So you’ve decided to take the plunge and add a water feature installation to your outdoor space, but which one do you want? That’s where we come in! There are a few main types of water features to choose from, and our team of experts is here to help you determine which one is right for you.

Today, we’re looking at different types of water features to see their pros and cons. With this guide, you’ll be able to decide which water feature is right for you and your family so the NVS Waterscapes team can bring your dream to life.

Choosing the Right Types of Water Features

Like any home improvement project, choosing the right types of water features for your outdoor space can feel daunting. You want to make sure your investment gives you the exact look you’re going for and fits into your lifestyle.

To help you out, we’ve put together our guide to different types of water features. We examine the ins and outs of:

• Ponds
• Waterfall features
• Pondless waterfalls
• Backyard fountains

Ponds

Pros: Customizable, variety of sizes, offers a natural look with surrounding landscaping

Cons: Requires more maintenance, may be a safety hazard for children/pets, slightly higher cost

Kicking off our exploration of different types of water features are ponds. Some of the most visually stunning water features around, ponds come in many different sizes ranging from smaller ponds to large backyard centerpieces.

Ponds are some of the most customizable types of water features, giving you the exact look you want. We often recommend homeowners go a little larger with a pond than they initially expect, as it’s much easier to have it perfect the first time than to expand a pond to be bigger once it’s installed.

Ponds are also great if you want to add koi fish or other animal life to your water feature. While you don’t have to have an enormous pond to support fish, a minimum backyard koi pond size of 1500 gallons and 3 feet deep is ideal. Backyard koi pond ideas can include ponds with lights, butting up to new patio installations, retaining wall ponds, or even elements to make a Japanese garden water feature.

A backyard pond installation may not be for you if you’re looking for the least amount of maintenance possible. These types of water features are beautiful, but require a little more upkeep to stay in optimal condition. That said, staying on top of keeping it clean and water testing makes these tasks relatively quick work. Additionally, you may need to periodically add more water to your pond if you live in a climate that accelerates evaporation.

For families with smaller children, ponds may pose the added risk of falling in or other safety hazards. If you choose to add a pond to your outdoor space, be sure to consider safety precautions you can take to keep your children safe.

Waterfall Features

Pros: Natural look, low maintenance, adds sound & motion to outdoor spaces, pairs with ponds

Cons: Similar potential safety hazard for children/pets as ponds, requires space for pond

Waterfall features are next up as we explore different types of water features for your home. There are two types of waterfall features, those added to ponds and pondless varieties (more on the latter shortly). These types of water features add sounds, movement, and ambience to your outdoor space, which can transform your backyard and add value to your home.

The addition of a waterfall to a pond really highlights the calming sounds of natural running water. When created using natural materials, your waterfall feature can look just like it naturally sprung from the ground and you landscaped around it. Waterfall features are also great additions to Japanese-inspired zen water gardens.

There is minimal additional maintenance required to keep up waterfall features attached to ponds or basins. The biggest matter of importance is keeping the feature clear of debris so nothing blocks the intake that recirculates water from the pond through the top of the waterfall itself.

Families with children or pets should use the same caution with waterfall features as they do with the adjoining pond. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure you’ve properly winterized your waterfall during the colder months to keep the water feature pump in working condition.

Pondless Waterfalls

Pros: Affordable, adds ambient noise, minimal risk to children/pets, large variety available, little space needed

Cons: Smaller than a pond, have to remove pump for winter and store indoors

These types of water features differ from their traditional waterfall counterparts in that they can be used in a much smaller space and recirculate water without the need for a pond or large basin. Pondless waterfall installations are a favorite amongst homeowners looking for a balance between size, functionality, and budget. While they don’t require a pond to empty into, pondless waterfalls still provide a gentle splash and incredible look that you want.

Pondless waterfalls are available in a wide variety of designs, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit for your aesthetic. They are also typically less expensive to install than pond features with waterfalls, making them a simpler way to enjoy water features regardless of the size of your outdoor space.

These water features flow into a hidden reservoir then recirculate the water to the top in a continuous loop. Not only does this give the illusion of a never-ending waterfall, but it cuts down on operational costs. There is relatively little maintenance required for pondless waterfalls as compared to different types of water features, adding another positive for homeowners wanting to enjoy their benefits without too much upkeep.

It is important to winterize your pondless waterfall feature for the cold months. This prevents damage from happening to your pump or potential cracking of different elements of the feature itself. While you may not be running your pondless waterfall in winter, there are still different ways to make them look festive by adding temporary plants or lights to them so they stand out!

Unlike the potential hazards of ponds, these types of water features pose little-to-no risk for families with children or pets. It’s best to keep your pet from drinking any of the water, but there’s no risk of falling into the reservoir as it’s smaller than a pond and hidden. Furthermore, upkeep for pondless waterfalls mainly consists of ensuring there’s always enough water and keeping it clear of debris like twigs or leaves.

Backyard Fountains

Pros: Variety of styles and sizes, affordable, little maintenance requires, minimal safety hazards

Cons: Smaller than ponds, have to remove pump for winter and store indoors

Last, but not least, we’ve come to backyard water fountain installations. These types of water features are immensely popular for homeowners wanting the beauty of a water feature without larger costs or more upkeep. 

Backyard fountain ideas can create the perfect accent piece for your landscaping or serve as a central focal point for your outdoor space. There are seemingly endless types of fountains to choose from, ranging from the most traditional to chic and modern. There are even water features with fire that add a little spiciness to your outdoor space!

Maintaining a water feature after installation is a concern for many homeowners, but doesn’t need to be on your list for fountains. Keeping your backyard fountain clear of debris and with an appropriate water level is all you really need to do on an ongoing basis throughout its operational months. During the winter months, you can drain the fountain and bring in the pump for safekeeping with little effort.

As far as families with children go, the most likely hazard you may face with a backyard fountain is being splashed! It’s always best to keep children from playing in the fountain water for their safety and to keep the water level steady, but there is minimal risk of anything more serious as compared to ponds.

When it comes to choosing between different types of water features, use this guide to help you determine which is best for you and your family. Ready to start envisioning your water feature? Check out the NVS Waterscapes Project Planner to budget and start your plans! You can save your plans or submit them to us and one of our water feature installation professionals will be in contact.
Different types of water features have different price points. For example, ponds are often more expensive than fountains or pondless waterfalls. To learn more, check out our guide “How Much Does a Water Feature Cost to Install in Upstate NY?”