Choosing Designs For Swimming Pool Waterfalls

Swimming Pool Waterfall Designs

Pools, by itself, instantly upgrade both the value & the aesthetics of a property. Adding any type of waterfall feature to your pools can make it even more appealing. They definitely add an aesthetic upgrade to any basic pool, no matter the size. Waterfall features are definitely a sensory experience – the sound it makes, its beauty & motion, the feel of the water, and its ripples. It all comes together to create a focal point in your home.

Some simple things to consider when designing your pool are:

Budget
Architectural style of the house/building
Proportion & layout

For the Chinese & other Feng Shui believers, pools, when well-designed and well-placed, could bring wealth and energy to your home. If water is kept still, however, it traps energy, so it is recommended to keep it flowing to help circulate positive chi. One of the ways to achieve that is by adding waterfalls. Not only does it look good & keep the water flowing, but the sound of the water makes the space feel more lively and, at the same time, relaxing. [toc]

Swimming Pool with Artificial Waterfall Designs

Luxury infinity pool with fire bowls flanking a sheet waterfall at dusk — Ideogram

There are many types of waterfall features for swimming pools. But we can break it down into these categories:

Rock/Natural waterfalls – this type mimics naturally occurring waterfalls, as it uses elements & materials that closely resemble real falls. This can be made from natural materials, artificial materials, or a combination of both. Custom-made rock waterfalls can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 (excluding installation cost) on average and up $30,000 or higher for larger and more complicated designs. Pre-made DIY waterfall kits can also be bought for $450 up to around $3,500.

Cascade / Sheet waterfalls – these are usually installed on walls or accent walls beside pools, using a narrow horizontal water spout, creating a thin, straight stream of water. If you want a more modern design, then this type would be more appropriate than the natural waterfalls. A professionally installed cascading fall would range from $250 to $5,000, depending on size and design complexity.

Water wall – unlike sheer waterfalls where the water flows outward from the wall, water walls flow along the walls (or sometimes, glass and other materials) and flow into the pool. This produces a gorgeous yet subtle water feature perfect for modern designs. The cost average would be around the same as cascade waterfalls.

Water curtain – water curtains usually use spouts that resemble an oversized faucet. It produces straight, curtain-like streams and is usually placed on the sides and edges, allowing you to use it to engulf your head in water.

Rainfall curtain – this type produces a wall of water droplets mimicking real rain. These are often installed on horizontal beams or pipes placed above the pools.

Water spouts/scupper/sconces (decorative) – these are also attached on a wall, but instead of long horizontal spouts, it uses normal-sized spouts in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are inexpensive and relatively easy to install.

Spillovers – usually found on multi-level pools. Inground pools (that have a higher elevation) would continuously spill over the lower area through a spout or a small indent and then be pumped back into the elevated area. These are often applied on attached kiddie pools, spas, or jacuzzi.

Vase Fountain / Water Bowl – instead of using spouts or wall openings, this type uses large ceramic or concrete bowls placed on an elevated area, in which the water spills from the bowl and into the structure.

Rock/Column Fountain – this is actually similar to a water wall, but instead of a wall, rocks or concrete columns are used. The water spills out from a small opening at the topmost portion of the rock and engulfs the rock/column.

There are many other types of water features you can add to your design, and it will all depend on the look you’re going for and, of course, the budget.

Some other common popular features of pools are:

Deck Jet or Fountain Spitter – this is installed on the deck area and shoots a thin arc of water. This is very common and relatively inexpensive
Slides – kids and adults both love water slides. There are many custom and ready-made options you can find.
Jets and Bubblers – this water feature shoots out water from the inside.

Small backyard pool with dual sheet waterfalls cascading down a stone wall — Ideogram

For this small backyard pool area, the dual sheet waterfall features not only serve as a decorative element, but they also add more life and movement to the space, adding height to the compact outdoor area.

Pool Waterfall Kits

If you think adding waterfalls to your swimming area is too expensive, there are already many waterfall kits available on the market. These DIY kits are prefabricated waterfalls with a complete set of materials and manuals, so you can easily install them on your own at half the price of custom waterfalls. On average, waterfall kits could cost around $500 to $3,500, depending on size and design. Here are some of the common types of waterfalls with kits you can find on the market:

Rock waterfalls
Fountain waterfall
Cascading falls
Vase fountains
Retaining wall waterfalls

Suppose you have a certain design on your mind that is not common on complete waterfall kits, and you have access to materials, time, knowledge, and skills to DIY your waterfalls. In that case, you can instead buy kits that only include pumps and other basic machines and materials you need to achieve your dream waterfalls for pools.

Swimming pool waterfall spout – See at (Sponsored) Amazon

This is a stainless steel water curtain spout attached to the deck, with a very simple and clean modern design. You can simply install a few of these around your pool, and it will instantly give it more life.

DIY Pool Sheet Waterfall – See at (Sponsored) Amazon

This is an example of sheet waterfalls installed on a low wall at the pool’s edge. It creates a nice and clean sheet of water that seems to gush out from inside the wall because of the very low profile spout it uses. This type of waterfall can be custom-made, DIY, or even bought as a kit. This is perfect for simpler designs and for smaller spaces.

DIY Pool Waterfalls

Illustration showing different pool sheet and cascade waterfall flow types on stone wall — A stainless steel waterfall spillway spout is a popular DIY option for creating clean sheet waterfall installations at the pool’s edge. – Ideogram

There are popular types of waterfall flows one can choose, from a gentle trickle to a cascading watersheet. Prefab waterfalls come in an assortment of designs to compliment your backyard style, whether it be rustic or modern. The spouts for waterfalls are commonly made of stainless steel and are inset on walls. Most of them are designed in a way that makes them almost invisible once installed. The type of waterfall it creates would depend on the water pump setting you choose.

Adding a waterfall will consist of creating a solid base and modifying the structure to accommodate the spillway spout. Some of the most popular structures used for a waterfall base include tile for a traditional style, stacked stone for a contemporary design, or loose river rock for a more natural look.

Pools with Waterfall Design Ideas

Desert modern pool with rainfall curtain waterfall suspended from overhead patio beam — This is a great application example of a rainfall curtain. Rather than a freestanding arc structure, the curtain is suspended directly from the overhead patio beam, creating a dramatic water screen across the pool edge. — Ideogram

Screened lanai with natural rock waterfall carved into poolside rocks beside lagoon pool — What water feature looks best with a natural lagoon swimming pool? A rock waterfall, of course. Here, a simple rock waterfall is carved directly into the large rocks poolside, creating a seamless, natural-looking feature. — Ideogram

Small desert pool with blue mosaic tile sheet waterfall and fire bowl accent feature — With limited backyard space, a simple sheet waterfall was attached to the property wall to add a water element. The sheet waterfall complements the desert-style blue mosaic tile, and a fire bowl adds a striking contrast. — Ideogram

Coastal infinity pool with sheet waterfall on stone wall and sweeping ocean view — Sheetfalls match the rectilinear simplicity of infinity pools perfectly. The constant flow of the falls creates a cool mist that counteracts the heat from the coastal climate, while the stone wall frames the ocean view. — Ideogram

Kidney shaped pool with sheet waterfall on low stone wall beside cedar pergola and fireplace — Sheet falls installed on a low stone retaining wall add height and frame the pool without requiring a massive installation. The cedar pergola and outdoor fireplace complete this comfortable backyard retreat. — Ideogram

Irregular shaped pool with column fountains overflowing on all four sides beside accent wall — This irregularly shaped pool features a series of column fountains where water overflows onto all four sides. The columns were designed to complement the accent wall backdrop, creating a sculptural water feature. — Ideogram

Inground Pool Design with Waterfalls

Hillside pool with stacked stone spillover spa and cascading waterfall at the edge — This design combines the best aspects of modern and classical styles, taking inspiration from Mediterranean architectural motifs. A hillside pool is a natural candidate for a spillover spa and cascading waterfall combination. — Ideogram

Evening pool with sheet waterfall walls flanking a purple LED lit spa at dusk — This design combines spillover falls and sheetwall falls. The walls built around two sides of the swimming area serve as both the base for the waterfalls and the surround for the purple LED-lit spa, creating a dramatic evening ambiance. — Ideogram

Large luxury pool at night with spa spillover waterfall and glittering city lights view — Another Mediterranean-inspired pool with a cleaner, sleeker look. The waterfall is a simple spillover from an elevated attached spa section, and the city lights view beyond the infinity edge makes this an unforgettable nighttime setting. — Ideogram

Rectangular pool with stacked stone walls and decorative vase spouts beside colonial home — The classical-inspired architectural design called for a classical water feature. Two stacked stone walls with vase fountain spouts were placed on either side of this rectangular pool, perfectly complementing the colonial home’s symmetry. — Ideogram

Narrow lap pool with concrete sheet waterfall cascading over smooth teak deck edge — The small sheet waterfalls enhance and match the modern, slim, and sleek design aesthetic. The soft cascade flows smoothly over the teak deck edge, adding both visual interest and the soothing sound of flowing water. — Ideogram

Aerial view of large lagoon pool surrounded by multiple cascading rock waterfalls — Concrete is the main material in this design, giving the deck and walls a smooth gray finish for a consistent look. This aerial view showcases the scale of the lagoon pool and the multiple rock waterfalls distributed throughout the space. — Ideogram

Wide sheet waterfall flowing beside slate stone wall with tropical flowers along poolside — Wide sheet waterfalls installed on a slate stone wall, angled slightly downward for a sharper water sheet, create a dramatic visual. The tropical flower plantings along the pool edge bring a lush resort quality to the design. — Ideogram

Instead of a recessed-mounted sheet waterfall spout, a surface-mounted stainless steel spout was used in this modern design. A large Asian-style pool cabana provides a place to escape the sun for outdoor dining, while the wood pergola is perfect for relaxation.

Classical pool with decorative lion head water spouts above green tile and urn fountain — Matching the Mediterranean theme, this design uses subtle and elegant water features. A slightly elevated section creates a low ledge where several lion-head water spouts shower water into the pool below, alongside a classical urn fountain. — Ideogram

Formal Mediterranean pool with tall stone arch backdrop and copper sconce spout jets — This Middle-Eastern-inspired design features multiple sconce-style copper spout jets mounted on a tall arch backdrop wall — reminiscent of grand mirror-like fountains, but adapted beautifully for a private pool setting. — Ideogram

Modern pool at night with glowing row of bubble water curtain spouts along garden edge — Water-curtain spouts camouflage among garden plants at the pool edge, running continuously to help circulate pool water. At night, the subtle glow and the soft sound of these spouts create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. — Ideogram

Pools with Slides and Waterfalls

Aerial view of estate pool with rock waterfall and water slide on manicured green lawn — Multi-level pools are a natural base for cascading spillover waterfalls. This estate pool combines a spillover ledge sheet waterfall with a full water slide, resulting in a grand, resort-style water feature set against a manicured lawn. — Ideogram

Grotto pool illuminated at night with multiple waterfalls a water slide and large boulders — This design showcases a dramatic range of water features — multiple cascading falls illuminated at night, a water slide winding through boulder formations, all within a tropical grotto setting that feels like a private water park. — Ideogram

Tropical lagoon pool with boulder rock waterfall arch bridge and hidden water slide — This rock waterfall matches the rugged mountain backdrop by using similar materials and finishes. An arch bridge provides access to the grotto area, while a water slide hidden behind the waterfall adds a playful, adventurous element. — Ideogram

Pool Rock Waterfalls

Florida backyard freeform pool with small natural rock waterfall in lush tropical setting — A well-executed rock waterfall design uses multiple cascades that flow into smaller basin pools before falling into the main pool. This Florida freeform pool achieves a layered, natural tropical feel with understated elegance. — Ideogram

Freeform pool with multi-level cascade stone waterfall in a wooded yard setting — The informal, ragged shape of the rock waterfalls creates a pleasing contrast against the clean lines of the swimming pool. Set within a wooded yard, the multi-cascade design feels wild and natural without overwhelming the space. — Ideogram

Pool with large boulder rock formation featuring multiple cascading waterfalls and a slide — Why choose between rock waterfalls and a slide when you can have both? This bold design uses large boulder formations as the structural base for multiple cascading waterfalls, with a water slide woven naturally through the rocks. — Ideogram

Natural rock waterfall pool with fieldstone formation surrounded by lush garden planting — Rather than channeling water straight into the pool, this design lets water spill over a small stone basin first, creating a gentler, more natural effect. The fieldstone formation blends into the surrounding garden with ease. — Ideogram

Simple desert backyard pool with a small natural rock waterfall kit beside the edge — A small rock waterfall kit doesn’t require an elaborate custom installation to be effective. Here, modestly scaled natural stones create a charming rock waterfall that adds a genuine natural touch to this simple desert pool setting. — Ideogram

Mediterranean home freeform pool with subtle low rock waterfall and tropical garden — Using natural rocks, a low and subtle formation creates a mini rock waterfall along the pool’s side edges. The Mediterranean-inspired freeform pool is enhanced by lush tropical garden plantings that add depth, texture, and color. — Ideogram

Freeform pool combining natural rock waterfall and modern sheet spillway for contrast — Combining rock waterfalls with sheet falls using horizontal spouts produces a compelling visual contrast. The natural rock element and the clean modern spout speak different design languages, yet together they make this freeform pool uniquely appealing. — Ideogram

Artificial Rock Water Fountain for Pools

Desert pool with large ambitious artificial rock arch waterfall and mountain backdrop — An ambitious artificial rock waterfall creates a dramatic arch structure at the pool’s edge, with water streaming down from the top. The desert setting uses carefully crafted faux rock materials to achieve a seamlessly realistic look. — Ideogram

Tropical estate pool with glowing natural rock waterfall and tiki torches at twilight — Excellent landscape design sets the overall feel of this swimming area. Faux stones crafted from concrete with surface-mounted decorative rocks maintain a realistic look, while tiki torches bring a warm, tropical glow at twilight. — Ideogram

Arizona pool with natural rock waterfall and sheet spout beside red stucco mountain home — Ideogram

Trees and plants framing the tropical styled pool with cascading waterfall add-on design — Ideogram

The excellent landscape design definitely enhances the overall look of this pool-like lagoon. For large lagoon pools, a waterfall helps keep the water flowing and moving, avoiding stagnant water, which can be a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. This design features plants densely arranged in a way that looks wild and natural. The plants seem to frame the high rock waterfalls, which use dark-colored stones to give them even more depth.

To showcase highly specific designs, some images on this website use advanced AI-generation software to illustrate ideas and room inspiration. See our editorial policy to learn more.

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Choosing Designs For Swimming Pool Waterfalls