How to Select the Right Water Feature for Your Tampa Bay Landscape

Adding a water feature to your landscape can be – and often is - a complete transformation for a space. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful backyard oasis or looking to elevate the curb appeal of a luxury community, water features are game changers. The peace, the zen, the visual appeal – it’s very hard to go wrong with a water feature. 

The most beautiful part? From bubbling rocks to elegant fountains, the right water feature can even provide a swift little boost in your property value.

Here’s the kicker: There are endless options and possibilities out there. Where should you even begin? 

At Landcrafters, we’ve spent decades helping Tampa Bay homeowners, HOA managers, and landscape enthusiasts choose water features that don’t just look stunning, but also make sense for their space, budget, and long-term maintenance goals.

If you’re looking for advice on how to confidently choose the best water feature for your Tampa Bay property, this blog is your perfect starting point. We’re proud to share our water feature knowledge with you. 

Popular Water Feature Options for Tampa Bay Landscapes

The first step before you dive into design decisions? Understanding what’s actually out there. There are truly endless options for outdoor water features, but we’re sharing a list of some of our favorite features and some of our most popular requests that we install throughout the Tampa Bay area to give you an idea of what’s available: 

Fountains

Great for front yards or courtyards, fountains come in classic tiered styles or sleek, modern designs. They offer soothing sound and instant visual interest. There’s also something truly classic about an ornate or modern fountain taking up space and seamlessly flowing into the architecture and landscape. 

Ponds

Ideal for larger backyards or community green spaces, ponds can include fish, aquatic plants, and natural stone edges. They invite wildlife and relaxation into your landscape, and offer a more natural look (despite being manmade). This is a great choice for those looking to channel an outdoorsy, slightly more rugged feel and experience. 

Waterfalls

There’s nothing quite as soothing as a waterfall sound, is there? Whether flowing into a pond or cascading over rocks, waterfalls add movement, ambiance, and sound masking. Custom falls are a great choice for homes, businesses, or communities that are near busy roads because they can subtract from any hectic or chaotic sounds and return the peace of ambient, flowing noise.

Bubbling Rocks

These are a low-maintenance favorite among business owners and homeowners. These compact features create the look and sound of running water without the upkeep of a full pond. You get the best of everything without the need to provide meticulous upkeep (a must for those who don’t plan to have ongoing landscape maintenance). 

Streams

A gorgeous idea for those seeking a natural and interesting aesthetic. Designed to wind through your yard, streams give your space a natural, organic feel – but they can also help with drainage. There’s something wonderful about the duality of function and design working hand-in-hand. 

Choosing the Right Water Feature for Your Space

Not every water feature is right for every property. Depending on your property’s position, its use and purpose, your plans for maintenance, and your ultimate goals, what might work perfectly for one area could be the least appealing choice for another. 

Here’s what to consider before making your water feature choice:

Space & Layout

Think about the size and shape of your yard or property. A sprawling community entrance might accommodate a large pond or fountain, while a cozy backyard may call for a bubbling rock feature. Working within your existing layout is the best move instead of forcing a beautiful feature that doesn’t lend itself to your space. 

Sunlight & Drainage

Water features need proper sunlight, especially if they support plant or fish life. You’ll also want to ensure good drainage to prevent pooling or runoff issues.

Existing Landscape Design

Consider your current aesthetic. Are you going for tropical and lush, modern and minimal, or rustic and natural? Your water feature should complement, not clash with, your current landscape style for consistency and appeal. 

Ultimate Goals 

Ask yourself – what do you want out of this feature? Are you chasing a certain feeling or experience? Do you want something visually appealing? Do you hope to sit outside on your lunch break and listen to the soothing water? What’s the experience you’re hoping for and what’s the aesthetic you’re envisioning? Finding that balance is a must. 

Ongoing Maintenance Plans

This is potentially the most important consideration. Think about your plans for ongoing landscape maintenance. Are you hoping to hire someone to tackle residential maintenance for you? Will you be continuing on a DIY budget and basis? Do you have a commercial property that requires ongoing commercial landscaping maintenance? If so, do you feel confident, ready, and excited to care for the kind of water feature you’re considering? 

If you’re DIYing your maintenance and you’re not interested in a hands-on, involved process, a pond might not be the right choice for you. If you’re running an HOA community and know that ongoing landscape maintenance is part of the package, a more-involved feature could be the perfect choice.  

Why an Outdoor Water Feature? Benefits You Should Know 

A well-placed water feature does more than just look good – it can also change the way you experience and cherish a space. Of course, the list of benefits doesn’t end there. Here are a few advantages that we think water features can add to your property: 

• Increased Curb Appeal: Eye-catching elements make your home or community stand out.
• Soothing Soundscapes: Running water naturally masks noise from nearby roads or neighbors.
• Wildlife Attraction: Birds, butterflies, and even frogs may make a home in your garden.
• Cooling Effect: Water features can offer subtle temperature relief in hot Florida months.
• Higher Property Value: Beautiful, well-maintained features often lead to higher appraisals and faster sales.

The Need for Ongoing Maintenance: What to Expect

Low-Maintenance Water Feature Options

Bubbling rocks and self-contained fountains require minimal care, just occasional cleaning and refills. These are ideal options for those who don’t plan to hire landscape maintenance crews or have landscape maintenance services, and for those who don’t mind a little DIY maintenance. 

Moderate-Maintenance Water Feature Options 

Pondless waterfalls and streams need seasonal attention to keep pumps and filters working properly. These options could work fine for someone who’s OK doing a bit of regular maintenance (monthly, at least) on their landscape or for those who have a landscape maintenance company they work with regularly. 

Higher-Maintenance Water Feature Options 

Ponds with fish or aquatic plants require regular care, including water quality checks and debris removal. These features aren’t for the faint of heart. These features make the most sense if you have a groundskeeper or property manager who handles these tasks for you or if you have a landscaping team who can provide regular and attentive upkeep for you. 


Not sure what kind of commitment you’re ready for? The Landcrafters team can help you assess what fits your lifestyle, goals, and bandwidth. We can also provide custom landscape maintenance plans that fit your needs – and your new water feature. 

Regional Tips: What Works Best in Tampa Bay

We’re pretty lucky here in Florida. The wild but lovely Tampa Bay’s subtropical climate means water features thrive here year-round, but you’ll still want to factor in:

• Algae Management: Our warm temps can accelerate algae growth; choose features with UV filters or shade.
• Hurricane Prep: Select low-profile or self-contained features that are less likely to be damaged in storms.
• Native Integration: Incorporate Florida-friendly plants or stones to blend seamlessly into your landscape.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: What’s the Right Choice for You? 

Tempted to install your water feature yourself? 

While DIY fountains or kits are available for small spaces, we strongly believe that anything involving electricity, plumbing, or landscaping should be left to the pros. 

Do we think you can handle it? Of course – we think you’re capable of anything you set your mind to. But we also know that installing these sorts of features is about so more than just digging a hole or placing a pump. It’s about creating a long-lasting, balanced system that looks good and works reliably. 

With over 20 years of experience in custom landscape water features, Landcrafters can help you design, install, and maintain a feature that fits your space and your goals.

Ready to Add a Water Feature to Your Tampa Bay Property?

Whether you’re imagining a tranquil pond, a bubbling fountain at your entryway, or a low-maintenance feature for your backyard retreat, we’re here to bring it to life. Let’s turn your outdoor space into something extraordinary.

Contact our team at Landcrafters today for a personalized consultation on your water feature project.