Have you been trying to find a self-contained water feature to adorn your garden?
In case you have, this article can help you find the best options available on the market at the moment. The reviews of the models can help you get a picture of which solution could work for your space and which one meets your requirements the best. Continue reading to find out what kinds of self-contained water fountains there are and which features to have in mind.

Useful Info About Self Contained Water Features

What Is A Self Contained Water Feature?

Self-contained water features or self-contained water fountains are a convenient way of using the feature itself for storing the water used for a stream. It means that there is no need to buy or excavate an additional hole or reservoir where the water will be kept. This makes them an ideal option for patios or different decked surfaces, although they can also be used in other environments, such as gardens and yards.

Advantages Of Self Contained Water Features

When considering installing a water feature, self-contained features and fountains are definitely an option to consider since they can save you time and money and still give you that elegant and enhanced look of landscaping on your property. Likewise, they also require minimal effort for maintenance because the water loop is closed, which prevents dirt from entering the system. Moreover, this also means water won’t need to be topped up. Self-contained water fountains can grace your property and make a relaxing environment with the sound of the water stream, but will also save you time because they won’t need a lot of attention to keep them running.

Which Features To Have In Mind?

When browsing for a self-contained water feature or a self-contained water fountain, keep in mind what material it is made out of. The self-contained water features are usually installed outside of the house, so they need to be made out of durable materials to endure outdoor weather conditions. A great material that is frost-proof is polyresin, while materials such as clay won’t be able to survive in the cold without cracking. Sometimes these water fountains feature LED lights which are also nice for keeping the water feature illuminated in the dark. When thinking of how strong you want the water flow to be, check out the specifications of the included water pump. If you want a strong water flow, you will also need to invest in a powerful pump.

Best 5 Self Contained Water Features Reviews

Best Self Contained Outdoor Water Fountains

Jeco Glenville Water Pump Cascading Water Fountain

Features A Tiered Pot Look

This model of a self-contained outdoor water fountain has a rustic look and consists of a brick-like circular base that looks like one big garden pot. Inside this pot, there are smaller pots and a manual water pump model through which the water falls out into the first pot and then falls down into the pots below to create a water stream. There is also a plant pot inside the big base so that you can decorate this fountain with flowers or green plants.

Made Out Of Polyresin & Fiberglass

The self-contained outdoor water fountain is made out of polyresin and fiberglass. This construction makes this fountain durable so it can survive outdoor conditions. The self-contained fountain is operated by electric power and includes a water pump. The fountain has a capacity of about 5 gallons of water and comes with a 5-meter cord.

Features Wood & Brick Finishes

The rustic look of this self-contained outdoor water fountain is enhanced with the help of wood and brick finishes. It can create a peaceful environment in your garden, backyard, or patio thanks to the featuring calming water stream sounds. It is weatherproof thanks to the durable quality materials.

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Best Self Contained Garden Water Features

Alpine Corporation Water Fountain Outdoor Waterfall

3.4 Feet Tall Tree-Trunk Design

This Alpine Corporation model of a self-contained water feature comes in the shape of a hollowed tree trunk that can easily be disguised into your natural-looking yard environment or bring a missing piece of nature into your yard or garden. The 3.4 feet tall self-contained garden water feature is made out of fiberglass which is ideal for outdoor spaces thanks to the durable material. Fiberglass is resistant to weather conditions, as well as rust so it can look as good as new for a long time.

448-Ounce Water Capacity

The quiet featuring water pump creates a calm cascading water stream and the incorporated cold LED lights illuminate the self-contained water feature in the dark. This self-contained garden water feature has an interior water pump that you only need to plug in and it will start creating a water flow. Pour water into the lower level of the water feature and the pump will do the rest. This garden water feature has a capacity of 448 ounces of water.

Features A Real-Looking Wood Finish

To create a natural wood look, the fiberglass is combined with resin and stone powder. To make a real-looking wood finish that resembles a tree trunk, there are even mushroom simulations growing on it. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. This self-contained garden water feature has an open front on the tree trunk with three tiers inside that form a waterfall.

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Best Self Contained Waterfall

John Timberland Outdoor Cascading Waterfall

Features Stone Pot-Like Basins

This model of a self-contained waterfall features four tiers of water flowing. This self-contained waterfall consists of a base with a big basin at the bottom and a smaller basin situated directly above it. There are two pillars of different heights on this base and each one of them has a water basin situated on top. All of the water basins have a pot-like stone design. This self-contained waterfall is 41.5 inches tall.

Brown & Beige Faux Stone Finish

The self-contained waterfall is constructed of cast resin that is lightweight for easy installation and positioning. The four cascading bowl waterfall starts the water stream at the top bowl and cascades down into the lower basin. To get to the lower basin, the water stream has to fall down the bowl pools. This self-contained waterfall comes in the brown and beige color combinations and has a faux stone finish.

Features A Plug-In Pump

This fountain also features halogen lights in the lower basins that light up this waterfall and bring a peaceful ambient to your garden. This fountain also features a plug-in water pump. The arched pillars and the faux stone basin bowls make this waterfall fountain a nice addition to your garden and create a nice environment for guest-hosting and relaxing.

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Best Small Self Contained Water Features

Peaktop Outdoor/Indoor Garden Water Pot Fountain

Glazed Polyresin Pot Design

This small self-contained water feature comes in the shape of a pot fountain and is available to purchase in red, royal blue, and teal colors. The pot has an opening on the front and the water flows from the central point of the top of the pot into the sides of the pot, which is visible through that front opening. The model is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is constructed of glazed polyresin.

17 Inches Tall Pot

This small self-contained water feature comes with a submersible water pump (3.5W) which is built into the pot and allows the circulation of water. The pump has a 6 feet long cord so it is convenient for plugging in. This water feature is 17 inches tall which makes it perfect for positioning in small spaces.

Creates Relaxing Water Trickling Sounds

The top of the pot features LED lighting which illuminates this statement piece that can be situated in many different parts of your house or around your house. The waterfall creates a relaxing sound of water trickling down the side of the pot and then emerging at the top of the pot again for a continuous flow.

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Best Self Contained Solar Water Feature

Smart Solar Antique White Stone Kensington Gardens Fountain

Antique Fountain With Two Basins

This self-contained solar water feature comes in a ‘Kensington Garden’ antique fountain design and features two basins. The lower basin is bigger and the upper basin is smaller and that is where the water starts flowing from. This two-tier fountain is 32.5 inches tall and is made out of glass fiber reinforced concrete (also known as GFRC). The self-contained solar water feature has an on-demand option so you can choose when this antique water feature is going to work and create a water stream.

Solar Battery Has 6 Hours Of Working Time

The solar fountain charges the battery when it is sunny outside and then uses the stored energy to create a waterfall. The battery needs two days to fully charge. Once it is fully charged, it can provide 6 working hours. Except for the patented integral solar panel that is underwater, it also includes an underwater pump. The solar panel allows you to enjoy the waterfall without any extra cost because it is run with the help of solar energy.

Frost Can Cause Damage

During frosty nights and mornings, this solar water feature should be drained of water, wiped down, and stored to prevent any damage. The capacity of this self-contained solar water feature is 2 gallons. This solar water fountain is also available in the following designs: ‘Chatsworth’, ‘Country Gardens’ and ‘Mahayana’.

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Conclusion: Which Self Contained What Features Should You Invest In?

In my opinion, two models of self-contained water features you should consider getting are the Jeco Glenville cascading water fountain and the John Timberland outdoor cascading waterfall. The Jeco model is made out of durable polyresin and fiberglass, which are the perfect materials for outdoor water fountains and can endure different weather conditions. The tiered water flow system is achieved with the help of a rustic fountain that features wood and brick basins. The capacity of this water feature is 5 gallons of water and is run by an electric water pump. The John Timberland model has four tiers that are made out of faux stone basins that are differently leveled. These bowl basins create a waterfall in a 41.5-inch fountain that comes in the combination of brown and beige colors. The cast resin construction is lightweight and features a plug-in water pump.

In case you would like to read about other kinds of fountains, you can check out this post about water fountains. If you are looking for one you can install at your patio, read this article where I have reviewed the best patio water fountains. To read about more models of fountains operated by solar energy, you can check out this review post where I have selected the best solar powered fountains available for sale.