Adding a water feature to an outdoor living space transforms it into a tranquil retreat filled with the soothing sounds of nature. With warm weather just around the corner, it’s time to start planning the perfect water feature. Here’s how you can create stunning water features this summer in York, PA, with the help of our masonry supply.
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Types of Water Features
First, decide on the type of water feature you want. Take design cues from the home and existing hardscapes, and decide whether you want stillness, movement or both.
Still water features include fish ponds, reflecting pools, and water gardens.
A fish pond is any water feature that can sustain fish, such as koi or goldfish. While ponds are considered to be still-water, fish add color in motion beneath the surface. Use masonry walls to integrate a fish pond into the hardscape; for example, surround a third of the pond with masonry walls, and leave the remaining two-thirds naturally edged with boulders and plants.
Reflecting ponds are focal points, usually with geometric shapes and surrounded by a walking surface. They are near landscape features that reflect in the water. They can be at ground level or raised. The walls of a raised reflecting pool should be as tranquil as the pool itself, so choose smooth-textured finishes that contribute to the serenity of the space.
Water gardens are filled with vibrant aquatic plant life. This type of water feature brings the lushness of nature to the landscape. As with fish ponds, these can incorporate a masonry wall for a cohesive feel.
Moving water features are various types of fountains and waterfalls. The endless dancing movement of water creates a tranquil meditative space. Waterfalls and fountains add sound, motion, and even a refreshing mist to the landscape.
Ornamental pools feature a central spouting or bubbling fountain for a combination of movement and stillness. Use concrete pavers and pool coping around the ornamental pool, either just wide enough to walk around or spacious enough for a masonry bench.
Waterfalls can fit into any size backyard, and there are virtually endless design options that include masonry walls and ledges, natural boulders, river rock, and plant life. They can be rustic and naturalistic, sleek, ultramodern, and anything in between.
Sheer waterfalls showcase a broad sheet of water that cascades outward from a masonry wall.
Water pots are metal, ceramic or concrete pots with a bubbling center fountain. Large water pots sit on the ground and are surrounded by flagstone, concrete pavers, tile, or decorative rock. A smaller water pot brings water to eye level when it sits on a masonry pillar. Water pots add color and texture, as well as the sound of bubbling water.
Water walls are impressive vertical water features where water flows over the surface with an effect much like when heavy rain cascades down a window. Water walls can be as tall as two stories, or just a few feet tall. They can be smooth for a nearly silent sheet-like cascading effect, or textured for more dynamic water flow and sound. Water walls make extraordinary privacy walls and give an outdoor living space a luxurious spa feel. Masonry wall units can be used to construct both the face and the structure of a water wall.
Don’t Forget Lighting!
Don’t let sunset diminish the enjoyment of a beautiful water feature. Professional water feature lighting transforms a water feature into a nighttime work of art and offers an opportunity to customize the mood with colored LED lights.
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