For a city surrounded by water, residents often feel they have limited access to this resource that offers a respite from the summer heat and a relaxing environment for reflection and relaxation. Many homeowners are turning to outdoor water features as a way to be closer to the sights and sounds of clean running water and experience the benefits it offers. For some, pools provide that oft-desired access, and for those with smaller outdoor spaces, something as simple as a fountain can make a dramatic impact. This season, we’ve turned to local experts to find out what goes into adding a water feature and how to maximize its benefits.
What are the pros to adding a fountain? Perhaps most obvious is beauty. From traditional stone sculptures to the inherently reflective nature of shimmering water, fountains give an aesthetic boost to a home garden.
“A fountain can be a focal point that connects the interior of a house visually to the outside garden, and it extends the dimension of the home living space while providing sounds that can be soothing and help block out unwanted outdoor noises,” says Mullin landscape architect Peter Lignieres.
Studies show that being near water promotes mental health and happiness. There’s a reason why healthcare facilities and bustling shopping and office centers invest in fountains — the soothing sounds decrease stress levels, providing both physical and emotional relief. Splashes of water are said to produce negative ions, and while your fountain won’t have the power of a rushing natural waterfall, it’s thought that the ions can enhance mood and have other positive effects.
According to Earl Hardouin, owner of Paradise Pools and Spas, watching moving water promotes happiness by drawing the mind away from its own scheduled mindset. Flowing water’s meditative nature can increase mindfulness and presence in the moment. At The Plant Gallery, owner Kenny Rabalais Jr. adds that fountains and features can also attract beautiful wildlife to your garden such as birds and butterflies.
Once you’ve decided to add a fountain and determined it will be safe for kids and small animals, our experts recommend getting started by considering the style of your home. Peruse the many traditional, natural and modern fountain styles to decide what’s right for you.
“The first thing to consider is size,” says Rabalais. “The size of your space is relevant to the size of the fountain. We love for our clients to come in with pictures of their yard so that we can help place and pick out the design and size of the fountain.”
Another consideration is location. At Mullin, Lignieres recommends choosing a location that provides focus or connection to its immediate surroundings.
“The location could be in the garden of a patio at a prominent location, at its center or in a discrete hidden location to be discovered,” he says. “The fountain can also be placed within view of a window or large glass door for viewing from a room or even across the house from the front door as you enter.”
You’ll also need to determine the type of unit you want and your budget. Are you looking for a self-contained unit or are you adding to an existing pool? At Paradise Pools, Hardouin says that features start in the modest hundreds but can easily climb into the thousands depending on complexity.
Built-in fountains require construction, a water source and electricity, and prebuilt, self-sustained units can be purchased at a nursery or from a catalog and require only electricity for the water pumps.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about purchasing a fountain is the idea that you need a water source,” says Rabalais. Many fountains that recycle water only require a plug and can be run from an outdoor commercial extension cord.
Regarding maintenance, Rabalais recommends placing your fountain away from trees that shed significant leaves. Lignieres offers that you’ll need to keep enough water in the fountain for it to work, keep the water clean by using chlorine or other products, and possibly empty the fountain in winter to prevent freeze damage.
“Adding to an existing pool makes maintenance easier because it often ties into the existing filtration and sanitization of the pool,” adds Hardouin. Whichever route you take, consider that water treatment and debris removal will be a necessary part of keeping your source of relaxation from becoming a headache.
