The calming trickle of a waterfall, the beauty of a peaceful fountain, and a place to dip your toes on hot summer days. There’s no argument that water features are wonderful to listen to, look at, and enjoy. They add an ambiance to your garden that feels like you’re stepping into a fairytale or a relaxing spa. 

While we see a picturesque view, it’s what’s below the surface that we need to pay attention to before committing to a water feature. So, how do you know if a water feature is right for your yard? The Pros are looking at a few different elements, such as the grade change in your landscaping, as well as the space required. Believe it or not, grade changes create the perfect environment for some water features such as ponds, while flat surfaces are better for above ground structures. 

We’re walking through a few water features to help choose the one that’s best for your space!

Pond 

Ponds are an excellent way to upgrade the visual appearance of your yard and create a total zen space when you step outside. Ponds are completely customizable from different types of stone used, number of waterfalls, streams, in-pond lighting, and even fishy friends like koi and carp. While there may be certain plants to consider to correctly pair with the habitat, there are plenty of ways to beautify the space to your liking. 

Preparation and maintenance are two main points that need to be addressed before committing to a pond. Liners help prep the pond to be filled with water, however be aware that rubber liners can be easily punctured by dogs, children, and any other unexpected guests that may decide to go for a swim. Additionally, water loss due to splash or evaporation may require frequent refilling, so we typically recommend an autofill system that will fill to safe levels as the irrigation runs. 

Lastly, ponds require consistent maintenance to keep water clean and algae free, clear debris like leaves and dirt, and kill natural-occurring mold. 

Dual-Element

A dual-element water feature combines elements such as water and fire to create a showstopping visual feature that can be enjoyed in warm and cool conditions. This semi-customizable feature can be finished with your choice of stone and even color changing lights within the waterfall.  

While these features require some planning ahead of time, the Pros have perfected the building process to ensure the firepit stone doesn’t get too heavy, and eventually, sink into the ground. We’ve also designed an appealing way to hide electrical, plumbing, and gas connections, while also ensuring a simple way to turn the feature on and off. 

This type of water feature still requires consistent maintenance to clear algae, but not as much as a pond would.

Fountain

A fountain creates the perfect combination of adding a calming effect to your outdoor space, while incorporating a modern look. 

While they’re beautiful to look at, fountains do come with size limitations, and they’re not as customizable or cost-effective as other features. You’ll also need to be careful of pipe breakage in freezing temperatures. 

If you’ve narrowed down your ideal water feature, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Pros! Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to get started, as temperatures need to be above 55 degrees for installation. Contact us today for a consultation!

Thinking about adding concrete to your next project?  Give us a call today to get started!