How to Build a Rock Fountain for My Pool

Stack garden stones vertically with the flat sides down so that the largest stones are on the bottom, and the smallest stones are on the top. Use chalk to mark a number on each stone to keep track of its order in the stack.

Cut a length of copper pipe 2 feet taller than the stack of garden stones by using a pipe cutter. Cut a 4-inch section from the end of this length of pipe.

Place the laundry basin in a shallow area of the pool. Place the pump in the center of the basin.

Cut a 1-inch-diameter circle in the center of the window screen by using tin snips to allow the pipe to fit through. Cut a square hole in the perimeter of the screen large enough to fit the pipe through.

Unscrew the fittings on the ends of the ball valve. Slide the nut and ferrule onto the length of pipe that you cut earlier. Place the pipe into one of the valve’s ends. Tighten the nut onto the valve to attach the pipe. Connect the 4-inch section of pipe to the other end of the valve by using the same methods.

Connect the female compression adapter to the pump’s outlet. Remove the adapter’s nut and ferrule. Slide them onto the 4-inch pipe section. Connect the pipe to the adapter by using the same methods used to connect it to the ball valve. Tighten all the nuts with a wrench.

Cover the basin and pump with the window screen, so the pipe sticks up straight through the hole in the center. Lay 2-by-4s over the window screen to keep it in place.

Lay the top stone on a flat surface. Drill through the center with a drill and 5/8-inch masonry bit. Keep the stone wet as you work to keep the drill bit cool. Drill holes in each of the other stones using the same method.

Thread the stones onto the copper pipe. Mark where the stones end and cut the pipe 1/4 inch longer than where the marking ends by using a pipe cutter.

Cover the basin with water and plug in the pump to activate the fountain.