How to Install a Large Water Feature

If you are looking to purchase and install a large water feature at your home or business, we strongly recommend that you employ the services of a professional landscape company. Installation of large-scale water features involves large, heavy stones that requires the use of heavy machinery that is best handled by professionals and experienced landscapers.

The following directions have been put together for professional landscapers in order to successfully install a large water feature. Important Note: We strongly advise you to call 811 before you dig to locate any underground utility lines. Simply call 811 on your phone at least two days before you plan to dig so that local authorities have time to come out and check the area.

- As with any water feature installation, choosing the best location is important. Don’t forget to factor in that with any size water feature there will be oversplash that occurs. It’s a good idea to consider the prevailing winds and choose a location not heavily affected by the wind if possible. Also, because you’re dealing with very heavy stones and boulders, be sure that the ground is well prepared and able to withstand the weight of the stones.

- Once the desired location has been determined, you need to put the pond underlayment and liner in place. Due to the need to use large equipment to aid in setting the fountain or water feature pieces into place, you do not want to build a berm around the perimeter of the pond just yet. You also do not want to dig the hole just yet for the valve box. Do not trim the liner – wait.

- Setting the fountain rocks is a bit time consuming and is best handled with the help several people. You will need to use a front-end loader, excavator, or better yet, a skid steer with fork attachments on the front in order to lift and place the fountain pieces into place. Be sure to use good solid, foundation pieces to ensure that the taller fountain/water feature pieces do not sink. Also be sure to have a pry bar or two nearby along with several smaller pieces of stone that can be used as shims to level out the feature pieces.

Choosing the Location of Your Custom Water Feature and Installing It

At Bedrock Landscape & Boulder Supply, we’ve been building attractive, functional, customized water features for years. Due to our experience, we’ve developed a series of tips to aid in choosing the best location for your water feature and installing it. The location of your water feature is very important and there are several things to keep in mind when considering the placement.

• Water over-splash is inevitable with any type of water feature. While keeping this in mind, be sure to choose a location that is able to handle an occasional over-splash. Most of the time over-splashing is the result of wind. Again, take into consideration the direction of the prevailing winds around your home or company’s building.
• The taller the feature, the more it will splash out and be affected by the wind. Keep this in mind too when thinking of the perfect feature in your desired location.
• Be sure that the area you choose will be able to allow you to create a pond large enough for your water feature. On our main website, you can get a reference to the height of the water feature you’re interested in which also determines the diameter of your pond. Our pond kits come complete with all the parts needed to complete your water feature. Kit includes: Pond underlayment, liner, valve box, pump (3 year warranty), and plumbing supplies.

The following pictures will give you step by step instructions on how to easily install your own pond and water feature. Important Note: We strongly advise you to call 811 before you dig to locate any underground utility lines. Simply call 811 on your phone at least two days before you plan to dig so that local authorities have time to come out and check the area.

- After you have determined the desired location for your main fountain piece, you need to select where you want to put your valve box that houses the water pump. Dig the hole for your valve box and then build a berm around the outside edge of your fountain area. The berm is designed to retain the water for your pond. Make sure your berm stays within the size of your pond liner.

- Lay out the pond underlayment and liner across the hole for your valve box and berm. Push the pond underlayment, liner and valve box into your hole. Do not cut your liner yet; let it hang over the berm.

- Now that your valve box is in place, lift the lid to the valve box and set the pump into the valve box. Hook-up the plumbing from the pump to your water feature and close the lid.

- Fill-up your pond with water, plug in the pump, and check to see that water is running out of your feature. Now that the water is running, you can estimate the splash area and determine the final shape of your pond and how you want it to look. Make sure your liner covers the entire diameter of your pond or water will leak out. After you are sure of the size and depth of your pond, you can trim any excess liner that hangs past the berm of your pond.