Key Takeaways
- Pool fountains add aesthetic appeal and relaxation.
- They can be tailored to fit various budgets and pool designs.
- Spillways connect spas to pools with cascading water.
- Waterfalls are highly customizable for volume and sound preferences.
- Scuppers and cascades are popular for their dramatic visual effects.
- Water jets are cost-effective and can be discreetly integrated.
- Laminars create a striking visual with colored lights and defined arcs.
- Water bowls are decorative, even when inactive, and enhance multiple pool setups.
- Fountains promote better water circulation and chemical distribution in pools.
When thinking about what features your dream pool would have, a common one is a pool fountain. There is something naturally relaxing about water in motion, the sound it creates, how it is calming to look at and is soothing to touch.
These attractive features are not just beneficial for you and your guests but also add advantages to the pool itself.
First, we should go over your options when thinking about including one in your pool project. There are a wide variety of water features you can add to your pool, each offer a unique experience and fit different budgets. If you are not sure on what you can afford for your dream pool, we encourage you to use our loan calculator to determine a monthly payment you are comfortable with.
As with all parts of your pool build you will want to select an option that complements the other elements of the pool and ensure it ties in nicely with your home’s style.
Popular Types of Modern Pool Fountains
It is important to choose a fountain that suits the surroundings and it is not overwhelming in the space nor too minuscule to be appreciated.
Let’s cover the most common types:
Spillways / Spillovers
These are features that take the overflow from one body of water into the main pool. The most common is from your spa. Having the spa elevated above the pool allows this water feature to connect the two spaces. It can be a simple spout with the water pouring directly or you can add elements for the water to fall over before it makes it to the pool.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are the most customizable water feature with a huge amount of designs and materials you can use. This customization not only allows you to control how much volume of water is passed through it, but also how loud you want it to be and the type of sound you want coming from it. Some like a peaceful trickle of water as a background noise, while others prefer a more prominent sound which cuts out ambient sounds.
Cascades / Scuppers
Possibly the most common water features in today’s pools is a cascade or scupper type fountain. They are popular for the ability to be added to any pool design and often come as single units, allowing them to be modular. They are a smart option for many pools, thanks to their affordability and ease of installation.
Scupper refers to a style with a small slot while the cascade has a long wide mouth and the water flows out as a sheet. Increasing the distance the water has to fall into the pool makes a more dramatic effect of the cascade.
Water Jets
A water jet fires a stream of water into the pool, which separates in the air to hit the water as a spray of droplets. There is a wide range of options here as you can have them coming from the pool wall or even out of your pool deck firing into the pool. They can also come from within statues. Deck jets are popular because when off, they are basically hidden, so they will not look ‘unused’ like a non-running waterfall might.
Water jets typically use less water and are quieter than a laminar. Kids love to play with them and they are an easy ‘on/off’ feature.
Laminars
Similar to water jets, but not the same. A laminar jet is usually a fuller stream of water which maintains its shape until it reaches the water. This creates a symmetrical arc into the pool and a more dominant sound of the stream hitting the water. They also have the advantage of being able to have colored lights incorporated into them, creating a dramatic lit up arch.
Water Bowls
Water bowls come in many shapes and variations. They typically fill up from inside and then overflow into the pool. They can be incorporated into any pool design and still look good when not running as standalone decorative elements. Usually they are not added as singles, as having multiple ones has a more striking effect on your pool. Typically, they push a fair amount of volume through them and so are good for aerating the water and help cool it down.
Outside of the Pool
As with any pool design, your imagination is the limit. Pool fountains, of course, do not have to be incorporated into your pool directly and can instead be used to complement your outdoor area. However, in doing this will you miss out on some of the benefits of a pool fountain.
Benefits of Fountain In Your Pool
If you are thinking of getting a fountain included in your pool design, you may be focused on just the aesthetic of it. Let’s cover all the advantages they offer.
They Help Cool Your Pool
When looking into adding water features to your pool build, a common question asked is if pool fountains cool water while they run, the simile answer is yes they do. By aerating the water, air molecules from are attached to individual water droplets and this outside ambient temperature passes through the water. When run long enough, this can help cool the pool by several degrees. The more fountains you have, the higher the volume of water they pump, the faster it will cool.
Pool Water Circulation
Pools use chlorine to keep the water clean. The chemicals used need to be dispersed throughout the water in order to provide a consistent barrier against algae. Having a fountain running keeps the water circulating and ensures the chemicals are evenly distributed. Having the water moving more also means that it is more likely that all the water goes through the pump and filter.
Natural Noise Barrier
Part of the reason for having a pool is to have a little slice of paradise in your own backyard and a fountain can help with that experience in a big way. By providing a white noise of running water, you cut out other less pleasant ambient sounds that are typical in an average neighborhood.
Not only does it block out less desired sounds, but it is providing the tranquil sound of running water, which our brains find soothing, which helps you enjoy your outdoor space even more.
Make Pools More Enjoyable
Depending on which type of fountain you go for, of course, but some can add a whole new level of fun to your pool. Kids love to play with water jets or swim under a waterfall and use them to interact with their pool toys and balls.
Additionally, for adults alike, these water features make the pool more enjoyable as having the running water on your skin feels good.
Nice To Look At
And finally, pool fountains, no matter the type, are just nice to look at. Just as staring into a fire is mesmerizing, so too is watching moving water. They catch your eye and add a feeling of movement and life to your backyard.
Do Outdoor Fountains Use a Lot of Electricity?
Fountains have been around for thousands of years, well before electricity. But in order for them to work, there needs to be some expenditure of energy. In Roman times, they used gravity. By bringing water down it would create enough pressure to have the water spurt out. This required a constant source of water flowing downhill and once it passed through the fountain, it continued on its journey. We don’t have that luxury in our backyards and so must use electricity to cycle the water back.
How much electricity a pool fountain uses varies wildly depending on how many you have and how much water passes through them.
If you are concerned about how much a fountain might cost to run, then speak to your builder about which options are more efficient. You don’t want to end up in the situation where you miss out on all the benefits of having a fountain just because you worry about the energy costs it is incurring.
Conclusion
You can customize your pool design by adding fountains, one of the many options you will find when researching ideas for your pool project. You can find a fountain that fits your needs exactly by looking through the many different types.
Having the tranquil sound of running water in your backyard oasis is desired by many and adds a real highlight for you and the family to enjoy. But adding any modern pool fountains, no matter the type to a pool project, is best left to an expert, so ensure to contract a reputable pool builder to undertake the job. Do your research on the types to know what will best fit your space and budget and talk to your builder about their thoughts.
If looking at options on how to enhance your pool, see our other helpful guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a spillway fountain?
A spillway fountain creates a sleek, modern water flow over a ledge into the pool, enhancing the pool’s visual appeal and providing relaxing sound. It can also help with water circulation.
What is a deck jet fountain?
Deck jets are jets installed around the pool’s perimeter that shoot water in elegant arcs into the pool. They’re customizable for different spray angles and heights, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch.
How does a sheer descent waterfall work?
Sheer descent fountains create a smooth, glass-like sheet of water that flows into the pool from a high ledge. These sleek, stylish fountains are popular for their tranquil sound and stunning visual effect.
Are bubblers suitable for shallow pools?
Yes, bubblers create small, gentle water geysers that are ideal for shallow areas, like sun shelves or entry points. They add dynamic movement to the pool while being safe for children and shallow areas.
What are laminar jets, and how do they differ from deck jets?
Laminar jets create a clear, glass-like stream of water that flows in an unbroken arc. Unlike deck jets, laminar jets are designed for precision and create smoother, more tranquil streams with integrated LED lighting options.
