Types of Water Features

A water feature can be as simple as a small reflecting pool or as elaborate as a waterfall cascading into a fish pond with a fountain. With so many options to choose from, it is helpful to recognize the four basic categories of water features; ponds, fountains, waterfalls and streams.

PONDS:

The four basic types of ponds are, reflecting pools, ornamental pools, water gardens and fish ponds. Each of these may be any size, shape or depth.

Reflecting Pools:

Reflecting pools are designed to be decorative features usually in a garden as a central feature. They often have formal, geometric shapes with walking surfaces that overhang their edges all the way around. For added artistic beauty these water features are normally located near a decorative landscape feature that is vividly reflected in the glassy surface of the water.

Ornamental Pools:

Ornamental pools are generally located near a deck or patio. They are designed around an ornamental piece like a spouting statue a vertically cascading fountain or a bell fountain.

Water Gardens:

Water gardens are living water features, replete with aquatic plant life that is full of vibrant colours and textures. Plants, both inside and outside the perimeter of the pond create a lush natural setting.

Fish Ponds:

Fish can be added to almost any type of water feature as long as certain life sustaining criteria are met. Gold fish and Koi are common favorites. They add a splash of colour in motion.

FOUNTAINS:

An almost limitless variety of shapes and sizes of fountains may be added to your water feature. The sound of water tumbling and splashing on itself combined with a refreshing mist carried by the breeze is truly invigorating.

WATERFALLS:

Like fountains, waterfalls add sound, motion and vitality to your water feature. Often created with natural stone slabs or boulders, waterfalls bring a vertical dimension. Waterfalls capture your interest from a distance as they dance and flow.

STREAMS:

Streams are ideal for meandering along paths, walkways or even pool decks. Acting as natural filters, streams are often designed to flow into waterfalls and cascade into a pond to help sustain the entire ecosystem of a water feature.