Stone water features
Stone water features have a wide variety of potential appearances. Two of the traits common with most all designs is that they provide water for animals, and they provide a sound that is instinctively pleasing to hear. The sound of some water features can also reduce unwanted sounds like auto traffic.
Most stone water features are built above a water holding tank or pond. They involve the use of an electric or solar pump to recirculate water up through the stonework, which then falls back down into the tank or pond. If a screen of some type is used, it can reduce the amount of pump interaction needed by keeping debris such as leaves or grass clippings from falling into the water container.
In order for stone to travel up through a stone, it is most often core-drilled. This process allows a smooth surface interior conduit for the water to move upwards. Different dimensions of this opening are possible, with larger diameter holes allowing more water to flow through.
Many water pumps have adjustable water flow, so some experimentation is needed to get the desired result.
As a result of evaporation and splashing, it is necessary to refill the water container on occasions. This can be done manually, or with what is called a float valve. The float valve will activate a water line or hose to refill the water container once the float valve drops to a certain elevation. This reduces the maintenance requirement, and can prevent the pump from running if there is no water flowing through it.