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How to Make a Concrete Sphere Fountain

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated November 3, 2026

A DIY concrete sphere fountain adds the sound of moving water without requiring a complicated build. If you’re comfortable mixing concrete and doing a little digging, you can create this beginner-friendly water feature in a weekend.

Skill

Beginner

Time

One Weekend

Key Takeaways

  • This concrete sphere fountain is a beginner-friendly project that can be completed over a weekend.
  • A hidden reservoir, fountain pump and vinyl tubing recirculate water through the concrete base and sphere.
  • You can change the fountain’s shape or dimensions by using different molds, but a taller design may require a pump with greater lift capacity.
  • Keep the PVC pipe centered while casting so the tubing has a clear path through the finished base and sphere.
  • Install the reservoir on a level base so water collects properly and the finished fountain sits securely.
  • Check the water level before operating the fountain and unplug the pump whenever the fountain is unattended.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Cast the Base and Sphere of the Fountain

Step 1: Measure and Mark

Measure and mark 12 inches up from one end of the concrete forming tube in several locations. Connect the marks with a line and cut the tube using a utility knife. (A saw also works.) Then cut or drill a 3/4-inch hole in the center of the 5-quart plastic pail. Use a hacksaw to cut two pieces of 3/4-inch PVC pipe — one roughly 24 inches long and one 14 inches long.

Step 2: Make the Form

Center the 5-quart pail on a piece of scrap plywood and insert the PVC pipe a couple inches down through the hole in the pail. Place the concrete forming tube on the plywood with the pail and pipe at its center. Mark the pipe where it comes up to the edge of the form so you’ll know if the bottom end accidentally slips down inside the pail.

Step 3: Mix the Concrete

Wearing gloves and breathing protection, mix concrete in the polyethylene tub according to the package directions. Avoid adding any more water than necessary. You should be able to squeeze a handful of the mix and have it hold its shape in your hand.

Step 4: Add Concrete to Form

Scoop the concrete into the form while keeping the pail centered and flat against the plywood. Gently pack the concrete around the pail using a short length of scrap wood, such as a 2 x 4. Continue adding concrete until you reach the top edge of the form. Check that the PVC pipe is still centered and hasn’t dropped down into the pail. Smooth the concrete even with the top of the form. To reduce the number of air bubbles in the mix, gently tap the outside of the form without accidentally shifting it on the plywood base.

Step 5: Fill Sphere With Concrete

Spray the inside of the glass globe with cooking spray, drain off any surplus, and fill it with concrete mix. Stand the globe so the opening is level and insert the taped end of the PVC pipe until it touches the center of the globe at the bottom. Add concrete as needed to bring it even with the opening on the globe. Rest the globe on a dry 5-quart pail and run duct tape from the top of the PVC pipe, down the sides of the globe, and ending at the 5-quart pail to hold the pipe in place.

Step 6: Let Them Cure

While the concrete cures overnight, thoroughly wash the mixing tub and tools. After the base and sphere cure overnight, cut the sides of the tube with a utility knife and remove it. Use a saw to cut the PVC pipe even with the top of the base.

Step 7: Remove the Sphere

While wearing gloves and eye protection, place the globe inside a plastic sheet or trash bag and tap the glass until it breaks. Continuing breaking the glass until it falls away from the concrete, but don’t hammer the concrete. Use the prongs on the hammer to lift off any stubborn pieces of glass. Then discard the plastic with the broken glass.

Step 8: Open Up the PVC Pipe

Drive a dowel or other stick through the PVC pipe and break through the duct tape and thin layer of concrete on the opposite end. Clean up the edges of the PVC with a utility knife.

Step 9: Cut the Pipe Flush

Use the hacksaw to cut the PVC pipe flush with the concrete. Clean up the cut end with a utility knife.

Assemble the Concrete Sphere Fountain

Step 1: Dig a Hole

Dig a 26-in x 20-in hole where you want your fountain. It should be shallow enough to allow the lip of the concrete mixing tub to be flush with the ground.

Step 2: Prep the Tub

Insert the tub in the hole. Wash off the river rock to remove any loose dirt and add a layer of rock to the bottom of the tub around the edges. Attach a length of vinyl hose to the pump and center the pump on the bottom of the tray. Add washed river rock to hold it in place. Guide the electrical cord to the outside edge of the tray and cover it with rock.

Step 3: Insert the Hose

Thread the vinyl hose through the PVC pipe in the base and center the base on the tray full of rocks. Check that the top is level.

Step 4: Trim the Hose

Test fit the sphere on the base by threading the hose through the sphere pipe. Trim the hose flush with the PVC pipe in the top of the sphere.

Step 5: Attach the Sphere

Spread adhesive silicone around the tube on the base and underside of the sphere. Then rest the sphere on the base so the PVC pipes touch. Add silicone to the space between the vinyl hose and the PVC pipe at the top of the globe, but avoid getting any inside the hose. Allow the silicone to dry thoroughly before running water through the hose.

Step 6: Fill With Water

Fill the tray to the top with water. Then connect the line from the pump to a power source and check the flow of water to the top of the sphere. Always unplug the fountain when you’re not around and refill the tray before each use.

Get Started Today

A DIY concrete sphere fountain turns basic concrete, a small pump and a hidden reservoir into a zen focal point with the relaxing sound of moving water. Take your time with the molds, keep the water path centered and start with a level installation. Once it’s assembled, regular water checks and basic pump care will help keep your fountain flowing. Find everything you need for this outdoor DIY at your local Lowe's store or on Lowes.com.

Concrete Sphere Fountain FAQs