For those with experience with pondless water features.

Shabby Paints
by Shabby Paints
I have a vintage hydrant that we will be converting into a water feature that the dogs can also drink from. Since it is old and rusty we will be using new plastic tubing on the inside, but I'm wondering if there is a need for some type of charcoal filter to keep it clean. I'm assuming we will need to use some type of screen for large debris too. Anyone have experience with this? I feel like I'm missing something. Thanks~Shannon
1960's Hydrant, future fountain and puppy waterer.
Location of the Fountain will be at the end of the rock walk way.
  8 answers
  • Randy Smith Randy Smith on May 09, 2015
    A filter would help: generally a pond filter should work just fine. Check with Aqua Scape ponds for ideas, Putting a landscape cloth under your gravel and above your container will also help to filter larger debris from getting into your water storage area.
  • Mandy Brown Mandy Brown on May 10, 2015
    I would suggest using copper tubing and fittings instead of poly. Where are you hooking your water source? You may need a backflow preventer and want to chlorinate and test your water for bacteria/choliform. Most municipalities require these tests if you're using the water as a potable drinking source. I work for a city government public works/engineering department so I wouldn't want you to get in trouble with your town's officials.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on May 10, 2015
    Hydrant is a neat feature. Had to laugh - multi-purpose for your dogs. Lift a leg on one side, and have a refreshing drink on the other. LOL
    • Shabby Paints Shabby Paints on May 10, 2015
      @Marion Nesbitt The pee on everything but the hydrant. They must know I want them too. lol
  • Sandra Whitmarsh Sandra Whitmarsh on May 10, 2015
    Check out the web site for Mark the Pond Guy-he knows everything you'd want to know and more.
  • 1240839 1240839 on May 11, 2015
    Good idea.
  • Tammie ellerbee Tammie ellerbee on May 12, 2015
    Trading Spaces did one out of a fire hydrant one time! I remember that someone almost died drilling it out! The spin almost took someone out!
  • KELLY TAYLOR KELLY TAYLOR on May 14, 2015
    How did you acquire it? We're retired fire/medics from FL living in SW Virginia and left ours behind. :(