Help! I Bought a Home with a Water Feature – Now What?
When we first toured our new home, I remember being swept away by the charm of the backyard. It had mature trees, a cozy patio, and tucked into the corner... a water feature. At first glance, it was gorgeous—natural stone, a trickle of water still flowing despite a clear lack of maintenance, and just enough mystery to make it feel like a hidden oasis. But once the moving boxes were unpacked and I had a moment to breathe, I stood in front of it with one big question:
“What am I supposed to do with this thing?”
If you’ve recently moved into a property with a water feature—whether it’s a pond, a waterfall, or a bubbling fountain—you’re not alone. It’s surprisingly common for new homeowners to inherit water features that they know little (or nothing) about. And while they can be an incredible addition to your outdoor space, they also come with their own unique set of responsibilities and opportunities.
Here’s what I’ve learned—and what I wish I knew from the start.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
First things first, take a good look at what you’re working with. Is it a pond with fish? A pondless waterfall? A decorative fountain? Something that used to be one of those but now just looks like a pile of rocks with weeds growing out of it?
Look for:
Signs of leaks or standing water
Whether the pump is working (or even present)
How the electrical is run (you might need a GFCI outlet if it’s not up to code)
Plant life that may have overtaken the area
Smells (yeah, you’ll know if there’s a problem)
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, that’s totally okay. Water features come in all shapes and sizes, and identifying what you have is half the battle. That’s something we can help with—just send us a few photos and we’ll let you know what kind of feature you’ve got and what it likely needs.
Step 2: Decide What You Want From It
Once you know what’s there, the next step is to decide what you want it to be.
Do you love the sound of running water and want to keep it going?
Are you looking for a low-maintenance solution?
Want to turn it into something completely different (like a planting bed or fire pit area)?
Or are you dreaming of making it the centerpiece of your yard with lighting, landscaping, and maybe even koi?
You don’t have to make this decision alone. Our team has worked with dozens of homeowners who inherited water features, and we can help you weigh your options based on your vision, budget, and time commitment.
Step 3: Consider Repairs or Restoration
In many cases, an existing water feature can be brought back to life with some restoration work. That might mean:
Replacing the pump
Rebuilding the waterfall or re-stacking loose rocks
Adding filtration or skimming systems
Re-sealing the liner or addressing leaks
Cleaning out sludge and overgrowth
Even if you think it’s beyond saving, you'd be surprised what can be done. We've turned neglected ponds into stunning backyard showpieces—and it’s often more affordable than you think.
If you’re not sure where to begin, this is a great time to reach out to us for an inspection. We can tell you exactly what’s needed and whether it’s worth saving or starting fresh.
Step 4: Think Long-Term Maintenance
One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of owning a water feature is maintaining it. It’s not just a one-and-done project. But with the right setup and support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Some common maintenance needs include:
Cleaning the pump and filter
Managing algae growth
Checking water levels
Winterizing (super important in places with freezing temps)
Spring clean-outs
If that sounds like a lot—don’t worry. We offer seasonal water feature maintenance packages that take care of everything for you. You get to enjoy the beauty and sound of water without ever having to dig around in the muck.
Step 5: Make It Yours
Once your water feature is up and running, the fun part really begins—making it your own.
Add lighting for an evening glow. Plant around it to create a naturalistic feel or a tropical vibe. Incorporate seating or stepping stones. Attract wildlife or add goldfish. This is where a water feature truly becomes an extension of your home.
Whether you want a Zen garden retreat, a nature-inspired play area, or just a peaceful space to unwind after work, we’re here to help bring that vision to life.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
I can’t tell you how relieved I was when I finally called in a pro to look at my inherited waterfall. What felt like a daunting mystery turned into an exciting project. They explained what was salvageable, what could be upgraded, and what it would take to make it something I loved—not just lived with.
If you’re in the same boat—staring out at a water feature you didn’t ask for and unsure what to do next—that’s exactly why we’re here.
We offer:
On-site assessments and consultations
Restoration and redesign services
Custom water feature upgrades
Year-round maintenance
Complete removals or transformations if that’s what you need
We’re a local, experienced team that truly loves creating and caring for outdoor water features. Whether it’s a small fountain or a full-blown backyard oasis, we treat every project with care and creativity.
Let’s Talk About Your Backyard
If you’ve recently moved into a home with a water feature, don’t stress—celebrate it. With a little help, that overgrown pond or silent waterfall can become one of your favorite parts of the property.
Ready to get started? Reach out to us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you figure out what you’ve got, what’s possible, and what it’ll take to turn it into something amazing.
Call, text, or send us a few pictures—we’d love to help you fall in love with your water feature.
Got a water feature mystery in your yard? Let us take a look and help you make the most of it.
[Contact Us Here] or call [Phone Number] to schedule your consultation.
