By now you may be familiar with water features and how they can transform your yard. You may also have looked into the spicy, swanky look that fire features can add to your space. Have you thought about the possibilities of combining the two, though? Today, we’re exploring backyard water features with fire: how they work, why they’re so amazing, and how they can take your backyard waterscape design to the next level!
What Are Backyard Water Features With Fire?
You’re probably wondering how water and fire can go together in one installation, right? Everyone loves the calming sounds of trickling water as they enjoy their new backyard water feature, but what if you could also add the flickering sensation of fire to the mix, as well?
Backyard water features with fire have exploded in popularity (pardon the pun) in recent years. Their unique designs can make for an incredible space to enjoy solo or give you the ultimate backyard entertaining spot. Don’t stop at impressing your guests (and yourself, let’s be honest) with a beautiful water feature when you can add the razzle-dazzle of backyard water features with fire!
As the name suggests, backyard water features with fire are a combination of both types of hardscaping installations. Fed from independent water feature and fire feature systems, these combination installations give the best of both worlds.
Whether you want a fire water fountain or a pondless waterfall with fire elements at the top, we’ll be able to tell you what will work for your yard to give you the finished look you desire.
How Do Backyard Water Features With Fire Work?
As you might expect, backyard water features with fire have a unique setup that allows them to deliver both elements in a single installation. If you’re unfamiliar with how water features work, they’re most often made up of three main components: a water feature pump, tubing, and a reservoir. Backyard water features with fire contain the same basic setup for the water element.
What about the fire feature element, however? Fire and water features can operate using propane tanks or natural gas lines. They are often packaged with gas hoses for connecting to natural gas lines as well as propane tank regulators for those who prefer that option. While both are viable, there are pros and cons to each.
For example, if you’re connecting the fire element of your backyard water features with fire to a propane tank, you’ll want to conceal it nicely to not detract from your overall waterscape design. Conversely, natural gas lines mean your installation must stay where it is instead of being able to be moved if you redesign your space down the line.
The next part of understanding how backyard water features with fire work is learning how to ignite the fire element. While the water element turns on and off like any typical business or residential water feature installation, there are different ignition types for the fire. There are two primary ignition types for backyard water features with fire:
- Manual ignition
- Automatic ignition
Manual ignition fire elements require the use of a match or other device to start the flame. While these aren’t super uncommon, they’re much less convenient than automatic ignitions. Automatic ignition fire elements may have a push button ignition or a traditional on/off switch, depending on the product used. Automatic ignition backyard water features with fire make turning on your installation super easy so you can sit back and enjoy!
Can I Add Fire to an Existing Backyard Water Feature?
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what backyard water features with fire work are and how they work, what about adding fire elements to existing water features? The answer to that question is: it depends. Some water features are able to be retrofitted with fire feature kits while others may need to have a backyard water feature with fire added to the existing installation for the full effect. Asking a water features installation professional is the best idea, as we’ll be able to tell you exactly what your options are and how best to implement them.Backyard water features with fire are a great way to add some flair to your space. The combination of the soothing elements of trickling water and the spicy, mesmerizing effects of fire work together to create a unique setting for your backyard. Work with a water features installation professional to design your perfect backyard water features with fire and be the envy of Saratoga, NY and the Capital Region!