Step by Step Moving Water Features

Adding a Fountain to a Pond
Step-by-Step

Modern submersible pumps, unlike surface pumps, do not have to be housed outside the pond in specially constructed chambers. The submersible pump merely needs placing in the pond and switching on. However, on many occasions the pond is too deep for it to perform efficiently and so it needs to be raised on a plinth. Constructing such a plinth is also necessary when a fountain ornament is to be installed.

When preparing a plinth for a fountain, it is important to work out the scale of the construction and to calculate the height at which the pump must be situated in order to create the desired effect. To protect a pond liner, a piece of underlay should be laid before construction begins.
	A paving slab having been positioned and levelled as the foundation, work can commence. Ordinary house bricks are then laid using a standard mortar. For a plinth up to three bricks high, lay the bricks directly upon one another. Larger plinths require staggered brickwork.
The top of the plinth is made from a paving slab. It is very important that this is absolutely level from side to side and end to end in order that the pump sits evenly and securely.
	For a straightforward fountain, the submersible pump should be placed directly on to the plinth. When a fountain ornament is being installed, the pump can be hidden beneath the plinth. If this is too low, a secondary shelf can be made to raise the pump by positioning another paving slab between a course of brickwork part-way up.
Positioning the pump when the pond is full of water, or removing it when cleaning and servicing is necessary, can be achieved with the use of a hook secured to a stick.
	With the pump installed, it is simply a matter of plugging it into the electricity supply and switching on. Providing that the jet is positioned just clear of the water surface, the fountain will swing into full and effective action immediately.