Lifestyle
-Oneindia Staff
Backyard
water
features
can
turn
a
small
or
large
space
into
a
calm
area.
Simple
ponds
and
fountains
help
reduce
stress
and
block
city
noise.
They
add
movement,
soft
sound,
and
cool
air.
With
basic
planning,
Indian
homeowners
can
fit
a
water
feature
into
many
garden
styles
and
budgets.
A
backyard
water
feature
is
any
planned
use
of
water
in
a
garden.
Common
options
are
ponds,
wall
fountains,
freestanding
fountains,
and
small
streams.
Some
are
still,
while
others
flow.
All
aim
to
add
peace,
beauty,
and
a
sense
of
nature
to
your
outdoor
space
at
home.
பின்தளத்தில்
நீர்
அம்சங்கள்
அமைப்பது
அமைதியான
சூழலை
உருவாக்கும்,
மேலும்
அவை
மன
அழுத்தத்தைக்
குறைக்கின்றன,
நகர
இரைச்சலைத்
தடுக்கின்றன;
குளம்,
நீரூற்றுகள்
போன்றவை
அமைப்பது
இந்தியாவில்
பல
தோட்ட
பாணிகளுக்கும்
பட்ஜெட்டிற்கும்
பொருந்தும்.
சிறிய
மற்றும்
பெரிய
இடங்களில்
இவை
காற்றோட்டமாகவும்,
இயற்கையாகவும்
இருக்கும்.
Ponds
and
fountains
give
both
visual
and
sound
benefits.
The
sight
of
water
helps
many
people
feel
calm
after
a
busy
day.
The
gentle
sound
from
a
fountain
can
cover
traffic
and
neighbour
noise.
In
hot
Indian
weather,
water
features
can
make
nearby
air
feel
cooler
and
more
pleasant.
Backyard
ponds
support
local
birds,
butterflies,
and
useful
insects.
Shallow
edges
let
small
animals
drink
safely.
Some
homeowners
keep
hardy
fish,
which
can
eat
mosquito
larvae.
Fountains
add
height
and
focus
to
a
garden
design.
Both
features
can
increase
how
often
you
use
your
outdoor
space.
Types
of
backyard
ponds
Garden
ponds
come
in
several
basic
types.
Wildlife
ponds
are
shallow
and
shaped
with
gentle
slopes,
which
help
plants
and
animals.
Decorative
ponds
focus
on
clear
water
and
neat
edges.
Some
people
install
fish
ponds
for
koi
or
goldfish,
which
need
good
depth
and
strong
filtration
systems.
Preformed
ponds
use
hard
plastic
shells,
suited
to
small
spaces
and
simple
projects.
Lined
ponds
use
a
flexible
liner,
which
allows
any
shape
and
size.
For
rented
homes,
container
ponds
in
large
tubs
or
barrels
are
useful.
They
offer
many
of
the
same
calm
effects
without
digging
the
ground.
Types
of
fountains
for
backyards
Fountains
are
popular
where
space
is
tight,
such
as
city
homes
and
small
terraces.
A
freestanding
fountain
can
be
placed
on
a
patio
or
lawn.
Wall
fountains
fix
against
a
boundary
wall
and
are
good
for
narrow
side
yards.
Both
styles
recirculate
water
using
a
small
electric
pump.
Tiered
fountains
send
water
down
from
one
bowl
to
another,
creating
steady
sound.
Bubble
fountains
push
water
up
through
a
centre
point
in
a
shallow
basin.
For
modern
homes,
sheet
fountains
send
a
thin
curtain
of
water
over
a
smooth
wall.
Solar-powered
pumps
are
an
option
where
power
points
are
limited.
Planning
your
water
feature
Start
by
checking
how
much
space
you
have
in
the
backyard.
Measure
the
area
and
think
about
how
you
move
through
the
garden.
Leave
clear
walkways
and
safe
access
to
taps
and
doors.
Keep
ponds
away
from
large
trees,
as
falling
leaves
can
quickly
dirty
the
water
and
block
filters.
Sunlight
is
another
key
factor.
Most
aquatic
plants
need
at
least
four
hours
of
sun
daily.
Too
much
strong
sun
can
heat
the
water
and
promote
algae
growth.
Placing
the
pond
where
it
gets
morning
sun
and
afternoon
shade
often
works
well
in
many
parts
of
India
with
hot
summers.
Materials
and
basic
equipment
Common
pond
materials
include
flexible
rubber
liners,
underlay
fabric,
and
edging
stones.
A
basic
pond
kit
may
also
include
a
pump
and
filter.
For
fountains,
you
usually
need
a
water
basin,
a
submersible
pump,
some
pipe,
and
the
visible
feature
piece,
such
as
a
bowl,
pot,
or
wall
spout.
A
good
pump
should
match
the
size
of
the
pond
or
fountain.
Check
the
flow
rate
on
the
label
and
follow
maker
advice.
In
most
backyard
water
features,
water
runs
in
a
closed
loop,
so
it
is
not
wasted.
You
may
still
need
to
top
up
during
hot,
dry
months
due
to
evaporation.
Water
plants
and
fish
choices
Aquatic
plants
help
keep
backyard
ponds
healthy
and
clear.
Floating
plants
give
shade
and
reduce
algae.
Marginal
plants
grow
at
the
edges
and
soften
the
pond
line.
Check
which
species
suit
your
local
climate
and
rules,
and
avoid
plants
listed
as
invasive
in
Indian
states
or
city
guidelines.
If
you
plan
to
keep
fish,
choose
hardy
types
that
cope
with
local
water
conditions.
Goldfish
are
common
in
small
ponds.
Koi
need
more
space
and
deeper
water.
Do
not
overcrowd
the
pond,
as
too
many
fish
cause
waste
build-up
and
stress.
Feed
gently
so
uneaten
food
does
not
rot.
Maintenance
and
care
Regular
care
keeps
ponds
and
fountains
clean
and
safe.
For
ponds,
remove
fallen
leaves
with
a
net
each
week.
Check
pumps
and
filters
often,
washing
sponge
parts
in
a
bucket
of
pond
water.
Avoid
using
harsh
soaps
or
chemicals,
as
they
can
harm
fish
and
useful
pond
bacteria.
Fountains
need
simple
but
steady
care.
Clean
the
pump
inlet
so
flow
stays
even.
Wipe
away
algae
from
surfaces
before
it
becomes
thick
and
slippery.
Watch
the
water
level,
especially
in
hot
months,
and
top
up
as
needed.
Always
switch
off
power
before
handling
any
pump
or
wiring.
Safety
tips
for
homes
with
children
or
elders
Safety
is
vital
when
adding
water
features
to
Indian
homes.
For
families
with
small
children,
keep
ponds
shallow
or
use
strong
metal
grilles
just
below
the
water
surface.
Place
clear
edges
and
non-slip
paths
around
the
feature.
Good
lighting
helps
elders
move
safely
near
water
after
dark.
Explain
pond
and
fountain
rules
to
children
and
visitors.
Do
not
allow
running
or
pushing
near
water.
For
balconies
and
terraces,
choose
closed
fountain
designs
with
covered
basins
rather
than
open
ponds.
Check
with
housing
society
rules
if
you
live
in
an
apartment
or
gated
community.
Ideas
for
small
Indian
backyards
Even
a
very
small
backyard
can
hold
a
water
feature.
A
tall,
narrow
wall
fountain
fits
well
in
a
side
yard
beside
the
house.
A
large
ceramic
pot
with
a
hidden
pump
can
become
a
simple
patio
fountain.
These
designs
suit
renters,
as
they
can
be
moved
if
you
shift
homes.
Container
ponds
are
helpful
where
soil
is
poor
or
paved.
Use
a
wide
tub,
add
a
few
water
plants,
and
place
it
where
you
can
see
it
from
indoors.
This
keeps
the
sense
of
calm
close
to
daily
life.
With
modest
cost
and
space,
such
features
still
bring
clear
peace
and
soft
sound.
