Thinking About a Backyard Water Feature? 7 Design Tips Before You Start

Thinking about adding a backyard water feature but not sure where to start?

Whether it’s a bubbling fountain, pondless waterfall, or custom-built design, the right water feature can elevate your landscape with sound, movement, and a resort-like feel.

Before you make your choice, here are 7 essential things to consider — from placement and sound level to materials, maintenance, and cost — so you can enjoy every splash without second-guessing your decision.

1. Decide How Much Sound You Want from Your Water Feature

The best thing about a backyard water feature is the blissful sound of moving water. 

How loud do you want it to be? A soft gurgle? Vibrant splashing? The more tiers your fountain has, the more splashing you’ll hear as the water cascades from one level to the next. 

You can also increase the sound by adding a larger pump that creates a more forceful flow. 

2. Add an Auto Fill System to Prevent Evaporation Damage

Our Central Florida heat causes the water in your backyard water feature to evaporate, and that can happen pretty quickly. 

If your fountain water level gets too low, the pump burns up because it’s running without water flowing through it. 

Unless you want to stand next to your backyard water feature holding a hose all day (better yet, make one of your kids do it) you’ll want auto fill on your fountain.

An auto fill feature senses when the water level in your fountain gets too low and automatically fills it up from your home water line or irrigation system.

Just when you thought that delightful sound of cascading water was the most magical feature in your landscaping, you realize nope — it’s actually the auto fill. 

3. Consider a Pondless Waterfall for a Low-Maintenance Option

Looking for a water feature for your backyard that will wow everybody who sees it? Of course you are.

Pondless waterfalls are pretty cool. You get the beauty and sound of an enchanting waterfall but no pesky pond to clog with debris or breed mosquitoes.

The waterfall recirculates into a basin of water that stays tucked underground. 

Brace yourself, though — they’re pricey. A large pondless waterfall can cost least $25,000 in Florida.

What the heck? 

Blame the stone. We’re in Florida, which isn’t exactly famous for natural stone. Stone has to be shipped from northern states, and shipping is crazy expensive. It’s by weight. Stone is heavy. It all adds up.

4. Use Plants and Surroundings to Highlight Your Water Feature

Don’t let your fantastic fountain stand alone. Surround it with lush landscaping that makes the whole area a must-see focal point. 

Add tall plants behind your backyard water feature as a leafy backdrop and bright low-growing flowers in front to attract attention.

Choose your surrounding plants based on the color of your fountain. Blue or green pottery is extra popular these days. While a large split leaf philodendron looks striking behind a blue pottery fountain, it would just disappear behind a green one. 

Think bright blooms like hibiscus or firebush as a brilliant backdrop, and colorful annuals in front. 

Add a charming bench nearby — you’ll want every opportunity to linger near your backyard water feature and soak up the soothing vibes. Aaaaaah. You might want an outdoor bed, too. 

5. Choose the Best Location for Your Fountain or Waterfall

Hmmmm, where to install your backyard water feature? Absolutely give this some thought. 

You want it close enough to your outdoor seating area to enjoy the sound. A landscape designer is a big help when it comes to making the most of your new water feature. 

We strategically installed a stunning fountain so the homeowners can enjoy it from their main patio, and also pass by it on a stepping stone stroll that leads to a nearby pergola with a swing. Double duty! 

Fountains are also elegant landscape statements installed in the center of a welcoming circle driveway. Guests enjoy the sound and beauty as soon as they step out of their car, and it’s a high-end hello to anyone who drives past your home. People will start calling your place “that house with the pretty fountain out front,” which sounds kind of fancy. 

6. Explore Custom Water Feature Designs and Materials

Looking for a water feature for your backyard can be overwhelming. The challenge will be choosing one from the hundreds available.

Glazed ceramic? Cast stone? Stacked slate? Leaping dolphins? A low, subtle basin? An elegant tower? Shaped like a tree? Embedded with pebbles? Egyptian urn? Is this exhausting or is it just us? 

Maybe you want something truly unique— unlike anything on the market. Custom fountains to the rescue. Landscape design services in Sarasota can help you create your own custom backyard water feature perfect for your space and taste. 

How about a unique fountain crafted from a chunk of oolite? Intrigued? Think we’re making up words? 

Oolite is a type of coral stone that’s great for beach-inspired architecture. It has layers of seashells, coral, and oceanic life fossilized into rock. 

Its intriguing texture actually looks like coral, formed by thousands of years of mineral deposits, oceanic movement, and pressure. 

It’s an automatic conversation piece. If you need conversation. Everybody might just be listening to the captivating splashing of your fabulous fountain.

Can’t decide between two fountain set-ups? We once created a unique backyard water feature putting two fountain kits together. 

The options are really limitless. 

7. Keep Your Water Feature Clean with Simple Monthly Maintenance

Worried about the upkeep? The good news is that most backyard water features are easier to maintain than you might think.

To keep yours running smoothly:

• Remove leaves, petals, and other debris regularly so the pump doesn’t clog or burn out

• Drop in a small piece of a chlorine tablet once a month to prevent algae buildup

• Check water levels occasionally — especially during hot Sarasota months — and consider an auto-fill feature for added convenience

With just a little monthly attention, your fountain or waterfall will stay clean, clear, and stress-free — exactly how your outdoor space should feel.

Ready to Add a Water Feature to Your Backyard Oasis?

A custom backyard water feature adds movement, sound, and serenity to your outdoor space — whether it’s a bubbling fountain, dramatic pondless waterfall, or one-of-a-kind design.

At Tropical Gardens Landscape, we create water features that are as functional as they are beautiful — then surround them with lush Florida landscaping for a seamless, resort-like feel.

Let’s bring your backyard to life. Call us or fill out our form today to schedule your Sarasota landscape design consultation.