What Is A Pondless Water Feature And Is It Right For Your Garden?

If you love the idea of adding the calming sound of flowing water to your own garden but don't want the hassle of maintaining a full pond, a pondless water feature might be exactly what you need. For those not in the know, 'pondless' refers to a water feature that offers all the same beauty and ambiance as a traditional pond but without the tedious upkeep of sitting water. Most pondless designs utilize hidden underground reservoirs with pumps to continuously circulate water, allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without much of the associated upkeep.

Examples of these features include bubbling rocks, tiered waterfalls, and striking fountain designs such as rain curtains. You can even DIY a garden fountain on a budget to save money, or an old teapot could become a rustic outdoor water feature. A number of homeowners are drawn to pondless water features simply because they require less maintenance than your bog-standard pond, though there are a number of subjective pros and cons to consider before making the leap yourself. Luckily, we've got you covered with a look into pondless technology and a few quick facts that should help you decide if these functional decorations are right for you.

At a glance, it would seem that the positive elements of a pondless water feature are obvious. No stagnant open body of water means that you won't be wrestling with algae or breeding mosquitoes or worrying about small children or animals falling in when nobody's looking. You could even turn your birdbath into a fountain to banish pesky mosquitoes. They're also a great option for those with limited space who don't have room for a full pond.

There's also the financial element to consider. Many standard pondless fountains are advertised to offer an energy saving low-flow output. Even still, more elaborate designs with custom waterfalls and streambeds can rack up costs, both through the purchase of the initial materials and by constantly running pumps. You should also carefully consider the placement of your water fixture, as a pondless element will require relatively close access to power and water. 

Of course, these garden features are not perfect for every homeowner. If you're interested in keeping fish or other aquatic creatures in your backyard, you'll certainly need to stick with the tried and true pond. Likewise, you may find that the bubbling rocks offer a less natural aesthetic than the gently-flowing stream offered by an authentic pond. Ultimately, the decision will be left to you and your family, as the many benefits of a pondless fixture may not necessarily outweigh the detriments in your specific case.

Once you've got your mind made up and you're ready to dive into the world of pondless features, there are still a few practical factors to take into consideration. Before purchasing your materials or hiring a contractor to build an elaborate waterfall, consider exactly where you'd like to place your structure. If your dream location is far from your home or utility lines, it may be more difficult to hook up the necessary electricity and flowing water. Likewise, you may need to build your feature on a portion of your yard with an even surface or mild incline as opposed to a steep hilly terrain, which could complicate how your water flows. Seasonal maintenance should also be considered, since those in colder climates may need to winterize their pondless water features like you would a swimming pool.

Lastly, be sure to consult any relevant HOA guidelines, safety codes, or lease regulations if you're renting. Anything involving electrical and plumbing work is subject to stringent guidelines from homeowners or city ordinances, so it's worth triple checking all of your bases before entering into a costly project which may be in danger of getting shut down. Of course, most of these prophylactic measures apply primarily to large, elaborate water systems. If you're trying to build a simple flowing rain curtain or similar store-bought feature, you'll have less to worry about. No matter what kind of water feature you're constructing, you'll surely find that the project is a delightful way to bring beauty, motion, and tranquility into your garden.