search: products & services improve.com
Home > Garden > Water Features

Pools, Wall Mounts and Other Water Features for Your Backyard

Water features are a great hardscape element that can add warmth and life to your backyard. While some people have larger water features, such as prefabricated fiberglass pools, others only have the space for smaller items, like a wall mounted water fountain. No matter how much space you have to work with or what your budgets allows for, you can find a suitable, pleasing water features for your yard.

Sponsored Links


Prefabricated Fiberglass Pools
Prefabricated fiberglass pools can vary in price, depending where you live and the pool size you want. On the average, these pools range from $20,000-$40,000 to build. Along with this initial cost, keep in mind that you will have ongoing maintenance costs to take care of the pool. When properly taken care of, fiberglass pools will be a water feature you will treasure for years to come. Depending on size, this pool can be completed in as little as three days.

Of all the types of pools you can get, fiberglass pools are the easiest to maintain. The prefabricated gel coat is a smooth, non-porous hard finish that is resistant to algae. As a result, fewer chemicals are needed with these finishes.

As you are designing your pool, consider adding customized features, such as:

  • a bridge over the pool
  • an island in the middle
  • a spa
  • a swim-up bar 
  • a waterfall.

For the pool to be installed, you'll need to have an area cleared and excavated for it. Since trucks are used to deliver the pools and necessary installation supplies, be sure to provide ample room to give access for this.

Wall Mounted and Stand Alone Water Features
On a smaller scale, several other types of water features can be easy added just about anywhere in your yard. Wall mounted fountains come in several styles and varieties. Similarly, you can opt for alcove and free-standing wall fountains. These water features can be small enough to fit on your tabletop or a big as a tiered estate fountain over four feet across. Because prices range from as little as $50 to as much as several thousand dollars, what you choose truly depends on what you want to spend on the water feature.

Unless you are having a large fountain installed, deciding what you want will likely take you longer than the actual set up the feature you finally choose. Most wall mounted water features and small fountains are self-contained, and require very little upkeep and cause little, if any, problems. If you are having trouble finding the style you like, have a professional create a customized water feature for you.

When installing this type of water feature, be sure you choose an area with enough space, as well as with access to a water supply and/or power source, depending on your water features specifications. There is nothing like the sound of trickling water to make you relax!

More Water Features
Water gardens (ponds) and streams (cascades) are a few other water features you can put in your yard. Just like other water features, these range in styles and price, depending on their size and construction costs. You can do them yourself or have them installed.

One of the unique aspects of these types of water features is the fact that they can come with their own ecosystems. You can get a variety of plants and animals, such as fish, lily pads and turtles, to thrive in your pond or cascade. The maintenance this type of water feature requires depends on what plant and animal life you choose.

For example, you will need to have filtration devices and pumps for oxygen if you decide on fish. If you live in a cold climate, you'll also need heaters. The preparation required will depend on your final choice.

To find water features to accommodate your budget and space constraints, take your time to explore your options and find bargains. The sound and look of water features can provide you with a relaxing environment that will satisfy you for years to come.

 

search: products & services improve.com

© 2006 Improve.com