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A garden water feature that's pleasant to the eye along with the soothing sounds of falling water.
Materials
Northcote Half Barrel Wooden Planter (2890296)
All Set 65L Black Recycled Rope Bucket (0437083) - Check it fits inside barrel
Aquapro AP550 Water Feature Pump (2810111)
Clear Vinyl Tubing to fit pump outlet.
Large bamboo pole - looks like this (can't find Bunnings online)
Bamboo stake 25mm
Zen cross brace thin bamboo.
Pebbles and water plants
Electrical Safety - Important see Step 6.
Tools
Steps
Step 1
At the tapered end measure back about 40mm and cut.
Cut the 'spout' off the end of a garden 25mm bamboo stake.
Step 2
Drill the spout hole with a forstner bit.
To allow the spout to sit on the bottom of the bucket drill a 'tubing exit' hole.
Glue the spout at a angle. I used hot glue on both sides.
In order to thread the tubing through we need to drill a hole in the node (nodal ring).
Step 3
Threading the tubing through is a bit fiddly. I pushed the tubing into the spout bent it over then from the bottom pushed the tip of a long Phillips head through the node hole into the tubing. Nearly there it would not grip so I used a shorter screwdriver wrapped with double-sided tape and long nosed pliers to hold the tubing as I pushed in the screwdriver.
Adjust the end of the tubing so it is hidden from view.
Step 4
Taking it for a spin - yay.
Pump flow output - there are always variables.
Start with the flow control turned right down to see where the nozzle flow lands in the bucket. With my system thar AP550 was close to over shooting the barrel rim. I made a hole with the tip of a Weller soldering iron in the tubing 30 - 40mm from the pump outlet and gradually increased the hole size to achieve the ideal landing spot. Would be good if Aquapro had the next one down like a AP350.
Step 5
Decorating the barrel.
Go for walkies in a Bunnings nursery (water plants usually on the left) and select a couple that you like. I broke up a paver for the pots to stand on then added more pebbles. You could also toss in couple of floating things.
Step 6
Electrical Safety-
I strongly recommend using a RCD (Residual Current Device) AKA Safety Switch.
Arlec Single Outlet Safety Switch (7050029)
Here is one example of what could go wrong - you never know.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/aquapro-ap4800f-pump
Water pumps usually come with long power leads. If you use a extension lead be sure to use outdoor safety box like this.
Arlec IP44 Outdoor Safety Box (0191742)
This is great, Alan. I like the way you have stabilised the spout with the cross-brace. You've got me motivated to get new water feature in place.
In a previous home, I set up a commercial bamboo spout with a solar pump and that worked really well too.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/aquapro-1200mm-rectangular-feature-poly-pond_p2813392 and https://www.bunnings.com.au/aquapro-ap960sp-solar-pump-and-panel-kit_p2920263
I also had a bit of tricky adjustment of water flow to get the water to fall where I wanted it.
Plants grew really well though and it became overgrown in 12m, and pump got clogged, so maintenance need.
Don't lose the instructions for dismantling the pump and changing filter!
When I sold the property, I wanted to pull out the pump and take with me but REA said leave it and sure enough, new owners filled in the pond :(.
That looks nice with the bamboo backdrop.
Yes... garden water features need maintenance, I have a few of them and annual schedule is around Dec - Jan.
Here is 2020 annual pond maintenance and the AQUAPRO AP1050 had to go to ER (workshop).
Cheers
