I drilled the holes with a hole saw, in my drill - they come with 4 or 5 sizes for about $10, if I remember right, I've had it a long time - I drilled inch-and-an-eighth holes, as the plugs are 1.5", so they hold themselves snugly in place - they will be about halfway thru the lid, sticking below, maybe 1/2" - one gallon of water covers my hose, and water level is about 4" below the plugs - the bubbles still get them plenty wet - OK! you're on your own now, good luck :jointsmile: