There's something inherently calming about the sound of flowing water. Whether it's the gentle babble of a brook or the soothing cascade of a waterfall, water features add a dimension of tranquility to any outdoor space.
Stress Reduction: Studies in environmental psychology find that environments with water (ponds, fountains, etc.) create greater positive mood and perceived restorativeness than those without. The sound of flowing water can help calm the mind and lower stress, enhancing your outdoor relaxation.
At Cedar Creek Design, we've helped countless homeowners in Westmoreland County and surrounding areas transform their backyards into peaceful retreats with custom water features.
If you're considering adding a water feature to your outdoor living area, you have several options to choose from. Each type offers unique benefits and creates a different ambiance. Here are six popular water features that can elevate your landscape design.
1. Pondless Waterfalls: Beauty Without the Maintenance
A pondless waterfall gives you all the visual appeal and soothing sounds of falling water without the maintenance requirements of a traditional pond. These features recirculate water from a hidden reservoir, creating a continuous flow that disappears into a bed of decorative stones rather than collecting in a visible pool.
Why choose a pondless waterfall:
- Lower maintenance than traditional ponds
- Safer option for properties where children visit
- Can be scaled to fit spaces of various sizes
- Creates a dramatic focal point in your landscape
- Operates with energy-efficient pumps to minimize utility costs
2. Garden Fountains: Classic Elegance for Any Space
From tiered stone structures to modern sculptural pieces, garden fountains are versatile water features that can complement any landscape style. These self-contained systems come in countless designs, making them perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor living area.
Why choose a garden fountain:
- Available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and materials
- Can be placed virtually anywhere, including patios and small gardens
- Creates a focal point that draws the eye
- Relatively easy to install compared to other water features
- Many options come with built-in lighting for nighttime enjoyment
Popularity Trend: Homeowners are increasingly interested in water elements. For example, spa features and pools were desired by ~40% of consumers in an ASLA survey. This trend shows that integrating water – from bubbling rock fountains to waterfalls – can elevate an outdoor space in line with current tastes.
3. Reflection Pools: Serene Sophistication
For those seeking a more contemplative water feature, a reflection pool offers serene sophistication. These still-water features create mirror-like surfaces that reflect the sky, surrounding plants, and architectural elements of your home.
Why choose a reflection pool:
- Creates a sense of expanded space through reflections
- Offers a modern, minimalist aesthetic
- Serves as a stunning backdrop for outdoor entertaining
- Can incorporate subtle water movement or remain completely still
- Provides habitat for certain aquatic plants like water lilies
4. Natural Swimming Ponds: Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Natural swimming ponds blend the recreational benefits of a pool with the beauty of a natural water feature. These chemical-free systems use plants and beneficial bacteria to maintain water quality, creating a balanced ecosystem.
Why choose a natural swimming pond:
- Provides both aesthetic value and practical recreation
- Eliminates the need for harsh chemicals like chlorine
- Creates habitat for beneficial wildlife
- Requires less maintenance than traditional pools
- Offers year-round landscape interest, even when not used for swimming
5. Stream Beds: Dynamic Movement Through Your Landscape
A meandering stream brings dynamic movement to your landscape, connecting different areas of your yard with flowing water. These can be designed to flow into a pond or function as a pondless feature with water recirculating from a hidden reservoir.
Why choose a stream bed:
- Creates natural transitions between different landscape zones
- Provides multiple viewing angles and experiences
- Offers opportunities for creative landscaping along the banks
- Can incorporate small cascades and pools for visual interest
- Sound of running water helps mask unwanted noise from streets or neighbors
6. Wall Fountains: Space-Saving Vertical Features
For properties with limited space, wall fountains provide vertical interest while maintaining a small footprint. These architectural elements can be integrated into existing structures or built as standalone features.
Why choose a wall fountain:
- Perfect for small spaces, patios, or courtyards
- Creates a striking visual focal point
- Can be customized with various materials to match your home's architecture
- Easy to incorporate into seating areas or outdoor dining spaces
- Provides soothing water sounds in a compact package
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Feature
When selecting the right water feature for your outdoor living area, several factors should influence your decision:
- Space availability - The size of your yard will determine what's possible
- Maintenance commitment - Consider how much time you want to dedicate to upkeep
- Budget - Water features vary widely in cost for both installation and operation
- Design aesthetic - Choose a feature that complements your home and existing landscape
- Local climate - Some features require winterization in our Pennsylvania climate
Professional Water Feature Installation Makes the Difference
While DIY water feature kits are available, professional installation ensures your water feature functions properly and integrates seamlessly with your landscape. At Cedar Creek Design, our team:
- Evaluates your property's unique characteristics, including drainage patterns
- Recommends appropriate feature types based on your preferences and site conditions
- Handles complex technical aspects like pump sizing and electrical requirements
- Creates custom designs that reflect your personal style
- Ensures proper installation for years of trouble-free enjoyment
The Benefits of Adding a Water Feature to Your Outdoor Living Space
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, water features offer numerous benefits for homeowners:
Environmental benefits:
- Attracts beneficial wildlife like birds and pollinators
- Creates microhabitats for native species
- Can improve air quality through increased humidity
- Offers sustainable alternatives to traditional lawns
Psychological benefits:
- Provides stress reduction through soothing sights and sounds
- Creates a sense of tranquility and connection with nature
- Offers a focal point for meditation or relaxation
- Enhances outdoor entertaining experiences
Property benefits:
- Increases property value and curb appeal
- Creates distinction from other homes in the neighborhood
- Offers year-round landscape interest
- Can mask unwanted noise from nearby roads or neighbors
Transform Your Outdoor Living Area with Cedar Creek Design
If you're ready to enhance your outdoor living area with a custom water feature, we invite you to contact our design team. We'll work with you to create a water feature that fits your space, lifestyle, and budget while providing years of enjoyment.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Initial consultation to understand your vision
- Custom design development
- Professional installation by our experienced team
- Ongoing maintenance support
Contact Cedar Creek Design today to discuss how we can bring the tranquil beauty of water to your outdoor living space.