Outdoor Water Features

I think that outdoor water features are an absolutely stunning addition to any property because of the unparalleled ambiance that they will create.   Whether you choose to add a pool rock waterfall like the homeowners did in this stunning backyard, or you install a simple koi pond in a side garden, the effect will be pretty similar. The one thing that I truly encourage you to do is to at least add in a small waterfall or fountain, so that the sound of trickling water will be heard throughout the yard.  This could be achieved by running a prefabricated kit (check out Lowe's or Home Depot for these) next to your water feature before landscaping with rocks, then letting the water run down like a fall.

When it comes to incorporating outdoor water features alongside your inground pool design, this family definitely took the first place price.  They created an absolutely fantastic play area for both kids and adults via this gigantic multilevel pool that features a spa, shallow soaking area and, of course, a swimming pool waterfall or two.  This multitude of features actually distracts you from the fact that the pool itself is really not that large size-wise, which is actually totally fine with me because I would rather than the space is used well than take up valuable green space with a wasted cement square footage.  These photos definitely give me something to think about as far as what types of pool water features we want to incorporate in our project. 

The tranquil ambiance that outdoor water features can create in your backyard living spaces make the cost of these items well worth it.  A lot of people associate waterfalls and fountains with swimming pool water features, but you can actually utilize these things whether or not you have one.  The first photo I posted shows a really neat little waterfall path that you can cross with a bridge. As you continue clicking through the photos you will certainly see that it is actually part of a much larger pool waterfall, but this does not necessarily need to be the case.  You could save a ton of time, money, and space but just installing the water feature path.

Do you think that outdoor water features like this are actually practical when it comes to day to day living? I have always wondered if they are one of those fancy things that you see on high end pool designs that are all for looks but really a pain in the butt to deal with in real life if you actually have to take care of your pool yourself (like we do).  I personally love how fountains and/or waterfalls like this look on a pool because it gives that glamorous touch that a lot of home pools are lacking, but I also want the pool to be a realistic addition that is not super hard or expensive to maintain.  If anybody on here has personal experience with water feature ideas like this, please feel free to weigh in with any guidance!

Outdoor water features have a distinct knack for making a yard feel just plain fun.  It is definitely one of those "want" vs "need" elements in a home design that are there purely for decor and to enhance any existing or future outdoor patio ideas that you have in place.  They are some of my favorite higher end home decor elements because they provide the glorious sound of trickling water throughout all of your outdoor living spaces and, let's face it, look down right glamorous in the process.  If I could pick one single feature to spend your money on it would be backyard waterfalls like the giant one in these photos because they are actually relatively inexpensive to install compared to some other options that are out there.

So many people don't realize just how beautiful outdoor water features can be both in looks and just the ambience they create.  Nothing could be more relaxing (in my opinion at least) than the sound of softly trickling water generated by one of these pond waterfall ideas while you are enjoying a meal or even relishing that morning cup of coffee on the patio.  The one thing that I always like to do whenever I am adding one of these features to a property (I am a professional landscape designer) is to make sure that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of the backyard landscaping so that it looks like a naturally occurring pond or waterfall.