Adding a fountain to your garden, patio area or to your landscaped yard is really not as tough as you might think. Most homeowners, even if they are not electricians, can easily install a freestanding fountain in just a few hours.

The first step is to actually find the fountain that you want. If you live in a warmer climate where winter freezing is not a problem, there are few limits on what type of fountain you may want to consider. If you live in a northern climate where winter freezing is an issue, you may want to select a fountain that can be brought indoors in winter weather, or stick with a smaller fountain that can be easily drained to prevent any damage from ice. If you just want a small fountain for your patio or deck consider a wall mounted re-circulating fountain or a bowel and spigot fountain that adds a touch of elegance. The bowl type fountains are often called tabletop fountains and come in a wide variety of sizes.

Most fountains are no longer made of stone or metal, however they are made to look just like they are. Fiberglass and concrete are the most common material for most new fountains and fiberglass is very lightweight and easy to move. Both are very easy to take care of after being installed and rarely if ever need to be cleaned or repaired. In addition most fountains now come with a self-contained pump, so you don't even need to worry about hooking up wires. All you need to do is simply attach a water supply, plug in an electrical cord and prime the pump to start enjoying your new garden addition.

The first step in installing a freestanding water fountain in your yard is to determine the location you want the fountain. You will need to have access to a water supply or be prepared to carry the water yourself, plus you will need an electrical outlet or an extension cord. Many homeowners will dig a shallow trench and place the extension cord out of sight and harm's way, but be sure to check to ensure that it is the proper size of extension cord and is safe to be in the ground. Your hardware store can provide the right type of cord.

Level the ground in the area you are placing the fountain. Either pack the soil tightly or add a layer of bricks or other solid level material such as cement to ensure that the fountain will remain level and will not settle into the soil. If the pump is contained within the unit, ensure that the tubing from the basin to the pump is correctly attached at both the basin and pump intake. In addition check to make sure that the tubing is connected from the outflow value of the pump to the outlet area of the fountain. Plug in the electrical cord with the pump switch off. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for installation and ensure that the fountain is level before adding water and turning on the pump. Once the fountain is installed, fill the basin to the level indicated and prime the pump with water as required. Turn on the switch, sit back and enjoy the beautiful sounds and sights of your new garden fountain.