A well-planned, well-constructed water feature should add to the enjoyment of your swimming pool. A striking visual element such as a water feature can add to the beauty of a swimming pool and create soothing background noise for relaxing. However, depending on the volume of water being used and the type of water feature, each kind of water feature has a different sound. The following information is a description of the different types of water features to aid you in choosing water features that complement your pool.
Water features also function as a means of moving water around the pool, increasing circulation to skimmers and chlorinators. You can install one as part of a new pool or when renovating an older pool. Most water features can be linked to existing pumps and plumbing so that they only turn on when the pool’s filtration equipment is on, saving running costs.
Water Wall
A water wall is a vertical sheet of water cascading or rippling down a wall. Different water effects can be achieved using stacked stone, tiles, cracked marble and granite, rounded river pebbles and stainless steel. These water features are often used where space is limited or to disguise something behind it like a wall.
Even when the water isn’t running, a water wall can be a piece of art in itself.
Jets
Jets can be positioned within the swimming pool and may include a blower to create a ‘champagne’ effect. These types of jets can also be swim jets, used for swimming exercises.
External jets, positioned in gardens or in the pool coping, create arching water into the pool. When used with LED or fiber optic lighting, this water feature gives the appearance of light running along a stream of water at night.
Ponds
You can design a pond to blend in with its surroundings and integrate it with a swimming pool or it can be entirely separate from the pool. Ponds are often joined to the swimming pool through the pool’s plumbing system, but you may wish to keep the water and filtration systems separate to allow for fish and plants to be kept in the pond.
Fountains
If you want to create a beautiful and eye-catching focal point in your swimming pool, a fountain is the way to go. The two basic types are:
- Built-in
- Floating (no installation necessary)
Built-in pool fountains are more expensive and must be installed, whereas a floating fountain is easily added by plugging it into your pool’s return line and can be effortlessly changed if you tire of it.
Before investing in a pool fountain, consider the size of your swimming pool. For a small to medium-sized pool, a small floating fountain will work well. For a larger pool, a multi-tiered, lighted pool fountain will look great.
Consult with a pool expert when choosing water features that will complement your swimming pool.