Water Features, Fountains & Ponds in Houston, TX
Fountains, waterfalls and ponds built with the rock and plants around them, so they look like part of the yard.
- 4.9 · 73 Google reviews
- 30+ years in Houston
- Our own crew, no subcontractors
The sound of moving water makes a backyard feel calmer and a little cooler, and it covers up traffic and neighbor noise. Houston Landscape Images (HLI) designs and builds water features in Houston and the surrounding towns: wall fountains, pondless waterfalls, rock-lined streams, bubbling rocks and backyard ponds. We are a family-owned landscaping company based in Richmond, TX, with 30+ years of local work. Our own crew builds every feature and the landscape around it, so it looks like part of the yard, not an add-on.
What a Backyard Water Feature Adds:
- The steady sound of water to mask street noise
- A focal point you can see from the patio or window
- Rock, stone and plants that match your landscape
- Options that fit small yards and busy families
Choosing the Right Water Feature for a Houston Yard
The best water feature depends on your space, your budget and how much upkeep you want. Here is what we talk through with Houston homeowners:
- Size and sound: a quiet trickle by a bedroom window, or a waterfall you can hear across the yard.
- Upkeep: fountains and pondless waterfalls need the least care. Ponds with fish need the most.
- Heat: Houston summers mean more evaporation, so the feature should be easy to top off.
- Rain: clay soil and heavy storms mean the feature needs an overflow and good grading around it.
- Power: pumps and lights need an outdoor GFCI-protected outlet nearby.
- Kids and pets: pondless designs give you moving water with no deep open water.
"They installed a wonderful water feature along with a large paver patio in our backyard."
- Bill M., Google review
How We Build Your Water Feature
- 01
Free Consultation
We talk about the look and sound you want, where you will see and hear it from, and your budget. We check the yard for slope, low spots and where power can come from.
- 02
Design
We pick the type of feature, its size, stone and plants, and plan the pump, basin and overflow. We also help with HOA approval if your neighborhood needs it.
- 03
Itemized Estimate
You get a clear quote that lists the liner or basin, pump, rock, plants and lighting, so you know the full cost before we start.
- 04
Build by Our Crew
We dig, set the liner or basin, place the pump and plumbing, then set each rock by hand. We run the water and adjust the flow until it looks and sounds right.
- 05
Planting and Walkthrough
We finish the planting around the edges, then walk you through topping off, cleaning the pump intake and simple seasonal care.
What Houston Homeowners Say About Our Water Features
- ★★★★★
HLI, starting around 9-10 years ago, has provided virtuall all thee Landscape Designs for my front and backyards Through the help of Sanson Faltine and his talented team,, HLI installed all the individually stacked , natural rock slate edging accenting the flower beds in my front yar d. Also HLI installed a irregular natural rock walkway between my driveway and centered sidewalk. In the backyard , HLI performed a design only Sanson could have envisioned. After installing all of the landscape plants and cutting flowerbeds from a complete empty canvas of just sod, covering my patio slab with tile...about a year later, HLI put in a water feature that I have not seen a rival too. Comprised of a waterfall in the center of the flowerbed, a ~50' wandering creek complete with a walking bridge, and a 9' x 12' x4.5' deep pond complete with fish (goldfish) and water lily pads. This "water feature" has impressed everyone that has seen it from friends, relatives, and service folks. It is amazing! I have seen some of the outdoor living spaces that HLI has done on various properties in my area (many on my street). I highly recommend HLI for any of your landscape installations or changes. Here's s few pics...
Michael L. - ★★★★★
HLI designed and constructed a large paver patio with a water feature and landscaping. Sanson was very easy to work with and was competitive with other quotes. He listened to what we wanted and exceeded our expectations! Highly recommend Houston Landscape Images.
Don F. - ★★★★★
I highly recommend Houston Landscape Images. They installed a wonderful water feature along with a large paver patio in our backyard. They also greatly expanded the flowerbeds and installed very nice landscaping in the front. We’ve actually won yard of the month twice because of their work. We have recommended them to friends and neighbors and all have been very pleased with the work Sanson and his team has done for them. The huge covered patio and outdoor kitchen HLI built for our friends is amazing!! Call them. You won’t be disappointed.
Bill M.
Types of Backyard Water Features We Build
Pondless Waterfalls and Streams
The look and sound of a creek, with no open pond to clean.
Price this option: Pondless Waterfalls and StreamsDetails about Pondless Waterfalls and Streams
A pondless waterfall runs water over rocks and down a stream bed, then drops it into a basin hidden under gravel. A pump sends it back to the top. You get the look and sound of a creek with no open pond to clean, and it fits yards where a pond would not.
- Natural boulder waterfalls and winding streams
- Hidden basin with no deep open water
- Low upkeep compared with a pond
Wall Fountains and Spillways
Sheets of water from a stone wall, close to where you sit.
Price this option: Wall Fountains and SpillwaysDetails about Wall Fountains and Spillways
A wall fountain sends sheets of water from a stone or block wall into a basin below. It works well on a patio, where you can sit close and hear it. We build them to match your patio stone, often with urns or planters on the pillars.
- Sheer spillways, scuppers or spouts
- Built in stone or block to match the patio
- A small footprint for courtyards and patios
Backyard Ponds and Koi Ponds
Lined ponds with pumps and filters for lilies and fish.
Price this option: Backyard Ponds and Koi PondsDetails about Backyard Ponds and Koi Ponds
A pond brings water lilies, fish and a place to sit and watch. We build lined ponds with pumps and filtration, often fed by a waterfall or stream. One customer described a pond we built as "a 9' x 12' x4.5' deep pond complete with fish (goldfish) and water lily pads."
- Lined ponds with pumps and filtration
- Room for lilies, fish and edge plants
- Bridges, streams and waterfalls to feed the pond
Stone Fountains, Bubbling Rocks and Urns
Sound for small spaces, with water draining into a hidden basin.
Price this option: Stone Fountains, Bubbling Rocks and UrnsDetails about Stone Fountains, Bubbling Rocks and Urns
For a small space, a bubbling rock, an urn fountain or a compact stone fountain adds sound without taking over the yard. The water drains into a hidden basin, so there is no open water to worry about. These fit well in front beds, entry courtyards and beside a patio.
- Drilled boulders, urns and stone basins
- Hidden reservoir with no standing pool
- Easy to add to an existing landscape
Water Feature Repair and Updates
New pumps, leak fixes and fresh rock for a tired feature.
Price this option: Water Feature Repair and UpdatesDetails about Water Feature Repair and Updates
If your fountain or waterfall has stopped running, leaks or looks tired, we find the problem and fix it. That can mean a new pump, resetting rocks that shifted, sealing a leak or refreshing the plants and lighting around it.
- Pump replacement and plumbing fixes
- Leak finding and resealing
- New rock, plants or lighting for an old feature
The last two photos are examples of these styles, not specific HLI jobs. Want it to glow at night? We pair water features with landscape lighting and plan them into a full landscape design.
Recent Water Feature Projects Around Houston
Here is how a few customers describe the water features we built for them, in their own words from Google reviews.
Waterfall, Creek and Fish Pond
A full backyard water garden with a waterfall, a long creek, a bridge and a fish pond.
"Comprised of a waterfall in the center of the flowerbed, a ~50' wandering creek complete with a walking bridge, and a 9' x 12' x4.5' deep pond complete with fish (goldfish) and water lily pads."
Michael L., Google reviewPaver Patio With a Water Feature
A large paver patio designed with a water feature and new landscaping.
"HLI designed and constructed a large paver patio with a water feature and landscaping."
Don F., Google reviewWater Feature, Patio and Beds
A water feature and large paver patio in back, with expanded flowerbeds in front.
"We’ve actually won yard of the month twice because of their work."
Bill M., Google review
Water Feature Cost in Houston
These are typical market ranges from national cost guides such as Angi and HomeGuide, not HLI prices. We price your project after a free visit.
Most home fountains
Outdoor Fountains
$1,000 to $5,000
- Wall fountains, urns and bubbling rocks
- Pump, basin and install included
- Large custom fountains can run $10,000+
Installed
Pondless Waterfalls
$3,000 to $11,000
- Waterfall and stream with a hidden basin
- Price grows with length, height and flow
- Boulders and plants set by hand
Installed
Ponds and Koi Ponds
$1,500 to $16,000
- Garden ponds often about $1,500 to $5,700
- Koi ponds with filtration often $5,000 to $16,000
- Large custom ponds can cost more
What moves the price: size, the amount of rock, how far water has to travel, the pump and filter, lighting, and how easy it is to get equipment into your backyard. We give you an itemized estimate before we start.
Why Houston Homeowners Choose HLI for Water Features
- 30+ Years of Local Landscaping: more than 1,000 projects across the Houston area.
- Designed as Part of the Landscape: the rock, plants, patio and lighting are planned with the water feature.
- Family Owned: owner Sanson Faltine helps shape the design, and customers name him in their reviews.
- Our Own Crew: no subcontractors. The people who set the rocks are the people you talk to.
- Clear, Itemized Quotes: every part of the feature priced out before we start.
“This "water feature" has impressed everyone that has seen it from friends, relatives, and service folks. It is amazing!”
- Michael L., Google review
Water Features Near You
From our base in Richmond, TX, we build fountains, waterfalls and ponds across Fort Bend County, Katy and greater Houston.
- Water Features in KatyWaterfalls and fountains for Katy backyards.
- Fountains in Sugar LandWall fountains and patio water features.
- Water Features in RichmondOur home base in Fort Bend County.
- Ponds and Waterfalls in FulshearRoom for larger ponds and streams.
- Water Features in GreatwoodFountains and pondless waterfalls near Sugar Land.
- Water Features in SiennaBubbling rocks and small fountains.
- Fountains in MemorialWater features for wooded lots.
- Fountains in West University PlaceCompact fountains for smaller yards.
- Water Features in The WoodlandsStreams and waterfalls under the trees.
Don't see your town? View all areas we serve.
Water Feature FAQs
How much does a water feature cost in Houston?
It depends on the type and size. National cost guides such as Angi and HomeGuide put an outdoor fountain at about $1,000 to $5,000, with large custom fountains running $10,000 or more. A pondless waterfall usually runs about $3,000 to $11,000. A backyard pond often lands between about $1,500 and $5,700, and a koi pond with filtration commonly runs $5,000 to $16,000. These are market ranges, not HLI prices. After a free visit, we give you an itemized quote for your yard.
What is a pondless waterfall?
A pondless waterfall has the look and sound of a stream or waterfall with no open pond at the bottom. The water falls into a basin buried under gravel and rock, and a pump sends it back to the top. Because there is no deep open water, it is easier to keep clean and safer around small children and pets. It also takes less room than a pond, so it fits smaller Houston yards.
Do water features attract mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water. A fountain or waterfall that keeps the water moving gives them a poor place to breed, as long as the pump runs every day. In a pond, fish help too. Pondless designs have no open standing water at all. The spots to watch are low areas around the feature where rain can puddle, so we grade and drain the area around it.
How much maintenance does a water feature need?
Less than most people expect, if it is built well. In Houston's summer heat, plan to top off the water now and then because of evaporation. Clean the pump intake or skimmer basket when leaves build up, and trim plants around the edges. Ponds with fish need more care, like filter cleaning and water checks. Pondless waterfalls and fountains are the easiest to keep up. We show you the basics at the walkthrough.
Can a water feature handle Houston's heavy rain?
Yes, if it is planned for it. We place water features away from spots where storm water collects, give ponds and basins a safe overflow, and set the surrounding grade so runoff moves around the feature instead of into it. If the yard already floods, we fix the drainage first so a big storm doesn't wash mud into your pond or overflow your basin.
Can you add lighting to a water feature?
Yes. Underwater lights and uplights on the rocks make a waterfall or fountain a focal point at night. We plan the lighting with the feature, so wires are hidden and fixtures are placed where they won't glare at your seating area. Pumps and lights run on an outdoor GFCI-protected circuit.
Is a pond safe with kids and pets around?
Any open water needs care around small children. If safety is a concern, a pondless waterfall, a wall fountain or a bubbling rock gives you the sound and look of water with no deep open water. If you want a pond, we can talk through depth, edges and placement so it fits how your family uses the yard.
“Working with Sanson and his crew was a pleasurable experience. Great attention to detail, accurate estimate on project schedule, and results that exceeded expectations. Have already recommended Sanson and HL Images to several others and will work with them again in the future!!”
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4.9 from 73 Google reviews · 30+ years · Family-owned