17 Spa-Like Water Features for Your Landscape in 2025
Spa Pool
A spa pool is a shallow part of a larger swimming pool that may be designed to appear separate from the main body of water. We love that this water feature ups the versatility of a normal swimming pool—the shallower depth is perfect for just dipping a toe in. This serene spa pool is located just outside of a Cortney Bishop–designed home in Charleston.
Tour the Entire Home
“Natural” Swimming Pool
Outdoor Shower
Shishi-Odoshi
This Japanese water feature translates to “deer-frightening” because it does just that: It scares away wildlife with the sound of water. While you’ll love the ambience it provides, it’ll helpfully keep plant-eating menaces like deer and rabbits at bay.
Outdoor Tub
An outdoor tub is the ultimate place to relax. This water feature is probably one you would only use occasionally (when the weather is perfect), but with the right design, it can transform your backyard into a resort spa.
Regular Swimming Pool
This water feature may be a somewhat obvious choice, but how can you go wrong with a swimming pool? You’ll be able to take a dip in it at any time for a mental reset, and if you have kids, it’ll keep them occupied for hours on end. You can also outfit it any way you want, from picking the tiles you desire to playing around with the shape.
Related Story: You Can Deduct a New Swimming Pool From Your Taxes—Here’s How
Statue Fountain
Bring some European flair into your backyard design scheme with a statue fountain. Depending on its size, you could nestle it in among your flowers or make it a statement piece right at the center of your outdoor space. There are many different design options you can take, from cute cherubs to Greek-inspired goddesses, so it simply depends on the vibe you’re going for.
Water Wall
A water wall is a feature that’s perfect for minimalists. Simple yet chic, you can watch water flowing down the exterior and have a meditative moment.
Bird Bath
If you love the idea of having a gorgeous water feature in your backyard but don’t want to hook up a fountain pump, look no further: A bird bath is a low-key option that you’ll only have to replace with clean water about every two to four days. It’ll help attract feathered friends to your space, too.
Koi Pond
This one is for the truly dedicated, but the finished product is well worth it. Koi ponds provide hours of entertainment watching fish swim around. These water features are vibrant conversation-starters, and you can even add different plant options to them, like water lilies and begonias, for a more varied feel.
Bubbling Fountain
Bubbling fountains are great water features for those with tiny yards. You can choose a small one in any material or shape that suits your space and enjoy the soothing sound anytime you want.
Stream
If you are lucky enough to already have a stream flowing through your backyard, make it more of a focal point by keeping the landscaping and plant life around it clean and well-maintained.
Waterfall
If your backyard has sloped or uneven features, a waterfall is a great way to use that to your advantage. Adding some natural stones or plants will help draw attention to it and make it look like a part of the natural landscape.
Related Story: 21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks, Stone, and Mulch
Water Walkway
Instead of leapfrogging from one end of your pool to the other, construct a water walkway for a seamless path. Even if it’s more for looks than anything else, it’ll bring a unique, whimsical vibe to a pond or fountain.
Wishing Well
If you’re a fan of rustic, country-cottage–inspired styles, you really can’t go wrong with a wishing well. It lends a certain storybook charm to an outdoor area—and it doesn’t have to be functional! You might even use this structure to cover up a feature of your backyard that you don’t like.
Related Story: 22 Cottage-Style Homes That’ll Transport You to the English Countryside
Wall Fountain
Wall fountains are a much bolder statement for a backyard than a statue or bubbling fountain since they usually tend to be much more dramatic in size and structure. By using high-quality materials like granite or marble, you’ll be able to bring an upscale feel to your backyard with ease.
Stone Pond
A small, standalone pond is an easy way to bring nature into your backyard, especially if you’re not ready to commit to a massive water feature just yet. You can even do this yourself with a simple home kit, and in time, you’ll be able to see your pond become a thriving water ecosystem in its own right. And who knows? By that time, you might just be ready to add a waterfall or fountain into the mix.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
link
:strip_icc()/CaptureOneSession26871-37b594f7af7c4b9fbd1bda21fb96900a.jpg "Try The Modern Prairie Style of Interior Design")
