Do-it-Yourself Water Wall

Waterproof the wall and floor areas earmarked for the water wall by installing sheets of green board or another type of waterproof drywall using a drill, anchors and screws. Apply plumber’s epoxy putty or caulking to the areas between the floor, wall and drywall creating a bond. Let the agent dry for 24 hours if there's no specific dry time on the package directions.

Tap the nearest power source, moving electrical wiring to the water wall area if it’s not there to so the submersible pump is adjacent to a working power source. Hook up the circulating pump and test it, making sure it works by interfacing a length of rubber tubing with a faucet or other water source.

Determine the water wall’s top and mark it with a pencil. Mount one or more lengths of tubing or narrow PVC pipe to the wall with brackets so that the water source reaches that height. Place a plastic or rubber collection pool on the floor at the base of the water conduits. Using plumber’s putty or calking bonds the base to the floor, preventing shifting or moving.

Place a rubber pool liner into the basin of the collection pool and secure the sides with the clips that come packed with the liner, or hold it in place with clamps that are hidden once you build the wall around the pool. Settle the circulating pump into the pool, attaching it to the tubes or pipes. Pour water into the recycling pool, plug in the pump, and test the flow and water pressure. If it’s weak, upgrade the pump before starting the project’s decorative phase.

Use cement or clay medium encasing the plumbing from the pool to the zenith allowing about 6 inches of pipe or tubing to protrude. Plaster the medium with a putty knife for a Southwest texture, smooth it out for a sophisticated façade or build a weight-supportive water wall that’s thick if you plan to stud the surface with rocks. Leave open a discreet channel or access portal adjacent to the piping or tubing if you’re worried about replacing them in the future. Tuck plants or rocks into the chasm so the conduits are hidden from view.

Let the water wall surface cure before applying the same medium to the area surrounding the collection pool. Unless the package instruction gives you a specific cure or dry time, give the medium 24 hours to harden. Test the water flow once it sets. Adding lights and plants completes the water-wall installation. Pour a water additive into the pool that inhibits mold and mildew.