Nothing quenches the craving for summer fun while providing welcome reprieve from the sizzling heat like a soothing water feature right in your very own backyard! Whether you are trapped in a tiny suburban dwelling or a luxurious multi-acre ranch up in the mountains of Montana, you can put in a variety of water features in your back yard renovation to suit your needs and budget. These tranquil backdrops to your home can include anything from an extravagant custom-built shimmering turquoise swimming pool, restful pond with lilies, a large lake stocked with fish to simple, store-bought fountains and even waterfalls.

Swimming Pools
For simple, sheer summer luxury, nothing beats a custom-made underground swimming pool with fountains and waterfalls built right in. Of course, if this sounds a little out of your budget range, don’t fret; pools come in a variety of materials, design and size options to bring a sense of relaxation to any homeowner’s budget.

Construction
When planning for a swimming pool, you must first decide if it will be built above-ground or below. Above-ground pools are economical, easy to install and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit most back yard renovations. However, these types of pools, while very popular for families with small children, are usually smaller and tend not to last as long as their under-ground cousins.

Next, decide on the choice of construction material for your pool. Concrete, while expensive, is a popular option as it allows for an endless variety of shapes and sizes. These pools can be finished using plaster, paint and specialty coating to suit any homeowner’s tastes.

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider fiberglass pools as they are more flexible than concrete. Like concrete, fiberglass pools can be custom-built to allow for maximum design selection.

Another fashionable trend for pool lining is vinyl as it features a lower initial cost compared to fiberglass, child-friendly nonslip finish, treatment to discourage algae growth and an almost-endless variety of patterns and colors to choose from.

If your compound is not quite so palatial, think about installing a lap pool or a swim spa. These attractions can work just as well to quench the heat and provide a relaxing atmosphere in a smaller setting.

Maintenance
Simple above-ground pools can be quickly filled with water from any garden hose. They do not require expensive filtration equipment. When not in use, they can be emptied and stored away, providing extra space for your landscape. More complex underground pools require filtration equipment to drain, clean and refill with water to ensure a healthy swimming environment.

Other Attractions
If swimming isn’t on your mind but still crave a tranquil water-based setting in your backyard, consider installing a pond stocked with ornamental goldfish or koi, along with water lilies for a restful mood. Smaller ponds can be a weekend do-it-yourself project built using pond kits from the hardware store. Similar kits can also be found for fountains and even waterfalls for an intoxicating and lively garden landscape.