Build a Bubbling Rock Water Feature - The Great Outdoors

Materials Needed:
- plastic 5-gallon bucket
- rust-proof paint
- piece of expanded metal that fits the bucket opening
- approximately 1/2 bag of large round gravel
- scrap piece of copper tubing
- submersible pump
- 2-inch piece of plastic tubing (used to connect copper tubing and pump)
Tools Needed:
- spade or digging shovel
- tubing cutter
- scissors
- bubble level
Steps for installing a 5-gallon water feature
Step 1
Bury the bucket. First things first, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate your 5-gallon bucket. Keep in mind that the top of the bucket should be at ground level. You will also want to make sure that your bucket is setting level in the hole.
Step 2
Install pump and platform. Next, place the pump in the bucket and connect the copper tubing to the pump; using the small piece of plastic tubing.
You will have to cut the copper tubing to the correct length. Cut it long enough to reach slightly above the platform. After your pump is in place, install your expanded metal platform inside the bucket. You may want to paint your platform with rust-proof paint if it is not galvanized.
Step 3
Test the pump. Fill the bucket with enough water to cover the pump. Plug your pump in and make any necessary adjustments. Remember that when the water level reaches the top of the copper tube, the force of the “fountain” will be reduced. When your pump is adjusted, fill the bucket to the correct level.
Step 4
Backfill the hole and install the gravel. The final step is to backfill the area surrounding the bucket, and cover the platform and the surrounding area with gravel. Place several larger rocks around the top of the copper tubing. This will help to keep the “flow” of the fountain open.
NOTE: Remember you will have occasionally add water to your fountain to compensate for evaporation.

[@rosemacdougall2967]

What size pump did you use? Thank you so much for this video!

[@GM-ww]

I have built this type of water feature but I wonder how you keep the water clean? I've seen so many videos of this type of water feature and no one tells you what happens next. How do you clean the water? I've had to dissemble it to clean out so many times I decided just to disassemble and stop using. I've tried to make it with the lip of the bucket above ground level but it sill gets dirt. I live in Florida near the coast where the soil is all sand, no clay at all. I've even tried an above ground system, still too much a mess that the pump gets blocked quickly and I need to open the top every other week or so. Any advice?

[@mairwaugus5203]

Where it went sideways: outdoor electric, "my tubing cutter" lol. Burying the bucket, so you don't ever want to clean that bucket out? Ah well. Did like the copper tube. This can be adapted to a solar application.

[@dclaet1135]

Yes. Shouldn't it be cleaned out regularly to avoid the problem of birds drinking the bacteria?

[@natalielarkin6989]

you don't have to bury a bucket. buy a decorative container. clean away.. i agree

[@audreykelsey7046]

This is wonderful, just what I was looking for, and I hope to make it very soon. Thanks for the video.

[@azulbernal1051]

Thanks so, so much for sharing!!!!

[@salmanarif726]

How do you winterize?

[@jeffprice2210]

Great help
Thank you
Given me lots to go on regarding my garden feature
Regards Jeff (uk)

[@YourNewHouse]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@linesbylisa3557]

This perfect for the rock water feature we are building. Thanks!!!

[@sonyaweinreis3658]

Awesome thanks for that,it looks amazing

[@catherynballard7133]

This is such a great idea. Thank you