I have to admit something. I love water. All kinds of water features. My favorite places to go for vacation are lakes and oceans, my favorite sport growing was swimming, and I always had an aquarium while growing up (and as an adult). I don’t know why but being around a body of water always makes me feel a little happier and a little more at peace. So I have a lot of experience hanging out in water – whether is tubing on Lake of the Ozarks, SCUBA diving at Ningaloo Reef in Australia, or maintaining a large saltwater aquarium. I have had positive and negative experiences with water. Now, some people have asked me in the past:

“Dan, if you love water so much, why do you live in a dry, landlocked state like Colorado?”
Well, I also like sunshine and mountains. So at some point, I had to choose which I liked more!
That brings me to the topic of this article. When I live in dry climate with no “real” bodies of water – sure, there are plenty of reservoirs we like to call “lakes”, but we really know that they are not real lakes! Anyhow, in a climate like Denver, that doesn’t natually have a lot of water, I always find myself wanting to bring the water to our home. So over the years we have tried everything under the sun including numerous aquariums, an amazing hot tub, water fountains, and have always dreamed of a pool but have never actually pulled the trigger on one.
I THINK that the reason who I haven’t gone totally overboard, is number one – my wonderful wife Elaine, who is the voice of reason in many of these dircumstances, but also, the realization that sometimes the cost – in terms of money, time, and general well being – is sometimes worth it to bring in a water feature, but sometimes it’s not worth it. I feel like it’s very relevant to run through each type of water feature and decide if we get enough “bang for the buck” on each water feature.
I think it goes without saying (but I will say it anyway) that water features, at face value, can transform your home, enhance its ambiance, and can generally make your house more fun and add value to your life. Whether it’s a hot tub for relaxation, a tranquil pond, or an elaborate swimming pool, water features bring a sense of serenity and luxury to a property. But my neverending question is always going to be – what are the ripple effects of each water feature, and do the positive effects outweigh the negative effects, especially over the long haul? Water features can hypothetically, increase your home’s market value, but a big catch to this statement is “if the water feature is properly maintained”. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to a friend’s house to see that they “used” to have a fun fountain or in-ground hot tub, only to find out that it was too much work and they abandoned it and turned it into a planter instead! In this article, we’ll explore the best water features you can add to your home, from hot tubs and pools to ponds, water fountains, waterfalls, and aquariums, insights into how much each one can increase your home’s value, and the potential downsides to owning and maintaining each highlighted water feature.
1. Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis

Benefits of a Hot Tub:
At our last house in Centennial, CO we finally pulled the trigger and purchased a hot tub for the first time. Generally speaking, I felt like it was totally worth it, and we really enjoyed having the hot tub right outside our patio door. We found a great deal on the Here are some of the pros to owning that hot tub. A hot tub is one of the most sought-after water features for homeowners who want a touch of luxury without undergoing a major renovation. Especially with above ground hot tubs. They aren’t quite the eyesore that an above ground pool is, and they are usually able to be tucked into a corner of your yard or patio. Hot tubs offer relaxation, therapeutic benefits, and year-round enjoyment. I really appreciate a hot tub in Colorado because you can keep it hot enough to be able to use all year round.
- Relaxation and Stress Relief: A hot tub offers the perfect environment for unwinding after a long day. The warm water and jets help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Many people use hot tubs for therapeutic purposes, such as alleviating joint pain, improving circulation, and reducing stress.
- Year-Round Use: Unlike pools, hot tubs can be enjoyed year-round, even in colder climates.
Negatives to Owning a Hot Tub:
You don’t hear a lot of negatives to hot tubs on the internet, I imagine because most of the content about hot tubs is being created by hot tub salespeople. I know that there are exceptions, but in my experience, I would almost take a used car salesperson over a hot tub salesperson any day of the week! Well since I had the opportunity of owning a hot tub for a few years, I am happy to describe some of the negatives to owning a hot tub.
- Electrical Bill Increase: I kind of thought about the electrical bill when buying our hot tub, but didn’t recognize how much until we started to get the monthly bill! I think during the summer months it wasn’t so bad.. maybe $100-$150 per month in our experience. But the winter months? Totally different story. Remember, we like in Colorado so the winters get cold here! I think we were probably spending at least $200-$250 during the cold months. “Turn the hot tub off” you say? That woudl be taking a huge risk that everything freezes, and the risk of leaving the hot tub dry would increase our chances of something breaking as well. So you get put into a predicament where you have to keep it hot all the time whether you are using it or not, and you pay the bill for it regardless of how often you are using it!
- Regular Maintenance: A hot tub is very similar to a pool in terms of how much you have to maintain the water, except that there is a lot less water, so you actually have to maintain it MORE frequently and you have more risk of getting spikes in the chemical levels. I hate to admit it, but when we first got the hot tub I kind of kept it on “cruise control” and didn’t think it was a big deal for the chemicals to become imbalanced… that is until my whole family got out of the hot tub one night and had itchy skin for days afterwards! That’s when I realized you have to get serious about maintenance and either need to figure out how to do it well or you need to pay someone to do it well. Lucky for me I am a Science nerd so I actually kind of enjoyed the process of testing and adding chemicals on a regular basis.
- Unforeseen Maintenance: A hot tub is really a cool invention and a cool machine. Huge heating element, more jets than you can count, pumps bringing the nice, hot water to you in every direction, and a number of valves and controls that you can adjust to make the water just right for you. Unfortunately, over time, these parts and pieces start to break down and you start to get into some “surprise” repairs that are needed. Most of the time the repair turns into a pretty big deal since your hot tub is filled with up to 500-1000 gallons of water! So any time a pipe cracks or a valve breaks you risk getting a wet mess on your hands! Again, I kind of enjoyed this process and didn’t mind finding parts and fixing it myself. If you don’t enjoy this process, be prepared to pay someone else every time an issue pops up. Also, just as warning, don’t ever look at the inside of a hot tub (panel the panel). The flexible, cheap, plastic tubing, clamps, and spaghetti like appearance of all of the piping “under the hood” will scare the bravest of us DIY plumbers!
How Much Value Does a Hot Tub Add to Your Home?
While adding a hot tub won’t necessarily increase your home’s value by the same percentage as other larger investments, it can still enhance the appeal of your property. Studies suggest that a hot tub can increase a home’s resale value by around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the size and quality of the unit.
However, the key to increasing home value with a hot tub lies in how it complements the overall landscape design and how well it is maintained. If it’s installed in a private, beautiful, and easily accessible area, and if it’s well-maintained, it can significantly improve the home’s appeal.
Keep in mind all of the additional electrical costs, maintenance costs, and the reality that EVERY hot tub has an expected lifespan. At face value, a hot tub will increase the value of your home, but you really need to buy it because you want to enhance your life with it. Not as an “investment”. Over time, that $2,000 – $10,000 “increased value will disappear very quickly after all of the costs associated with the hot tub come into play.
2. Swimming Pools
Why Add a Swimming Pool to Your Home?
A swimming pool is the ultimate water feature that can elevate the lifestyle of a homeowner. Pools offer a perfect place for recreation, exercise, and entertainment. They can also serve as a stunning focal point in a backyard or a lavish feature in an upscale home. Whether it’s an in-ground pool, an infinity pool, or a more naturalistic pool designed with rocks and plants, a pool can add both beauty and functionality to a property.

Benefits of a Swimming Pool:
- Recreation and Relaxation: Pools offer endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet afternoon, a pool enhances the experience.
- Health and Fitness: Swimming is an excellent low-impact workout that can improve cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.
- Luxury Appeal: Pools are often considered a luxury feature. An upscale, well-designed pool can elevate a home’s appeal, especially in warmer climates.
How Much Value Does a Swimming Pool Add to Your Home?
The value a swimming pool adds to a home can vary depending on factors such as climate, location, and market trends. In hot climates like Southern California or Florida, where pools are more common, they can boost a home’s value by 7% to 15%. In other regions, a pool may add around $20,000 to $50,000 or more to the resale value.
However, it’s important to note that not all buyers want a pool. In colder regions, where the pool would likely be used for only a few months of the year, the added value may be more limited. Additionally, a poorly maintained or outdated pool can become a liability, so regular upkeep is crucial.
3. Ponds
Why Add a Pond to Your Home?
A pond is an elegant water feature that can create a peaceful, natural environment. Whether it’s a small koi pond or a larger decorative garden pond, these water features provide a tranquil and visually appealing space for relaxation and enjoyment. Ponds can be customized to fit any style of landscaping, from formal, geometric designs to naturalistic, free-form shapes.

Benefits of a Pond:
- Aesthetic Appeal: A pond can significantly enhance your home’s landscaping. It can become a focal point in the garden or backyard, providing a soothing and serene atmosphere.
- Wildlife and Nature: Ponds attract wildlife such as birds, frogs, and beneficial insects, helping to support biodiversity in your backyard.
- Low Maintenance: Compared to pools or hot tubs, ponds require less maintenance. While some maintenance is needed, such as ensuring proper water levels and clearing debris, they are generally less labor-intensive than larger water features.
How Much Value Does a Pond Add to Your Home?
While ponds are primarily an aesthetic feature, they can increase your home’s value, especially if the pond is well-designed and complements the overall landscape. The value added can vary, but a beautifully designed pond may increase your home’s value by $1,000 to $5,000. In some cases, the value might be even higher if the pond is part of a larger landscaping project that enhances the overall appeal of the property.
A pond with koi fish, water lilies, and other elements of interest can also make your property stand out, creating a serene and inviting environment that could attract potential buyers who appreciate a peaceful outdoor retreat.
4. Water Fountains
Why Add a Water Fountain to Your Home?
Water fountains are an excellent way to add both visual and auditory appeal to your home. Whether it’s a small tabletop fountain for your living room or a large, dramatic fountain in the front yard or garden, fountains create a sense of tranquility with the sound of gently flowing water. Fountains can be designed to suit any space, whether you have a small urban garden or a sprawling estate.

Benefits of a Water Fountain:
- Aesthetic Value: Water fountains can be highly decorative and serve as a focal point in a garden, patio, or courtyard.
- Relaxing Sound: The sound of flowing water is soothing and can create a peaceful ambiance in your home or garden.
- Small Investment with Big Impact: Unlike large water features like pools or hot tubs, fountains are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in almost any space, making them a cost-effective way to enhance the aesthetic value of your home.
How Much Value Does a Water Fountain Add to Your Home?
Water fountains are a cost-effective way to increase your home’s value without breaking the bank. While they won’t add as much value as a pool or hot tub, they can still improve the appeal of your home. A high-quality, well-placed fountain can increase a home’s value by $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the design and location. Additionally, fountains can make your property more appealing to potential buyers who appreciate the soothing effects of running water.
5. Waterfalls
Why Add a Waterfall to Your Home?
Waterfalls are visually striking water features that can create a stunning focal point in any landscape. A waterfall can be part of a larger water feature, such as a pond or pool, or it can stand alone as a dramatic addition to your property. The cascading sound of water, combined with the visual beauty of a waterfall, creates a sense of luxury and tranquility.

Benefits of a Waterfall:
- Dramatic Visual Appeal: A waterfall adds height and dynamic movement to your landscape. It can be designed to mimic natural waterfalls or have a more contemporary, sleek design.
- Soothing Sound: The sound of a waterfall cascading over rocks is calming and can add a natural, relaxing ambiance to your outdoor space.
- Increased Property Value: A well-designed waterfall can significantly enhance the overall value of your property, especially when paired with other water features like a pond or pool.
How Much Value Does a Waterfall Add to Your Home?
The value added by a waterfall depends largely on the scale and design of the feature. Smaller, standalone waterfalls may add $2,000 to $10,000 to your home’s value, while larger, more intricate waterfall designs integrated with ponds or pools can increase the value by $15,000 to $25,000 or more. A beautifully crafted waterfall in a well-designed landscape is a major selling point that can make your property stand out in a competitive market.
6. Aquariums
Why Add an Aquarium to Your Home?
An aquarium is a unique water feature that can bring beauty, tranquility, and life to your home’s interior. While not typically an outdoor feature like the others, a large, well-maintained aquarium can become a stunning centerpiece in a living room, dining area, or office. Aquariums provide a calm, serene atmosphere while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of aquatic life.

Benefits of an Aquarium:
- Visual Appeal: Aquariums can be a striking visual feature, especially when designed with unique fish, plants, and decor.
- Relaxation: Watching fish swim is proven to lower stress levels and create a peaceful ambiance in a room.
- A Unique Feature: Aquariums can be custom-designed to fit the aesthetic of your home, whether you want a small, simple setup or a large, elaborate tank with exotic species.
How Much Value Does an Aquarium Add to Your Home?
The impact of an aquarium on home value can be somewhat limited when compared to outdoor water features, but it can still enhance the appeal of your property. A well-maintained and professionally designed aquarium
Water features have long been a symbol of luxury, tranquility, and relaxation in home design. Whether you want to create a serene backyard oasis or add a touch of elegance to your property, water features like hot tubs, ponds, and pools can enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and functionality. In this article, we explore the different types of water features, their benefits, and key considerations when incorporating them into your home.