Water Features Guide

Water Features Guide

Water Feature Types: Ponds; Waterfalls; Pondless Waterfalls; Landscape Fountains; Pools and More.

Welcome to our water feature guide!

How to choose a pond, fountain, or waterfall.

There are so many options and a wide, wide range of prices. Let’s walk through a few common questions and explore the possibilities!

The first question I always ask: do you want fish?

Fountains, streams, or waterfalls are much lower maintenance than a koi or goldfish pond. These types of water features are perfect to add sights, sounds, and aquatic plants to any backyard. If you travel frequently, have a busy schedule, or maybe want to be able to turn off the feature when your aren’t around – a pondless feature or fountain may be for you.

Next, aesthetics and visual components.

Now it’s time to decide on the aesthetics and visual components. Yes, there are even more decisions. 😁 Finding the perfect spot for the feature can take a little forethought. We always want them to blend into the existing landscape. Equally as important is the viewing area. Most of these features are left running all year round. The visual from inside the house is just as important as the seat beside the feature.

How much sound is needed?

Are you trying to drown out the street or highway noise? Maybe a larger feature or at least more moving water will be needed. We can also install variable speed pumps on your feature. When it comes time to entertain or have a party, you can literally “turn it up!” 

Have a small intimate space?

The light trickle of a fountain or bubbling rock will create the perfect peaceful sound, adding to the ambiance. Small zen gardens with a bubbling rock or shallow sound are the perfect place to read a book and listen to the birds.

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Do you want the feature to be interactive?

Creating an access point for dogs or kids is fairly simple. Larger boulders and other components would be used to make sure it can withstand the traffic. Extra care goes into stabilizing the fountains by filling them with stone so they cannot be moved. We will also take the time to add additional protective underlayment for the liner to avoid punctures from puppy paws and traffic.

Is your yard flat?

Believe it or not, most waterfalls you see in our pictures only utilize 16-22” of grade change. Typically this is all that’s needed to create a stunning waterfall. The soil from the basin and/or pond excavation is usually adequate to create the elevation, and no extra soil is needed. While it’s not generally recommended, if you would like to see a taller waterfall we can bring in more soil, but it is typically a LOT more. The reason for the large amount of soil is that we try hard to avoid what we call the “volcano waterfall”, which is a 45 degree angle or a quick drop in the soil right off the boulders. The quick elevation change is not typical of what we see in nature and it is hard to naturalize.

Other thoughts on height.

Incorporating a fountain is an easy way to add height to a feature with out creating a “volcano.” Urns, spheres, and bowls can add 15-50″ of height. We especially like to use these fountain components when there are multiple vantage points. A fountain can easily allow the water feature to be seen from the side or back, allowing the sound and visual interest to fill the space better.

Thinking of ways to standout?

Using a fountain by the front step or gate will create a warm, welcoming statement. A front fountain could be a simple bowl set or stacked slate sphere. We could also build a bridge across a stream or pond to make a bold entrance to the home.

Commercial space needs some excitement?

A cafe area for the team, maybe a restaurant drive-thru, or a courtyard for guests… there are many ways to incorporate water features into a commercial space. Water features can be uniquely positioned to bring a peaceful setting and create a relaxing environment. If maintaining a water feature is holding you back from adding one for your business, we offer monthly and yearly plans to keep the feature looking pristine so you don’t have to.

Maybe something out of the ordinary?

We love a challenge! We’ve commissioned and installed steel arches, built grottos, created water walls inside of buildings, and have done so many other fun designs. Usually these do come with a larger price tag than our standard features, but we love to build one-of-a-kind features.

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If you want pond and koi fish...

The Aquascape Ecosystem Pond is perfect. It requires much lower maintenance over traditional pond systems. No pressure filters. No UV lights. No fancy filters. Most ecosystem ponds will only need a couple of five minute visits a week for maintenance. Feeding the fish is typically the most time consuming part of an ecosystem pond.

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Size is usually the next question.

How much space is available in the yard? How many fish do you want?

Natural waterfalls and streams are usually the most important part of a pond. They add additional filtration, a place for plants, and of course the sight and sound of moving water.

Additional Elements?

Adding a fountain urn or spillway bowl to the side of the pond is visually appealing. The additional sound is usually welcoming too!

If the feature will have lots of koi or fish, typically a beefed-up filtration system like a wetland filter or up-flow bog will be needed. An intake bay instead of a skimmer will further lower the maintenance requirements.

Want to swim in your water feature or pond?

Swim ponds, natural swimming pools, and interactive features have gained a lot of traction lately. Swimming in naturally filtered water has many advantages. However, these do typically take up 2-3 times more space than a traditional swimming pool.

Of course they all need to have lights!

Adding lights to the feature creates an amazing ambiance. The sight of flickering light behind the waterfall or the reflection on a tree canopy will definitely set the mood, and make your yard look like a completely transformed space at night.

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How much does a water feature cost?

As you can imagine, there’s an extremely wide range with many factors. Small features can be installed in the $3,500-$5,000 range. Adding lights, more moving water, a larger basin, plus additional landscaping? It can easily graduate to $10,000-$20,000. Do you need space for more fish, or want a multifaceted feature? $30,000-$60,000 is not out of the question. As for natural swim ponds – they can easily start around $125,000 and can grow well past $200,000.

Koi Ponds with Waterfall Packages

Just a Few Fish Here

$8,000

Transform your outdoor space into a serene aquatic haven with our small pond package. Designed specifically for those seeking a tranquil escape and the joy of caring for a few fish, our offering provides everything you need to create your own little aquatic paradise.

The Fish Have Gotten Bigger

$14,400

Looking for a pond that’s a little bigger? Create your own aquatic oasis with this stunning mid-sized pond. Designed with boulders and aquatic plants, it’s the perfect home for those bigger finned friends.

We Just Can't Get Enough of the Koi

$25,800

For those who just can’t get enough of the Koi, our large pond package is here to make all of your aquatic dreams come true! Imagine a serene oasis filled with beautiful boulders, vibrant aquatic plants, and all the fish you could want. Create a pond paradise right in your own backyard.

Now We Want to Swim with Them

$125,000

Do you want to swim alongside your fish friends? Create the ultimate outdoor experience with our recreational pond package. Designed for those who want to play and interact with nature in their own backyard. Elevate your outdoor space with a recreational pond and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Pondless Waterfalls and Stream Options

Just a Taste of Nature

$7,600

Our small pondless waterfall package is the perfect addition for anyone looking to bring a touch of nature into their space. Whether you desire a peaceful oasis for relaxation or a unique element to enhance your landscaping, our small pondless waterfall delivers both beauty and functionality. Immerse yourself in the calming sounds of cascading water and enjoy the tranquility it brings to your everyday life.

Enough for the Wildlife

$14,200

You’ll love our mid-sized pondless waterfall package if you want a wildlife haven right in your backyard. With simple upkeep and minimal effort, this package offers everything you need to create a stunning water feature that harmonizes with nature effortlessly.

Taste of the Mountains

$25,300

Experience the serenity of the mountains in your own backyard with our Large Pondless Waterfall Package. Up to 25 feet long, this package brings the majesty of the mountains right to your doorstep. With a pondless design, you can enjoy hassle-free maintenance and an eco-friendly setup. Elevate your outdoor space and create a peaceful sanctuary at home.

Outdoor Fountains Packages

Small Fountain

$5,200

Our small fountain package is designed to bring a touch of natural serenity to your space. If you’re someone who yearns for the soothing sound of flowing water, this simple yet stunning option is perfect for you.

Medium Fountain

$10,600

Our medium fountain package includes everything you need to bring serenity and beauty right to your yard. You have the freedom to choose the combination of water features that best suits your personality and style.

Large Fountain

$17,400

Transform your outdoor oasis into a breathtaking paradise with this large fountain package. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of water from a combination of stunning water features, your backyard will become a haven of serenity for you and your loved ones for years to come.

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What else should you consider about your water feature?

​Excess Soil Removal

Water features generally create a lot of soil displacement. Thankfully we can usually use this soil building the waterfall or naturalizing the feature into the yard. If we can’t though, there would be a soil hauling charge to remove from the property.

Drainage

Sometimes, using downspouts off the house to fill a pond or fountain is perfect. Keeps the water feature topped off and it recycles the rain water.

 

There are times when adding a water feature can cause issues though. Water may start to backup, creating a drainage issue we need to solve. 

Irrigation
Moving a few irrigation heads is not usually a big deal. We work with Southwell Irrigation to make sure your irrigation system fits perfectly around your new patio. Occasionally, there may be a valve box or main line in the way. If this is the case, we move these around and get them out of your space. The average price tag for adjusting irrigation is $175, but this can quickly grow if there are major issues.
Elevation Change

Usually elevation change where we want to build a pond is good. If it is going away from your home or ideal vantage point, we may need to make some changes to the design though.

While not a dealbreaker for any water feature, it is important to think about the primary vantage point and plan accordingly. Sometimes adding a fountain will allow the water to be better seen from all angles. 

Variation of Color

Plants are the perfect way to dress up any fountain or pond. Creating a landscaping of interest with blooms and thick foliage throughout the seasons will take a great space to an AMAZING space.

My favorite part about plants is how they bring bird and pollinators closer to the home. 

Lighting

One pond or two ponds? Lighting in and around the pond can create a totally new pond at night, setting off the whole yard.

Lighting in a stream or waterfall can create a candle like flicker, casting shadows to the tree canopy and surrounding structures, it is magical! 

Additionally, being able to see the fish swimming through the water at night is a fun experience and can highlight their beauty.