If there’s one thing we love about our location here in Florida, it is being surrounded by all of this breathtaking scenery (particularly, the beautiful blue water). So, when thinking of new ways to bring that same relaxing vibe into the design of a home, it’s natural that a water feature would be one of the first things to come to mind.

We came up with this beautiful design in our Siesta Key Zen home. In this truly serene and welcoming property, the main entry is detailed with terraced travertine steps that float over a shallow water feature and into the home where you find a stunning, stone waterfall. This project was an absolute treat for our team to work on, but from a more objective design standpoint, the outcome could not have been more lovely.  It seems we’re not the only ones that think so, as indoor water features are once again gaining popularity among luxury homeowners.

If you are considering incorporating a water feature in your home, there are a few preventative maintenance measures that you need to be aware of in order to enjoy the benefits with as little work as possible. Here’s what you need to know:

• Use distilled water – It is important to always fill indoor water features with distilled water. Tap water leaves mineral, calcium, and lime deposits around the structure when it evaporates, leaving your once-beautiful, calming feature looking a bit aged and unclean. If you let these deposits form, cleaning will be very strenuous and difficult.  However, if you use distilled water, you can completely avoid the hassle of those unsightly build-ups.

• Consider product protectors – Using biodegradable water treatments and protectors will prolong the life of your water feature, keeping it clean, clear and stain-free. These products also keep mineral buildup, algae growth and other organic contaminants at bay. Whatever you choose to use, never add bleach to the water. Bleach will cause corrosion, affecting the look of your water feature, as well as the function of the pump. It’s also ill advised to use bleach, simply due to its health and safety risks.

• Set a maintenance routine – Water features, whether large or small, are subject to evaporation. So, it is important to get into the habit of refilling the feature so that water levels don’t decrease too much. Believe it or not, low water levels actually open you up to more potential problems with basic function and appeal of the feature. More importantly, it may also affect the function of the water intake pump.  If water gets too low, your pump will start to take in air, ultimately decreasing its lifespan due to overuse.  Remember, there are a number of outside factors, such as the climate and humidity in your home, that will affect the rate of evaporation in your water feature. If you make its maintenance a regular part of your chores and routine, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of running into any major problems.

• Oxygenate your water – If your water feature sits still, it becomes more susceptible to algae and bacteria growth than that of flowing water. Stagnant water can become smelly, murky and a potential cesspool. To avoid this, you’ll want to continually run your water feature so that it retains higher levels of oxygen in the water. If you keep a pump running and use a fountain water treatment, you can easily avoid the development of waterborne bacteria.

Take care of your indoor water feature, and you will be able to enjoy that relaxing ambiance for years to come.