Build a Low-Maintenance Water Feature in Melbourne

Adding a water feature is a great way to bring extra appeal to your garden. If you're unsure of what to do with a little extra space in your yard or love the peaceful sounds of moving water, you might like to build a waterfall, pond, or fountain. There are lots of different modern water features to choose from.

In this article, we explore how to build your very own water feature in Melbourne.

Different types of water features

Aquascape Australia stocks a wide variety of modern water features to suit a range of different space sizes and aesthetic preferences. You can choose from a simple ecosystem pond, tranquil waterfall, flowing stream, or exciting bubbling fountain.

Ponds

A pond is a great way to bring life and colour to your garden. We stock a large range of pond kits for building your own in-ground ecosystem and recreation ponds.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are ideal for outdoor areas that don't necessarily have a lot of ground space. This is because waterfalls can be placed in small spaces, working instead with vertical space.

Streams

Streams fit well into narrow spots that aren't able to house wider water features. Exotic or native plants can be incorporated into the design to add colour and greenery to the stream.

Decorative fountains

We stock many different fiberstone decorative water fountains. These water featuresare perfect for areas that are low on space and for people after a particularly low-maintenance feature.

Tools needed for building a water feature

The tools you will need for building your low-maintenance water feature will vary depending on the type of water feature you choose to bring into your garden.

Building a pond

If you're building an in-ground pond, you'll need tools to remove the ground. This might include a shovel, rake, and mattock to excavate the area and prepare the soil. You'll also need a level to make sure your pond is sitting flat, a tape measure to get the correct dimensions, and a soil tamper to compact the dirt.

As for the construction of the pond itself, you'll need a liner, underlayment, fittings, and sealant. The liner is the waterproof material that will make up the actual pond, while the underlayment is a layer of geotextile fabric that goes between the liner and the soil to protect it from punctures. The sealant is used to keep watertight joints between the components of the pond. You'll also likely need to purchase a marker, chalk, or spray paint to mark out important areas.

Building a waterfall or stream

A waterfall or stream will generally require similar tools to those used for building an in-ground pond. This can include underlayment, liner, fittings, soil tamper, sealant, a tape measure, shovel, mattock, and something for marking the ground.

Building a patio pond or decorative fountain

When building a patio pond or decorative water fountain, you'll likely require fewer tools than when constructing larger designs. These water featurestend to be very easy to install. For a patio pond, you may not need any tools at all.

When placing a decorative fountain, you'll likely require a shovel for moving soil, a soil tamper, and potentially fountain shims for helping ensure the feature is level. You may also need tools to connect the fountain to a water supply, and to install the pump.

How to build a water feature

Similar to the tools needed, the steps to follow for building a water featurewill differ depending on the type of water feature you choose to install. In this blog, we'll briefly explain the steps required to install a low-maintenance decorative fiberstone water feature in your garden.

Step 1: Decide on the fountain you want and where to place it

The first step is to choose the type of fiberstone fountain you wish to have in your garden. At Aquascape Australia, we stock urns, spheres, and wall designs. At this time you should also decide where you'd like your water feature to go. These fiberstone features can be placed as a standalone design, grouped together with other features, or incorporated into larger pond designs.

Step 2: Mark the area and dig the hole

Once you have decided on a location, use a marker, chalk, or spray paint to mark out the dimensions of your feature. You will then need to dig a hole for the basin. This hole should be dug around an inch deeper than the basin's height. Be sure to remove any large rocks or roots from the area before digging. When you're finished digging, compact the soil.

Step 3: Set and level the basin

Carefully set the basin in the hole and use a level to ensure it is sitting flat.

Step 4: Connect the plumbing

Place the fountain hose into your fountain's hole and place the fountain on the basin. The hose should also be fed into the basin. Position your fountain pump within the basin and connect it up the plumbing hose. You may like to use fountain shims to ensure the water feature is level.

Step 5: Add lighting, rocks, decorative gravel

If you wish to create a feature that can also be seen at night, you'll likely want to add lighting to your fountain. During this stage you can also add decorative gravel and rocks to the area surrounding your water feature. This can help to conceal the basin.

Step 6: Fill the basin and turn on the pump

Using a garden hose, fill your basin with water. Once filled, plug in your pump and turn it on. This should make the water flow through your water feature as intended. If you haven't cleaned the gravel first, the water might be murky, but don't worry, it should clear up in a few days.

Step 7: Add plants

Finally, it's time to decorate your water feature by surrounding it with plants. Add your favourite plants to the surrounding space to create a stunning, natural-looking water feature design.

Need a hand building or installing your water feature in Melbourne? Connect with a local Certified Aquascape Contractor for assistance.