These DIY solar water fountain ideas are perfect for creating a backyard water feature that is affordable, simple to build, and easy to maintain. If you have been thinking about buying a fountain but cannot believe the cost, and want to try making your own instead, these 14 DIY solar water fountain ideas are the perfect place to start.
1. Classic Solar Pump Fountain
A simple and elegant water fountain powered by a solar pump. Water circulates through a small basin, creating a soothing sound and visual.
Supplies:
- Solar water pump
- Small basin or container
- Tubing
- Decorative stones or pebbles
How to Make:
- Place the solar pump inside the basin.
- Attach tubing to the pump outlet.
- Arrange the tubing so water flows back into the basin.
- Cover the basin bottom with decorative stones.
- Fill with water, position the solar panel in direct sunlight, and turn on the pump.
2. Solar Mason Jar Fountain
Reuse mason jars to create a charming rustic fountain. Water cascades from one jar to the next.
Supplies:
- 3 mason jars
- Solar pump and tubing
- Waterproof adhesive or silicone
- Basin or tray
How to Make:
- Arrange mason jars at different heights on the basin or tray.
- Drill small holes in jar lids for tubing.
- Connect the jars with tubing, sealing the holes with adhesive.
- Place the solar pump in the basin and run tubing up to the top jar.
- Fill jars and basin with water, then activate the solar pump.
3. Upcycled Teapot Fountain
Transform an old teapot into a unique solar fountain.
Supplies:
- Old teapot with spout
- Solar pump and tubing
- Small basin or pot
- Decorative stones
How to Make:
- Place the solar pump in the basin.
- Run tubing through the teapot spout.
- Arrange the teapot tilted above the basin.
- Fill the basin with water and activate the pump.
4. Solar Birdbath Fountain
Add movement to a birdbath using a solar pump. Birds love this as well and during the summer months!
Supplies:
- Birdbath
- Solar water pump
- Tubing
How to Make:
- Place the solar pump in the birdbath basin.
- Attach tubing to pump and arrange water flow as desired.
- Fill with water and place solar panel in direct sunlight.
5. Solar Bamboo Fountain
Combine bamboo elements for a natural-looking fountain.
Supplies:
- Bamboo tubes or poles
- Solar pump and tubing
- Basin or container
- Decorative stones
How to Make:
- Cut bamboo tubes to desired lengths.
- Arrange tubes for water flow.
- Connect tubing from solar pump through bamboo.
- Place basin beneath and fill with water.
- Activate pump.
6. Floating Solar Fountain
A floating solar fountain that adds movement to ponds or pools. A simple way to create a fountain in a pond that lacks life without any expensive work.
Supplies:
- Floating solar pump
- Pond or water feature
How to Make:
- Place the floating solar pump on water surface.
- Ensure it receives direct sunlight.
- Activate pump and enjoy the water spray.
7. Solar Rock Fountain
Use natural rocks to build a rustic solar fountain. If you have left over flat rocks from landscaping work then this could be a great DIY project for you.
You just need to stack them on top of each other, bigger ones at the bottom smaller ones at the top, and run a pipe up through the middle.
Supplies:
- Large flat rocks
- Solar pump and tubing
- Basin or pond liner
How to Make:
- Arrange rocks to create a natural water path.
- Place solar pump and run tubing through rocks.
- Fill basin with water.
- Turn on the solar pump.
8. Floating Lily Fountain
Add a floating lily design powered by solar energy. This is a lovely and simple DIY Solar Water Fountain idea that can be done in something like a planter.
This is great if you have an apartment balcony or small patio but still want a garden water feature.
Supplies:
- Floating lily pad decoration
- Solar fountain kit
How to Make:
- Attach solar pump to lily pad base.
- Place in pond or water container.
- Position solar panel in sun and turn on pump.
9. Jug Pouring Fountain
This setup gives the appearance of water pouring endlessly from a ceramic jug. It’s visually striking and perfect for patios or entrances.
Supplies:
- Ceramic jug or pitcher
- Basin or tub
- Solar pump and tubing
- Sealant and stones
How to Make:
- Angle the jug over the basin and secure it.
- Drill a hole through the back of the jug if needed.
- Run tubing from the basin pump up through the jug.
- Seal any openings and add water.
- Turn on the pump and enjoy the flowing jug.
10. Solar Can Fountain
Recycle old watering cans or tin containers to create a cascading can fountain. Perfect for farmhouse-style or cottage gardens.
Supplies:
- Metal watering cans
- Metal chain or hooks
- Tub or basin
- Solar pump and tubing
How to Make:
- Suspend the watering cans using chains above the basin.
- Drill holes in the cans to allow cascading flow.
- Run tubing from the solar pump through each can.
- Fill the base with water and place the panel in sunlight.
11. Clay Bowl Cascade Fountain
Credit: DIY Stories
Multiple clay bowls arranged in descending levels create a smooth, flowing cascade. This design suits both modern and rustic gardens.
Supplies:
- 3–4 clay bowls of varying sizes
- Stand or bricks to elevate bowls
- Solar pump and tubing
- Silicone sealant
How to Make:
- Stack the bowls in a cascade with support underneath.
- Seal any joints or drain holes.
- Run tubing from the pump at the bottom to the top bowl.
- Fill all bowls with water and activate the pump.
12. Upcycled Sink Fountain
Transform an old sink into a unique fountain. This cute garden feature works well in upcycled or quirky outdoor settings.
Supplies:
- Old porcelain or metal sink
- Solar water pump and tubing
- Wooden or metal frame (optional)
- Pebbles and plants
How to Make:
- Mount the sink on a frame or set it on the ground.
- Place the pump inside the sink basin.
- Add tubing to recycle water back into the sink.
- Fill with water, stones, and plants, then power the solar pump.
13. Sculptural Copper Pipe Fountain
Using copper pipes either left straight or bent into an artistic shape make great a DIY Solar Water Fountain, this fountain can serve as both a water feature and garden sculpture.
Supplies:
- Copper piping and elbows
- Pipe cutter and bender
- Basin or container
- Solar water pump and tubing
How to Make:
- Cut and bend copper pipes into desired shapes.
- Connect them using elbows or T-joints.
- Install the pipes above a basin.
- Run tubing from the solar pump through the pipes.
- Add water and power the system.
14. Tiered Bucket Fountain
Galvanized buckets arranged in tiers create a farmhouse-style cascading water feature with lots of charm.
Supplies:
- 3 galvanized buckets (small to large)
- Wooden stand or frame
- Solar pump and tubing
- Waterproof sealant
How to Make:
- Stack the buckets on a frame or stand at an angle.
- Seal any holes to prevent leaks.
- Place the pump in the bottom bucket and run tubing upward.
- Fill with water and connect to the solar panel.
