Article: How to Install a Garden Water Feature: 5 Easy Steps
How to Install a Garden Water Feature: 5 Easy Steps
Installing a garden water feature can transform an outdoor space by adding movement, sound and a striking focal point. Natural stone water features such as slate monoliths, boulders and stacked stone designs are especially effective because the colour, texture and markings of the stone become more pronounced as water flows over the surface.
This guide explains how to install a recirculating garden water feature using a reservoir, grid, pump and hose. Installation requirements can vary depending on the size, weight and design of the feature, so always follow the instructions supplied with your chosen water feature and kit.
Looking for a feature to install? Explore our Natural Stone Water Features, including slate monoliths, boulder water features and stacked stone designs.
What You Need to Install a Water Feature
Before starting, make sure you have:
- Water feature
- Compatible reservoir
- Support grid
- Water pump
- Hose
- Spirit level
- Spade
- Hardcore or suitable compactable base material
- Sharp sand
- Decorative gravel, chippings or cobbles
- Suitable outdoor electrical connection
For larger natural stone water features, additional people or appropriate lifting equipment may be required to position the stone safely.
Compatible water feature kits are available separately and can be added when selecting your water feature. Kits include the reservoir, grid, pump and hose needed for a recirculating system.
Step 1: Prepare and Level the Site
Choosing the Best Position
Choose a location where your water feature can be seen and enjoyed while remaining practical to install and maintain. Consider its proximity to a suitable outdoor power supply, access for installation and how the feature will sit within the surrounding planting or landscaping. For more inspiration on positioning and planning a water feature, see Ideal Home’s garden water feature guide.
Before digging, check the proposed area for buried cables, pipes or other services.
Marking and Digging the Hole
Mark out the position of the reservoir and excavate an area slightly wider and deeper than the reservoir. This allows room for a stable base and helps ensure the reservoir can be positioned correctly.
Creating a Stable Base
Add a layer of compacted hardcore or other suitable base material to the bottom of the excavation. A thin layer of sharp sand can then be used to help achieve a firm, level surface.
Use a spirit level before installing the reservoir.
Step 2: Install and Level the Reservoir
Placing the Reservoir
Set the reservoir into the prepared hole, making sure it sits flat and even. Use a spirit level to check that it’s perfectly horizontal. A level reservoir is crucial for smooth water flow and prevents any uneven splashes or tilting.
Securing the Reservoir
Once positioned, carefully backfill around the reservoir with suitable material, checking regularly that it remains level and secure. Compact the surrounding material gradually to help prevent the reservoir from moving.
Step 3: Fit the Pump, Hose and Water Feature
Installing the Pump
Place the pump inside the reservoir in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Connect the hose securely and route it through the grid or appropriate opening.
The pump should remain adequately submerged whenever it is operating.
Electrical Connection
Use an outdoor electrical supply suitable for the pump and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
If a new electrical connection is required, or you are unsure about the existing supply, use a suitably qualified electrician.
Connecting the Hose
Attach the hose securely to the pump using the fittings supplied with the water feature kit. Feed the hose through the grid and towards the water feature, avoiding sharp bends or kinks.
Positioning the Water Feature
Carefully position the natural stone feature over the reservoir.
For a pre-drilled monolith, boulder or stacked stone water feature, feed the hose through the drilled channel before final positioning.
Large natural stone products can be extremely heavy. Do not attempt to position a heavy feature without suitable assistance or lifting equipment.
Step 4: Test and Adjust the Water Flow
Filling the Reservoir
Fill the reservoir with clean water until the pump is sufficiently submerged.
Testing the System
Switch the pump on and allow the water to circulate.
Check that:
- Water is returning to the reservoir
- Hose connections are secure
- Water is not excessively splashing outside the reservoir area
- The feature remains stable
- The pump stays submerged
Adjusting the Flow
If the pump includes a flow control, adjust it gradually until you achieve the desired effect.
A lower flow can produce a gentle trickle, while a stronger setting creates a more noticeable cascade. Natural slate and granite often develop richer colours when wet, helping to highlight the texture and markings of the stone.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Concealing the Reservoir
Once the system is operating correctly, cover the grid using suitable decorative stone such as:
- Slate chippings
- Decorative gravel
- Cobbles
- Pebbles
- Small landscaping stones
Make sure water can still drain freely through the decorative stone and return to the reservoir.
Finishing the Surrounding Landscape
Use planting, decorative aggregates or larger natural stones around the feature to help it blend into the surrounding garden.
Keep access to the pump and reservoir in mind so future maintenance remains possible.
Ongoing Maintenance
Check the water level regularly, particularly during warm or windy weather when evaporation may increase.
Remove leaves and debris, keep the pump inlet clear and follow the pump manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and winter care. For additional seasonal guidance, the RHS pond care guide covers water levels, debris and general maintenance.
Complete the surrounding landscape with decorative chippings, garden boulders and natural stone planting features.
Choosing the Right Natural Stone Water Feature
Different natural stone water features create different effects within a garden.
Slate monolith water features create a tall architectural focal point and work particularly well in contemporary and Japanese-inspired gardens.
Boulder water features create a lower, more naturalistic feature that works well with gravel, planting and pond landscapes.
Stacked stone water features create a stronger cascading effect as water flows across several layers of granite or limestone.
Explore our full Natural Stone Water Features range to compare styles and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Garden Water Features Need Mains Plumbing?
Most recirculating water features do not require a permanent mains water connection. Water is stored in the reservoir and continuously circulated through the feature by the pump.
Does a Garden Water Feature Need Electricity?
Most recirculating water features use an electric pump. Always use a suitable outdoor electrical supply and follow the pump manufacturer's instructions.
Can I Install a Water Feature Myself?
Smaller water features may be suitable for competent DIY installation. Larger natural stone features can be extremely heavy and may require additional people, suitable lifting equipment or a professional landscaper.
Are Water Feature Kits Included?
At Erth Stone, water feature kits are sold separately unless the individual product page states otherwise. Compatible kits typically include the reservoir, grid, pump and hose.
How Often Should I Top Up the Water?
Check the water level regularly. Warm weather, wind and splashing can all increase water loss, so more frequent topping up may be required during summer.
What Size Water Feature Should I Choose?
The right size depends on the scale of your garden and where the feature will be positioned. Compact 300–600mm features work well in patios and smaller spaces, while taller monoliths and larger stacked stone water features can create a stronger focal point in larger landscaped gardens.
Conclusion
A well-installed garden water feature can add movement, sound and natural character to an outdoor space. The key stages are creating a firm and level base, correctly installing the reservoir and pump, positioning the stone safely and making sure water returns efficiently to the reservoir.
For larger or particularly heavy natural stone features, consider using an experienced landscaper or suitable lifting equipment for installation.
Ready to create your own garden water feature? Explore our Natural Stone Water Features, including slate monoliths, boulder water features and stacked stone designs, with a range of sizes and styles available.
