Water Features Provide the Perfect Relaxing Getaway
With a little creativity, you can turn your yard into a tranquil, relaxing getaway by adding a water feature such as a waterfall, pond or fountain. Water features not only create a calming environment but also provide an acoustic barrier from outdoor noise and unwanted sounds. If you would like to beautify your landscape with a water feature but are unsure what will work best for your home, consider the following three expert-recommended projects:
1. Install a New Pond: A new pond should not look like a hole in the ground but rather as a natural part of your landscape. Use natural-looking stones that fit your pond. Rocks should sit naturally in the ground. The location of your pond should allow water to flow down a slope into it. A pond is a miniature ecosystem that will attract birds, butterflies and frogs. Adding fish to the pond will enhance its beauty as well as your enjoyment. You will need to install skimmer and biological filters, a liner and a pump. Plan on opening in the spring and shutdown in the fall. Your pond will require weekly cleaning and maintenance of beneficial bacteria. This project can run from $1,250 to $4,500 and higher and take anywhere from several days to several months to complete depending on whether it is a DIY project or a professional installation. You can add low-voltage underwater lighting to create a center of interest if you entertain guests outdoors in the evening.
2. Install a New Rainwater-Harvesting Fountain: This type of fountain consists of a basin lined with rubber and special equipment to capture rainwater and circulate it through and is surrounded by decorative gravel that absorbs the falling water. There is no risk of algae growth or leaf or debris contamination as the basin is underground. This is an environmentally friendly, low maintenance water feature. With guidance from a pro, this is a 3-4 day DIY project; professional installation will take one day. Depending on the size, the estimated cost of this project is $2,000 to $4,000.
3. Install a Water Garden with Pond and Stream or Waterfall: This is a high-end professional project which can run from $7,500 to over $15,000 depending on what you want. Goldfish and koi are the most popular choices for aquatic animals as they require little maintenance. Adding UV filtration will help control algae and keep the water clearer. Learn how to install a rigid liner for your water garden in this Home Depot video:
Consider a pondless waterfall if your yard doesn’t have enough space. It is easy to maintain and can be turned off when not in use, so you don’t have to worry about clogged or constantly running pumps. Your pondless waterfall can be anything from a small fountain to a large-scale waterfall.
