5 Stunning Water Features to Transform Your Backyard into a Relaxing Oasis
Would you like to turn your backyard into a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and escape the stresses of daily life?
Water features are awesome for that! The sound of trickling water and some pretty plants can make your backyard a total oasis.
This post will show you 5 AMAZING water features that will:
- Make your backyard look incredible
- Be super easy to take care of
Plus, we’ll include a handy table highlighting the main benefits and upkeep tips for each feature. Get ready to transform your space!
Adding a Water Feature to Your Backyard
Before we dive into the different types of water features, let’s chat about why you might want one:
- Relaxing: For some reason, the sound of water is incredibly soothing and if you want to establish the laid-back atmosphere in the backyard – water installations will do just that.
- Looks Great: Having a water feature in your garden gives the surrounding ambiance an extra class and everything just looks better.
- Wildlife Feeling: Running water can also tank cool critters such as birds and butterflies, at least you’l have some movement happening in your backyard.
- Boosts Property Value: You just cannot go wrong with a properly built water feature because it will majorly enhance your home facade and its overall worth.
Well, let us see and explore five of the most amazing water features that you can incorporate on your backyard now!
1. Fountains: The Classic Go-To
Fountains can be considered one of the most traditional types of garden adornments that can add some glamor to any backyard. There are various types ranging from very contemporary designs to the more traditional ones and so one can easily choose a design that they prefer for their gardens.
Types of Fountains
- Tiered Fountains: These beauties are multilevel with water flowing from the upper tier down to the lower tier making an effect like coolers.
- Wall Fountains: These guys are mounted on a wall, ideal for smaller spaces the water flows down perfectly on them.
- Bubbling Fountains: These have water starting from one center, which makes whirring or hissing sound, making the experience rather calming.
Low-Maintenance Tips for Fountains
- Clean the Pump: It is recommended also to clean the pump so that the water going through it will not clog easily.
- Add Algaecide: A few drops of algaecide are also required to prevent the formation of green substances on those fountains for them to look neat.
- Use Distilled Water: If possible, it is desirable to use distilled water in the fountain to minimize the issue of mineral depositing and thus provide for easy maintenance.
2. Ponds: Create a Natural Habitat
Ponds give a fairly natural feeling to a backyard; they make people serene as well as help them to enjoy the nature. They can also be used to host fish, aquatic plants, and other small forms of life, thus making your garden a liveliness one.
Types of Ponds
- Koi Ponds: These are fish ponds intended for koi fish, that brings color through the water and some activity into your yards.
- Wildlife Ponds: These ponds bring wildlife around your backyard, for example; frogs that would sing at night, birds that could add the chirping sound to your morning, and dragonflies.
- Reflective Ponds: Some of these ponds are shallow characterized by low energy, slow water movement and hence forming mirror-like surface to the existing environment.
Low-Maintenance Tips for Ponds
- Install a Pond Pump and Filter: A competent circulation system such as the pump and filter system will ensure there is a continuous flow of water in the tank hence reducing the formation of algae.
- Add Beneficial Bacteria: Add some algae eating fish, water lilies as well as pump aerators to help spray water and pump oxygen in the pond.
- Use Aquatic Plants: It was also an advanced idea to plant organisms such as water lilies because they purify water and the water canopy will prevent the growth of algae.
3. Waterfalls: A Majestic Focal Point
Waterfalls are one of the most profound water fixtures you can include in your backyards since they are spectacular. That is why the sight and the sound of the water splashing on the stones are considered to bring relaxation and the esthetic experience.
Types of Waterfalls
- Natural Rock Waterfalls: Such waterfalls are artificial; the water cascades over rocks and stones in a manner that gives a look of natural waterfalls.
- Sheet Waterfalls: A type of shower that works with water that is distributed in a smooth and continuous line over a shelf providing a rather minimalistic appearance.
- Pondless Waterfalls: These waterfalls do not need pond and recycle the water hence they are easier to maintain Compared to what.
Low-Maintenance Tips for Waterfalls
- Choose the Right Pump: Choose a pump which will provide the right flow of water to your waterfall. This also means that flow of water is not interrupted therefore addressing any arising problems.
- Keep Debris Out: One can cover the leaves and debris using a mesh net or cover so that they do not drop into the water fall hence less cleaning is required.
- Consider LED Lighting: Placing extra lights such as the LED ones helps in the enhancement of the looks of your waterfall especially at night and the few maintenance needed.
4. Streams: Bring Movement to Your Garden
A flowing stream can add movement and charm to your backyard, creating a natural and dynamic water feature. Streams can connect different areas of your garden and lead into ponds or waterfalls.
Types of Streams
- Garden Streams: These streams are intended to be placed in a garden, and the borders of the streams are made of rocks and plants for the purpose of blending with the working environment.
- Dry Streams: Dry steams are similar to the real stream but it does not consist of flowing water. They are excellent for simulating the appearance of a stream until you don’t need to have to worry about this area.
- Waterfall-Connected Streams: These streams are built near a waterfall so that the water in them is constantly flowing thus enhance the beauty of your garden.
Low-Maintenance Tips for Streams
- Use Natural Stones: Use of natural stones should border the stream all over to enable avoiding the intervention of cleaning them frequently.
- Install a Self-Cleaning Pump: Choosing a self-cleaning pump will make the water more clear and would require the occasional cleaning rather than the frequent one.
- Add Aquatic Plants: The kind of plants that grow in aquatic environments can assist in water purification fixing their environments hence eliminating the need for water change constantly.
5. Reflecting Pools: A Mirror of Tranquility
Water features such as those consisting of water, which is relatively still, and which forms a ‘mirror’ or reflecting surface to the sky, plants and general environment. They are more beautiful and give a serene and classy touch to your backyard.
Types of Reflecting Pools
- Formal Reflecting Pools: These pools have neat and organized structures which are geometrically shaped and are normally surrounded with paving stones or tiles.
- Natural Reflecting Pools: These pools have been integrated with the natural environment; rocks and the natural plants surround the periphery of the pools.
- Infinity Reflecting Pools: Such pools give a type of optical illusion where the water seems to be stretching to the horizon thus making it more dramatic.
Low-Maintenance Tips for Reflective Pools
- Choose Non-Porous Materials: Ensure that the outer lining of the pool is made of non porous surfaces in order to avoid growth of algae.
- Regular Skimming: Clean it often in order to avoid accumulation of stained materials in the water such as fallen leaves.
- Use Water Treatment Products: Put some water treatment products to make the water clear so that there be no formation of alga.
Summary Table: Water Features and Maintenance Tips
Water Feature | Key Benefits | Low-Maintenance Tips |
Fountains | Elegant and versatile | Clean pump, add algaecide, use distilled water |
Ponds | Natural habitat for wildlife | Install pump/filter, add beneficial bacteria, use plants |
Waterfalls | Dramatic and calming | Choose right pump, keep debris out, add LED lighting |
Streams | Adds movement and charm | Use natural stones, install self-cleaning pump, add plants |
Reflecting Pools | Calm and mirror-like surface | Use non-porous materials, regular skimming, water treatment |
Wrapping it up
So, are you ready to turn your backyard into a chill spot? With a little planning and the right water feature, you can enjoy the beauty and peace of running water without all the work. Whether you like a simple fountain, a cool waterfall, or a peaceful reflecting pool, there’s a perfect design for you. So, jump in and start creating your own backyard paradise!
For expert advice and design contact Kinsley Landscape, we can help you plan and build all types of amazing water features. Get in touch with us today.