The start of spring is a great time to start a new landscaping projectbefore all you want to do is lie out in the sun instead of working in it. While there are plenty of outdoor additions that'll amp up your curb appeal, water features might be our favorite. Water featuresthink fountains, ponds, and even outdoor showersadd a serene, calming mood to your space. No matter what your yard currently looks like, there are elegant water features that'll fit right into your space and elevate it in the process. Whether you're adding one to your patio, garden, or backyard, there's something for everyone. For example, in a cottagecore fairy garden, consider putting in a wishing well and some bird baths. If you're going for a zen garden look, a serene koi pond is a must. These 17 water feature ideas below range from simple DIYs to large professional projects, so outdoor spacesand budgetsof all kinds can find their perfect match. Make a splash in your backyard with these relaxing water features.Additional copy by Nikhita Mahtani.More beautiful outdoor inspiration:1Spa PoolKatie CharlotteA spa pool is a shallow part of a larger swimming pool that may be designed to appear separate from the main body of water. We love that this water feature ups the versatility of a normal swimming poolthe shallower depth is perfect for just dipping a toe in. This serene spa pool is located just outside of a Cortney Bishopdesigned home in Charleston. Tour the Entire Home2"Natural" Swimming PoolJoseph KrammIf you're not ready for a real natural swimming pool (one that uses a biological filter, plants, and pumps to clean the water instead of chlorine), you can opt for a "natural" swimming pool instead. In this backyard by OAD Interiors, this water feature takes on an organic shape and is surrounded by native plants, allowing nature to take center stage. Tour the Entire HomeRelated Story: Natural Swimming Pools Are the Most Stylish Way to Cool OffAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Outdoor ShowerJohn MerklDoes an outdoor shower count as a water feature? We're going to say yes, because it adds a spa-like feel to your yard and increases your resale value. This one by designer Sheldon Harte is quite sizable with a more bohemian aesthetic, but you can design yours to coordinate with your home's style.Tour the Entire HomeRelated Story: 11 Design Features That Make a Home Sell for More, According to a Real Estate Expert4Shishi-Odoshima-no//Getty ImagesThis Japanese water feature translates to "deer-frightening" because it does just that: It scares away wildlife with the sound of water. While you'll love the ambience it provides, it'll helpfully keep plant-eating menaces like deer and rabbits at bay.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Outdoor TubAlfian Widiantono//Getty ImagesAn outdoor tub is the ultimate place to relax. This water feature is probably one you would only use occasionally (when the weather is perfect), but with the right design, it can transform your backyard into a resort spa.6Regular Swimming Poolivanastar//Getty ImagesThis water feature may be a somewhat obvious choice, but how can you go wrong with a swimming pool? Youll be able to take a dip in it at any time for a mental reset, and if you have kids, itll keep them occupied for hours on end. You can also outfit it any way you want, from picking the tiles you desire to playing around with the shape. Related Story: You Can Deduct a New Swimming Pool From Your TaxesHeres HowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Statue Fountainpink_cotton_candy//Getty ImagesBring some European flair into your backyard design scheme with a statue fountain. Depending on its size, you could nestle it in among your flowers or make it a statement piece right at the center of your outdoor space. There are many different design options you can take, from cute cherubs to Greek-inspired goddesses, so it simply depends on the vibe youre going for.8Water Wallgmc3101//Getty ImagesA water wall is a feature that's perfect for minimalists. Simple yet chic, you can watch water flowing down the exterior and have a meditative moment.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Bird BathBarbara Rich//Getty ImagesIf you love the idea of having a gorgeous water feature in your backyard but dont want to hook up a fountain pump, look no further: A bird bath is a low-key option that youll only have to replace with clean water about every two to four days. Itll help attract feathered friends to your space, too.10Koi PondBasieB//Getty ImagesThis one is for the truly dedicated, but the finished product is well worth it. Koi ponds provide hours of entertainment watching fish swim around. These water features are vibrant conversation-starters, and you can even add different plant options to them, like water lilies and begonias, for a more varied feel.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Bubbling FountainJacky Parker Photography//Getty ImagesBubbling fountains are great water features for those with tiny yards. You can choose a small one in any material or shape that suits your space and enjoy the soothing sound anytime you want.12StreamCharlotte Bleijenberg//Getty ImagesIf you are lucky enough to already have a stream flowing through your backyard, make it more of a focal point by keeping the landscaping and plant life around it clean and well-maintained.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13WaterfallJaclyn Vernace//Getty ImagesIf your backyard has sloped or uneven features, a waterfall is a great way to use that to your advantage. Adding some natural stones or plants will help draw attention to it and make it look like a part of the natural landscape.Related Story: 21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks, Stone, and Mulch14Water WalkwaySunphol Sorakul//Getty ImagesInstead of leapfrogging from one end of your pool to the other, construct a water walkway for a seamless path. Even if it's more for looks than anything else, it'll bring a unique, whimsical vibe to a pond or fountain. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Wishing WellKevin Schafer//Getty ImagesIf youre a fan of rustic, country-cottageinspired styles, you really cant go wrong with a wishing well. It lends a certain storybook charm to an outdoor areaand it doesn't have to be functional! You might even use this structure to cover up a feature of your backyard that you don't like.Related Story: 22 Cottage-Style Homes That'll Transport You to the English Countryside16Wall FountainSuresh Siriwardane//Getty ImagesWall fountains are a much bolder statement for a backyard than a statue or bubbling fountain since they usually tend to be much more dramatic in size and structure. By using high-quality materials like granite or marble, youll be able to bring an upscale feel to your backyard with ease.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Stone PondFar700//Getty ImagesA small, standalone pond is an easy way to bring nature into your backyard, especially if you're not ready to commit to a massive water feature just yet. You can even do this yourself with a simple home kit, and in time, youll be able to see your pond become a thriving water ecosystem in its own right. And who knows? By that time, you might just be ready to add a waterfall or fountain into the mix.