About Our Water Features 🌊
Why We Chose This Range
"We've been selling water features since 2003, and we've seen where budget models fail. The cheap imports use thin-shell plastic housings and undersized pumps that burn out within a season. We chose our current ranges from Lucas Stone, Eastern Connections, Easy Fountain, and Altico because they use thick-walled casting, marine-grade steel, and properly rated recirculating pumps.
In a market where you can buy a £30 resin fountain from a supermarket, we'd rather stock 150 features that actually last. Every piece in this collection has been checked for material quality, pump reliability, and how it handles a British winter. It's the difference between a feature that runs for one summer and one that becomes a permanent part of your garden."
— Matt, Founder, Garden Ornaments · Supplying water features since 2003Our collection covers over 150 models across 10 categories, from compact solar-powered fountains that cost nothing to run, through to large hand-carved stone fountains weighing over 200kg. Prices start from £89 for solar resin models and rise to £2,500+ for natural granite monoliths.
Over 90% of our range is self-contained. That means no digging, no plumbing, and no water supply connection. You fill the internal reservoir (typically 5-30 litres depending on the model), plug in the pump, and you're running within 15-30 minutes of unpacking. Most mains-powered models come with a 10m cable, so you've got plenty of reach from your nearest outdoor socket.
The materials we stock are chosen specifically for the UK climate. Basalt and granite are naturally frost-proof. Our reconstituted stone pieces from Lucas Stone are cast at high density (around 2,200kg/m³) to resist moisture absorption, and the stainless steel range from Eastern Connections uses marine-grade 304 steel that won't pit or corrode. Even the poly resin models are UV-stabilised to prevent colour fading over 5-10 years of sun exposure.
Choosing Your Water Feature 💡
🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: Winterising Your Pump
The most common cause of pump failure in the UK isn't the motor burning out. It's ice damage. When water freezes inside the pump housing, it expands and cracks the plastic impeller.
I always tell customers: remove your pump in late November, clean the filter with warm water, and store it somewhere dry until March. For larger stone features that can't be moved, drain the reservoir completely and use a breathable winter cover. Stone can "wick" moisture from the ground, and if that moisture freezes, it causes surface spalling over time.
One more thing: never run a pump dry. If your reservoir drops below the pump intake (common during heatwaves when evaporation is high), the motor overheats in minutes. A quick top-up every 1-2 weeks in summer avoids a £30-£50 replacement pump. Read our full winter maintenance guide →
Picking the right water feature comes down to three things: where it's going, how you'll power it, and what material suits your garden style.
For small patios and courtyards (under 10m²): A self-contained fountain in GRC or poly resin keeps things light and easy to reposition. Most weigh under 25kg and set up in 15 minutes.
For medium gardens with a focal point: A cascading tiered feature or Buddha fountain in reconstituted stone gives you the sound of moving water without dominating the space. Expect 30-80kg and a 20-30 minute setup.
For large gardens or landscape projects: Natural granite or basalt monoliths and millstones create a permanent statement. These are 80-250kg, arrive on a pallet, and will outlast everything else in your garden.
For modern or contemporary spaces: Stainless steel columns and spheres from Eastern Connections offer a clean, reflective finish that pairs well with decking, gravel, and architectural planting.
Solar vs Mains Power
Solar-powered models need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, cost £0 to run, and need no cable at all — perfect for south-facing spots. Flow rate: 150-400 litres/hour. Prices from £89-£350. Browse solar range →
Mains-powered models draw just 5-25 watts (roughly £5-£10 per year to run), work in any position including shade, and support stronger flow rates of 200-800 litres/hour with integrated LED lighting. Prices from £135-£2,500+.
Water Feature Materials Compared
| Material | Lifespan | Weight Range | Frost Resistance | Winter Care | How It Ages | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Granite | Lifetime (50+ years) | 80-250kg | Excellent (-20°C+) | Drain & leave in place | Darkens slightly, develops character | £400-£2,500+ |
| Basalt | Lifetime (50+ years) | 60-200kg | Excellent (-20°C+) | Drain & leave in place | Stays dark, minimal change | £450-£1,800 |
| Rainbow Sandstone | 30+ years | 40-150kg | Very Good (-15°C) | Drain & cover | Colours deepen with water exposure | £350-£1,200 |
| Reconstituted Stone | 20+ years | 30-120kg | Good (-15°C) | Drain & cover | Develops mossy patina naturally | £170-£800 |
| Stainless Steel (304) | 15-25 years | 10-60kg | Excellent | Remove pump only | Stays reflective with occasional polish | £300-£1,500 |
| GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) | 10-15 years | 8-40kg | Good (-10°C) | Drain, cover or move indoors | Lightweight, easy to reposition | £135-£550 |
| Poly Resin | 5-10 years | 5-25kg | Moderate (-5°C) | Drain & store indoors | UV-stabilised; may fade after 7+ years | £89-£400 |
| Slate | 25+ years | 30-100kg | Very Good (-15°C) | Drain & leave in place | Natural layered look, darkens when wet | £250-£900 |
A note on weight: Granite and basalt features are extremely heavy. Our courier uses specialist palletised delivery with a tail-lift, and we always recommend having a second person on hand for positioning. If you're placing a feature on decking, check your joists can support the combined weight of the feature plus a full reservoir (add 5-30kg of water).
Frequently Asked Questions 💬
No. Over 90% of our water features are self-contained, which means they have a built-in reservoir that you fill with tap water or collected rainwater. The included pump recirculates the water continuously, so there's no connection to your mains water supply. You just need to top up the reservoir every 1-2 weeks during summer to replace water lost to evaporation.
Most self-contained mains-powered water features use between 5 and 25 watts, which is less than a single LED lightbulb. Running a typical 10-watt pump for 8 hours a day costs roughly £0.80-£1.00 per month at current UK electricity rates (around 24.5p/kWh as of 2025). Over a full April-October season, that's approximately £5-£7 total. Solar-powered models cost nothing at all to run.
Yes, the feature itself can stay outside. Granite, basalt, and stainless steel are naturally frost-proof to temperatures well below -15°C. Reconstituted stone and sandstone should be drained and covered with a breathable winter cover. The key step is removing the pump before the first frost (usually late November in the UK) and storing it in a dry place. Ice expansion inside the pump housing is the most common cause of damage.
Most self-contained models take 15-30 minutes to set up. You unpack the feature, place it on a level surface, connect the pump to the internal tubing, fill the reservoir with water, and plug in. There's no digging, no plumbing, and no specialist tools needed. Heavier stone features (80kg+) will need two people to position safely.
Self-contained water features are the safest option for family gardens. Unlike open ponds, the reservoir is fully enclosed within the base of the feature, so there's no standing water accessible to young children. Many of our models hold just 5-15 litres in a sealed internal sump. For extra peace of mind, pebble-topped reservoir features (where water disappears into a gravel bed) are the most child-friendly option available.
Yes. Moving water is one of the best ways to attract birds, bees, and beneficial insects to your garden. Birds are drawn to the sound of trickling water from up to 30 metres away, and many species prefer moving water over still birdbaths for drinking and bathing. Shallow cascading features and stone bird baths with gentle bubblers are particularly popular with smaller garden birds like robins, blue tits, and wrens.
Very little. Top up the water every 1-2 weeks in summer (more often during heatwaves). Clean the pump filter every 2-3 months by rinsing it under warm water. If algae builds up on the stone or resin surface, a gentle scrub with a soft brush and clean water sorts it out. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals as they can damage the pump seals. Using rainwater instead of tap water helps reduce limescale build-up, especially if you're in a hard water area like the South East.
All water features ship with Free UK Mainland Delivery. Smaller models (under 30kg) arrive via standard courier within 5-7 working days. Larger stone and granite features are delivered on a pallet via specialist courier within 10-21 working days, depending on the manufacturer. Palletised deliveries include a tail-lift and the driver will lower the pallet to kerbside. We recommend having a sack truck or a second person available to move the feature to its final position. If you need to discuss access for larger items, call us on 0800 368 8590.