DIY Network

Backyard Boost: Water Bubbler Installation We spruce up a backyard with a maintenance-free deck, paver patio and water feature. Check out more value-enhancing home projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-302

	Before: The rusting firepit on cinderblocks lacked a certain visual appeal.
	After: The "bubbler" water feature adds a more enticing element to the landscape.

As part of a backyard makeover, homeowner Kim Bryson decides to add a water feature to her backyard.

Installing this water feature kit is a relatively easy DIY project — except for lifting the 900-pound rock that sits atop the all-in-one water basin and pump. That particular part of the project required some very heavy equipment.

Following is a summary of the basic steps and tips as seen in this project, as well as a list of tools and materials used.

Materials and tools:

water basin and pump
spray paint
shovels
sand
level
large pre-drilled stone
small rocks

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	The finished deck, stone wall and patio transform the whole look of the back yard.

Steps:

• Set the water-feature basin in your desired location and use spray paint to mark the perimeter.

• Set the basin aside and dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the basin so that it will be flush with the ground.

• Add sand to the hole and level it.

• Set the basin in place.

• Using the help of several assistants (or, in our case, an earth-mover with forklift attachment) center the pre-drilled rock on top of the basin (figure A).

• Use small rocks to cover up the rest of the basin.

• Fill basin with water (figure B) and start the pump.

RESOURCES :

patio pavers — Silver Creek Stoneworks
Website: www.silvercreekstoneworks.com

retaining wall — Rockwood Retaining Walls
Website: www.rockwoodwalls.com

composite decking — The Deck Store/GeoDeck
Website: www.bestdeck.com
Website: www.geodeck.com