Beautiful Award-Winning Pool Photos from NESPA

Get Inspired with Award-Winning Pool Photos from APSP

If chilly weather has you wishing for summer, now is the time to start collecting ideas for your own backyard swimming pool. Will this year be the year you become a proud pool owner? Or maybe you plan to renovate your existing pool… or makeover your entire backyard into an at-home resort.

If you are looking for beautiful swimming pool photos and ideas to design your own backyard resort and outdoor living space, check out the winners of The International Awards of Excellence presented by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). Every year, APSP honors talented pool builders and pool designers for their amazing projects and water features.

 

Click through the entire gallery of award-winning swimming pool photos, waterfalls, water features, spas, stone decks, and more. Choose your favorites to inspire your own backyard pool design or outdoor living space. See pool photos >>

 

"Photo courtesy of APSP; Naturescapes, Overland Park, Kansas (Natural Setting, Silver)

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

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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As winter draws near, it’s important to prepare your backyard pond or water garden for the cold weather ahead. Follow these guidelines for winterizing your pond to keep your fish and water plants healthy during the cold winter months.

Clean and Cover - Decaying leaves and plants produce gases that are harmful to the fish and the pond’s ecosystem if left in the water.

• Use a net or vacuum pond cleaner to remove any fallen leaves and dead foliage that has entered the pond.
• Cut back dead leaves and branches from surrounding pond plants so that they do not hang over the pond.
• Cover the entire pond with netting to prevent additional leaves and debris from falling into the pond.

(Note: Once all the leaves have fallen, clean and remove the pond netting before the snow arrives. Snow and ice can accumulate on the netting and cause it to collapse.)


Change the Water - Perform a 30- to 50-percent water change before the water temperature drops below 60 degrees F to remove contaminants and help maintain pleasant water conditions throughout the winter.

• Use a de-chlorinator and neutralizer to remove chlorine in the tap water when adding it to the pond since chlorine and chloramines are poisonous to fish.
• Make sure there is no more than a five-degree difference in the temperature of the pond water and the water from the hose as a severe change in temperature is stressful for fish and can cause disease.
• Add pond salt (one pound per 100 gallons) to help fish restore their slime coat and boost their immune system.
• Add cold water bacteria to reduce buildup, keep the water quality healthy for the fish, and condition the pond for startup in the spring.
• Test the water and O2 level to make sure everything is in good balance.

Modify Fish Feeding - As water temperatures plummet, fish metabolism slows down and they require less food.

• Start feeding your fish food with a wheat germ base when the water temperature drops to 60 degrees F. (Wheat germ is easier for the fish to digest at low temperatures than protein.)
• As the temperature continues to dip below 60 degrees, feed your fish only two or three times a week.
• Stop feeding your fish altogether once the water temperature reaches an average of 45 degrees F. (Fish are no longer able to digest food at this temperature.)

(Note: In order to overwinter fish, the deepest part of your pond must be below the local freezing line.)
Check with your nearest pet store for additional information on keeping your fish safe over winter.


Protect Your Plants - Fall is the perfect time to divide and repot your water plants because the mild temperatures give the plants time to heal their root systems before the chilly weather arrives.

• Remove or bring tropical plants inside when the daily temperature drops below 60 degrees F. Many tropical plants can overwinter indoors with a large container of water and bright light. Floating plants, such as water hyacinth and water lettuce, should be discarded.
• When temperatures reach 50 degrees F and before the first hard freeze, trim winter hardy plants (such as water lily and lotus) and then lower to the bottom of the pond.
• Cut back marginal and bog plants and submerge them below the freezing line.
• In very cold climates, such as the northeast, insulate bog plants with straw or commercial insulation material.

Close Up the Pond - Depending on the climate in your region, you may or may not need to shut down your pond equipment in the winter.

• If you live in an area with warm or mild winters, you can keep your pond pump running to prevent the pond surface from freezing. (Note: You will need to monitor the water level and stay aware of ice formations and weather changes so that water does not freeze in the pipes.)
• In colder climates, shut down and remove the pump, filter, and UV sterilizers when the temperature drops below 40 degrees F.
• Drain water out of the plumbing to prevent standing water from freezing and expanding, which can crack the pipes.
• Clean all of the equipment according to manufacturers’ directions.
• Store the filter and UV sterilizer in a warm, dry place.
• Keep submersible pumps in a bucket of water to prevent the seals from drying out and place in a frost-free location.


Install Winter Equipment - If you have fish, you need to oxygenate the water and keep an opening in the ice so that toxic gases do not get trapped and kill the fish.

• Place a small air pump or bubbler on the top shelf of the pond. The agitation from the pump will provide oxygen and help keep a hole in the ice when the pond’s surface starts to freeze.
• Add a floating pond heater or de-icer if you experience temperatures below 10 degrees F for extensive periods as a small air pump will not be enough to maintain an opening in extremely cold temperatures.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Never try to physically break the ice if your pond freezes over. The shock waves can seriously damage or kill the fish. Instead, place a pot of hot water on the ice to gently melt a hole.

Photos courtesy of Aquascape, Inc. www.aquascapeinc.com