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Create a Cozy Outdoor Scene with the Perfect Fountain

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There is nothing quite like spending an evening relaxing outside. The fresh air and the soothing breeze take you to a state of mind that could not be accurately described with words alone. Whether you’re reading one of your favorite books, spending quality time with loved ones, or taking an afternoon siesta, it’s always great to get a breath of fresh air. Do you have a place in your home where you can go to escape after a long work week? Create a cozy little space for relaxation in your own backyard. With the right frame, comfortable outdoor furniture, and a soothing water feature, you’ll be ready to transform your space.

Framing Your Space

One of the main elements that will define your cozy outdoor spot is the way you frame it. The main goal when framing a space like this is to create a sense of privacy without completely cutting you off from the outside world. A great choice for this kind of setting is to build a canopy with flowing outdoor curtains. This will allow you to relax in peace and still get those cool breezes. Another great way to accomplish this goal is to line the space with trellises and make a fence of beautiful vining plants. It is a great looking and natural way of setting the boundaries of your space.

Relaxing Outdoor Furniture

Once you’ve decided how you want to frame your space, your next main step is figuring out how to want to fill it. With the goal of having a cozy, relaxing oasis, be sure to opt for furniture that will provide you with maximum comfort. There are a wide range of outdoor sofas and chairs designed specifically for taking it easy. If you want to take it to the next level, get a few hammocks and create a center for relaxation. Find what’s right for you, then take a load off.

Soothing Outdoor Water Features

Installing a beautiful water feature in or around your newly designed space will be the icing on your relaxation cake. You will be able to complete your environment with the perfect fountain, spillway, or waterfall. The steady flowing sounds of the water will create a soothing soundtrack that mitigates unwanted noise and helps to reduce stress. There are a wide range of outdoor water features, and they come in all shapes and sizes. There is sure to be one to fit your space.

Make the most of your backyard, and take advantage of the beautiful days. Creating a cozy space where you can go to relax and enjoy the outdoors is a priceless investment that you will benefit you in many lasting ways. Reduce your stress and take a breath of fresh air. With the right canopy or fence, some comfortable furniture, and a soothing fountain, you’ll have a brand new space before you know it!

Maintaining Your Outdoor Fountain

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Outdoor fountains are loved by people all over the world, and they have been for very many years. The love of fountains has even grown to see fountains in people’s own backyards, creating a beautiful  personal environment. If you have a fountain at your home, you are aware of their many benefits. The beautiful visual, the soothing sounds, and the refreshing feeling are just a few. If you are familiar with these benefits, you may soon be aware of a few consequences if you don’t take proper care of your outdoor fountain. There are a few regular tasks you can do to be sure your fountain is clean and fresh.

Cleaning the Pump

Sometimes, people won’t notice the severity of the buildup in their fountain until it is too late. It is easy to forget that your fountain can begin to experience buildup and clogging before you see it. This is why cleaning your pump is so important. All of the water flows through the pump, and that can begin to take a toll on it. There are many times when the buildup begins there, unseen, and it only gets worse from there. Nip your problems in the bud with a regular cleaning of your fountain pump.

In-Depth Cleaning

Every so often, it would be wise to clean the entire fountain in depth. This may be a little time-consuming, but it is very worth it. You definitely don’t want a buildup of algae, hard water, and white scale in your fountain. To clean your fountain, be sure to turn it off and drain all the water with a pump of wet/dry vacuum. After the pond is off and drained, you’ll want to clean all of the separate pieces, including rinsing off any rocks or stones that may be a part of your fountain set up. Be sure to clean all of the fountain parts in depth, using fountain cleaning chemicals if necessary.

Fountain Chemicals

While there are products available to help you in during the cleaning process, there are also preventative chemicals that you can use for your fountain. There are many choices, and it’s important that you choose the right one. Household cleaners normally just won’t do the trick. Many of the fountain cleaners require that you simply add a small amount to your water supply. Once you do that, the chemicals will flow through all of the pieces of your fountain, keeping bacteria, algae, and hard water at bay.

Your outdoor fountain is the highlight of your outdoor environment. You want to make sure that it is in the best condition possible. A little maintenance is all you need. With regular pump cleaning and deep cleaning, along with the right fountain chemicals, your fountain will be in tip top shape!

Designing a Private and Secluded Outdoor Space

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With all of the distractions and stresses that come along with working, having a family, and just living everyday life, it’s nice to take some time out for yourself every once in a while. Private alone time is more valuable that people realize, and it’s a thing that many people often take for granted. Don’t allow yourself to be one of those people. Be sure that you take time out to relax and center yourself whenever you need a break. A great place to relax is a secluded outdoor environment. Create an environment like this in your own home with a type of fence or wall, the right outdoor furniture, and a soothing fountain or spillway.

Setting Your Boundaries

To create a place of seclusion and privacy, there must be boundaries. There are several options and styles available for you to keep your scene separate from the outside world. You can choose to have a privacy fence installed if you would like to separate your entire yard. If you are looking to create a small location within the confines of your yard, you can choose to install a few trellises around your space and grow vines on them, making them more like walls. You can even use chain link fence, which is fairly inexpensive, and improve the look with vines.

Outdoor Furniture

A necessary component in your outdoor relaxation space is furniture. After all, how else will you truly be able to relax with nothing on which you can relax? With all of the choices out there, it can be hard to narrow it down. A good place to start is by considering how you’ll be spending your time there. If you’ll be sharing your space with loved ones and close friends, you may opt for outdoor seating and a table to accommodate 2-4 people. If you’re going to be spending time there alone in full relaxation mode, you can even consider installing a hammock in your space.

Fountains and Spillways

One of the best things you can do to create a space that is soothing and secluded is by installing a fountain or other water feature. The right water feature will create a relaxing and steady sound with the flowing of the water. This sound is not only relaxing, but it helps to mitigate unwanted noise surrounding to place of privacy. If you live on a busy street, or in an active neighborhood, this can be a definite life-saver. With all of the many styles of fountains, ponds, and spillways, there is sure to be something to fit perfectly in your scene.

Take some time out  for yourself. Many people miss out on valuable lessons that can only be learned when spending time alone in a calm environment. And, sometimes, you just need to get away. Create a space where you can do just that. With the appropriate boundaries, the right outdoor furniture, and a soothing water feature, you can have the perfect secluded and private outdoor area.

Revitalizing a Neglected Yard

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Have you allowed your backyard to become riddled with weeds and grow too far? Perhaps you’ve recently acquired a property with a yard that hasn’t been tended to in some time. Whatever the cause, looking out into that miniature jungle can seem overwhelming. Bringing the life and beauty to an overgrown and neglected yard is a lot of work that requires time and organization. Focusing on one thing at a time will make your work go a lot smoother, and much quicker than you would have expected. Focus first on cleaning and landscaping, then landscape enhancements, like ponds or waterfalls, and finally, plants and gardening.

Clear Your Space

Bringing the life back to a neglected yard can take quite a bit of time, and is definitely not a single afternoon’s work. The first section of your time should be spent ridding the area of any weeds and unwanted growth in the area. Some of the tougher and larger weeds that have been growing for some time now may require the use of various types of gardening tools. Assess your growth to decide which tools you may need. If you aren’t sure, ask a more experienced friend or neighbor, or consult a local hardware professional.

Outdoor Water Features

Once your space is clear and the grass is mowed, you will have a blank slate to build upon. This is where the design process begins. Start by deciding which outdoor style you would prefer, and find a fountain or water feature to fit your scene. A beautiful tiered fountain is a perfect classic touch, while a waterfall or pond complements the beauty of nature, and a sleek spillway accentuates modern style. Be sure to find to perfect place to install your choice; some of these require major changes to your landscape.

Plant Enhancements

After you’ve been able to clear out your space and change the major characteristics of the scene, it’s time to add the final touches with perfectly placed plants and flowers to accent the outdoor scene you’ve created. It is a great way of adding an extra sense of energy to your space. Choose you favorite greenery to frame your water feature, or accent your patio space by growing in planters and urns. If you have more of a green thumb, you can even utilize the space to build your own little vegetable or herb garden. If not, there are lots of low-maintenance plants that require minimal water and attention.

Don’t let the condition of your outdoor space discourage you. Any place can be brought back to life if attention is paid to the right details and you are willing to put in the required work. It just takes a little effort and care. After you’ve cleared your space of weeds and unwanted growth, you can install beautiful water features and grow thriving greenery. Make the most of your outdoor space!

How Indoor Fountains Use Ions to Benefit Your Health

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Indoor water fountains have benefits other than their aesthetic appeal. For starters, fountains have a pleasing sound which relieves stress and aids better sleep. Did you know that an indoor water feature can do even more than that?

An interesting topic that you might not have connected to simple water features is the process of ionization and how it benefits your health.

Our air is comprised of positive and negative ions, and your body responds best to an atmosphere that is slightly more negatively charged. Appliances in your home act to undermine that ideal balance. As ions are negatively and positively charged electric particles, electric appliances and technology naturally have their effect on nearby ions. These devices promote an excess of positive ions. These ions cause lethargy in humans. That might make a lot of sense to you if you find your office job to be very tiring as you sit in front of a computer all day.

Indoor fountains can reverse those effects. Rushing water releases negative ions. Any water that splashes or moves releases these ions. In fact, all natural places with fresh air and organic features are full of negative ions. A water fountain really does simulate the great outdoors in your own home in this way.

Negative ions give you energy, instead of promoting lethargy and depression. When you breathe in a heavy dose of negative ions, your serotonin level rises. Serotonin is a natural chemical in your body that promotes a positive mood and an energy boost.

While being outdoors in unpolluted air is the best way to access a stream of negatively charged ions, an indoor fountain will thwart the imbalance that your technological devices are causing.

An indoor fountain or water panel will add to the ionic purity of whatever space you see fit. If you are in charge, put one in your office, that might be the place where you most need it. Or install one in your own home and reap the most benefits from your water feature.

Cleaning your Pond and Fountain

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Having a pond with a fountain installed on your property is a great way to transform your landscape and maintain a system of life and energy. There is nothing like seeing a grand display of water in the center of your pond, knowing that there is entire ecosystem of fish, plants, and other organisms below. As such a large feature of your landscape, and the home of many animals and plants, it’s extremely important to keep your water healthy. Your pond is a collection of life; there is an abundance of nutrients and bacteria. Both are necessary for proper health; the most important thing to consider is balance. There are a few ways to keep this under control.

Remove the Sticks and Leaves

The main way to keep your water healthy is to simply clean it physically. One of the best things you can do is to skim the organic material out of your water. It is expected for leaves, sticks, and other pieces of natural debris to fall into your water. What people don’t always consider is the effect that this debris has on their water. As it begins to decompose, it releases toxic chemicals, and depletes the supply of oxygen in the water. If you want fresh, clean water, it’s up to you.

Some people look to chemical cleaners for the pond, but it’s important to know that using chemicals to keep your water clean is usually only appropriate for shallow ponds that do not house any animals. For those of us with fish, plants, and other organic life, it’s important to keep the water clean without the use of harsh or toxic chemicals. The best way to stay on top of this is with the process of aeration, which increases the levels of oxygen in the water. That is the purpose that the fountain will serve in your garden.

Aeration

The main type of pond fountain that you will encounter is the floating fountain. It is designed to sit on top of the water, and pull up gallons, shooting them into the air. These are not only useful for the stunning display they create. When the water lands on the surface of the water, gases are released, air and water mix, and the oxygen levels increase.

These are very effective, unless you have a very deep pond. For bodies of water where the floating lake fountain doesn’t provide enough aeration, there are diffused aeration systems. These units, appropriate for depths of eight feet or more, push air down to the floor of your pond, aerating the entire body. The air pressure creates a constant flow of bubbles, a great way to increase the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Like anything that involves the responsibility of preserving life and balance, owning a pond requires attention and care. The addition of a fountain to your pond, along with regular cleaning, will help with the health of your water and all of the organisms that live in it.

Add Life to Your Pond: Plants and Fish

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Installing a pond in your yard or garden area is a great improvement to make to your landscape. It enhances the scenery, and the view and sound is calming and therapeutic. When you have a pond installed on your property, it becomes a responsibility. You must be sure that is stays clean, and that the water is fresh and safe. The maintenance factor is what keeps some people from actually getting a pond they want. But, did you know that adding life to your pond aids the health of your pond? There are several benefits that come along with planting in your pond and adding fish.

Plants

Adding plants to your pond is the perfect place to start. One of the most important factors of cultivating a healthy body of water is a good supply of oxygen. Planting a little greenery will immediately support this need. As plants grow, they produce oxygen, allowing your water to stay clean and healthy. They are also able to create shade in the water, which keeps algae from thriving. Their ability to break down the detritus in water is also very helpful. Combined with the supply of oxygen, you will be able to naturally eliminate waste, naturally decomposing organic material at a healthy speed.

Fish

With plants improving the water quality, it’s time to consider introducing fish to your setting. Not only do fish provide movement and energy that people love to observe, there are actually a number of health benefits. The simple act of the fish swimming around in the water agitates it, keeping the consequences of stagnant water at bay. They also provide carbon dioxide, from which your plants will benefit greatly. With the plants providing oxygen for the fish, and the fish providing carbon dioxide for the plants, they create the perfect cycle.

Koi (Carp)

When you are choosing what type of fish to have in your pond, you will probably want to look at types of carp. The most popular type of pond fish is probably the Koi fish, a type of carp. Carp are a great choice because they thrive in many climates, and are beautiful to observe. Not only will they produce movement and carbon dioxide, but fish will gladly eat the algae in your pond. With fish living in your pond, the frequency of maintenance will drop, while your time spent enjoying your pond will increase substantially.

Adding life to your pond will be a brand new sense of energy and nature to your pond and outdoor space. They will provide a beautiful visual, while producing many factors that benefit the cleanliness and health of the water. Having plants and fish in your pond is a win for everyone.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Water Feature

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We absolutely encourage our customers to consider all the necessary maintenance a water feature requires. Outdoor fountains are subject to the elements of changing seasons and unwanted debris and vegetation. It is essential to understand what is required and how you or your hired help will meet those requirements as often as needed.

There are three main tasks that you will need to address regularly for your fountain to maintain its beauty and function. These are water replenishment, water treating and fountain cleaning. Water replenishment is simple and should be performed almost daily, while fountain cleaning is much more intensive but is only required four times a year at the most.

Water replenishment

Water will naturally evaporate and some will even splash onto the ground. There are two factors which dictate how quickly your fountain will lose water. Firstly, certain fountains hold more water than others, these will not need to be refilled as often. However, fountains that expose a large surface area of the contained water with evaporate that water at a slightly higher rate. Also, the climate has the hugest impact on water evaporating. Naturally, if you are in a humid climate maintenance will be less severe than in an arid zone.

Why is having enough water essential? Firstly the fountain needs plenty of water for the feature to look and sound great. That might be obvious. The other more technical aspect is that the pump needs to be completely submerged in water. If it is not, then the pump will become damaged from sucking in air.

We recommend you replenish the fountain between every day and every other day. The more often you replenish, the better. Less water at one time is the best practice.

Water treatment

Chemically treating the water of your fountain is a great way to combat the elements and fight off unwanted lifeforms in your fountain (algae, etc). We sell these water treatments in our pond product selection. Peruse our catalog and you will be able to find water treatments for your fountain. Directions come with the treatment. Please use these treatments sparingly as they can build up in your fountain if not used correctly.

Seasonal fountain cleaning

Your fountain will need a complete cleaning from two to four times a year. The changing of the seasons is a great time to clean your fountain. While treating the water helps fight unwanted vegetation, your fountain will still be plagued with some unwanted growth that will need to be taken care of. These substances can get into the fountain, basin and pump.

To clean your fountain first cut out the power to the pump and let your fountain sit for a second. Then start removing anything that is building on the outside. Cleaning with soap is fine, or you can use vinegar. Then you will need to clean the pump with a similar method. Lastly, you can clean the inside of the fountain by draining the water and scrubbing the inside.

Water Feature Pros cleans fountains and ponds locally in the Kentuckiana / Greater Louisville Area. Call us and we can set you up with a fountain or pond cleaning.

Build a Beautiful Outdoor Room

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When the spring and summer come around, nobody wants to spend their time cooped inside all day. When the sun is shining and the air is warm, it’s exhilarating to simply be outside breathing the fresh air. When dinner time comes around, many families find themselves eating the meal inside at the dining room table. But, in the summer time, it’s much more pleasing to enjoy your dinner outside. Create a space outside your home where you can enjoy the benefits of fresh air in a comfortable, secluded space. To build the perfect outdoor room, choose a material for a privacy barrier, install outdoor furniture, and accent the space with an outdoor water feature.

Privacy

To begin building your room, you must first choose the space and separate it from the rest of the yard. There are several ways you can go about creating this separation. One way to go is outdoor curtains. You can build or install a gazebo to fit around your space and drape beautiful curtains that will flow gently in the breeze and keep your space cozy and private. Another beautiful choice is a trellis with vining plants. Using a trellis instead of a fence is a great way to instill privacy with a touch of class and style.

Outdoor Furniture

The furniture you choose for your outdoor room is extremely important. It all depends on how you plan on using your space. If it is to be a place of socializing, search for a couple of outdoor couches and extra seating to accommodate all of your guests. If you plan on designing it primarily as an outdoor dining area, then a table set is your clear choice. There are many different styles and sizes of sets, allowing you have a small intimate dinner, or host an entire dinner party.

Outdoor Fountain

To accent and complement the look and feel of your beautiful outdoor scene, you can install a soothing outdoor fountain. It will mitigate undesired noise, and create a sense of serenity in your space. There are a wide range of fountains and water features to choose from. You can pick a classy and elegant tiered fountain to add a classic touch, or maybe a contemporary artistic piece. You can even install a sleek spillway to add a stylish and modern touch. There are so many options, you just have to find the one that fits your style.

Find ways to enjoy as much of the beautiful weather as you can. Building an outdoor extension to your home can help you do just that. An outdoor room is great for hosting, relaxing, dining, and more. With the perfect barriers, outdoor furniture, and fountain, your new space will be the best place in your home.

Enhance the Class and Elegance of your Outdoor Space

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Your home is place that you should certainly take pride in; you’ve spent countless hours earning and developing it. And, your backyard and patio space is where you spend some of your most precious moments. Think of the many garden parties, cookouts, and outdoor celebrations that occur at your home. Be sure that when you are hosting your friends and family, your home reflects your style and class. With the addition of a beautiful stone statue, an outdoor fountain, and some LED light accents, your home will be the most beautiful place in the area.

Display Stone Artwork

One of the best ways you can elevate the level of class in your home is with the addition of artwork. When it comes to exterior design, people often overlook the effect of art, but there are a wide range of options for outdoor sculptures and statues. There are pieces that are designed to be placed in or next to a shallow body of water, and some that create an entire scene on their own. These masterpieces are carved in 360 degrees of stunning detail, and are certain to provide your scene with a fresh sense of style and culture.

Install a Beautiful Fountain

Another great way to accentuate the beauty of your environment is by installing a classic, elegant stone fountain. Picture a beautiful tiered work of art in your own backyard. See the beauty of the water spilling from the finial and cascading over the edges of the piece. It will transform the look of your space, while creating a welcoming and relaxing scene for you and your guests. Everyone will be dazzled by the stunning water show, and your home will take on a brand new look. This type of choice is guaranteed to please.

Install LED Accents

If you would like to take your statues and fountain to the next level, consider the installation of LED light accents. There are kits available that are designed specifically for tiered fountains, and plenty more options for your landscape. Accent your staircase, walls, and garden with the perfect touch of light. It is sure to add a modern and contemporary look to your space that is subtle and very easy on the eyes. There are even options available for color changing lights. With the right set up, you can design your space to fit any mood and occasion.

When the time comes for you to make some decorative changes around your home, be sure to make the right choices. Create a scene that is full of class and elegance, one that reflects the style of you and your family. With the addition of stone statues and sculptures, an elegant tiered fountain, and a few LED light accents, you are sure to transform your home into the ideal space. You and your guests are sure to be pleased.

Create the Ideal Patio Setting

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When old man winter has blown his last frigid breath, there is no better feeling than emerging from hibernation to feel the warmth of the sun. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the warm breezes are calling us to experience it all. Do you have an ideal location in your home to relax and enjoy the beautiful days? Be sure to make the most of your patio space. It will become a location that you will cherish. With the right selection of patio furniture, an assortment of live plants, and a perfectly-placed water feature, you can be certain that your patio is perfect for you and your guests.

Patio Furniture

Finding the right furniture for your patio is a very important process. There are so many styles and options, it can be hard to find exactly what you need. Before going out to make a purchase, begin by predicting how you will be spending most of your outdoor time. Some furniture is better for hosting, some is better for dining, and some is best for relaxation. Next, consider your outdoor climate and which materials are best suited for your area. If rain is very common in your area, you may want to avoid outdoor furniture is cushions and other absorbent materials. Finally, find a set of furniture that fits in your allotted space, and create a scene that fits your setting.

Plants, Planters, and Urns

One major mistake that people encounter when designing their patio scene is allowing the space to remain plain and lifeless. Your outdoor space should reflect the beauty and energy that is found in nature. The installation of a few stone planters is a great way to achieve this effect. They are works of art themselves, and also allow you to display some of your favorite flowers and greenery. The presence of living plants will bring a fresh new energy to your patio space.

Outdoor Water Features

Another great way to maintain a refreshing energy is by installing the right water feature for your home. There are a wide range of options available to you. A classic tiered fountain is perfect for accentuating an elegant and refined style. A sleek spillway is more desirable for some people. It creates a contemporary look with a smooth sheet of water splashing gently into a basin below. Any of your water features can be enhanced with LED lighting to take your scene to the next level. Be sure to choose a piece that reflects the style and feel of you and your home.

You patio space should complement your home; it should be an extension of your interests and personality. Create the perfect scene that caters to exactly how you like to spend your time. With the appropriate patio furniture, the presence of a few lively plants, and the addition of a perfectly placed water feature, your patio space can become an ideal backyard oasis.

Is Your Backyard Ready for Summer?

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Summertime is a great time of year; some may even say it’s the best. The sun is warm and nourishing, while the days are filled with life and activity. During this time of year, people are often drawn outdoors with a natural desire to enjoy the beautiful weather. With picnics, parties, and cookouts, there’s an abundance of fun to be had. Is your home equipped to make the most of these summer days? You’ll want a space where you can fully enjoy this time. With an outdoor dining area, a collection of flowers and greenery, and a beautiful outdoor water feature, your backyard can be the perfect summer hangout.

Outdoor Tables and Seating

Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, grilling is almost necessary when summertime rolls around. With all of the amazing food you’ll be grilling with your friends and family, it’s important to have a place to enjoy your meal. There are lots of different outdoor tables, benches, and seats to choose from. Consider the size of your yard and the amount of people you would expect to host when making a choice on this selection. For instance, if you are into more intimate get togethers, you can get a small stone table with a few seats to match. Find what works for your space.

Plants and Greenery

A great way to enhance the look and feel of your space is by adding a bit of life and energy with a collection of flowers and greenery. The colors and designs will add beauty, while the aroma and energy of the plants improve the environment of your backyard. There are many shapes and sizes of planters, urns, and other containers for you to house your plants. The containers themselves provide a sense of class and elegance to your space, while giving you a place for your beautiful greenery. What seems like a small accent can be a huge improvement.

Outdoor Water Feature

Another huge improvement comes from a more obvious accent. A great way to enhance the style and atmosphere of your backyard is by installing an outdoor water feature. When it comes to outdoor water features, there are plenty of options. From classic or modern statuary fountains to ponds and waterfalls, there is sure to be something to fit perfectly in your space. A backyard water feature will bring a refreshing element to your summertime space. With options for LED lighting, it can serve its purpose throughout the summer days and nights.

Be sure that you take full advantage of those days and nights. Create an outdoor space that is just right for getting what you want out of your summer. You can have a space that your friends and family will absolutely love. With the appropriate seating, some living accents, and an outdoor water feature, you’ll have a summer oasis in no time!