Contents
- 1 Considerations For Outdoor Water Fountains
- 2 Best Outdoor Water Fountains To Buy
- 2.1 Our Recommendations For Outdoor Water Fountains
- 2.2 1. Water Jar Fountain — Best Overall
- 2.3 2. Barrel And Pump Waterfall Fountain — Runner Up
- 2.4 3. Beveled Flower Outdoor Water Fountain — Best For Attracting Birds
- 2.5 4. Glenville Water Pump Cascading Water Fountain
- 2.6 5. Multi-Tier Modern Industrial Metal Fountain
- 2.7 6. Modern Stone Textured Round Sphere Water Fountain With LED Lights
- 3 Other Favorite Outdoor Water Fountains
- 3.1 7. Classic Tiered Fountain
- 3.2 8. Metal Tiered Water Fountain
- 3.3 9. Tiered Log Tabletop Fountain
- 3.4 10. Low-Profile Bamboo Water Fountain DIY Kit
- 3.5 11. Agoodping 4-Tier Pots Garden Fountain
- 3.6 12 Mason Outdoor Floor Water Fountain
- 3.7 13. Modern Sphere Zen Outdoor Floor Water Fountain
- 3.8 14. Tivoli Grey Ornate High Wall Fountain
- 3.9 15. Verona High Rustic Brick Garden Fountain
- 3.10 16. Tuscan Garden Classic Fountain
- 3.11 17. Well Water Fountain
- 3.12 18. Classic Tulip Outdoor Waterfall Fountain
- 3.13 19. Descending Staircase Slate Outdoor Water Fountain
- 4 Final Thoughts
- 5 FAQ
Garden spaces can host a variety of lovely installations, from bird baths to hammocks. However, one of the best ways to add a sense of peace and tranquility to your yard is by installing an outdoor water fountain.
Not only do these stylish and serene accessories bring you a great deal of enjoyment, but they can also attract birds and even increase the sale appeal of your home.
But what else is there to know about outdoor water fountains? Let’s breeze through some initial things to keep in mind, and then introduce you to a wide variety of our top picks!
Considerations For Outdoor Water Fountains
For many homeowners and gardeners alike, outdoor water fountains are an intriguing type of installation.
However, having one of your own is not too difficult, particularly when you take a few aspects into consideration before you begin the shopping and selection process—this includes fountain type and the basic care to maintain it throughout the winter.
Fountain Type
Outdoor water fountains come in a few primary styles, based on how they will be installed. These include floor-mounted (also known as freestanding), tabletop, and wall-mounted.
Which type you choose is based on the lay of the land in your garden—if you have enough space, a freestanding floor model is lovely; alternatively, a smaller fountain can grace your patio table!
Wintertime Care
It could be tempting to simply add some kind of antifreeze to your water feature, but you will really need to properly deconstruct and drain the entire thing before storing it away for the winter. This prevents the pipes and pumps from freezing and rupturing.
If it’s too big to be stored indoors, invest in a good tarp or fountain cover to protect it from the elements.
Best Outdoor Water Fountains To Buy
This is our comprehensive shopping guide for all the best types of outdoor water fountains to choose from to transform your garden space into the ethereal and tranquil retreat of your dreams!
Our Recommendations For Outdoor Water Fountains
First up are some of the top picks when it comes to outdoor water fountains. Let’s look at these models before delving into other options for building your backyard paradise.
1. Water Jar Fountain — Best Overall
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Style: Floor water fountain
Material: Fiberglass and resin
Size: 33 inches high, 15 inches wide, 15 inches deep
Weight: 37.32 pounds
Manufacturer: Alpine Corporation
Ideal for outdoor placement, this garden water fountain is easy to set up and enjoy as the soft and slow water trickles out the top of the jar and down the weather-resistant sides.
And while still mimicking a quiet stream, this particular outdoor water feature also embraces a modern art twist on the traditional fountain type with its cracked and partially exposed exterior, like a partially shelled tree nut.
Pros
- Available in several colors
- Year-long warranty
- Weather-resistant coating
- Versatile use that blends into any space
Cons
- Some customers find that the paint chips in certain climates
- Pump is loud while running
2. Barrel And Pump Waterfall Fountain — Runner Up
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Style: Floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Plastic
Size: 27 inches high, 18 inches wide, 16 inches deep
Weight: 6 pounds
Manufacturer: Alpine Corporation
This water fountain gives the feeling of prairie elegance with its old-fashioned, bronze-colored water pump and bucket combination. However, with an easy-maintenance interior pump and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, this piece is the height of modern convenience!
Embrace America’s rustic charm with this unique outdoor water fountain, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of gently cascading water in your garden.
Pros
- One-year warranty
- Easy-to-maintain design
- Large water capacity of 1.32 gallons
Cons
- Not solar-powered
- Some customers find the assembly instructions difficult to follow
3. Beveled Flower Outdoor Water Fountain — Best For Attracting Birds
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Style: Tiered floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin
Size: 28 inches high, 20 inches in diameter
Weight: 19.6 pounds
Manufacturer: Sunnydaze
With a beveled pedestal and two wide basins, this fountain will be a great addition to your landscape and even attract plenty of birds to bathe! The gentle trickle will be a lovely soundtrack to whatever garden task you are working on, and you can use the opportunity to spot songbirds enjoying the water stream, too.
Pros
- Easy to set up and maintain
- One-year warranty
- Durable and made to last
- Electric pump and cord included
Cons
- Only holds 1 – 2 gallons of water
- Some customers find that the basin glaze peels in certain climates
4. Glenville Water Pump Cascading Water Fountain
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Style: Floor indoor/outdoor water fountain
Material: Fiberglass and resin
Size: 32 inches high, 15 inches wide, 15 inches deep
Weight: 22 pounds
Manufacturer: Jeco
Great for indoor or outdoor use, this attractive water fountain will add a lovely sonic landscape to your garden or home. Its durable construction with polyresin and fiberglass makes it not only easy to move, but also able to last for years when properly cared for.
Pros
- Holds about 5 gallons of water
- No problems with splashing
Cons
- Assembly instructions can be difficult to follow
- Paint can chip off the fountain
5. Multi-Tier Modern Industrial Metal Fountain
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Style: Floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Metal and zinc
Size: 43 inches high, 20 inches wide, 14 inches deep
Weight: 22.66 pounds
Manufacturer: Alpine Corporation
This standing fountain has three tiers and a basin for the water to traverse as it cascades in smooth sheets. It is one of the most hypnotic and mesmerizing outdoor water fountains that you can install, and guests will be awed by its modern, artistic chic look, as well as the tranquility it brings to a space.
Pros
- Rust and weather-resistant
- One-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Quiet pump that is included with the fountain
Cons
- Some customers report issues with water splashing
6. Modern Stone Textured Round Sphere Water Fountain With LED Lights
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Style: Floor indoor/outdoor water fountain
Material: Stone
Size: 25.6 inches high, 12 inches wide, 12.2 inches deep
Weight: 23 pounds
Manufacturer: XBrand
With the soft sound of water, this lovely little fountain is perfect for a corner of your garden or home. Its unique shape will draw eyes and the smooth flow of water over the spherical top of the fountain will leave the viewer feeling very satisfied and at peace.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Takes very minimal water to work
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Cannot be used without lights being on
- Cracks easily
Other Favorite Outdoor Water Fountains
These outdoor water fountains comprise the rest of the best options for your backyard, patio, or garden! The following recommendations include a wide range of other tabletop, floor, and wall-mounted water features that you can accessorize your garden with.
7. Classic Tiered Fountain
Style: Tiered floor water fountain
Material: Resin plastic
Size: 35 inches high, 20 inches wide
Weight: Less than 6 pounds
Manufacturer: Alpine Corporation
Tiered outdoor water fountains are a classic sight in many gardens. Not only do they offer a pleasant and melodic trickle of water for passersby to enjoy, but they also tend to attract bathing birds.
This chic yet traditional fountain has a wide bowl, exquisite detailing, and a finish that makes it lightweight yet hardy. It’s a great addition to your patio, garden, or conservatory.
8. Metal Tiered Water Fountain
Style: Tiered floor indoor/outdoor water fountain
Material: Glass, iron, and metal
Size: 70 inches high, 11 inches wide
Weight: 10.5 pounds
Manufacturer: Alpine Corporation
Metal-cast outdoor fountains are wonderful pieces to add to your property, as they will last for a long time and are less likely to suffer damage. And this delightful rustic floor model is no different!
It mimics the gentle sound of flowing water and lets a relaxing hush fall over your entire garden. And with metallic accents that make it look like a real antique, this fountain will add a touch of modern chic to your yard.
9. Tiered Log Tabletop Fountain
Style: Tiered tabletop indoor/outdoor water fountain
Material: Lead, resin, and fiberglass
Size: 14 inches high, 9 inches wide, 7 inches deep
Weight: 6.05 pounds
Manufacturer: Alpine Corporation
If you are interested in outdoor water fountains that bring a hint of alpine landscapes to your garden, this tall and tiered model from Alpine Corporation might be for you. Cast from lead and resin and made to last, this water feature trickles from tree trunk to tree trunk on its way to the bottom basin.
Close your eyes and imagine an alpine meadow where a crystal blue stream meanders towards you, and you get an idea of how relaxing this fountain will be in your garden! LED lights also illuminate this meditative water feature, even at night, for your continual viewing pleasure.
10. Low-Profile Bamboo Water Fountain DIY Kit
Style: DIY tabletop outdoor water fountain kit
Material: Bamboo wood
Size: 3 inches long, 18 inches wide, 2 inches deep
Weight: 1.63 pounds
Manufacturer: Bamboo Accents
One of the most exciting outdoor water fountains on this list, this sleek Bamboo Accents model is a build-your-own water feature! Simply set up the bamboo wood fountain to your customized layout, add a bowl or other vessel for it to pour into, and fill ‘er up to watch the magic begin.
You get to design your own tranquility, made with gorgeous bamboo reeds that are handcrafted to resist splitting, cracking, or splintering. It’s a quick but fruitful project, and with it you should be able to have your zen moment within a few minutes of assembly.
11. Agoodping 4-Tier Pots Garden Fountain
Style: Floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Fiberglass
Size: 40 inches high, 13 inches wide, 13 inches deep
Weight: 23 pounds
Manufacturer: Fierre Shann
A stunning piece that features pots seemingly caught in the middle of dynamism, pouring water between them, this fountain is not only beautiful but is also relaxing, as it channels the comfort of gently pouring water.
With LED lights built into each basin of the fountain, you can enjoy this piece during the morning, afternoon, or evening of every day. However, they glow in a muted bronze shade, so your tranquility will not be disturbed by any neon glares off the surface of the water in the basins.
12 Mason Outdoor Floor Water Fountain
Style: Floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin
Size: 35 inches high, 15 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep
Weight: 26 pounds
Manufacturer: John Timberland
A stunning floor water fountain for yard, garden, and lawn use, this piece has a stone-style finish on three tiers of water bowls that your fountain flow will travel through. The melodic abilities of these three different bowl sizes are lovely and relaxing for any space.
Take the opportunity to just sit back, close your eyes, and let the sound of water wash over your entire body for a moment of zen right in your backyard!
13. Modern Sphere Zen Outdoor Floor Water Fountain
Style: Modern floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin
Size: 39.5 inches high, 16.5 inches wide, 18 inches deep
Weight: 32 pounds
Manufacturer: John Timberland
With a gorgeous faux stone finish, this is one of the most modern yet sleek outdoor water fountains available today. Its basin design is minimalistic yet complex, daring the eye to follow each graceful curve and final drop of water, and it holds up to 6 gallons.
Hardy yet lightweight, you can move this fountain around your garden with ease as it also features a plug-in design and includes a water pump, LED lights, and power cord.
14. Tivoli Grey Ornate High Wall Fountain
Style: Wall-mounted outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin
Size: 33 inches high, 17.5 inches wide, 9.5 inches deep
Weight: 20 pounds
Manufacturer: John Timberland
Embracing a classical appearance for this wall-mounted piece, bring the taste of European elegance into your garden with a faux metal wall fountain that can hold up to 1.5 gallons of water and simply plugs into any standard outdoor outlet.
The flow of water is handled by a pair of cupped, shell-like basins, accented with ornate acanthus leaf designs.
15. Verona High Rustic Brick Garden Fountain
Style: Floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin
Size: 35 inches high, 20.5 inches deep
Weight: 37.4 pounds
Manufacturer: John Timberland
A great option for plants to grow along with your outdoor water fountains, the Verona model from John Timberland features a small built-in planter box at the base of this fountain, perfect for a variety of greenery.
Additionally, with LED lighting included within the bottom jug that turns on at night, you can even enjoy your fountain after sunset!
16. Tuscan Garden Classic Fountain
Style: Tiered floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin
Size: 41.5 inches high, 23 inches wide, 23 inches deep
Weight: 35 pounds
Manufacturer: John Timberland
Great for connecting to the vestiges of yesteryear, you can pretend to be living in a lush Tuscan garden with this lovely and classic fountain. With three tiers that create separate streams and the soothing, pleasant music of water trickling, you can easily sit back and relax with this fountain in the garden.
It’s made of resin with a dark, stone-like finish to complete the look of Old World glamor, but is much easier to move and transport because of the lightweight yet durable build.
17. Well Water Fountain
Style: Floor or tabletop outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin
Size: 30 inches high, 14.5 inches wide, 18.8 inches long
Weight: 25.7 pounds
Manufacturer: Pure Garden
Embrace a touch of whimsy in your garden with one of the sweetest and most picturesque outdoor water fountains you can find. This piece features two small children gathering water at an old-fashioned well, and looking adorably cherubic in the process.
It is the perfect blend of antique traditions with classic vintage design, and with durable casting and easy maintenance needs, this water fountain is perfect for your garden. Once you place this fountain, it gives the allure of a secret area inhabited by fairies!
18. Classic Tulip Outdoor Waterfall Fountain
Style: Tiered floor outdoor water fountain
Material: Resin and polystone
Size: 46 inches high, 25 inches wide, 25 inches deep
Weight: 40 pounds
Manufacturer: Sunnydaze
If you want to summon the feeling of classically designed architecture whenever you step into the garden, this could be one of the best outdoor water fountains for you! With three tiers that channel water through petal-like crenellations from one basin to the next, this fountain resembles a large tulip within your garden.
Sit back and enjoy this elegant centerpiece and the soothing sounds it makes. Plus, with a durable composition of resin and polystone, you can rely on this water feature to be a statement piece in your garden for a long time to come.
19. Descending Staircase Slate Outdoor Water Fountain
Style: Floor large outdoor water fountain
Material: Slate and copper
Size: 48 inches high, 16 inches wide, 8 inches deep
Weight: 82.2 pounds
Manufacturer: Sunnydaze
Showstopping, striking, spectacular—any guests you bring into a garden that features this water fountain might use these adjectives and more to describe it.
This tall, broad fountain features copper accents in the form of stairs that let the water trickle down them to reach the bottom basin, and is one of the more unique styles of fountain available.
Final Thoughts
For many people, outdoor water fountains are something that brings a lot of enjoyment and serenity to their garden. And as we have seen, the variety available is wide enough that everyone can find one that fits their exact aesthetic and visually appeals to them!
These water features might seem like a splurge, but they can actually be quite budget-friendly to purchase, and fairly easy to maintain. So truthfully, just about any homeowner can likely enjoy the feelings of tranquility that these pieces provide.
What outdoor water fountain are you most excited to envision in your garden now?
FAQ
We have explored the wide range of outdoor water fountains available to you, so now let’s address some of the most common questions that others also have about water features.
Are Outdoor Water Fountains Worth It?
While it does depend on your personal opinion to some extent, outdoor water fountains do increase the sale price of your home, even if just slightly. They are a part of exterior landscaping trends that add value to a house by heightening the appeal for buyers.
Plus, water fountains do increase the feeling of peace and tranquility you feel when spending time near them.
So for the relatively low cost of the initial investment and maintenance, most would agree that outdoor water fountains are worth it—particularly considering the enjoyment that you’ll get out of them once installed!
Are Fountains Expensive To Maintain?
In general, fountains do not require a lot of maintenance when properly cared for and kept clean. However, if repairs are needed, including replacement pumps, then these water features can become expensive.
But for a typical maintenance session that includes changing out the water, winterizing the piece, and other more invasive procedures than simply cleaning its surface, you might see yourself spending $50 to $150 on products, which isn’t the cheapest.
What Should I Look For When Buying An Outdoor Fountain?
A key question to ask yourself is what you want this fountain to bring to your garden. Peace and serenity, a modern art flair, a touch of Old World class—there are many aesthetics and styles to choose from.
Second, figure out the additional features you might want. This includes material, coloration, lighting, and even sound. You can even find outdoor water fountains that have flower planters built into them!
Once you have these criteria worked out, you can easily narrow down your search.
How Do You Winterize An Outdoor Fountain?
Winterizing your outdoor fountain is one of the most important care routines, and doing it improperly will shorten your water feature’s lifespan.
Avoid antifreeze or any kind of anti-freezing chemicals; instead, unplug and drain the fountain, disassemble it as much as possible, and store these pieces inside a covered, dry area like a shed or a basement. If it is too big for storage, swaddle it in a tarp or fountain cover over the winter.
Should I Turn Off Water Feature In Winter?
If your local temperatures drop below freezing in the winter, you need to turn off your water features and drain the pipes, basins, and water pumps completely.
This will prevent the internal workings of your outdoor fountain from freezing solid and expanding in the cold, leading to ruptured pipes, tubing, and even cracks in the entire fountain!