Fountains and large statues can be found in private estates, public parks, hotel landscapes, mall courtyards, restaurants, apartment balconies, and even inside homes and apartments in areas with colder climates. Fountain and garden designs have become extremely artistic. Some prefer to extend the view of the water into their living rooms where observing the calming water flow becomes a restful evening activity.

Research conducted on ornamental garden accessories has been few and far between until recently; therefore most of the information at hand is taken from related research categories and practical observation.

Location of the outdoor water features is critical, not only for the owner's enjoyment but also to maintain and properly manage the structure. For something a bit more complex, such as pools of water, sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis by water plants including algae, which allows oxygen for the pool. Abundant oxygen means a steady and reliable environment for fish and other creatures in the pool.

Position your pool to avoid harsh sunlight during the day, especially in the warmest months. Fish can be affected by elevated temperatures unless shade is provided by water plants. For indoor pools, lights are available allowing simulation of natural daylight.

Several advantages to placing pools and fountains within view of the home are:

• To boost human enjoyment

• To make supervision of children playing near the garden fountain or pool easy, make sure to always control children's access to these areas as well

• To aid in keeping away predators, such as raccoons, birds, deer, snakes, or even human thieves

• To lessen the expense of pipes and pumping which are usually lower for pools and outdoor waterfeatures built or placed close to the home

Pools are generally expensive to construct and maintain, although many rookies begin with little expense by using an old bath tub or wading pool. Labor costs for most pools typically range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the pool's particular features and how long construction takes. Building costs can be reduced by doing the work yourself or acting as back-up labor for the professionals you hire. Better yet, you can choose the more affordable option, outdoor waterfalls or garden fountains!

Part of the fun in being the owner of a garden fountain or an ornamental pool is creating the overall look of the outdoor water feature and its surroundings. The objects used can be as limitless as your imagination. Consider stones of different colors and sizes, large waterfalls, windmills, bridges, water plants, and surrounding flower scenery. Some garden artists create spaces using arches, gates, small roads and paths, and gazebos.

The beauty of fountains and pools is that even though they are mass produced, what you decide to do with them, where you place them, and how they are perceived, is left solely in the hands of the owner. The possibilities are endless...now is the time to get started!