When looking to add a water feature to your yard or garden, one of the main considerations is how much maintenance it will require. While all water features require some level of regular care and upkeep, some are definitely easier to maintain than others. In this article, we’ll explore different types of backyard water features and look at which options tend to be the most low-maintenance and hassle-free.
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Above-Ground Pools
For many homeowners, an above-ground swimming pool seems like an easy way to add a water feature to the backyard. However, most above-ground pools actually require quite a bit of maintenance and upkeep. Here are some of the regular maintenance tasks required for above-ground pools:
- Testing and adjusting chemical levels – Chlorine, pH, and other chemicals need to be checked and balanced several times per week. This requires water testing kits and regular purchases of pool chemicals.
- Cleaning the pool – Debris and leaves need to be skimmed from the pool frequently. The pool walls and floor also need to be brushed and vacuumed regularly.
- Cleaning the filter – Above-ground pool pumps have filters that get clogged with debris and need to be rinsed clean on a weekly basis.
- Shocking the water – Shocking with chlorine or other chemicals needs to be done periodically to kill algae and bacteria.
In addition to weekly and monthly maintenance, above-ground pools have larger seasonal maintenance needs as well:
- Opening the pool in spring – After winterizing, pools need to be cleaned, filters needs to be re-installed, and chemicals balanced before opening again.
- Closing the pool for winter – Pools need to be winterized with draining, chemicals, safety covers, etc. to avoid damage over the winter.
- Replacing filters, pumps, and parts – Pools components wear out over time and need to be repaired or replaced.
While pools can be fun recreational additions, the weekly and seasonal maintenance requirements make them relatively high-maintenance compared to other water features.
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs provide a relaxing and therapeutic way to enjoy a water feature in your backyard. However, hot tubs also require quite a bit of regular maintenance and care. Here are some of the routine maintenance needs of hot tubs:
- Testing and adjusting water chemistry – Hot tub water needs to be tested 2-3 times per week to ensure proper pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
- Cleaning filters – Filters need to be cleaned weekly to remove debris, oils, and minerals.
- Shocking the tub – Shocking helps destroy organic compounds and bacteria buildup.
- Cleaning the surfaces – Hot tub walls and seating areas need to scrubbed to prevent biofilm buildup.
- Treating the cover – Cleaning and conditioning the cover helps prevent mold and mildew.
- Cleaning intake valves – Intake and jet valves need to be cleaned periodically to remove deposited scaling.
In addition to weekly maintenance, hot tubs also have larger long-term maintenance needs including:
- Draining and refilling the tub – Water needs to be drained and replaced every 3-6 months.
- Filter replacements – Filters wear out and need replacement every 6-12 months.
- Cleaning jets – Mineral deposits accumulate in jets over time, requiring thorough jet cleaning.
- Shell surface maintenance – Scratches and chemical etching need to be repaired and touched up.
- Pump and heater maintenance – Pumps wear out over time and heaters need to be descaled.
The amount of hands-on maintenance makes hot tubs one of the more high-maintenance backyard water features.
Decorative Ponds
Backyard ponds with water plants, fish, and decorative features provide a serene and natural water element. Maintenance needs for ponds can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the pond. Here are some of the routine maintenance requirements for decorative ponds:
- Cleaning debris – Leaves, twigs, and other debris need to be removed frequently.
- Algae control – Algae growth needs to be limited through UV sterilizers, dyes, or manual removal.
- Filter cleaning – Pond filters need to be cleaned every 2-4 weeks.
- Topping off water – Evaporation will lead to periodic water replacement needs.
- Maintaining equipment – Pumps, tubing, and lights may need repairs over time.
- Cleaning – Rocks, ornaments, and pond walls need scrubbing to remove buildup.
Larger ponds generally require more frequent maintenance. Ponds may also have seasonal maintenance needs including:
- Spring preparation – Checking equipment, removing debris, balancing chemicals, etc.
- Fall winterization – Removing pumps, draining pipes, and preparing for winter weather.
- Plant thinning – Overgrown plants need thinning and trimming before winter.
The maintenance routine for ponds makes them moderately demanding compared to truly low-maintenance options. Their maintenance needs are largely predictable though.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are used to collect and store rain water from rooftops via downspouts. The stored water can then be used for irrigation and gardening needs. Compared to other water features, rain barrels are extremely simple and require very little maintenance:
- Cleaning screens – The inlet screen needs to be cleared of debris occasionally.
- Checking for leaks – Barrel seals and connections should be checked seasonally.
- Cleaning the barrel – Algae growth or debris buildup may require occasional scrubbing.
- Draining overflow – Rain barrels need to be drained before winter if temperatures will drop below freezing.
Aside from very infrequent cleaning and seasonal preparation, rain barrels provide ongoing water storage with virtually no regular maintenance needed. The lack of moving parts, chemicals, and filtration makes rain barrels one of the easiest water features to enjoy with minimal required upkeep.
Bird Baths
Simple bird baths provide a small water element that can add charm and wildlife to your garden. Compared to larger water features, routine maintenance needs for bird baths are very minimal:
- Refilling water – Bird baths need occasional topping off to replace water lost to splashing, evaporation, etc.
- Cleaning – Periodic scrubbing to remove algae growth, debris, mineral deposits, etc.
- Cleaning the basin – A thorough occasional cleaning prevents standing water or slime buildup.
- Stabilizing – Checking that the pedestal or basin is still level and stable.
- Winterization – Birdbaths should be emptied before freezing temperatures arrive to prevent cracking.
With just a few minutes of maintenance every couple of weeks, bird baths provide a simple water feature that can be enjoyed for years with very little required upkeep or hassle.
Fountains
Decorative fountains range from small tabletop fountains to larger multi-tiered backyard fountains. The maintenance requirements depend largely on the size and style of the fountain. Some general routine maintenance needs for fountains include:
- Cleaning the basin – Wiping down the fountain basin periodically to remove debris.
- Filter cleaning – Rinsing out external fountain filters based on use.
- Refilling water – Evaporation will require regular water replacement.
- Pump care – Lubricating or cleaning fountain pumps based on use.
- Cleaning mineral deposits – Removing calcium and lime buildup on fountain surfaces.
- Checking lights – Replacing bulbs or fixing wiring for fountain lights.
Larger fountains may also have large-scale periodic maintenance needs including:
- Deep cleanings – Thoroughly cleaning the entire fountain every year.
- Sealant renewal – Reapplying sealants to prevent leaks.
- Winterization – Draining, cleaning, and protecting fountains prior to freezing weather.
The moving parts and water exposure result in maintenance, but overall fountains are relatively low-maintenance compared to pools or hot tubs if cleaned periodically.
Conclusion
When comparing different water feature options for easy maintenance, small self-contained features consistently require less regular upkeep and hassle than larger chemically-treated options. For the most low-maintenance water feature, simple options like birdbaths and rain barrels are hands-down the easiest features to install and enjoy with minimal ongoing maintenance requirements. Larger installations like pools and ponds can also provide beautiful backyard water features, but they require much more significant investments of time, work, and money to keep them properly maintained year after year.