Cooling Down in the Garden – Ponds and Water Features for Summer

Looking for ways to cool down your garden in summer? A garden pond, natural pool, or decorative water feature could be the perfect solution – not just for refreshment but also as a highlight in your overall garden design.

A private garden pool is a dream for many homeowners, but due to high costs and maintenance, it often remains unrealized. However, recent heatwaves – even in the mountains of Tyrol (Tirol) – have shown the value of integrating water into your garden. A well-designed garden pond or natural swimming pool can offer relaxation, beauty, and a habitat for wildlife.

A Pond Is More Than Just Water – It’s a Design Element

In modern garden landscaping, water is more than an aesthetic element – it creates a soothing atmosphere and supports biodiversity. Whether it’s a decorative pond, a bubbling garden fountain, or a small stream in the garden, these features elevate your outdoor space and provide a calming environment.

The gentle sound of water creates a peaceful ambience, helping you to unwind and de-stress – making your garden an oasis of well-being. Especially during the hot summer months, ponds offer a natural way to cool down, attracting birds, insects, and amphibians, and turning your garden into a vibrant ecosystem.

Choosing the Right Water Feature: Natural Pool vs. Pond vs. Swimming Pool

Before deciding, assess your garden space:

• Do you have enough room?
• Are there trees that may drop leaves?
• Is there space for a filter system or pump?

A natural swimming pool (Naturpool) is a top trend in eco-friendly garden design: no chlorine, low chemical use, minimal environmental impact – and still perfect for a swim. If planned right, a natural pool requires less space than a traditional swimming pool and integrates beautifully into a sustainable garden.

For optimal water quality, the ratio of swimming zone to regeneration area should be around 1:3.

Maintaining Your Natural Pool or Garden Pond

Even low-maintenance garden ponds need care. Regular cleaning, removing leaves, preventing algae growth, and seasonal pruning are essential for long-term enjoyment.

Over time, swimming ponds can require more maintenance than natural pools due to plant growth. But with proper planning and plant selection, the work can be minimized.

Best Pond Plants for Tyrolean Gardens

Integrate native or hardy plants for optimal results:

• Water lilies need calm, deep water (50–100 cm) and add elegance.
• Marsh irises (Sumpfiris) bloom briefly but vibrantly in shallow water.

These aquatic plants not only beautify your pond but also support water purification and provide shelter for insects and amphibians.

Need help choosing the right pond plants or plant layout for your natural pool? We offer expert advice to bring your pond design ideas to life.

Water in Small Gardens – Compact Water Features

Even small gardens can benefit from water features! Consider:

• A mini fountain in a gravel bed
• A spring stone
• A decorative water-spouting animal sculpture

These compact solutions add movement, sound, and charm – perfect for urban gardens or courtyard landscaping.

DIY or Professional Garden Design?

If you’re handy, building a garden pond yourself can be a rewarding project – especially with support from experienced professionals.

If you’d rather focus on the creative side and leave the hard work to someone else, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free garden design consultation – whether you’re planning a natural pool, a small backyard pond, or a modern water feature.

Let Water Transform Your Garden

From natural swimming pools in Tyrol to ornamental garden ponds and easy-care water features, there’s a solution for every garden and budget. Let your outdoor space become a place of relaxation, refreshment, and inspiration.

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DIY Water Feature (How to build a Water Feature)