How to find 40cm water wheel for pot fountain?

[Matt2024]

Hi everyone,

I'm working on a small garden project and I'm looking for a decorative water mill or water wheel — ideally around 40cm in diameter. I want to mount it to a large pot to create a small water feature. The Water Wheel / Mill Will Run Via Solar Power Water Pond . 

Does anyone know where I can find one, or has anyone built something similar that could point me in the right direction (DIY or pre-made)? I’ve checked a few places but haven’t had much luck finding something that size.

Appreciate any suggestions or ideas!

Thanks in advance!

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Matt2024,

It sounds like you might need to build the water wheel yourself, as ready-made options around 40cm in diameter are quite hard to find unless they’re part of a complete feature. The good news is that a simple decorative wheel isn’t too difficult to make with some basic materials and tools. You could use timber such as treated pine or marine ply for a traditional look, or opt for plastic or PVC if you want something more durable and weather-resistant. Reclaimed materials, like old barrels or even bicycle wheels, can also create a rustic effect. 

To build it, cut two circular discs about 40cm in diameter using a jigsaw and space them apart with small timber spacers roughly 4–5cm thick. Fix paddle blades or “buckets” evenly around the edge, using thin timber, plastic, or aluminium offcuts. For mounting, insert a threaded rod or stainless-steel axle through the centre so the wheel can spin freely, then attach the axle to a simple timber or metal frame fixed to your pot. Make sure the wheel is balanced and doesn’t rub against the sides. Position your solar pond pump outlet so that water gently trickles onto the top paddles, as this steady flow will keep the wheel turning smoothly without splashing excessively. Finally, seal the timber with an exterior-grade clear varnish or marine sealant to protect it from the elements. 

I've created the rendering below to illustrate.

Let me tag @Jamespeter100 to see if he has any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[AlanM52]

Hi @Matt2024,

I found something for you on AliExpress.

DIY Garden Plastic Water Wheel  

Bit pricy... I'll keep looking

Cheers

[AlanM52]

UPDATE:

Looks like that's a reasonable price as 20cm wheels are over $50 dollars.

Cheers

[Matt2024]

If we buy two of these and a small  pond and get a pump could we put the two wheel together in a way that we could catch water by making an insert that caught the water between the two wheel & a pin to turn it 

And make a stand for it do u think these can be modified in a water wheel 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Matt2024 

That is a clever idea to convert the wheels into a water wheel. But due to the material (wood) it will not last very long and pretty soon it will start to rot and fall apart. The wheel has to be made from an inorganic material such as plastic. I propose looking for 3D printing shops that can print the water wheel for you.

Eric