When you’re thinking about the calm and serene environment that water features add to your yard, you might be envisioning a beautiful reflecting pond. These kinds of water feature installments are designed to enhance the overall look of your landscaping with a stunning visual effect. They’re perfect for any outdoor space!
Today, we’re discussing what a reflecting pool (or pond) is and how it adds to your outdoor environment. Learn how they elevate your landscaping, and considerations for when you build a reflecting pond, and get some inspiration to start thinking of your own reflecting pool design.
What Is a Reflecting Pool?
First of all, what is a reflecting pool? We don’t mean a pool you’ll be swimming in! A reflecting pool (sometimes called a reflecting pond) is a type of water feature designed to create a mirror-like surface that reflects your surrounding environment. Typically they’re placed in a spot to reflect surrounding trees or the sky.
A reflecting pond will usually be shallow and feature still water. That’s what creates clear reflections. Not only do they enhance visual appeal and create a sense of tranquility, but this kind of pond installation can also add value to your home.
Common Elements of a Reflecting Pool
The main feature of a reflecting pool is its calm, undisturbed surface, meant to reflect its surroundings. This effect is achieved by maintaining minimal water movement. There are other common characteristics of reflecting pools, however.
When you build a reflecting pond, it may include:
- Shallow depth: A reflecting pond is usually shallow to help keep the water still and provide better clarity in the surface reflection.
- Geometric design: These water features sometimes have clean, geometric shapes such as rectangles, squares, or circles to give them a modern appearance. That doesn’t mean they’re only for modern aesthetics, however.
- High-quality materials: You should always build a reflecting pond using durable materials like concrete, stone, or metal to ensure a smooth and lasting final product.
- Minimalistic aesthetics: A reflecting pool is usually part of a minimalist design in landscaping. They’re meant to emphasize simplicity, elegance, and tranquility through their reflection.
Considering a reflecting pool for your backyard landscaping but still want to consider other options? Take a look at these small backyard pond ideas for entertaining areas after this for more to think about.
Benefits of Adding a Reflecting Pool to Landscaping
Why would you want to build a reflecting pond in your backyard, you ask? They’re the perfect solution for those considering pond design ideas to create a unique space. Additionally, a reflecting pool is a relatively low-maintenance water feature, meaning it’ll take less effort to keep it in optimal condition.
Some of the benefits you may get from adding a reflecting pool to landscaping include:
- A better overall look for your garden.
- Feelings of calm and tranquility.
- Increased property value.
- Versatility when choosing your reflecting pool design.
- Support for the local ecosystem like aquatic plants or small animals.
Considerations for Building a Reflecting Pool
Before you build a reflecting pond, you need to take into consideration an array of different factors that will influence the result. Because of the potential expensive errors of simply doing it yourself, it’s always best to leave water feature installation and design to the pros. Our team of water feature professionals in Upstate NY will work with you to design and build your dream reflecting pool so you’ll get exactly what you want.
Some considerations for building a reflecting pool for your landscaping are:
- Where to place your reflecting pool
- What you want it to reflect
- Make a level surface
- Water source for a reflecting pond
- Building materials
- Maintenance requirements
- Safety considerations
1. Where to Place Your Reflecting Pool
Choose a spot that maximizes the visual impact of the reflections. Don’t forget to think of how sunlight and shade will affect the pool’s appearance throughout the day.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on where to put a water feature in your yard after this article.
2. What Your Reflecting Pool Will Show
Decide what you want the pool to reflect. This could be a beautiful garden, special architectural features of your home or yard, or even the open sky. This will also influence where to put your reflecting pool.
3. Make a Level Surface
The ground needs to be level to maintain the stillness of the water in a reflecting pool. Uneven surfaces can cause water to shift and disrupt the mirror-like quality of the pool. Your design professional will take this into account when determining the best spot for your water feature.
4. Water Source for Your Reflecting Pond
Plan for a reliable water source and an efficient system to manage water levels. Most of today’s water features are self-contained, so you may not need to connect your reflecting pool directly to a water source, but ask your water feature designer during the consultation process. Consider the use of pumps, filtration systems, and drainage to maintain clean and clear water, preventing stagnation and algae growth.
5. Reflecting Pool Building Materials
As previously discussed, you’ll want to use durable and high-quality materials to build a reflecting pond. They can range in look but should fit into the style of your home and backyard landscaping design. Materials like concrete, stone, or metal not only ensure your reflecting pond will last but also enhance its overall appearance.
6. Maintenance Requirements
Reflecting pools require regular maintenance to keep the water clear and the surface pristine. Consider how much time and effort you want to spend doing upkeep as you choose how large you want your water feature to be. You’ll also want to plan for any seasonal maintenance like occasional cleaning and treatment to prevent issues like algae buildup or winterizing it for the colder months.
7. Safety Considerations
When designing your reflecting pool, make sure to consider any potential safety hazards to you or your guests. This may mean adding other features like lighting or additional landscaping to create a barrier around your pond.
Inspiration for Building a Reflecting Pond
Choosing to build a reflecting pond in your backyard will transform your outdoor space into a serene and visually stunning oasis. Reflecting ponds come in various designs, each offering unique aesthetic and functional benefits. Need a little help getting the creative juices flowing for your design idea?
Here are a few inspiring ideas to consider when planning your backyard reflecting pond:
- Modern, minimalist design
- Naturalistic reflecting pond
- Courtyard oasis
- Japanese zen garden
1. Modern Minimalist Design
A sleek, rectangular reflecting pond with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic complements contemporary landscaping. They also make for relatively minimal upkeep, making them ideal for those wanting low-maintenance water features.
Consider using materials like concrete or dark stone for the pool’s edges, and place it near architectural elements or sculptures to create a sophisticated focal point.
2. Naturalistic Reflecting Pond
For a more organic look, you might build a reflecting pond using natural stones and a gently curving shape. These are great for any kind of landscaping, practically blending into the surroundings for a lovely visual dynamic.
Surround it with lush greenery like ornamental grasses and flowering plants to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape and create a tranquil retreat.
3. Courtyard Oasis
To create an enclosed, private courtyard feeling, build a reflecting pond in the center of your space, possibly as part of a patio or outdoor living area. For an even more elegant feel, you could have your reflecting pool placed between symmetrical garden pathways with seating areas around.
This kind of water feature design enhances the symmetry of your outdoor space and provides a peaceful, meditative environment for relaxation or a central hub for conversation.
4. Japanese Zen Garden
Reflecting pools may also make great Japanese garden water features for a zen space in your backyard. Surround your reflecting pond with other elements of a Japanese garden like small walking paths, a bridge, or stone lanterns to create a sense of tranquility and harmony. Materials like bamboo bring about an authentic Zen atmosphere so you can relax, meditate, or entertain.
These inspirational examples showcase the versatility and beauty of having a reflecting pool in your backyard. Whether you prefer a modern, naturalistic, private, or zen design, a reflecting pond will give you the outdoor space you’ve always wanted.
Ready to start planning your reflecting pool? Take a look at the NVS Project Planner to start designing and budgeting for your water feature. Save the plans or submit them to us and one of our water feature professionals will be in touch to bring your vision to life.
