Some of the most commonly requested additions to today's residential landscapes are water features. Homeowners prize water features for their ability to transform their landscapes into their own private respite and personal playground.

Water is one of the most powerful elements in design because it is naturally associated with movement and change, strength and tranquility. Its unique ability to adapt to a variety of scenarios allows for landscape designers to let their imaginations overflow with potential ways to incorporate water in their client's custom design. Whether it is a space for entertaining, a place where which families can relax or a lively backyard playground, water has the power to transform any landscape into endless possibilities.

Because water features are the most commonly requested type of landscape feature, there are many different types to choose from. Pools and spas are at the top of the list due to their versatility in appearance and functionality. There is nothing quite like a large, well-designed body of water reflecting the color of the sky as the sun glints across the surface.

Pools have come full circle in today's landscape. One of the most popular designs for a pool is an infinity edge. This type of pool has a vanishing edge?typically on a slope?that gives the illusion that the water flows right into the horizon. For homeowners short on space or concerned with fitness, lap pools have become more and more popular as backyard requirements, allowing families to commit to a healthier lifestyle without assuming too much space.

Homeowners can now have a choice between different cleaning or sanitizing systems: traditional chlorine or more recently, salt. Salt systems are becoming more and more common and pool automating is considered a standard during construction now. The ability to control jets, temperature, timing and lights all from a central location is also a recent feature that makes the upkeep and special functions of a pool easier to use and more convenient to control. Pool systems can also have a completely seamless integration into home automation systems.

Spas have led the forefront on water features for many years. They can be either permanently built-in or portable, above ground units. The above ground units are commonly called hydrotherapy spas, and are useful for muscle relaxation therapies. Like lap pools, they make a wonderful addition to any landscape limited on space.

The new millennium has brought about a rise in water gardening, making ponds and waterfalls the second most requested type of landscape feature. A symbiotic relationship between good design and environment was created by these landscaping features by allowing designers to apply a more holistic, natural approach to the design elements used and allowing water and nature to work together as one. Soft sounds of water running can add a great deal to a difficult area. Steams, waterfalls and ponds are all synonyms for each other. Some systems require little maintenance while others such as koi ponds become more of a hobby than just an element of design.

The addition of water in your design can be a simple as a precast fountain, an easy addition to any landscape. Fountains can be cost effective and less intimidating for the more calculating homeowner than pools and spas. One cost-effective method of adding fountains to a landscape is through the use of pots. They can easily be converted for fountain use by the addition of piping and a small pump and basin.

More than ever, people are acutely aware of their environment and want to feel part of their surroundings, particularly in their own homes. Water elements, complex or simple, have shown time and time again the ability to bridge the gap between the natural environment and the carefully crafted personal respites.

Through the use of landscape design and architecture, designers have brought the key elements of the natural and the man-made together, allowing for more just than grass and trees in their designs, but a true sense of well being, relaxation and our own Shangri-La-a place to hide, relax and call our own.

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