Fountains

• Water features can be as simple as a fountain. Some fountains contain still water, which will require rinsing and replenishing regularly as algae will form. Other fountains have pumps and circulate the water. These too will require replenishing as water evaporates and will be consumed by birds. And, even though the water is moving, algae can still grow. You can also contract someone to build a more elaborate fountain like those seen in parks and outside of buildings downtown. In this instance, you can have jets of water shooting up. Or have a stone-and-mortar wall in which water falls over in a sheet. Fountains can be designed to produce trickles or to gush.
  
  

Ponds

• Ponds are popular features. They can be designed to house fish or not. Fish will eat the algae and nibble on plants provided in the pond so that in many instances they won't require additional food or care. Ponds are often surrounded by stones and may have a small waterfall built in. Circulating the water in some respect is important if you want to populate the pond with a couple of fish, usually carp. A pond is likely to attract frogs, so you may enjoy their croaking at night. Fish will help keep you from having an overpopulation of frogs as they'll eat many of the tadpoles. Water lilies are popular plants for ponds.
  
  

Pools & Spas

• A water feature doesn't have to be something you look at to enjoy. It can be a swimming pool with beautiful landscape surrounding it. Or it can be a gazebo with a hot tub spa in the middle. The spa can be above ground or flush with the ground, surrounded by wooden planks in a Japanese design.