In the picture above is a contemporary sheetfall water feature using stainless steel spouts attached to concrete walls gives a simple yet elegant effect to this modern pool area. A long wood deck frames the pool and continues to the spa with its impressive hillside view.
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. 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 swimming pool and transform it into a stunning work of art, adding a water feature is one of the solutions you can take.
Water features are an integral part of swimming pool design because it 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. A water feature 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, water 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 water from jets can also feel like small hydro massages which make you feel relaxed while taking your dip in the pool.
Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Water Feature for Your Pool
With the primary purpose of beautifying a poolscape, aesthetics play a big part in choosing the right water feature for your swimming pool. Whether it may be a simple water feature or a towering six foot tall waterfall that has a grotto, a stunning water 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 water feature that will leave you and your guests in awe.
Here are some other factors that are equally important in choosing the right water feature for your swimming pool:
Sound – Most homeowners opt for an added water pool 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 pool water feature must not only be visually appealing but is equally enticing to other senses. Ambient noises like the sound of flowing water is said to produce a relaxing vibe and a calm atmosphere. WHile if opting for a quiet environment, go for water features which do not produce sound.
Flow of the water – Dynamics is also a significant part of swimming pool water feature design. The flow of water, 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 swimming pool water features visually satisfying. While some may opt to go with dynamic water features, others may choose to go with the stillness of water. Some water features produce a stunning mirror like surface that emanates tranquility.
Effects – Water features often include features that can be adjusted to different settings, providing different effects. These features 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 water feature to enhance its ambiance and appearance. Warm lights or colored lights add visual interest and also make your water 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 water feature for your swimming pool. Some may consider it to be the biggest constraint because it dictates the features which you can include to your water feature. You can know more about swimming pool water features as you read on our article.
Choosing the Right Water Feature for a Pool
Swimming pool water 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 water feature for your swimming pool 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 water feature is the existing style of the swimming pool. 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 water feature like a rock waterfall. For a modern or contemporary inspired swimming pool designs like a lagoon pool, streamlined sheet falls 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 swimming pool, the surrounding environment should also be taken into consideration. The water feature must blend with the topography of the property. 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.
Cost to Install a Water Feature for a Pool
On the average, water features takes up about 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of pool construction. Naturally, water features which are more elaborate cost more because they require more material to finish and an additional water pump. An additional water pump, especially if it’s large, consequently increases utility costs of running your swimming pool to 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 water features such as scones or scuppers are considered to be the most affordable because they can run on the primary pool 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 a swimming pool costs $7000 to $10,000, but high end designs can reach up to $30,000 per project 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 which one can explore and each type has its own character and complexity of design. A water feature adds drama and a sense of luxury to your swimming pool. Below we explore some of the top water features for swimming pools that are sought after by homeowners today:
Waterfalls or rock waterfalls – This type of water feature 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 water feature design can vary from the simple to complex. Simple fountains may be small openings found at the edge of our pool, splashing water. While the complex ones can use more elaborate design motifs that are incorporated into the poolscape.
Spillover Spas – This type of water feature is used for connecting your main swimming 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 water features which are mounted to swimming pool walls. 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 types of water features in the shallow end of a pool. 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 pool. This is considered to be one of the most inexpensive options for swimming pool water features. Going for a more contemporary approach, sheetfalls flow in an arc of water in to the pool. They are usually easy to operate when run off your pools 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 water feature that is characterized by small opening or slots which channel water back to the pool. Usually made up of a small ledge which allows water to fall down to the pool. Popular in hot tubs a scupper can be as simple as a hole that allows water to flow in to the pool and recirculates back around. Scuppers are a great choice for those who want an easy to maintain water 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 has water cascading from above, down to the walls.
Pool Fire Bowl – Not really a water feature, but more of a pool design enhancement, a fire bowl is similar to a fire pit that creates a wonderful night time ambiance. Pool 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 water 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.
Pool Fountains Water Features
Swimming Pool Rock Water Features
Pool Water Feature Bowls
Attribution:[expand]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/[/expand]
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