Bubbling Rock Fountains: How They Work and Which to Choose

A bubbling rock is a water feature with no pond. Water rises through a hole drilled in a stone, bubbles out of the top, runs down the sides and disappears into a bed of rock, then does it again. You get the sound and movement of water in a space the size of a chair, with no open water to fence, clean or worry about. That is why it is such a popular choice for California yards.

This guide covers how a bubbling rock fountain works, the main types, what you need and how to install one in an afternoon.

Why a bubbling rock fits a California yard

• No open water. The reservoir is buried under a grate, so it is safe around children and pets and there is no standing water for mosquitoes.
• Little water. The same water recirculates, and a covered reservoir loses far less to evaporation than a pond.
• Small footprint. A single column fits a patio corner, an entry or a side yard.
• Sound. Running water covers street and neighbor noise, which is most of the reason people add one.

How a bubbling rock fountain works

1. A reservoir basin is buried so its top sits at ground level.
2. A small submersible pump sits inside the basin.
3. Tubing runs from the pump up through a hole drilled through the stone.
4. Water bubbles out of the top and runs down the sides.
5. A grate over the basin holds up the stone and a layer of decorative rock, and the water drains through the rock back into the basin.

Types of bubbling rock fountains

Type	Look	Good to know
Natural basalt column	Dark, six-sided stone with a crisp modern look	Real stone, heavy, and different in every piece. Water darkens and shines on the faces.
Basalt column sets	Two or three columns at different heights	More sound and a bigger statement. Faux basalt versions are much lighter to move.
Urns and spheres	Classic or stacked-slate shapes	Water spills over the rim instead of running down a column.
Spillway bowls	A bowl that pours into a basin	A gentle sheet of water; works well in small, formal spaces.
Boulder bubbler	A natural boulder with a drilled core	Looks like it has always been there. See natural boulder fountains.

Natural basalt bubblers and columns

What you need

• The stone with a hole drilled through it: a basalt column, urn, sphere or boulder.
• A reservoir basin with a grate or lid strong enough to carry the stone.
• A pump sized for the height the water has to climb. Taller stones need a stronger pump.
• Tubing and fittings to connect the pump to the stone.
• Decorative rock to hide the grate: river rock, Mexican beach pebbles or polished pebbles.
• Power: an outdoor GFCI outlet near the fountain.

A fountain kit bundles the main parts so they are sized to work together. Check each kit page for exactly what is included.

Fountain kits: basalt, urns, spheres and spillways

Basins and pumps for building your own

How to install a bubbling rock fountain

1. Pick the spot. Somewhere you will see and hear it, on level ground, within reach of a GFCI outlet.
2. Dig the hole for the basin a little wider than the basin and deep enough that its rim sits flush with the ground.
3. Level the bottom with a couple of inches of sand, set the basin and check it with a level.
4. Backfill around the sides and tamp the soil so the basin cannot shift.
5. Set the pump and run the tubing up through the grate and the stone.
6. Place the stone on the grate, level it, then cover the grate with decorative rock.
7. Fill and test. Fill the basin, plug in the pump and adjust the flow until the water runs down the stone without splashing out of the rock bed.

Rock and pebbles to finish around the fountain

Upkeep

Top up the basin with a hose when the level drops, which happens faster in summer heat and wind. Rinse the stone and clear leaves off the rock bed now and then, and clean the pump intake once or twice a year. If your water is hard, a white mineral line can build up on dark stone; a vinegar and water scrub takes it off.

Want a stream instead of a single stone? See the pondless waterfall guide.

Frequently asked questions

How does a bubbling rock fountain work?

A basin buried under the fountain holds the water. A small pump in the basin pushes water up a tube through a hole drilled in the stone, the water bubbles out of the top, runs down the sides and drains back through a grate and a layer of rock into the basin. The same water circulates over and over.

Is a bubbling rock fountain safe for kids and pets?

It is the safest kind of water feature because there is no open pool of water. The reservoir sits underground under a grate covered in rock, so there is nothing to fall into.

How much water does a bubbling rock use?

Very little. The water recirculates, and because the reservoir is covered, the only loss is what evaporates off the wet stone and splashes out. Expect to top it up with a hose now and then, more often in hot, dry weather.

Do I need an electrician?

The pump plugs into an outdoor GFCI outlet. If there is one within reach of the fountain, many people install it themselves. If not, have an electrician add one.

What is the difference between a bubbling rock and a boulder fountain?

They work the same way. A boulder fountain uses a natural boulder with a hole drilled through it; a bubbling rock can also be a basalt column, an urn or a sphere. See natural boulder fountains for the boulder version.

Get the materials

Shop ponds and water gardens, fountains and mini ponds, basalt columns and pebbles, or request a quote and we will put the whole fountain together for you. Questions? Call (800) 215-7372.