Smith and Hawken Garden Fountain Instructions: Step-by-Step Setup

By Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

Smith and Hawken garden fountain instructions boil down to four jobs: unpack and check the parts, assemble the basin and column so they sit level, set up the pump and tubing, and then test and tune the flow. Done in that order, most homeowners can have a working fountain in an afternoon. This guide walks through each stage, along with placement choices and the maintenance habits that keep the pump running for years.

Read the manual that came in your box first, because the exact fittings, pump wattage and assembly sequence vary by model. Treat the steps below as a general framework that fits most freestanding and tiered designs. If anything in your manual conflicts with this guide, follow the manual.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Top 9 Solar Fountains for the Garden Picks with Stacked Tiers and LED Light.

Before You Start: Tools, Parts and Site Checks

Most assembly requires no special tools. Gather everything before you open the first carton so you are not hunting for a wrench with wet hands halfway through the job.

• Adjustable wrench or pliers for any threaded fittings
• Carpenter’s level or a small torpedo level
• Rubber mallet or a scrap piece of wood and a hammer for gentle tapping
• Silicone sealant rated for outdoor and water contact, if your model calls for it
• Waterproof outdoor extension cord rated for wet locations, or the GFCI outlet you plan to use
• Bucket and hose for the first fill
• A soft brush and a small mesh screen if your pump has no intake filter

Check the Contents Against the Packing List

Lay every piece out on a blanket or drop cloth to avoid scratching the finish. Match the basin, column or tiers, top ornament, pump, tubing, spray nozzle or spout insert, and any hardware bag against the list in the manual. Look for cracks, chips or bent metal. Photograph any damage before you contact the retailer, since most returns require documentation.

Choose and Prepare the Site

Pick a location that is level, stable and within reach of an outdoor power source. Consider these factors:

• Level ground: The basin should sit on a surface that does not shift. A slope of more than about 1 inch across the basin diameter makes leveling difficult and can cause water to spill over one side.
• Power access: Plan the cord route before setting the basin. Keep connections out of standing water and protected from direct spray.
• Sun and shade: Full sun encourages algae in standing water. Partial shade, particularly afternoon shade, slows growth and reduces evaporation.
• Wind: Strong gusts can blow spray outside the basin. Position the fountain where the prevailing wind carries spray across lawn or planting beds rather than onto a patio or walkway.
• Weight: A filled basin of most sizes is very heavy. Confirm the site can handle the load and that you will not need to move it after filling.

Mark the footprint with a rope or spray paint, then dig out a shallow bed about 2 inches deep and slightly wider than the basin. Compact the base with a hand tamper and add 1 to 2 inches of sand or fine gravel. This layer gives you a stable, level bed and makes the final leveling much easier.

Step 1: Assemble the Basin and Column

The basin is the foundation for everything else, so set it carefully before you add any upper tiers or ornaments.

Set the Basin Level

1. Place the basin on the prepared bed with the drain or pump opening facing where you want it.
2. Lay your level across the rim in two directions, at right angles to each other.
3. Adjust by adding or removing sand under the low side. Tap the basin gently with a rubber mallet, never with a metal hammer on the rim.
4. Recheck after each adjustment. Aim for a bubble centered in both directions.

Attach the Column or Tiers

1. Clean the mating surfaces on the base and the column with a dry cloth. Grit under a joint can crack the material over time.
2. If the manual calls for sealant, apply a thin bead around the inside of the joint, not the outside where it will show.
3. Seat the column straight down onto the base. Turn it slightly to align any locating pins or notches.
4. Check the column is plumb with your level. Tiers stacked above should be centered over each other, since an off-center tier shifts the water arc.
5. Allow sealant to cure for the time listed on the tube, usually several hours, before filling.

Add the Top Ornament or Spray Head

Thread or fit the top piece last. Hand-tighten threaded connections, then add a quarter turn with the wrench if needed. Overtightening plastic or resin fittings is one of the most common causes of cracks.

Step 2: Set Up the Pump and Tubing

Smith and Hawken fountains use a submersible pump in most models. The pump sits in the basin and pushes water up through tubing hidden inside the column or tiers, then out through the nozzle or spout.

Connect the Pump to the Riser Tube

1. Place the pump in the basin, usually on the base or a small platform, with the intake clear of the bottom. Keeping the intake about 1 inch off the floor prevents debris pickup.
2. Attach the discharge outlet to the riser tubing. Use the clamp or fitting supplied. Slide the clamp into place and tighten snugly.
3. Run the tubing up through the column without kinks. A kink can reduce flow or stress the pump.
4. Connect the top spray fitting to the other end of the tubing. Confirm the nozzle is seated fully.

Route the Power Cord Safely

The cord should exit the basin at a low point and run to a GFCI-protected outlet. Never run a cord across a walkway where it can be tripped on. Use a drip loop, a small dip in the cord below the outlet, so water runs off instead of tracking into the plug. If you use an extension cord, choose one rated for outdoor use and sized for the pump’s amperage.

Pump power specifications are listed on the pump label. Always plug into a GFCI outlet, and consider a plug-in timer if you want the fountain to run on a schedule.

Step 3: Fill, Test and Adjust the Flow

Fill the Basin

1. Fill the basin with clean water to the level the manual specifies, usually a few inches above the pump housing. Running the pump with the water level too low can cause it to overheat.
2. Do not plug in the pump until the water covers the intake.
3. Allow the basin to sit for a few minutes and check for leaks at every joint.

Start the Pump and Tune the Spray

1. Plug in the pump through the GFCI outlet and watch the spray for the first minute.
2. Look for an even arc that falls back into the basin without splashing outside the rim.
3. If the spray is weak, check for kinks in the tubing or a clogged intake screen first.
4. To change the height, many models include a flow control valve or interchangeable nozzles. Turn the valve slowly while watching the result.
5. Make a final level check with the water running and top off as needed.

Placement and Design Ideas

A fountain succeeds visually when it relates to its surroundings. A few layouts work well:

• Focal point at a path end: Place the fountain where a walkway terminates, so the eye lands on it from the entrance.
• Edge of a patio: Position it near the seating area for the sound of moving water without blocking the view.
• Within a planting bed: Surround the basin with low groundcover or ornamental grasses, keeping plants at least 18 inches from the spray zone so foliage does not stay constantly wet.

If you are working within a formal or classical garden, the Smith and Hawken line sits comfortably beside clipped boxwood, gravel paths and stone pavers. For a looser cottage scheme, let perennials such as catmint or salvia spill toward the rim.

For lighting ideas that complement the water feature after dark, see Top 6 Lights for Garden Fountain Options Compared for Every Setup. If you want a compact option for a tight corner, Small Corner Garden Fountain: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning One That Fits covers sizing.

Routine Care and Winterizing

Basic maintenance keeps the pump and finish in good shape. Owners commonly report that most trouble comes from neglected water quality and debris rather than from the pump itself.

• Top off water weekly during hot weather, since evaporation lowers the level and can expose the pump.
• Drain and refill every few weeks, or sooner if the water turns cloudy or green.
• Clean the intake screen and remove leaves from the basin regularly.
• Use a fountain-safe algaecide or a gentle scrub with a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
• Unplug the pump and remove it before temperatures drop below freezing. Store it indoors in a dry place.
• Drain the basin and tubing, then cover the fountain or move the lighter upper tiers indoors if the material is prone to freeze cracking.

If the pump stops working or you need replacement parts later, Garden Fountain Pump Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Swapping Yours walks through the swap, and Garden Fountain Algae Control: Why It Grows and How to Stop It explains prevention in more depth.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the sand bed. Setting the basin directly on uneven soil almost always leads to a tilted fountain that is hard to correct once it is full.
• Overtightening fittings. Resin and plastic parts crack under excessive torque. Hand-tighten first.
• Running the pump dry. A low water level can overheat the motor within minutes. Keep the pump submerged at all times.
• Using a standard indoor cord outdoors. Use a cord rated for wet locations and a GFCI outlet.
• Ignoring the intake. Leaves and sediment block the intake and reduce flow. Check it every week or two.
• Leaving the fountain out in freezing weather. Trapped water expands and can crack the basin or column.

Recommended gear

A few supplies make assembly and upkeep easier. Choose products that suit your model and your water conditions.

• Torpedo level: A small, accurate level fits the narrow rim and makes leveling far quicker than a standard bubble level. View on Amazon
• Outdoor GFCI extension cord: A cord rated for wet locations with built-in ground fault protection keeps the pump connection safe near water. View on Amazon
• Fountain-safe algaecide: A product labeled safe for pets and wildlife helps control algae without harming the finish or nearby plants. View on Amazon
• Replacement intake screen: A mesh screen that fits over the pump intake stops debris from clogging the impeller. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need a professional to install a Smith and Hawken fountain?

Most homeowners can assemble and start a freestanding fountain without help, though a second person makes handling heavy tiers and a full basin easier. If your installation involves running new electrical circuits or trenching for power, consult a licensed electrician.

How deep should the water be in the basin?

Follow the manual’s level, which is usually a few inches above the pump housing. The pump must stay fully submerged, and the water should not overflow the rim when the spray is running.

Why is my fountain spraying unevenly?

The most common causes are a clogged intake screen, a kinked tube, or a column that is not level. Check each in that order, then adjust the flow valve if your model has one.

How often should I change the water?

Refill every few weeks in warm weather, or sooner if the water looks cloudy or smells stale. Topping off between full changes keeps the pump covered.

Can the fountain run through winter?

In freezing climates, no. Unplug the pump, remove it, and drain the basin and tubing before the first hard freeze. Store the pump indoors.

Can I use tap water?

Yes, in most cases. Hard water can leave mineral deposits on the basin and nozzle, so wipe these off periodically with a damp cloth and a mild vinegar solution, then rinse well.

Is the fountain safe around children and pets?

Standing water is a drowning risk for toddlers, and a shallow basin can still be hazardous. Supervise young children near any water feature, and keep the pump cord out of reach of pets that chew.

What if the pump stops working?

First unplug it, then check the intake for blockages and confirm the water level. If the motor still does not run, the pump may need replacement, and the manufacturer’s parts listing will show the correct model.

Conclusion

Following Smith and Hawken garden fountain instructions step by step, from leveling the basin to tuning the spray, gets a fountain running reliably. Take time with the sand bed and the level, because those two steps prevent most later problems. A short routine of topping off, cleaning the intake and protecting the pump over winter will keep the fountain looking and sounding its best for years.

Related reading

• Top 7 Water Fountains for Small Garden Picks with Compact Designs
• Top 5 Stone Fountains for Garden Picks for Every Yard Style

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our garden design & decor guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.