Water Features for a Swimming Pool

Fountains come in a variety of styles, so you should be able to find one that fits the design of your pool.fountain 2 image by horacio villamonte from Fotolia.com

For homeowners who find their backyard swimming pool boring, adding a water feature can instantly add drama or interest to the look of their yard. Flowing, moving or spraying water often creates a more tranquil mood, but water features may also be used to give a pool a more whimsical look as well. Consider the overall effect that you would like to create, and your budget, when choosing which feature works best for your pool.

Waterfalls

A waterfall can give your swimming pool a dramatic look or a rustic, natural feel depending on the style you choose. Sheet waterfalls consist of a marble or stone ledge, which water flows over in a sheet. Sheet waterfalls come in variety of sizes and shapes, so they may be installed in most pools to instantly create an elegant and sophisticated look. You may also construct a sheet waterfall with a hammered metal finish for a more modern look. Rock waterfalls may be used to create a more natural look for your pool. Instead of the water falling over a ledge as in a sheet waterfall, a series of rocks are used as a track for the water to stream down. Pre-fabricated rock waterfalls are available, which come in one large piece that may be placed at the pool's edge. Custom rock waterfalls may also be built if you would like a more dramatic or elaborate look. You can even use large boulders or rocks that are already in your yard as part of the waterfall.

A fountain may be a good option if you want to add a piece of artwork to your pool. Fountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you should be able to find one that matches the design scheme of your pool and yard. A fountain consists of a structure with a spigot that sprays water. Fountain structures come in a variety of styles, such as mermaids, dolphins or fish, and are usually made of stone. You can also have some fountains custom-made to fit the shape and feel of your pool.

Laminar jets can create 7- to 8-foot-high streams of water that arch into your pool. They are typically installed in the deck surrounding the pool, but they may also be placed in nearby shrubs and planters or in the floor of the pool. You may also choose to add fiber-optic lighting to the jets so colored light passes through the streams of water as they fall into the pool.