The sound of trickling water is calming because it camouflages ambient noise. Recently, the owner of a home with large windows wanted a water element that would be visible from both the inside of the house and the veranda.

There are all kinds of options. A natural basin with frogs, fish and aquatic plants constitutes a balanced ecosystem. A water basin with a waterfall, or a fountain, made of inert materials, integrating works of art and natural rocks, obtains the same benefits. No need to design an Olympic pool. It’s simply a matter of being inventive without forgetting to provide appropriate lighting.

Here’s an example. A huge rock blocked a client’s main entry. Thanks to the trickle of water now integrated onto it, the owner is very comfortable with the mastodon that greets visitors with a certain assurance, true, but also with a gentler welcome.

A successful project means creating a plan that avoids loss of time and money. There’s a reason to identify the placement of the basin by placing emphasis on proximity, a living area that’s well-used, and which is easily seen from the house. The kitchen or main entry are areas that allow appreciation of the feature while meeting daily needs.

Don’t skimp on the quality of materials, whether it’s the choice of pump or the liner fabric. Avoid filling a basin with pebbles, because the overheated water will become greenish due to the proliferation of algae. Be careful, as well, that the basin doesn’t become the service drain for the property.

Minimal maintenance is required: the addition of a small amount of algaecide, even when you have aquatic plants, preserves the clarity of the water; the pump is removed for the winter. Do take the time to check in advance with the municipality to obtain a permit.