There are so many ways to use water within your garden. This includes decorative features and practical water features. From swimming pools to sprinklers, here are 10 different examples of water features to consider.
Swimming pool
Although expensive to install and difficult to maintain, a swimming pool can be a fun and luxurious feature to have in your garden. Swimming pools aren’t as common in UK homes as they are abroad due to our climate. However, there is always the option of a heated pool to encourage year-round use. There are many different styles of pool to explore including in-ground and above ground pools. Consider which style is best for your garden.
Plunge pool
Plunge pools are pools that are too small to swim in. They are simply for relaxing and cooling off on a hot summer’s day. If you’ve got a small garden, a plunge pool could be more practical. Like swimming pools, plunge pools can come in many different styles from in-ground pools to above-ground tubs.
Paddling pool
If you’ve got kids, a paddling pool is a must have feature. Paddling pools are typically small and inflatable. However, there’s nothing to stop you building a large in-ground shallow pool in your garden.
Hot tub
When you need to relax after a long hard day, a hot tub is certain to do the trick. Hot tubs can be enjoyed all year round. There are many types of hot tub that you can choose from. Inflatable hot tubs are the cheapest and most basic option, while in-ground swim spas are the most expensive and luxurious option.
Pond
Ponds can make great decorative features. You can keep pet fish in them, plus they are likely to attract all kinds of wildlife from frogs to dragonflies. A pond can be as small or as large as you desire. If you want to keep fish in it, it needs to be at least 2ft deep.
Fountain
Fountains are stylish water features that are often incorporated into ponds to help with water circulation. Of course, fountains don’t have to be kept in ponds and can also be enjoyed as standalone decorative features. Many modern fountains are powered by solar panels so that they don’t cost money in electricity bills or batteries. There are many different styles of fountain that you can explore online.
Waterfall
Like fountains, waterfalls are often incorporated into ponds too in order to help with water circulation. However, you can also buy freestanding waterfall sculptures. It’s also possible to create waterfalls using rainwater in your garden – such features are sometimes used as a stylish form of drainage in sloped gardens.
Birdbath
If you want to attract birds into your garden, a birdbath is one way to do this. These are shallow dishes full of water that are often placed near bird feeders. Birdbaths can come in a few different styles from copper dishes to stone basins.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers are typically used to help keep lawns hydrated during hot periods of low rainfall. They can also be used to water other plants. Automated sprinklers can be triggered to come on at certain times during the day so that your garden is always watered.
Rainwater barrel
Rainwater barrels are used to harvest rainwater. This rainwater can be used for gardening purposes to save money on your water bill. You can place rainwater barrels anywhere in your garden that is convenient for you, however they are typically placed near buildings, catching water that runs off the roof.