In this instructable, I show you how to make a rainfall fountain with an original design. In this fountain, there are a planter, 2 Chlorophytum plants, and an illuminated basin. Everything is made only from cement, polystyrene foam, and sand. It’s fun to make and you can use it as an awesome decoration indoors or in your garden.

Tools :

Cutter
Metal ruler 50cm
Soldering Iron 60w
Masonry trowel
Professional Paint Brushes: Link

Supplies

Polystyrene foam : 54 x 40 x 4cm (Qty = 4)
Wood Glue: White Glue
PVC Tube : Length : 30cm, Diameter : 15mm
Pipe end cap: 15mm
PVC 90 Degree Elbow 15mm
PVC Tube (for pump) : Lenght 25cm,
Inlet Diameter: 6mm
Pipe PVC
Glue
Cement: Ordinary Portland
Sand
Waterproof LED Strip Light: Link
Mini Water Pump 120 l/h Submersible
Submersible Water Pump: Link

Step 1: Basic Shape

I start by cutting 4 polystyrene panels in order to have the dimensions 40x54cm. All panels are 4cm thick. The only tools I have used in this operation are a metal ruler and a simple cutter. For a clean and easy cut, it is essential to use a new cutter blade and to cut the polystyrene slowly and with great delicacy.

Then, I open a rectangular window of dimension 23x30cm in each panel.

Step 2: Spraying and Pumping System Tubing

The pumping and spraying system consists of the following parts:

PVC Tube : Length : 30cm, Diameter : 15mm
Pipe end cap: 15mm
PVC 90 Degree Elbow 15mm
PVC Tube (for pump) : Lenght 25cm,
Inlet Diameter: 6mm

I drilled holes (diameter 3mm) at the PVC Pipe each 1 cm distance. Next, I glue the aforementioned tubes and parts with PVC glue respecting the order presented in the accompanying illustrative photos.

During the realization of the project, I could not find a pipe end cap, that's why I used a baby oil bottle cover, and it worked well :)

Step 3: Carving Foam

I start by marking the correct installation position of the pumping circuit already done. Then I engrave the polystyrene at a depth of 2 cm from each panel. I am using a 60W soldering iron to do the engraving operation.

NB: Use a SAFETY MASK during carving foam or work in a ventilated space.

Step 4: Basin

The basin to be made is 10cm wide, 28cm long, and 10cm deep. I start by drawing the desired shape of the pelvis in the correct position in the panels. Then, delicately cut the shapes drawn, always using a metal ruler and a cutter. Please follow the accompanying illustrative photos to fully understand the operations to be performed.

Step 5: Pot Plant

The desired design of the fountain contains a plant pot at the top. The dimensions of the pot to be cut are 8x30x5cm. It is strongly recommended to make a drainage hole at the bottom to drain the water.

Step 6: Gluying

The best solution I find for gluing the different polystyrene and PVC elements is universal silicone. The time for complete drying may take a few hours.

Pattex silicone universal: Link

Step 7: 1st Concrete Layer

We move on to the preparation of the concrete mix. In this whole project, I follow the same ratios of the mixture: 2.5 cups cement +1 cup sand + water. Only I vary the quantity of water to arrive at the consistency of the desired mixture. Always the first layer of concrete is the most diluted.

In the first layer, I pour the diluted concrete over the sand mold. We gradually cover everything with concrete.

I used a large-scale brush to coat all of the polystyrene foam with concrete.

Step 8: 2nd Concrete Layer

After drying, we move on to the second layer of concrete. The concrete mix of this layer is less diluted. Be sure to cover all the 1st concrete layer with the same thickness. I used a masonry trowel in this step.

Step 9: Texture

After 24 hours of drying, I added texture to the smooth walls of the fountain. I used the same brush used for the 1st concrete coat. Using this brush, the concrete is applied to the smooth surfaces in a discontinuous and random manner. After an hour, lightly pass the masonry trowel over the texture achieved.

Step 10: Pumping System and LED Light Strip

I put some pebbles at the bottom of the basin to give it a better decorative aspect.

For the circulation of water and to operate the fountain, we need a submersible mini-pump, a PVC tube of the same diameter as the pump (6mm), and a universal AC / DC 3-12v adapter for the variation of the water flow.

Put the mini-pump into the pumping area through the hole.
Connect The pump with the tube
Connect the two electric wires of the pump to the AC / DC adapter
Turn on the AC / DC adapter.

So that the pool is bright, I installed a LED strip light flexible waterproof at the bottom that works with a 12v voltage.

12V LED Strip Light Flexible Waterproof: Link

Submersible Pump: Link

Universal AC/DC Adapter 3V-12V, Link

You can also use a submersible pump for aquarium: Link

Step 11: Plant

To put the plants in their pot, we start by filling half the pot with the appropriate soil. Then I gently put the two plants in the pot and then add the necessary amount of soil in the ends and in the center of the plants.

I chose to put the Chlorophytum plants because I like them a lot :)