How do I hide an ugly 5 gallon water jug with a top pump?

In Mexico they place crocheted covers over them

I have a couple of ideas running around in my head. If you paint it, it will still be this large cylinder on your table. If you bought a large smooth sided trash can, you could put it inside of the can and decorate the can, perhaps including a cardboard "lid" covered with your favorite contact paper. I say cardboard because you can cut it in two, make a hole large enough to go around the space some inches below the spigot and attach it. Seriously, I'm just brainstorming right now. I'm interested to see what others also come up with.

you could try wrapping it in a cozy, just leave the top available to use.

For as thick as those water jugs are you shouldn't have to worry about the paint getting into the water but it might be a pain if you switch jugs because you'd have to repaint. You could use shelf paper but again you'd have to redo it for each fresh bottle. What about the possibility of a cardboard box or buying some wood & making a three sided box? you could paint it or put paper on it to help make it look nicer or blend in better. For the top, maybe a small or medium sized lamp shade? it would be large enough to cover all or most of the top but still allow the spout to be reached & used. ~ Good luck!

Any way to make a place under the counter, IN the cabinet, for bottle? Then leave just pump above countertop height? Just thinking... We bring water in to weekend cabin and are installing container for water in garage below with pump and plastic tubing up to sink with spigot. Something like you would find in an RV. We are still in the experimental stages so can’t make product recommendations but thought I’d share. Good luck!

Make your pump into a lamp shade! Buy a mini embroidery hoop and a large one (bigger than the bottom: base width plus 6 inches). Buy outdoor material on sale now: about 1.5yards. Measure the height of the bottle plus 6 inches. Lay the material out flat on the floor. If the small hoop is 3 inches. 3×3.14plus 1 inch. (Start on the side of the material and find the center. 3×3.14 =9.42. 9.42+1 inch=10.42 rounded to 10.5 inches. So from the center you would mark 5 1/4 inches on each side of center. The bottle is probably about 20 inches tall so measure straight down from the center accross the material 30 inches. This must be straight! If not, the material will twist when wet. You must cut the material the same size all the way down. Find that center mark on the opposite side of the 10.5. If the large hoop is a 14 inch hoop, 14×3.14=43.6. 43.6+1=44.6 round to 45.

45÷2= 22.5. So measure 22.5 from the Center point on each side and mark. Find a straight edge that is a meter long. Mark a straight line from the left side of 10.5 to the left side of 22.5. Do the same on the right. Turn one line you just cut over about half an inch. Use fabric glue. Fold the small end over the small hoop and glue in place with the folded end over the open end. Do the same with the large end. Glue the folded ends over the open end and glue. This can be removed and replaced on any bottle. And you can peek to see if it is close to empty. You can hand wash it as well!

The springwater company that supplies my water sells cosies made to fit the bottles.

Why not pour up a day's supply of water in a pretty pitcher with a lid and leave it out on display. The large bottle could be kept elsewhere for refilling.

How about put a pillow case over it cut a hole in top for tubes

try wrapping it in a cozy, just leave the top available to use