Swimming Pool Water Features (37 Waterfall Design Ideas)
This guide features a variety of water features designed specifically for pools to enhance their beauty. There is a wide variety of water features available. Some of the most popular types of features are waterfalls, fountains, cascades, sheetfalls, walls, and spillways. Swimming pools can greatly enhance the atmosphere of one’s home. Aside from primarily providing fun and recreation for family members, swimming pools also increase the aesthetic appeal of your home and at the same time, boost its value. If you are still settling on a shape and style, our gallery of beautiful pictures of swimming pools is a good place to start.
Since it is considered to be a large part of the yard and a main attraction for most houses, enhancing its beauty should also be given attention to. If you want to elevate the overall interest of your design and transform it into a stunning work of art, adding a feature is one of the solutions you can take.
Water features are an integral part of swimming pool design because they can instantly transform an existing pool into a more attractive part of your property. It adds the “wow factor” to a swimming pool, whether it may be used to create a striking focal point or create a cozy ambiance. It can also give a different character to your swimming pool, from a refreshing oasis, to a serene retreat, a tropical resort, a romantic escape, or a kid-friendly zone.
Aside from the visual impact, pool features also add a bit more fun in terms of use. The addition of a vertical element of water also makes your swimming pool come to life while elevating the level of experience by using flowing water, which runs over your body from beautifully cascading waterfalls. Shooting splash jets can also feel like small hydro massages which make you feel relaxed while taking your dip in the pool.
Water Feature Planning
With the primary purpose of beautifying a poolscape, aesthetics play a big part in choosing the right feature for your swimming pool. Whether it may be a simple one or a towering six foot tall waterfall that has a grotto, a stunning feature improves the look of your backyard and gives your guests a sight to enjoy. However, aesthetics and visual impact aren’t the only factors that you have to consider to create a feature that will leave you and your guests in awe.
Here are some other factors that are equally important in choosing the right feature for your backyard:
Sound – Most homeowners opt for an added feature for their home not only because of the visual aesthetics but also because of the sound it produces. It is equally significant to establish the mood that your water feature will create. A well designed feature must not only be visually appealing but is equally enticing to other senses. Ambient noises like the sound of flowing waters are said to produce a relaxing vibe and a calm atmosphere. While opting for a quiet environment, go for features that do not produce sound.
Flow of the water – Dynamics is also a significant part of accent design for pools. The flow of a bubbling brook design, including its direction and how it enters the pool can cause corresponding effects to the overall look of the water feature. Fluidity in motion is one the factors which makes such features visually satisfying. While some may opt to go with dynamic aquatic enhancements, others may choose to go with the stillness of water. Some features produce a stunning mirror like surface that emanates tranquility.
Effects – This includes adjustable to different settings, providing different effects. These can be activated depending on the current mood of the user or the personal preference of the homeowner.
Lighting – Mood and accent lighting can be added to the pool to enhance its ambiance and appearance. Warm lights or colored lights add visual interest and also make any feature stand out especially at night. Natural lighting is also another important factor as the way the water feature reflects and refracts sunlight causes an effect on the color.
Budget – Budget also plays an important part in choosing the right enhancement for your swimming baths. Some may consider it the biggest constraint because it dictates the features you can include in your water feature. As you read our article, you can learn more about aquatic display features.
This massive Mediterranean-style swimming area gets a touch of contemporary flair from a cascading water feature that falls from the balcony above. The twin sheetfalls create a tall curtain of water.
Swimming pool features that incorporate natural looking stone give the illusion that one is swimming in a natural pond. The soft flow of the rock waterfalls adds a very ethereal over-all effect in this lagoon style pool.
Choosing the Right Water Features for Your Pool
Aquatic display features are available in different styles, type and materials. Each type produces a different effect to the ambiance of your swimming pool. With the endless options to choose from, the task of selecting the right feature for for pools may be a bit confusing. To help you decide which one is the best for you, here is a key guideline which you can follow to eliminate the guesswork.
The first thing that you have to consider in choosing the right feature is the existing style of the swimming area. As in any case of home design, determining the style is integral because this will dictate all the other design elements of your area -from the smallest of the details to the most dominant component.
If your swimming pool is more on the rustic side, opt for a natural looking feature like a rock waterfall. For modern or contemporary inspired pools like lagoon pools, streamlined sheet falls, wave effects, and laminar jets complement a formal and minimalist look. Mediterranean-inspired swimming pools can be enhanced with sconces that are ornamented with motif likes lion heads.
Aside from the prevailing style of the wading retreat, the surrounding environment should also be taken into consideration. The feature must blend with the topography of the property. That same rule applies to the rest of the yard, and plenty of the ideas in our garden water features gallery translate well to a poolside setting. Take advantage of high elevations, especially if your house is situated in a tall hill. Create water features with varying steps and allow water to fall with a “step ripple effect” or water that spills over several layers.
This rainfall curtain feature was placed on a Japanese-inspired wooden arc, or torii, adding a soft and natural effect to the pool and complementing the surrounding space.
Installation Cost
On average, water features take up about 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of construction. Naturally, those that are more elaborate cost more because they require more material to finish and an additional pump to be installed. An add-on pump, especially if it’s large, consequently increases utility costs of running your swimming area by a minimum of five percent or $30 to $40.
Generally, waterfalls are the most expensive because they require a separate pump and are more elaborate in terms of design, thus incurring more labor costs and material expenses. On the other hand, small enhancements such as scones or scuppers are considered to be the most affordable because they can run on the primary pump. They also incur low operating costs. Operating costs for swimming pool water features are typically $10 per day, if run for 8 hours on a small pump.
Additional design elements such as ambient lighting also cause material costs to increase. Labor costs are also added because they require installation services from professionals and specialists. Typically, underwater incandescent lights costs $300 per piece, LED lighting costs $700 to $1000 per feature, while spotlights can amount to approximately $500.
On the average, a waterfall feature for pools costs $7000 to $10,000, but high end designs can reach up to $30,000 per project You can see where that kind of budget actually lands in our gallery of luxury pool designs. These reflected costs are based on estimates and may vary according to the location, size and nature of the project:
Water Feature Ideas for Pools
There are many types of water features that one can explore, and each type has its own character and complexity of design. It adds drama and a sense of luxury to the area. Below we explore some of the top enhancements for pools that are sought after by homeowners today:
Waterfalls or rock waterfalls – This type of enhancement is commonly used for lagoon style or tropical themed swimming pools. Its design varies depending on the homeowners taste and can range from simple rock structures to more complex ones. Rock waterfalls are constructed to look like natural rock formations, custom rock waterfalls can be expensive to install and usually run off of their own pump system separate from your pool’s system.
Sheer waterfalls – This is appropriate if you want to achieve the waterfall effect but go with a more modern vibe. Compared to the rock waterfall, this has a more subdued and simpler design that is perfect for contemporary and minimalist pool designs.
Fountains – Fountains are very elegant and can make any pool look luxurious. This design can vary from the simple to complex. Simple fountains may be small openings found at the edge of the pool, splashing water. While the complex ones can use more elaborate design motifs that are incorporated into the poolscape.
Spillover Spas – This feature is used for connecting your main pool to a hot tub through the use of spill overs. This is highly suitable if your swimming pool is at a raised level than your hot tub, because you can create an effect where the water is transferred gracefully from one area to another.
Sconces – Sconces are inexpensive types of mounted embellishments for pools. This feature is decorative and has a small opening where a narrow stream of water flows.
Jets and Bubblers– Fountain bubbler, foam jet and sun jet are some of the most common types of jets and bubblers. Resembling a “mini geyser”, this feature shoots up water off the pool floor. You’ve probably seen one of these enhancements in the shallow end of an in-pool bar. They generally shoot a thin spray of water directly up in the air. They come in a wide range of models and can run from inexpensive on up to pricey custom jobs.
Deck Jet , Fountain Spitter and Sheetfalls – This feature shoots a narrow stream of water from the deck into the swimming area. This is considered to be one of the most inexpensive options for in-pool features. Going for a more contemporary approach, sheetfalls flow in an arc orientation. They are usually easy to operate when run off your pool’s pump system.
Laminar Jet – The laminar jet produces an illusion of a glass tube by producing a steady and forceful arc of bubble free water. This is typically more expensive than a deck jet.
Scupper – Scuppers are another type of small design element that is characterized by small opening or slots that channel water back to the pool. Usually made up of a small ledge, which allows water to fall down to the wading area. Popular in hot tubs, a scupper can be as simple as a hole that allows water to flow into the swimming bath and recirculates back around. Scuppers are a great choice for those who want an easy to maintain feature that will provide the soothing sound of flowing water.
Rainfall Curtain – A rainfall curtain, as the name suggests, creates a curtain of water. A series of pencil like streams of waters run down from an elevated beam, thus creating the curtain like effect. The water from rain curtains falls straight down creating a tropical lagoon effect that is eye catching and appealing.
Waterwall – A waterwall feature that cascades from above, down to the walls.
Pool Fire Bowl – Not really a water feature, but more of adesign enhancement, a fire bowl is similar to a fire pit that creates a wonderful night time ambiance. Fire bowls can create a warm alluring glow that helps give your backyard a resort atmosphere. When paired with waterfalls the night views can be dramatic.
Wonderfall – This simple feature contributes an exciting experience to the users through its spraying feature. Basically, it is made up of a piece of plumbing that connects to the pool’s return, creating a spritz of water. This is popular for kid friendly pools and is often used to cool off.
Rather than the traditional scupper found in many hot tubs, this design opts for creative fountains to recirculate water back into the tub.
Lagoon style pools with a rock waterfall feature are designed to enhance the look and give it a more natural feel. Topped with a fountain and slide, this custom feature really reinforces the tropical oasis look.
Lagoon style pools also use rock waterfalls as an added feature, but this one uses a lower and more random arrangement, giving it a more natural feel with rippling wave effects.
This tropical style poolside retreat uses a rock waterfall created with large orange-toned sandstone boulders to give it a natural look. Rock waterfalls are a great place for bathers to stand and let the water cascade over them.
Decorative elephants make an attractive fountain feature that creates a playful environment.
Apart from the pool’s modern design, the rock waterfall also gives it a natural-looking aesthetic. It doubles as a slide, making the addition functional and good looking at the same time.
Here you can see the concrete walkway, large wood pergola and surrounding landscaping with cacti and a desert environment.
A sheet fall can definitely add an exotic element to your design. Not only does the flow create a soothing sound, but it is a favorite place to relax for kids and adults alike.
This rock waterfall skips the natural look of the previous examples for a more architectural one, using stone cladding on concrete.
This luxury infinity pool with a seating area makes a big impression and is an ideal way to enjoy a cocktail and conversation. Not only does the outdoor living area have comfortable couches, it offers sweeping views of the ocean from its hillside locations.
Another very simple design feature, using a small sheetfall placed right below the plant box at the side of the swim area.
The very small size of the recreation area limits what you can place in the space, so a minimalist design was used. A sheet fall adds a wide, thin stream of water flowing from the plant box at the end of the pool.
Another sheet fall feature placed on a plant box with wood effect tiles at the corner of the pool area.
Due to the limited space, this contemporary Mediterranean-inspired pool uses a simple deck jet feature. The large rectangular part of the pool is ideal for swimming laps while the other side is perfect for soaking.
This modern pool design combines a scupper that lets water from the jacuzzi flow down into the main swimming space with a couple of sheetfalls placed on the plant box side of the deck.
Pool Fountains
Another modern pool, this one with a blue LED-illuminated acrylic sheetfall that sends water flowing from the column. An elevated spa with a spillway creates another place where water can cascade into the pool.
This LED-illuminated acrylic sheetfall was placed around certain elevated areas around the pool, giving the water flowing down a stunning glowing effect. An elevated hot tub overlooking the pool lets bathers enjoy the scenery.
From this angle you can see the elevated wood deck with its lounge chairs and tropical plants. Another wood deck with a gazebo sits in the opposite corner with stylish dark modern furniture.
A sheetfall helps add a simple yet elegant element to your pool design. This example uses three water curtains at the corner of the small pool.
This is another sheetfall that sends water spouting from a built-up low wall clad in faux slate at the side of the pool area.
The LED lights in this sheetfall give a bold, futuristic effect to this modern pool area.
Limited space means only a small and simple water feature can be added. This example uses two sheetfalls on a built-up wall placed against the fence.
A cascading curtain feature placed at the end of the pool where there is a built-up plant box clad with faux black slate, giving it a modern appeal.
This luxurious swimming pool with mosaic tile spillway provides a dramatic flow of water from above. The cascading curtain of water creates an alluring backdrop that heightens the ambiance of the pool area. With its gorgeous pool, wood deck surround, tropical potted plants and illuminated stone wall this is an ideal backyard retreat.
This small waterwall adds a simple yet elegant element to this modern Mediterranean pool. The dark stacked stone against the lighter stone adds contrast and depth to the space.
What’s unique about this waterwall is that right above the flowing water sits a very large relief sculpture that adds emphasis to the pool area.
Another modern cascading sheetfall feature placed on a built-up ledge, and lit with LED to give it a glowing effect at night. Outdoor furniture with comfortable cushions beacons visitors to enjoy this inviting pool area.
This modern pool area uses two sheetfalls placed on the side plant boxes and a scupper that directs jacuzzi overflow to the main pool. Dramatic neon lighting adds a resort feel for night time swimming.
Swimming Pool Rock Features
Another rock waterfall feature, but instead of constantly flowing water from an elevated area, this one relies on the movement of water from the raised jacuzzi. The river stones clad around the raised area give a more natural-looking flow.
This massive modern pool adapts a rock feature to match its Mediterranean style gazebo, using large blocks of limestone. This can also pass as a scupper, since the limestone blocks act as the ledge the water flows down.
This pool has a very simple wall feature, placed on the plant box at the corner of the pool area.
Pool Fire Bowls
This swimming pool features two dramatic fire bowls on both sides of the rock hot tub to create an amazing night time ambiance. Water jets and numerous waterfalls add plenty of luxury to this creative pool design.
This lagoon style swimming pool showcases a modern fire bowl peninsula. A fire bowl can be a great draw for swimming or socializing around the pool at night.
Attribution: This gallery features images from “Water features Add A Splash Pool” (https://vimeo.com/95100354) by Show & Tell Marketing which is licensed under CC by: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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