fence hung, or even roof mounted (with an extension lead).

  2. 2

    Preparing your water feature: Sealing the pot

    Any drainage holes in your pot must be made watertight. The bowl used here had a rubber stopper which was removed and reversed, as it had a larger flange on the outside. Before reinserting, add a bead of sealant around the inside of the drainage hole and the inside lip; allow to cure.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: For pots with no stopper, use a product such as Selleys Knead-It aqua epoxy putty.
    A gloved hand applying clear silicone sealant from a tube onto a small hole in a grey surface.
  3. 3

    Positioning the feature: Mark the area

    Clear away any mulch or plants from the area. Position the stepping stone in the pond location and sit the pot or bowl on top to check exact siting. Use a hand trowel to mark the soil around the edge of the stepping stone, then remove. Use a garden spade to remove a 50mm deep layer of soil from the centre of the marked area.

    A person wearing gloves uses a small trowel to dig soil around a circular concrete slab in a garden.
  4. 4

    Making the mound: Mix mortar

    Wearing safety gear, carefully pour mortar into a bucket. Add water a little at a time and mix thoroughly using a clean spade until you reach a sticky yet firm consistency. Use the spade to ladle the mix into the hole, creating a central mound.

    A person wearing gloves uses a shovel to place wet concrete into a hole in the soil surrounded by mulch.
  5. 5

    Levelling the stone: Make the bed base

    Firmly press stepping stone into mortar bed. Use a torpedo level to check level from side to side and back to front, tap with a mallet as needed, then check with a long level. The base should sit a little higher than surrounding soil to allow for mulch.

    A person wearing gloves uses a rubber mallet and a level on a circular concrete slab in a garden.
  6. 6

    Positioning the view: Plant up

    Use a trowel to remove any excess mortar. Position bowl on base, then arrange plants around the pond set-up to check the layout – position plants to present their best ‘face’ to the main viewing direction. Take a photo for reference. Dig holes and plant out.

    A grey basin is surrounded by various potted plants on the ground, with a gloved hand holding one plant.
  7. 7

    Add soil care: Lay mulch

    Wearing gloves and a mask, spread a 50mm deep layer of mulch around plants and pond base, keeping it away from stems. Keep mulch level with the top of the pond base.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Plant and mulch before filling the pond to avoid dirt clouding the water.
    Hands wearing black gloves spread brown mulch around green plants in a garden bed.
  8. 8

    Create the water feature: Add pump

    Position pump in base of pot so the outlet on top is in the pond centre. Push the pump down firmly so the suction-cup feet take hold. Wash decorative pebbles and spread around the pump. Fill pot with water to 10-20mm below the rim. Add fountain riser.

    Hands position a water pump surrounded by stones in a large grey bowl.
  9. 9

    Use the sun: Install solar panel

    Find a sunny spot for the solar panel, run pump lead to the location, position panel (we used the supplied ground stake), then connect the lead. If the sun is falling directly on the panel the pump should start almost instantly. Select and fit a fountain nozzle.

    Hands hold a solar panel above a garden bed with green plants.
  10. 10

    Keep in mind...

    • Before installing a pond, check your local authority’s safety regulations and guidelines. Always closely supervise children around any body of water.
    • Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets.
    • Wear gloves, eye protection and a mask when handling mortar, mulch, compost and potting mix.
    • Do not operate the pump without water in the fountain bowl at any time; permanent damage to the motor may occur.
    • Always unplug the pump from the solar panel when not in use.
  11. 11

    Love the sound of water in your garden?

    Try these other ideas to create a sensory garden.

    * Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

     

    Photo credit: Louise Roche, Adam Woodhams.

     

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.