Real Natural Stone Fountains
These are carved from real stone — basalt, granite, limestone and onyx — so no two are alike. The grain, color and veining are the design, and real stone weathers outdoors for decades where cast pieces eventually show their age. Almost all are complete pondless kits: water bubbles up over the stone and vanishes into a reservoir buried in the ground, so there is no open pool. These 102 designs are from Blue Thumb and Tranquil Decor, from 700 dollars to 9,500.
By stone
- Basalt columns — tall, slim columns of natural basalt with water sheeting down the face. Set one, or group three at different heights for a modern, architectural look. The most popular natural stone form here.
- Granite and limestone spheres — a polished or ribbed stone ball with water welling over the top and running around it evenly, enjoyed from every side.
- Onyx and specialty stone — richer color and translucence for a fountain that reads as sculpture as much as water feature.
How to choose a natural stone fountain
- A complete DIY kit — everything you need to install it is included: the stone, the recirculating pump, and the buried reservoir. It is designed to set up yourself — no installer required — so plan for a little digging to set the reservoir into the ground, not just placement.
- Every piece is unique — natural stone varies by nature. The color and veining of the one you receive will differ slightly from the photo, which is the point.
- Match the scale to the setting — a single basalt column suits an entry or a bed; a group or a large sphere wants open space around it to be seen.
- Check the power — the pump sits in the buried reservoir and needs a nearby outdoor GFCI outlet. There is no plumbing.
- Plan the ground — level, firm ground matters. The reservoir must sit level so water returns to it evenly rather than washing out to one side.
Natural Stone Fountain FAQs
How does a pondless natural stone fountain work?
Water is pumped up through or over the stone, spills down, and drains straight back into a reservoir buried in the ground beneath it — so it seems to disappear. There is no standing pool of water, which is why these are a safe choice around children and pets.
What comes in the kit and how is it installed?
The kit includes the stone, the recirculating pump, and the underground reservoir with its grate. You dig in and level the reservoir, set the stone on top, run the pump line, fill it with water, and plug into a nearby GFCI outlet. No plumbing is required.
How do I winterize the in-ground reservoir?
Do not fully drain the buried reservoir — leave it at least about three-quarters full so the frozen water helps it hold its shape against the ground heaving as it freezes. Drain and dry the stone above it, bring the pump indoors, and cover the reservoir grate.
How do I care for natural stone outdoors?
Very little. Clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap, keep the reservoir topped up so the pump stays submerged, and winterize it before the first freeze like any outdoor fountain. Our guide to caring for a natural stone fountain has more on cleaning and seasonal care.
What about sealing a natural stone fountain?
Sealing is not required — natural stone comes ready to use and weathers outdoors on its own. Some owners like to seal a stone fountain now and then as an extra step to help it keep its just-installed look. If you would like to, our natural stone care guide walks through how. Either way, the stone is built to last outdoors.
How do I keep the water clear and prevent algae?
Keep the pump submerged, use a stone-safe algaecide rather than bleach, and site the fountain with a balance of sun and shade — direct all-day sun speeds algae. Because the water lives in a covered reservoir, these stay cleaner than an open-basin fountain.
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). Kits ship by freight with curbside delivery, in-stock within 5 to 7 business days.
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