A fire pit with water feature is a captivating outdoor centre piece. It seamlessly blends the warmth of fire with the soothing allure of water. This unique combination typically features a central flame surrounded by a water-filled basin. Powered by gas, propane, or ethanol, the fire creates a mesmerizing focal point. Meanwhile, a pump circulates water within the basin, often cascading over the edges to create a harmonious interplay of light and sound.
In this article, we will explore the different types of fire pit with water features, their benefits, and essential design considerations to help you create your perfect outdoor oasis.
Before we delve deeper into the world of fire and water features, let us introduce ourselves. We are Lux Yard and Homes, and we are dedicated to crafting tranquil outdoor living spaces for both residential and commercial clients.
Our passion lies in transforming backyards and commercial areas into serene retreats. To achieve this, we collaborate with industry-leading brands like Elementi, HPC Fire, and Grand Canyon Gas Logs, ensuring you have access to the finest outdoor living products on the market.
Table of Contents
How Do Fire pit with Water Features Work?
The magic behind a fire pit with water feature lies in its engineering. A carefully designed system integrates the fire pit and water feature into a cohesive unit. The fire, typically fuelled by gas or liquid, generates heat while the water element, powered by a pump, creates a continuous flow. The juxtaposition of these elements produces a captivating visual and auditory experience that transforms any outdoor space.
Who is a Fire Pit with Water Feature suitable for?
A fire pit with water feature isn't just for luxury estates or high-end resorts. These stunning pieces can enhance a variety of spaces, from cozy backyards to bustling commercial areas. Let’s dive into who can benefit from this unique outdoor addition.
Fire and Water Features for Your Home
Imagine curling up by your own personal oasis after a long day. A fire and water feature can transform your backyard into a serene retreat. Whether you have a spacious patio, a small balcony, or a sprawling garden, there’s a fire and water feature to suit your space. Picture hosting intimate gatherings around the warm glow of the fire, while the gentle sound of water creates a relaxing ambiance.
Key Benefits of a Fire and Water Feature in Your Home
- Enhanced relaxation: The combination of fire and water is proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Increased property value: A unique outdoor feature like a fire and water feature can significantly boost your home's appeal.
- Elevated entertaining: Create unforgettable memories with friends and family around your stunning fire and water feature.
- Year-round enjoyment: Many fire and water features can be adapted for different seasons, extending your outdoor living space.
Fire and Water Features in Commercial Settings
Fire and water features aren’t just for homebodies; they're also a fantastic addition to commercial spaces. Imagine a hotel or resort with a stunning outdoor lounge centered around a mesmerizing fire and water feature. Or picture a restaurant patio that becomes a sought-after destination thanks to its unique ambiance. These features can also enhance the appeal of spas, event venues, and even corporate offices with outdoor spaces
Benefits of Fire and Water Features in Commercial Settings
- Increased customer satisfaction: A fire and water feature can create a memorable experience for customers, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
- Enhanced brand image: Unique and visually appealing features can elevate a business's brand image and attract a desirable clientele.
- Boosted revenue: By creating a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere, fire and water features can encourage customers to stay longer and spend more.
- Versatility: These features can be adapted to fit various commercial settings, from high-end restaurants to casual outdoor cafes.
Can you install a Fire and Water Feature near a Pool?
While combining a fire and water feature with a pool can be visually stunning, it's essential to prioritize safety. Specific regulations govern the installation of electrical components near water. For instance, units with remote electronic ignition must adhere to strict voltage requirements when placed within five feet of a pool. Additionally, electrical outlets in close proximity to pools have specific placement and protection guidelines.
To simplify the process, many fire and water features are designed to meet these safety standards. Look for models with the "SPC" designation, indicating Swimming Pool Certification.
Main Types of Outdoor Fire Pit with Water Features
This broad category encompasses various styles and designs. From freestanding units to built-in options, outdoor fire pits with water features offer flexibility. Consider your space, budget, and desired aesthetic when choosing an outdoor fire pit. Let's explore some popular options.
Gas Fire Pit with Water Feature
Gas fire pits offer convenience and control. They typically feature a clean-burning flame and are easy to ignite. Combined with a water feature, they create a sophisticated and modern look. These models often come pre-assembled, making installation a breeze.
DIY Fire Pit with Water Feature
If you're a hands-on person, building your own fire pit with a water feature can be a rewarding project. This option allows for complete customization and lets you incorporate your unique style. However, it requires more time, effort, and potential expertise.
Fire Pit Table with Water Feature
A fire pit table combines functionality with style. It serves as both a gathering spot and a dining area. The integrated water feature adds a touch of elegance and creates a relaxing ambiance. These tables are perfect for entertaining guests and enjoying outdoor living.
Outdoor Fire Pit with Water Feature
This broad category encompasses various styles and designs. From freestanding units to built-in options, outdoor fire pits with water features offer flexibility. Consider your space, budget, and desired aesthetic when choosing an outdoor fire pit.
Propane Fire Pit with Water Feature
Propane fire pits provide portability and flexibility. They can be easily moved around your outdoor space and are a good option for those without natural gas access. Combined with a water feature, they offer a convenient and enjoyable way to enhance your outdoor living area.
What to Look for in Fire and Water Features
When selecting a fire and water feature, consider factors like size, design, and materials. Do you prefer a sleek, modern look or a rustic, natural aesthetic? Think about the overall style of your outdoor space and choose a feature that complements it. Also, pay attention to the quality of the components, such as the fire pit burner and the water pump. A well-crafted feature will provide years of enjoyment.
We Can Help You Find a Fire & Water Feature
Choosing the perfect fire and water feature can be exciting but overwhelming. That's where we come in. Our experts have a wealth of knowledge and can guide you through the selection process. We'll help you find a feature that not only complements your outdoor space but also meets your specific needs and preferences.
Let us transform your backyard into a captivating retreat with a fire and water feature that's as stunning as it is relaxing.
FAQs
Do water features use a lot of electricity?
The electricity usage of an outdoor water feature is generally quite low and is primarily determined by the size and strength of the circulation pump required to move the water.
Factors Influencing Electricity Usage
Pump Size (Wattage): This is the single biggest factor. Smaller tabletop fountains or simple wall-mounted features typically use very small pumps (drawing 15 to 40 watts). Larger installations, such as ponds, multi-tiered waterfalls, or expansive water walls, require more powerful pumps (200 to 500+ watts) to handle the significant volume and vertical height of the water flow.
Operating Hours: The total consumption is directly related to how long the feature runs each day. Most owners run their features continuously during daylight hours (10-12 hours per day) during the season.
Feature Complexity: If the design includes additional powered components like submerged underwater lighting, UV clarifiers, or aerators, these will contribute to the total wattage consumption.
Typical Consumption Rates
Most small to medium-sized residential water features use a pump that draws less electricity than a standard ceiling fan or many common household appliances.
For instance, a small 40-watt pump, running 24 hours a day, will often cost only a few dollars per month in most areas, making the overall running cost negligible compared to the ambiance and value the feature provides.
To maximize efficiency, look for modern, energy-efficient pumps, often labeled as "magnetic drive" or "submersible asynchronous" pumps.
Are backyard water features worth it?
Yes, backyard water features are widely considered worth the investment due to the significant value they add across aesthetic, environmental, and financial dimensions. They transform a standard backyard into a custom, restorative, and highly desirable living space.
Aesthetic and Sensory Benefits
Creates a Focal Point: A well-designed water feature, such as a fountain or waterfall, instantly becomes the architectural centerpiece of the yard, adding visual interest and depth that plants alone cannot achieve.
Improves Ambiance: The sound of running or trickling water is naturally calming and restorative, effectively masking unwanted neighborhood noise (like traffic) and creating a peaceful, private atmosphere.
Enhances Landscape Appeal: The interaction of light, shadow, and moving water adds dynamic texture and life to the garden, complementing existing hardscaping and planting.
Property Value and Financial Benefits
Increases Home Value: Permanent, high-quality water features (especially large waterfalls or formal fountains) are considered luxury, custom amenities that are highly attractive to buyers and can boost your home's resale value and curb appeal.
Attracts Wildlife: Ponds and running features attract beneficial wildlife like birds, butterflies, and frogs, which contributes to a healthy, natural ecosystem right in your backyard.
Low Operating Cost: As confirmed by the low electricity usage of modern pumps, the operational cost is typically negligible compared to the pleasure and value the feature provides.
Should I leave my water feature on all the time?
Whether you should leave your water feature running continuously depends on the feature's size, filtration system, and the external environment. Generally, it is recommended to leave most water features running during the daylight hours of the season for both water health and convenience.
Reasons to Run the Feature Continuously (Recommended)
Keeps Water Healthy: Circulating water is essential for preventing the growth of algae and mosquito larvae. Moving water is naturally oxygenated, which keeps the feature cleaner and healthier, especially for ponds containing fish or plants.
Protects the Pump: Pumps are designed to run submerged in cool water. Turning them on and off frequently, or leaving them dry for long periods, can cause them to overheat or strain the motor upon restart, reducing the pump's overall lifespan.
Maintains Aesthetics: Running the feature consistently provides the constant visual and sound ambiance that is the primary reason for the investment.
When to Turn the Feature Off (Exceptions)
Overnight (Optional): Many people choose to turn off smaller, non-biological fountains overnight using a timer to save a minimal amount of electricity or to avoid having the sound disturbing them while they sleep.
During Cleaning/Maintenance: The pump must be turned off when performing tasks such as cleaning the feature, clearing debris, or adding water treatments.
Extreme Weather: The feature should be turned off during heavy wind, rainstorms, or during the winter. Allowing the pump to run when water levels are low or when freezing is imminent can permanently damage the pump motor and the feature itself
Is it expensive to run a water feature?
No, running a residential water feature is generally not expensive, with the operational costs typically considered quite low. The expense is primarily tied to two factors: electricity usage for the pump and water replacement.
The largest operational cost is running the circulation pump, but for most residential fountains and small waterfalls, this consumption is minimal. Modern submersible pumps are highly energy-efficient and draw very low wattage, often between 15 and 40 watts for small to medium features. This is often less power than a standard ceiling fan. When calculated against typical utility rates, the electrical cost for running a medium-sized water feature continuously usually totals only a few dollars per month.
While a water feature recycles water through its pump, there will be minor water loss that needs replacement. This water is primarily lost through evaporation, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather, and some minimal splash loss. The amount of water needed to top off a feature regularly is minimal compared to the amount used for watering a lawn or garden, resulting in only a minor increase in your monthly water bill. Choosing an energy-efficient pump at the time of installation is key to ensuring the lowest possible expense throughout the feature's lifespan.
