Adding a water feature can help transform your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis.

After all, what’s more soothing than fresh air and the soothing sounds of flowing water?

Check out our favorite ideas below, from koi ponds to solar-powered water fountains.

A backyard pond with a water feature and teak walkway

Emily J Followill

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Plants like acers, pachysandra, azaleas, and ferns enhance the Japanese-inspired garden.

The combination of these two elements creates a striking contrast in the sleek backyard design.

A DIY backyard water feature

@acreswildgardendesign/ Instagram

Matching Water Features

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

Two matching water features flank a pathway in this tranquil backyard.

Potted tropical plants add greenery to the space.

The contrast adds interest to this backyard pathway.

A stone wall with a water feature

@barongwa_projects_co/ Instagram

This backyard features a retaining wall with three spouts that flow into the pool.

The gas fire feature is a cozy addition and heats up the pool for night swims during chilly nights.

A Water Fountain and a View

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

A large home with a water fountain trio at the entrance

Charbonneau Interiors

This will make you feel as though you’re swimming in a natural lagoon.

This lily pad pond helps bring the deck space and green space in this backyard together.

Lilies pads help keep the pond clean while oxygenating the water.

A modern backyard pool with a lounge area

Charbonneau Interiors

Natural Water Feature

Look to your surroundings to create a one-of-a-kind water feature.

This backyard features a long, narrow pond that’s part of aretaining wall.

It’s a small, easy addition that really adds to this quaint backyard.

An outdoor dining area with a wall mounted water feature

Design byEmily Henderson/ Styled by Emily Bowser / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp and Veronica Crawford

Add lily pads and other plants to complete the look.

Outdoor Dining Experience

What’s better than dining outside surrounded by fresh air?

Unexpected Water Feature

Marty Baldwin

Any corner or nook will work for a water feature.

A cottage style home exterior with a lush front garden

Design byEmily Henderson/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Water Spout Additions

Beth Singer

Flowing water helps keep existing water features clean and oxygenated.

It’ll be something you’ll enjoy for years to come.

This one allows water to cascade between two metal bodies for a modern, clean look.

A modern pool with a fire and water feature

Design West

This intricate limestone water feature is surrounded by boxwoods and perennials to create a welcoming entrance.

Select items you want to incorporate based on your personal style.

You’ll want to keep it in view and be able to hear the flowing water.

A copper water feature

Design by@jamesdoyledesignassociates/ Photo by@allegraanderson/ Instagram

Also consider its proximity to a power source and consider safety if you have pets or small children.

Koi pond with ornamental fish swimming with small waterfall surrounded by rocks

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

A Japanese style garden with a water feature

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

A backyard pool with a water feature wall

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

A modern pool with a stone water feature

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

A backyard with an in-ground water feature

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

Stock tank pool fountain in a back yard

Ryann Ford

A large backyard with a bowl water feature

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

A Mediterranean style home with a large water fountain

Marie Flanigan Interiors

A backyard with a rustic style water feature

Design byMindy Gayer/ Photo by Vanessa Lentine

A backyard with a view and a sitting area

@S.U.S.A.P./ Instagram

A vertical plant wall with a water feature

@michael.bernier.design/ Instagram

White flower beds by a swimming pool

Ali Harper / Stocksy

plunge pool with fire element

Kate Marker Interiors

Waterfall in rock garden in back yard

John Granen

Brophy interiors pool

Brophy Interiors

backyard fountain ideas

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

A backyard pool with a water feature

Design West

Natural stone hot tub deck with fountain

The Spruce / Ed Gohlich

Stone fountain and waterfall against landscaped wall

Jean Allsopp

Round concrete fountain with floating lily pads

Buff Strickland

Raised lily pond on back porch NO REUSE

The Spruce

Back yard with fountains pouring into pool

Emily J Followill

Long narrow stone-lined back yard pond

The Spruce

Water garden in yard NO REUSE

The Spruce

Country garden with stone fountain

Ed Gohlich

Waterfall into lily pond in yard

The Spruce

Pergola in yard with waterfall leading into pool

The Spruce

Small waterfall in rock garden

Marty Baldwin

Campy island-themed hot tub deck

The Spruce

Pond with double bubbler in back yard

Beth Singer

Formal garden with in ground bubbling fountain

The Spruce

Cascading waterfall leading into stream in rock garden

Mike Jensen

Extravagant rock garden with pond and waterfall

Mike Jensen

An infinity water feature

@outdoordesignuk/ Instagram

A grand water feature in a lush garden

Design by@fromthegrounduplandscape/ Photo by@jeniferbakerstudio/ Instagram

A backyard water feature with a copper pond

@parkerandcoop/ Instagram