Water Features to Install Instead of a Pool

Almost every homeowner in the Phoenix area has at least thought of installing a pool at one point or another. With swimming season extending almost year-round, it’s easy to see how a pool could be a worthwhile investment for your home and family.

That said, pools aren’t for everyone. They require a lot of upfront cost, along with maintenance and upkeep expenses. Plus, they present a significant safety hazard for many families. 

The good news is that even if you aren’t quite ready to “dive” into building a pool yet, there are still several ways to bring water into your backyard landscaping. Here are a few of our favorites.

Splash pad

A favorite for families with young children, splash pads offer all the fun of a pool, without the high costs, maintenance hassles, and safety issues. Backyard splash pads have come a long way, with many options and features available for every interest and price range. There are even features adults will love, like in-ground lighting that turns your splash pad into a nighttime fountain that brings a little ambience to your yard. 

Fountain

Speaking of fountains, sometimes there’s nothing better than a simple fountain when it comes to adding some water to your yard. As fountains are available in a wide variety of designs and styles, you can find something to fit in just about any yard you can imagine. Whether you choose something simple and freestanding or ornate and built in, you can count on finding a perfect option to bring the relaxing sights and sounds of water to your yard.

Pond

If you want to add water to your yard in a more natural way, look into adding a pond. A small backyard pond can be filled with unique aquatic plants, colorful stones, or even fish! This is a cost-effective way to bring the great outdoors a little closer to home. 

(Note: while it might be tempting to complete a project like this yourself, we highly recommend working with a professional landscape design company, as well as professional installers, when putting in your pond. This will ensure that everything is done properly so that your pond will look and function exactly as you want it to.)

Misters

While not necessarily an aesthetic addition to your backyard, a misting system is an excellent (and efficient) way to use water to cool things down during those hot summer months when you might wish you had a pool. Even a light mist can help you feel cooler so you can enjoy your yard year-round. Again, we highly recommend working with professionals to plan and install your misting system properly. 

You don’t have to build a pool to create an oasis in the desert. Instead, add in one of these low-key, low-cost features and start enjoying the sights and sounds of water, right in your own backyard.

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