Very few things are as relaxing as the gentle, trickling sound of water in your backyard. Whether you want a quiet place to sit, to attract local birds, or just want a nice focal point for your yard, adding an outdoor fountain is a great choice. But with so many sizes, styles, and materials out there, learning how to choose an outdoor fountain can feel overwhelming.
Why does choosing the right one matter? The right outdoor fountain fits right in with your yard's style, fits your space, and is easy to take care of. A mismatched fountain, on the other hand, can look out of place or become a chore to clean.
In this guide, we will go over the types of fountains, where to put them, weather tips, and basic care, featuring some of our favorite Plantatorem products to help you find the best outdoor fountain for patio or garden spaces!
Types of Outdoor Fountains
When you are ready to buy outdoor fountain designs, knowing the different types is helpful. Plantatorem offers a wide variety of fountains for different looks and spaces.
1. Classic & Modern Garden Fountains
If you have a big yard or a dedicated flowerbed, a garden fountain makes a great centerpiece. For those looking for a modern garden fountain, simple geometric shapes are very popular, we have two recommendations.
Drum Shape Fountain: This piece is ideal if you are looking for a large outdoor fountain with a sleek, modern look. Its wide, heavy base anchors open spaces well.
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Narrow Drum Shape Fountain: If you love the drum style but have a narrow garden path or a tight corner, this narrower shape gives you the same modern look while taking up less room.
Shop Now2. Self-Contained Fountains
A self-contained decorative water fountain is very easy to set up because all the working parts (pump and plumbing) are inside the unit. These make the perfect backyard water feature because they do not need complicated external pipes.
Tea Garden Fountain - Turquoise: Add a pop of bright color to your plants. The bright turquoise glaze stands out nicely against natural garden leaves.
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Tea Garden Fountain - Gold Turquoise: For a high-end look, the gold and turquoise blend offers an antique feel, making any outdoor water feature setup look like a resort.
Shop Now3. Table and Patio Fountains
Not everyone has a huge lawn, and that is perfectly fine! If you are looking for patio fountain ideas, small tabletop designs are a good bet. They give you the sound of a water feature without taking up floor space.
Sunset Twist Jar Fountain: This piece adds nice texture and a warm color to outdoor dining tables or side tables.
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Twisted Fountain - Gold Turquoise: Easily the best outdoor fountain for patio coffee tables, its neat twisted design and small size make it a fun talking point for your outdoor get-togethers.
Shop NowHere is a quick comparison of all three types of fountains,
| Type | Best For | Sound | Maintenance | Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic & Modern Garden Fountains | Big yards, focal points, and open spaces | Moderate – loud | Moderate | Medium – large |
| Self-Contained Fountains | Patios, entryways, and garden corners | Moderate | Low | Small – medium |
| Table and Patio Fountains | Balconies, small patios, and coffee tables | Soft | Very low | Tiny |
Placement Tips for Choosing Your Outdoor Fountain
Where you plan to put your fountain should heavily influence the style you buy. Keep these location factors in mind when shopping:
Proximity to Power
Most outdoor fountain pumps need to plug into a standard electrical outlet. If your ideal spot is far from a GFCI outlet, you need to decide if you are willing to hire an electrician, or if you should choose a solar-powered model instead.
Consider the Trees
Look at the trees around your yard. If your desired spot is right under a messy pine or oak tree, choose a decorative water fountain with a smaller basin or a covered water tank. Buying a wide, open-tiered design for that spot means you will be scooping leaves and acorns out of the water every single day.
Sound and Weather
Let the environment guide your choice. If your patio gets a lot of high wind, pick a low, solid outdoor fountain rather than a tall waterfall to cut down on splashing and water loss. If you are placing it near an open window to enjoy the sound, a soft trickling style might be more relaxing than a loud, splashing one. Also, if you live near a pond, you might want to choose a quieter model, since loud running water can sometimes attract noisy frogs at night!
Climate Considerations When Buying
Your local weather plays a big part in how long your outdoor fountain lasts, so let your climate guide your purchase.
Summer Heat
High heat means water dries up fast. If you live in a hot area, look for a backyard water feature with a deep water basin or a covered water tank. Avoid tall, splashing waterfall designs, as the wind and heat will empty them much faster, leaving you constantly having to refill them.
Winter Freezes
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, water left inside the fountain will expand as it turns to ice, which can crack the material. Keep this in mind when picking a size and style. If you do not want to deal with a heavy winter chore, buy a smaller, lighter outdoor fountain that is easy to drain, pick up, and store indoors.
For larger pieces, make sure you buy strong, frost-proof materials. If you decide to buy a fountain that has any built-in plumbing or PVC pipes, be absolutely sure to blow out the lines so no trapped water freezes and shatters them from the inside.
Pump & Maintenance Basics
To keep your outdoor fountain running well and looking good, a little regular upkeep is needed.
Water Levels
Never let your outdoor fountain run dry. The pump must be fully underwater to keep the motor from burning out. Check the water level every few days, especially during hot summer months when water dries up fast. To cut down on splashing and help your pump last longer, some fountain owners add an ounce of food-grade glycerin to the water to make it slightly thicker. (Not widely practiced though)
Cleaning the Pump
Once a month, turn off your outdoor fountain, take out the pump, and wipe away any algae, dirt, or gunk. For deep cleaning hard water stains or mineral buildup on the pump parts, soaking them in white vinegar or using denture tablets works wonders. To cut down on how often your pump clogs with junk, try wrapping a small cage made of metal window screen around the pump to give it a bigger filtering area.
Algae Control
To keep your garden water fountain water clean, use a pet-and-plant-safe algae treatment, or just change the water completely every few weeks. For a clever, easy trick, toss a piece of pure copper pipe or a few pre-1982 US pennies into the basin; the copper naturally stops algae from growing. Or, leaving a plain magic eraser sponge floating in the hidden water tank can easily trap dirt and algae, just make sure it’s tucked away where pets cannot reach or eat it.
Transform Your Space Today
Whether you are looking for patio fountain ideas for a small balcony or a large outdoor fountain for a big yard, finding the right outdoor fountain will make your outdoor space a lot better. By keeping looks, placement, and upkeep in mind, you will have a nice place to relax for years to come.
Ready to buy outdoor fountain options for your home? Check out the full collection at Plantatorem today!
FAQ's
What is the best outdoor fountain for patio spaces?
What is the best outdoor fountain for patio spaces?
For smaller patios, table fountains like the Twisted Fountain - Gold Turquoise are great because they don't take up floor space. If you have a slightly larger patio, a narrow self-contained unit like the Narrow Drum Shape Fountain is a good choice.
Do I need special plumbing to install an outdoor fountain?
Do I need special plumbing to install an outdoor fountain?
No! Most of our modern garden fountain designs, especially self-contained units, reuse the water using an internal pump. You just fill it with a hose, plug the pump into an outdoor electrical outlet, and enjoy.
How often should I clean my outdoor water feature?
How often should I clean my outdoor water feature?
For the best results, you should do a basic scoop of leaves and dirt every few days and do a deep clean, draining the water, scrubbing the basin, and cleaning the pump—about once a month.
Can I leave my decorative water fountain running all the time?
Can I leave my decorative water fountain running all the time?
Yes, it is actually better for the pump to run all the time rather than turning it on and off a lot, as long as the water level is kept full.
