Outdoor Water Fountains
An outdoor fountain turns a yard, patio or entry into a place people want to linger. Moving water masks traffic and equipment noise, draws birds, cools the air a little as it evaporates, and gives the whole space a focal point to build around. This is our full outdoor range — hundreds of designs, from compact pieces up to grand courtyard centerpieces.
Outdoor fountains by type
- Tiered fountains — two, three and four-tier cascades, the classic garden-fountain look
- Garden wall fountains — mounted to a wall, for patios and courtyards short on floor space
- Sphere fountains — water sheeting over a stone or GFRC ball, enjoyed from every side
- Disappearing vase fountain kits — pondless, pet and child safe, water vanishes into a hidden reservoir
- Natural stone fountains — real basalt, granite, limestone and onyx
- Column fountains — slim vertical pillars for corners and entries
- Bronze fountain sculptures — hand-cast statuary that ages to a natural patina
- Fountains with a basin included — complete sets, nothing else to source
- Estate and courtyard fountains — grand, multi-tier centerpieces for large spaces
- GFRC bubbling boulders — the natural boulder look in a lighter cast material
By material
- Cast stone — fiber-reinforced cast concrete, finished by hand in a range of stone patinas. The most popular outdoor material, from Giannini, Campania and Fiore Stone.
- GFRC — glass fiber reinforced concrete: the same stone look in a lighter, tougher casting. Common on spheres, bowls and boulders.
- Real natural stone — solid basalt, granite, limestone and onyx, each piece unique.
- Cast bronze — lost-wax statuary that develops a soft patina outdoors and lasts for generations.
- Glazed ceramic — vivid, high-fired glazes, most often set up as pondless vase fountains.
- Metal — hammered copper and stainless steel, in the modern fire-and-water bowls and fountains from The Outdoor Plus and HPC.
- Powder-coated metal — aluminum and steel with a durable powder-coat finish, in the sleek, contemporary fountains from Outdoor Elements and Mod Fountains.
Looking for something more modern?
If your style runs contemporary rather than classical, look to our modern metal designs. The Outdoor Plus and HPC make fire and water features — hammered copper and GFRC bowls where fire and water meet — while Outdoor Elements and Mod Fountains build sleek metal water fountains in powder-coated aluminum and steel. A different look entirely from cast stone: bigger, bolder, and built as architectural features rather than garden ornaments.
How to choose an outdoor fountain
- Start with the space — a wall fountain suits a tight patio, a tiered or estate piece anchors a large lawn, and a disappearing kit works where safety or a clean modern look matters.
- Decide how much sound you want — a single spout is a soft trickle; a multi-tier cascade is fuller. Match it to how close people sit.
- Pick the material for the look and the care — cast stone and bronze are classic and low-effort; natural stone is unique; glazed ceramic brings color.
- Plan the base — level, firm ground keeps a heavy fountain from settling and cracking. See the install question below.
- Check the power — nearly every fountain here recirculates its own water and needs only a nearby outdoor GFCI outlet — no plumbing.
Outdoor Fountain FAQs
Do outdoor fountains come with a pump?
Almost always. Nearly every fountain here is self-contained — the recirculating pump and tubing are included, and there is no plumbing to connect. You add water, plug it into a nearby outdoor GFCI outlet, and it recirculates the same water continuously.
Do they need plumbing or an electrician to install?
No plumbing. A recirculating fountain never connects to a water line. It does need power — a standard exterior GFCI outlet within reach is enough for most. Assembly and mounting instructions are included.
How do I install a fountain on level ground and prepare the base?
Level, firm ground matters for both safety and how the fountain runs. On soft or uneven ground a heavy piece settles over time, which is what makes it lean or crack. For a fountain that sits in a basin, lay the basin on a thin layer of sand, about half an inch to an inch deep, over a concrete pad — the sand helps you level it and cushions the basin against stress cracks. Pedestal-style fountains go on a solid, level foundation. A concrete pad also keeps rain, sprinklers and splash from eroding the ground and pulling the fountain out of level.
How do I winterize an above-ground outdoor fountain?
Before the first freeze, clean it, drain all the water from the basin and tubing, and bring the pump, tubing and any lighting indoors. Then fit a breathable, weather-resistant cover. Water left to freeze inside cast stone or concrete expands and cracks it. Our outdoor fountain winter care guide has the full steps.
How do I winterize a fountain with an in-ground (underground) basin?
The opposite way — do not drain the underground basin. Leave it at least about three-quarters full so the frozen water helps the basin hold its shape against the ground heaving. Drain only the fountain structure above it, remove the pump, and cover the basin. See our in-ground basin winter care guide.
How do I keep the water clear and prevent algae?
Keep the pump submerged, top the water up as it evaporates, and use a stone-safe algaecide — avoid bleach and harsh cleaners on cast stone. A spot with a balance of sun and shade also slows algae. Details in our algae prevention guide and beginner fountain care guide.
What are outdoor fountains made from?
Cast stone and GFRC (both fiber-reinforced concrete) are the most common, followed by real natural stone, cast bronze, and glazed ceramic. Cast stone and GFRC come in a wide range of hand-applied finishes; natural stone and bronze are prized because they only look better as they age outdoors.
What is a disappearing (pondless) fountain?
A pondless fountain has no open pool — water bubbles up over the stone or vase and drains into a reservoir buried in the ground, so it seems to disappear. There is no standing water, which makes these one of the safest options around children and pets. See our disappearing vase fountain kits.
Do you offer free shipping, and how long does it take?
Yes — FREE shipping to the lower 48 contiguous United States, and we are tax-free in most states (Alaska, Hawaii and international orders need a custom quote). Fountains ship by freight with curbside delivery. In-stock items ship within 5 to 7 business days; made-to-order fountains ship in the lead time on the product page. Full details are in our shipping policy.
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