Don't Toss An Old Baby Bath - Transform It Into An Outdoor Water Feature Instead

With every baby comes a lot of stuff that you'll only use for a short time; toys, walkers, swings, and of course their little bathtubs. As your baby grows into a kid, you might need to get rid of or find a new way to use these items. For example, when you no longer need your baby's tub, you can repurpose it to make an outdoor water feature rather than simply tossing it out. This DIY water feature can help you attract birds to your backyard, create a focal point for a larger garden bed, or just add a charming touch — and it only requires the tub, a shovel to dig a hole, some gravel or stones, and a garden hose.

Reusing a baby bathtub is a great way to customize your outdoor space, and if you've already been considering adding a pond, it can save you a lot of money. Small garden ponds start at around $600 to purchase and install, but this mini pond project will cost next to nothing, and it's sure to make a splash with your friends and family.

Start by inspecting your tub to make sure there are no cracks or holes. If it's been a while since you used the tub, give it a quick rinse with soap and water to ensure there's no dust or critters hiding inside. Next, decide where your new water feature will be placed. If you have a child or a small pet who regularly spends time in your backyard, it might be safer in your front yard to reduce the risk of drowning. If you own a home in an HOA community, be sure to check for any pertinent rules before building the water feature on your property.

Once you know where you'd like to place it, you'll need to dig a hole large enough to house the bath. Measure the bath's height carefully, then dig a hole to the appropriate depth. Fill the tub with water from your garden hose, then decorate the area around it with some gravel or river rocks. If you don't have any rocks handy, you can pick up some nice-looking stones online (like these YISZM Natural River Rocks) and arrange them along the edges of the pond. The idea is not just to make a great accent for the water feature but also to hide the lip of the tub.

After you've finished your water feature, you need to give it proper care. You don't want to use it for fish because it won't be a healthy environment for them. You will need to turn over the water occasionally because stagnant water can develop algae and even attract mosquitoes. There's also the option to use a pond bubbler, like the Srygery Solar Pond Aerator, to keep the water fresh and help keep bugs away. If you don't, then you shouldn't let the water stand for long, especially on warm summer days (which are some of the most active times for insects). One way you can deter activity is by planting mosquito-repellent plants that actually work. 

Get creative when it comes to accessorizing your new outdoor decor so it's more than just a tub in the ground. You could try floating some artificial lotus flowers (like QUOZUO Artificial Foam Lotus Floating Flowers) for a pop of color, or opt for a playful rubber duckie. To make it stand out at night, use a few strategically placed solar lights.