10 Best Small Water Feature Ideas

Key Points to Remember

Lately, outdoor living has become increasingly popular. Especially in warm weather, you might enjoy cookouts, pool parties, or simply relaxing on your patio while watching the sunset. You probably know someone with a pool or garden, if you don't have one yourself. If you're looking for ways to improve your outdoor area this year, adding a small water feature could be the perfect solution.

A small water feature can take various forms, such as a fountain, waterfall, rock pond, or birdbath. It can incorporate flowing or still water to elevate your outdoor space.

Small water features are a great way to add a unique touch to your space without breaking the bank. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for both you and your guests.

Keep reading for more ideas on small water features that you can easily create right in your own backyard.

10: Water Fountains

There are a variety of outdoor water fountains available, so it’s essential to research which one will best suit your space.

Fountains come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be placed on walls or incorporated into waterfalls, and can feature decorative elements. Fountains may be spherical, tiered, or designed in other styles. Additionally, they are crafted from various materials such as copper, cement, brass, and stainless steel.

Fountains can serve as a beautiful accent for your garden, yard, or patio. You can even place them within an outdoor pond. Keep in mind that bigger isn't always better—fountains should complement your space rather than dominate it.

9: Miniature Ponds

The first step in choosing a location for your miniature pond is to evaluate the area's weather. You want to ensure the pond doesn't receive too much sun or shade. Ideally, the pond should get 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day to maintain clear, algae-free water. This is especially important if you're adding fish or tropical plants, as excessive sunlight or shade can harm them. Finding a balanced spot is crucial. Also, avoid placing the pond in an area where runoff rainwater could introduce debris that may disrupt the pond's ecosystem [source: Gardening Know How].

Next, you'll need to determine the size of your pond. It should be at least 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide (61 cm deep and 91 cm wide), though you can adjust the width based on your preferences and available space.

When digging your pond, consider creating a shelf along the edges for planting vegetation. Once that’s done, line the area with heavy-duty waterproof plastic, then fill it with water. Alternatively, you can sink large tubs or containers into the ground to create the pond, which is a simpler option than digging a hole—just be sure to properly line the inside of the container. You might also want to add aeration to the water to prevent the buildup of bugs.

Some great plant options for your pond include lilies, pickerelweed, and zebra rush. Do some research to find the best plants for your pond's environment. If you'd like to add goldfish, you can easily find them at your local pet store.

8: Birdbaths

Birdbaths are a fantastic way to add character to your space. They also provide entertainment, as you'll likely see robins, blue jays, thrushes, and other birds that prefer birdbaths to feeders.

While you can purchase standard birdbaths, there are many other options to consider. Heated birdbaths are ideal for winter, as they prevent the water from freezing. A small electrical connection runs to the pedestal of the birdbath to keep the water just above freezing, without warming it up. You can also enhance your birdbath by adding a misting fountain, which attracts more birds; hummingbirds, for example, enjoy flying through water mist [source: Wild Bird Watching].

When choosing a birdbath, prioritize the safety of the birds. Opt for a birdbath with gently sloping walls and a non-slip surface. Ensure the water depth does not exceed 3 inches (76 millimeters) to avoid the risk of drowning for smaller birds. You can place rocks at the bottom to shallow the water and help the birds easily enter. Remember to change the water every other day to keep it fresh and clean; never use chemicals.

7: Japanese Water Gardens

In line with Buddhist traditions, Japanese water gardens create peaceful environments that encourage contemplation and reflection.

To create a tranquil ambiance, ensure your Japanese water garden remains quiet. Avoid loud, rushing water and noisy surroundings. The sound of the water should be gentle and calming as it flows, or even remain still if that’s your preference.

Don't forget to add plants and rocks to your garden for extra appeal. A balanced mix of greenery and stones will provide the finishing touches your garden needs. Bamboo and bonsai trees are common choices, but feel free to include any plants you prefer. Rocks can also enhance the garden and often serve as the foundation for the water feature itself. The key is to maintain ample space between the plants and rocks, as Japanese water gardens emphasize the importance of space.

6: Rock Ponds/Rock Gardens

Rock ponds incorporate various sizes, shapes, and colors of rocks and boulders to enhance a space. The calming effect of water flowing over these rocks highlights the pond’s beauty. You can also plant flowers that thrive in rugged environments around the rock garden.

You can choose between natural or artificial rocks, depending on your preference. Artificial rocks are often easier to manage due to their lighter weight, which makes them simpler to position in your pond. However, natural rocks can crack over time due to constant exposure to water. Despite this, natural rocks offer a more authentic look and can make your garden feel more genuine [source: Vic Hannans Landscape Materials].

You can also introduce plant life into your rock pond, transforming it into a rock garden that complements your space and enhances its natural appeal. As with other types of gardens, it’s important to consider your garden’s layout and the sun/shade conditions to determine which plants will thrive in your pond. According to Gardenguides.com, "Start by placing rocks in the lowest, front section of the garden and gradually work upwards. Ensure that each rock is anchored by shoveling enough soil around it, sometimes burying half or more of each rock." After positioning the rocks, allow the soil to settle for a few days, then reassess the layout and make any necessary adjustments before adding plants [source: Gardenguides.com].

5: Bubbling Containers

One of the most space-efficient backyard water features is a bubbling container. You can choose almost any size pot, add a pump and a fountain, and voilà — the calming sound of bubbling water is yours. Ideally, your decorative container should have a hole at the bottom to allow the pump's cord to pass through discreetly. If it doesn't, simply drill a hole yourself or let the cord protrude from the back, hiding it with some greenery.

When selecting a location for your container, try to place it in a corner or other area near an outlet. This way, you can avoid using an extension cord, which can easily become unplugged and create more clutter to hide. If you live in an area with mosquitoes, you might want to place two or three goldfish in the container, as they will eat the larvae.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing with bubbling containers. For example, you could buy three pots of different heights and arrange them in an attractive cluster. Alternatively, submerge the containers entirely in the ground, creating the illusion that water is bubbling up from an underground spring.

4: Water Basins

Similar to both waterfalls and birdbaths, water basins are ornamental bowls designed to catch water flowing or dripping from a spout. Once the basin fills up, the water overflows, typically onto decorative rocks that conceal a buried reservoir. The water is then pumped back from the reservoir into the spout to be recirculated. Basins can be crafted from many different materials, such as hand-hammered copper, stone, aluminum, or wood. The spouts, too, can be made from a variety of materials, such as bamboo for an Asian-inspired aesthetic, or other metals.

Water basins are deeply rooted in Japanese garden traditions. For instance, Chozubachi basins are placed near garden gates, equipped with a ladle, allowing visitors to drink or splash some cool water on their face as a gesture of forgiveness. Tsukubai basins, on the other hand, lack ladles and are positioned low to the ground, requiring visitors to bend down to access the water as a sign of reverence, signaling that one is entering a sacred space within the garden.

3: Spas

If you have the budget and space available, a spa pool could be the ideal addition. Start by installing a small pool or whirlpool, then enhance it with a water feature at one end — like a flowing waterfall fountain or spouts that shoot water in elegant arches. This project serves multiple purposes: relaxation, visual appeal, and soothing sounds. To fully enjoy this investment, it’s important to place the waterfall or water spouts in a visually pleasing, peaceful area where you can admire and hear them even when you're outside the pool, while also enjoying a serene and beautiful atmosphere when you're in or near the water.

2: Waterfalls

Waterfalls come in a variety of sizes and designs, offering limitless possibilities for your garden. To narrow it down, there are generally two types: waterfalls with ponds beneath them and those without. Traditionally, homeowners seeking waterfalls would add ponds to their yard, then top them with a decorative waterfall feature — often a small stream cascading over rocks. These ponds are often complemented by lush plants and vibrant fish. While this setup is beautiful, it can be costly and require regular upkeep, which led to the creation of pondless waterfalls as a simpler, less maintenance-heavy alternative.

Pondless waterfalls feature water that flows over rocks or a stone wall and onto a bed of decorative gravel. This gravel hides a retaining basin that collects the water, along with a pump that sends it back to the top of the waterfall. These waterfalls are perfect for people who may not have room or interest in a pond but still want the aesthetic and soothing sounds of a waterfall.

1: Stairway Water Features

A truly unique water feature can be built directly into your stairs. This design combines elements of both a waterfall and a fountain. The process starts with a discreet waterfall or spout at the top or middle of your staircase or a paved pathway, possibly nestled within a boulder on a shallow basin. This basin is linked to a small reservoir at the base of the stairs by a channel that runs down the walkway or stairs. When activated, water flows from the spout, cascades down the stairs, and into the basin below, only to be pumped back up to the top. This creative feature not only introduces the calming sounds of water into your home but also offers a surprising and delightful experience for your guests [source: HGTV].