Patio fountains, water gardens, and patio ponds make a great addition to your outdoor space. They add a beautiful focal point and create a lovely ambiance through the sound of falling water. Choose from a variety of unique fountains and ponds to accent your deck, patio, or backyard.

 

Freestanding Patio Ponds

 

If you love the idea of having a pond, but aren’t ready to handle the installation and maintenance, you may opt for a self-contained patio pond, which also makes a great water feature. One manufacturer offers a variety of freestanding patio ponds. Each patio pond kit is easy to assemble and functions as a completely stand-alone unit. Simply plug into a standard electrical outlet and your pond is ready to go.

 

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This square patio pond blends perfectly into the nicely coordinated seating area of this brick open-air patio. The small fountain in the center keeps the water aerated and functions as a subtle water feature. The classic, clean lines make it an elegant addition to any outdoor setting or sunroom. Once evening strikes, set the mood by turning on the patio fountain’s LED light, available in white or blue.

 

 

 

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This two-tiered patio pond features a sheer-descent waterfall with a spillway that lights up. The (blue or white) LED light and water feature can be turned on independently of one another so you can create the perfect mood. Not only does this unique pond make a great water feature, the upper tier also doubles as a planter! The intricately woven wicker finish allows this sophisticated design to pair with a variety of outdoor furniture designs.

 

 

 

 

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This woven wicker urn would make an attractive planter on its own. But when you add a patio pond kit featuring a fountain and your choice of a blue or white LED light, this unique water feature really comes to life. Add a tall water plant and this self-contained mini pond is both beautiful and easy to maintain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above three photos courtesy of GeoGlobal Partners - PondBoss Manufacturers

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Freestanding Patio Fountains

Stand-alone patio fountains are a simple way to liven up your backyard. Easy to install, all you need is an electrical outlet to plug in the fountain (though some solar-powered fountains are available from various manufacturers). Freestanding patio fountains come in almost every design, size, and material you can imagine. From small tabletop fountains to large multi-tiered stone fountain bowls and vases, you can find just the right water feature to adorn your outdoor space.

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This three-tiered cast stone fountain offers a natural look, blending into any backyard theme. Since it can be placed on a ledge or tabletop, it won’t be hard to find a home for this fountain in your outdoor setting.

 

 

 

 

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This modern cast stone fountain bowl adds both contemporary flair and Zen-like appeal to your garden. The combination of curves and sleek lines creates dimension and generates visual interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This classic cast stone fountain is perfect for the garden and doubles as a birdbath. Adding height and warm natural tones, the fountain becomes a real statement piece without going over the top. Shown here in bronze, this fountain (along with the other two fountains pictured above) is available in a number of patinas so you can find just the right look for your garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above three photos courtesy of Campania International; Photography by Rick Urbanowski

By using a pool cover, you'll not only save money, but also...

Energy – According the U.S. Department of Energy, the largest source of energy loss in a swimming pool is evaporation. Using a pool cover on indoor and outdoor pools reduces evaporation by 30 – 50 percent.

Time – Since a pool cover blocks dirt, leaves, and other debris from getting in the pool, you’ll spend less time skimming, sweeping, and scooping them out.

Equipment – A clean pool reduces the workload on your filter and cleaning system, reducing the need for replacement or costly repairs.

Chemicals – Using a pool cover reduces the use of chemicals by 35 – 60 percent. 

Heat – By keeping your pool covered, you’ll save 50 – 70 percent on pool heating costs.

To find quality pool cover companies recommended by Pool & Spa Outdoor please visit our Pool Covers Buyers’ Guide

By Patti Plummer

In addition to traditional house and pool decks, many properties are suited for the beauty that only hardscaping can provide. Pavers come in a variety of materials, such as concrete, brick, and natural stone, and in a number of colors, shapes, and patterns. Here are a few hardscape paver ideas that may be just the answer to your surfacing needs.


Hardscaping concrete pavers are crafted from cement and an aggregate and are often used for walkways, patios, and pool decks. This material is available in a variety of colors and textures and can be made to look like natural stone. These pavers can be installed with or without mortar.

Hardscaping brick pavers impart an Old World charm. Ideal for heavy-trafficked areas like driveways, patios, and pathways, this porous material is non-slip and can withstand environmental blitzes from the sun, water, and chlorine. 

Hardscaping natural stone pavers are cut from hard-wearing materials like sandstone, limestone, bluestone, marble, slate, and travertine. Long-lasting and weather resistant, these pavers are ideal for many types of outdoor projects. Travertine and bluestone are perfect for pool decks while granite and slate are great for building driveways and other areas that experience a lot of traffic.




Photo courtesy of Multy Home LP

Aquatic plants are incorporated into ponds and water gardens for several reasons. Not only do they add beauty to the surrounding landscape design and create a more natural-looking water feature, but they also play an important role in the ecological balance of a pond. Aquatic plants act as a pond’s filtration system, removing various substances such as ammonia, nitrates, and minerals that algae feed on. They also provide protection, shade, oxygen, and food to fish that live in the pond.

There are four types of pond plants: oxygenating, floating, deep water, and marginal. Adding the different types of pond plants to your water garden will benefit the quality, health and beauty of your pond.

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Oxygenating Pond Plants

Oxygenating pond plants benefit both the water quality and aquatic life. These types of pond plants are placed in the water and use waste provided by fish as fertilizer; in exchange they provide much needed oxygen to the water. However, the plants alone may not be able to provide all that’s necessary for sustaining aquatic life. You may also need to incorporate an aeration device such as a waterfall, bubbler, or fountain to maintain an optimal level of oxygen in the pond.

Oxygenating pond plants also help reduce the growth of algae by competing for nutrients found in the water. Optimally, oxygenating plants should be added to ponds early in the spring before other water plants have a chance to start growing.

Curly Pondweed is an oxygenating plant that has wavy edges which are usually reddish brown or green. These provide good cover for fish to fertilize their eggs. Willow Moss grows slowly but thrives in both shade and sun. Hornwort is great for controlling algae. This type of oxygenating plant sinks to the bottom of the water during winter months, and then grows new stems each spring. They do not have roots so they are very easy to keep under control.

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Floating Pond Plants

Floating plants live on the surface of the pond water and usually cover a large portion of the pond. Their roots hang down into the water. Many of these types of aquatic plants are tropical, but there are some perennials that are able to handle harsh winters. Floating pond plants help inhibit the growth of algae and provide shade.

There are several types of preferred water lilies which float on the water’s surface. The lily blooms are seen above the water. A nice mix of water lilies can add a beautiful touch to the pond. Other popular floating plants include Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth, and Duckweed.

Water Lettuce basically looks like a floating head of lettuce and may grow as a single plant or in a group. The leaves are very thick and light green in color. Its flowers are small and berry-like. Water Hyacinth is free-floating with dark green blade-like leaves. They have thick, fibrous root systems and produce a pleasant light blue or violet flower. Duckweed is a small pond plant with no stem and very small leaves. It produces a dainty little flower that can add a soft touch to the aquatic area of a landscape design.

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Deep Water Pond Plants

This type of plant can be very beneficial to a backyard pond or water garden. Deep water plants help to maintain a well-balanced ecosystem, reduce evaporation, and keep the water at a constant temperature. They also produce oxygen and help keep algae growth to a minimum.

Brazilian Waterweed is a popular deep water plant. It has small leaves that grow along cylindrical stems and is very good at providing oxygen in the water. The Japanese Pond Lily is another deep water plant and has dainty yellow flowers that protrude just above the surface of the water during the summer months. This plant has leaves that grow in two very distinct shapes: one leaf is narrow and oval shaped; the others are heart shaped and wavy.

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Marginal Pond Plants/ Bog Plants

Marginal plants, or bog plants, thrive along the edges, or margins, of a pond or body of water where the water is shallow and the soil is moist. They are grown in containers that are placed inside the pond on shallow shelves, with most of the plant visible above the surface. Like other aquatic plants, bog plants provide filtration and enhance the natural look of a pond or waterfall.

There are many types of marginal pond plants. The Aquatic Iris comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. These beautiful, blossoming flowers bloom in spring and early summer. The colorful blossoms are located at the end of tall stocks, which help hold the flower up high.

Another favorite is the Cattail. Cattails help provide interesting texture and remain green in winter months. Pickerel Weed is a hardy bog plant that has large heart-shaped leaves and long stems with clusters of violet-blue flowers at the top. Its leaves provide good cover for fish.

Water plants will add beauty to your waterscape, as well as complement your overall landscape design. A landscape specialist can help you choose which pond plants will be able to survive in your climate. Many water plants can provide greenery to your pond or water garden all year long.

About the Author: This guest post was written by Doug Byl. Doug Byl is the president of Stout Creek Landscapes, a company that specializes in landscape design in Grand Rapids MI. Doug has many years of experience in doing landscape design and believes that proper backyard landscape design can bring many years of joy to the entire family.

Photos courtesy of East Coast Landscape Design

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A wooden fence offers an attractive border around your backyard while keeping it secure. However, natural wooden fences require ongoing maintenance and upkeep to keep them looking beautiful. Over time, exposure to rain, hail, snow, and extreme heat can cause a wooden fence to deteriorate and become unattractive. Additionally, dirt and mildew can begin to form which causes the wood to turn an unsightly gray color. Follow these steps to refinish your wood fence.

What to know before you begin:

• FOR YOUR SAFETY: When staining your wood fence, always wear goggles and gloves to keep chemicals, stains, and dirt away from your skin and eyes.

• Never try to refinish your wooden fence if there is rain in the forecast for your general area because stain needs time to dry and seal properly.

Choosing a stain and sealant:

• If you live in a wet or humid climate, you may want to buy a wooden fence stain with a quick application to avoid bubbles in the finish. Acrylic resin-based stains are good for longevity, so try and find a quick application version if you can.

• Make sure your wood stain has ultra violet protection to protect the wood from sun and water damage

• Sealant is another important additive that will make your fence last longer. The natural oils and fibers in the wood are leeched out by the sun’s rays unless the proper sealant is applied.

Once you’ve gathered all your materials, follow these steps for refinishing:


1. Use a pressure washer to remove the outermost layer of wood. Dirt and mildew build up on the fence over time, which can rot the structure if left untreated, and eventually cause structural problems. If you haven’t refinished your wooden fence in many years, then you may need to add chemical compounds to thoroughly remove the dirt and mildew. For the worst cases, you can use a sand blaster, but this should be a last resort. Reducing the width of the fence by sandblasting can lead to weakness and collapse. Also, be careful to sandblast the wood fence evenly so that it does not become top-heavy and more susceptible to wind damage. Without sandblasting, the old wood stain is nearly impossible to remove.

2. After cleaning the fence, make sure the wood has ample time to dry. If you stain your fence before the moisture evaporates from the wood, then the aging process will increase drastically. The extra moisture on the wood promotes the growth of mold and mildew while stymieing the absorption of the protective stain.

3. Inspect the fence for splintered or broken fence posts. You can use wood glue and corrosion resistant screws and nails to repair fence posts before staining. For parts that are too worn to patch with wood glue, remove the damaged panel and take it to your local wood supplier to get a replacement. Changing rotted or broken wood panels on your fence will help maintain its firm structure and beauty.

4. After fixing the splinters and broken sections, it’s time to prepare for staining. Cover the ground at the base of the fence with a tarp. This will prevent the chemicals from potentially killing the organic materials nearby. Also, place painter’s tape over the fence’s hardware and accents to avoid exposure to the stain. The stain should only touch the wooden fence panels.

5. Use a manual paint roller to apply the stain. Try to apply an even coat along the entire fence and maintain a perfectly vertical stroke if you can. Take your time! For the nooks and crannies, use a small paintbrush so you can protect every part of the fence. Missing a section could result in extreme decay. Failing to evenly coat the wood fence with stain may result in a multi-colored fence. Portions that are over-stained will be darker in color and give your fence an unappealing look. More importantly, the under-stained portions of the fence will be more susceptible to future damage and will require additional refinishing sooner than others.

Learning how to refinish a wood fence is not a difficult task, but it takes hard work and diligence. Nonetheless, refinishing your wood fence on a regular basis will keep it looking beautiful, so it’s worth it!

This post was written by Dave C. from refinishingfurniture.net. Dave enjoys painting and refinishing and is always looking for ways to save a buck.

By Patti Plummer

Like any new endeavor, planning and building a pool can be exciting—but for many, it is full of unknowns. If you are ready to build your backyard retreat and are wondering where to begin, start here. These 10 pool planning tips will help you put everything into perspective and give you the tools you need to guarantee years of enjoyment.

1. Create a photo book of ideas. Collect photos from a variety of sources to determine the types and styles of pools you love. You can find tons of great photography on websites such as Pinterest, Houzz, PoolSpaOutdoor.com, and LuxuryPools.com. Then share your collection with your prospective pool builder so he or she will have an idea of the direction you’re leaning toward.

2. Establish a swimming pool budget. Early in the process, you should determine how much you are willing to spend on your new swimming pool. Your costs may increase as the planning and building progresses, but know your limit—and be sure to communicate this with your pool builder.

3. Utilize trusted resources. Check out prospective designers and swimming pool builders with organizations like the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org, or see our list of trusted pool builders and pool designers. Also talk to family and friends: referrals are a wonderful resource. Don’t leave this important task to luck.

4. Choose your setting wisely. Remember, natural surroundings, optimum views, soil quality, and privacy issues factor into how and where your pool will be built. Suggest a location, but be willing to change your mind should the contractor recommend a different site.

5. Think about how you will use the pool and how often. Will you swim laps? Will it be for children? Do you wish to entertain during the evening? How you plan to use your pool may mean you’ll want additional options like a heater, pool/landscape lighting, waterslide, etc.

6. Look up local building codes. Your pool builder will help you pull the proper permits, but it is a good idea to know the regulations yourself before you start looking for a pool builder. There may be laws restricting where your pool can be installed in your backyard and how far away it must be from another property or road. Many cities and towns also require a safety fence.

7. Think green. Using eco-friendly equipment will help save on energy and save you money. Also, look into rebates. Depending on where you live, your local government may offer green incentives.

8. Consider maintenance. Think about who will clean the pool and balance the water’s pH. Are you willing to do the labor or will you hire a professional? Your contractor may be able to connect you with a reputable company, or the company may have its own service department. Ask your contractor about control systems to operate pumps and heaters, disperse chemicals, clean debris, and manage the lighting.

9. Don’t overlook insurance. Talk to your agent before you begin to make sure that your pool will be covered by your policy.

10. Keep safe. Create layers of protection to protect children, animals, and other guests around the pool. Look into swimming pool barriers such as safety covers, fencing, and alarms.

Photo courtesy of Aquatic Consultants, Inc./Brian Van Bower; Photography by M. Bouwmeester; Architect: Jasmit Rangr, Rangr Studio, Inc.

Modern landscape design combines colors, lighting, textures and abstract patterns to create an outdoor living space that will exemplify nature’s beauty while complementing contemporary architectural designs. Today’s modern landscaping style is clean, bold and dramatic; a minimalist design. 

A sunroom is a wonderful addition to any home. These versatile rooms offer plenty of natural sunlight and bring the feeling of the outdoors inside. A great space for a variety of activities, a sunroom also gives your home added value.

Take a look at some of the great ways you can use your sunroom.

LOOP-LOC, manufacturer of safety swimming pool covers, pool liners, and removable pool fencing, is proud to introduce Idealcover Enclosures to the U.S. marketplace. These beautiful pool enclosures are designed to provide an elegant look and maximum comfort while prolonging the swim season.

A leader in the European market, The Idealcover Enclosure offers homeowners all the benefits of a traditional swimming pool enclosure, including reduced evaporation and heat loss, reduced chemical usage, and lower maintenance costs, as well as the security of a safety cover.  The panels on the enclosure contain self-locking pins that must be manually lifted on either side of the enclosure before sliding the panels back. The enclosure’s doors can also be locked using a safety lock with a key.

Six standard models are available and range in design from low-profile structures that lie 2 ½ feet above the surface of the pool to taller, full-sized enclosures that accommodate movement and use of space under the entire enclosure. All models can be fully customized to fit exact specifications. In addition, a selection of decorative exterior finishes can be applied to the enclosure’s profiles and barrel segments to perfectly blend with any backyard and landscape.

For a full-color catalog and additional information on Idealcover Enclosures, email maryellen@looploc.com, or call 800-562-5667.

Outdoor lighting enhances your backyard’s ambiance, improves the functionality of your space, and ensures that the perimeter of your pool and the rest of your backyard remain safe for family and guests to walk around.

Take a look at these 5 great ideas for improving outdoor lighting around your home.

The Grilling Area: Outdoor Grill Lights

Task lighting is essential for gauging cooking times. The best option to go with is a flexible grill light designed to be weather-resistant. You can even find battery-powered models if you are short on outdoor electrical outlets. In terms of installation types, you will find a variety of options:

• Clip-on grill lights are the most portable, but tend to be the least sturdy.

• Clamp-on grill lights are typically more durable than clip-on light fixtures because the clamp screws right onto your grill shelf. screws on easily to your grill shelf, so the light fixture can be moved relatively without problems.

• Fixed-mount grill lights are other option that are installed on your grill permanently. The fixed-mount installation is the most seamless, with the light fixture directly affixed to the top of your grill shelf.

Photos courtesy of Kichler Lighting

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The Dining Area: Outdoor Hanging Lights

When it comes to outdoor lighting for dining areas, soft, intimate lighting helps set the scene for relaxed dinners with family and friends that extend into the evening—and a little light goes a long way. You can scatter candles across the table, arrange a few battery-operated outdoor lanterns, or hang an outdoor candelabra. Remember to use drip catchers (also called bobeches) for any suspended candles.

Photo courtesy of Kichler Lighting

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The Stairs: Outdoor Step Lights

 

Recessed lighting on stairs adds both safety and style to stairways. These light fixtures are easy to install and come in a variety of designs and colors to match the style of your outdoor space. Color-changing LED step light kits are one option. You can control the mode of these lights using a remote control. For a party atmosphere, you might want to set the step lights to bright, fast-changing colors. On a quiet night, you can create a calming vibe with a slow display of more subdued colors.

Photo courtesy of Trex Company

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The Deck/Railings: Outdoor Deck Post Lights

 

Creating an outline with string lights or rope lights is a classic option. You can also install lights on the deck’s post caps and railing. Another option to consider is light fixtures with “photocells,” which will enable automatic turn-on at dusk and turn-off at dawn. Photocells are sensors that detect light. When the sun goes down, they will sense that light levels are declining and signal for the light fixture to turn on. Photocells are often incorporated into solar lights, but they are also available in battery-powered and hardwired lights.

Photos courtesy of Kichler Lighting

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The Patio Surface: Recessed Lighting

 

Did you know that many recessed lighting kits for stairs can also be installed right into the flooring of decks or patios? Believe it or not, it’s a relatively easy weekend project, and a unique alternative to conventional landscape lighting.

To install recessed lighting, you will first wire the lights together and connect them to an LED driver that will power the lighting system. Once they are wired, you will drill small one- inch holes in the deck or patio and simply push the lights in—they will be secured automatically with spring clips.

Photos courtesy of Kichler Lighting

About the Author: Emily Widle is a blogger for Pegasus Lighting, an online retailer that sells a wide selection of outdoor step lights for the home, among other unique lighting products.