Your Guide to Pool Water Features

If you’re thinking of a way to spark joy in your backyard by adding in a water feature, there are many things you will need to consider; its benefits, when to install and what pool feature is best for you. Let’s dive into the facts.

Benefits to a Pool Feature

Having a pool feature in your backyard has both aesthetic and wellbeing benefits. Aesthetically, having a pool feature can elevate your backyard design and can potentially increase your property value. A pool feature can also increase the wellness factor of your pool by providing a relaxing space in your backyard as it can reinforce a calming and invigorating environment.

Installing a Pool Feature

Pool features are typically installed at the same time as the build of a new pool as it enables the water feature to be integrated into the design and allows a smooth operation. However, if you already have a new pool, adding a water feature is still possible with a skilled pool builder who will be able to put the necessary pipework into place. If you’re buying a pool and unsure about a water feature, you can tell your pool builder that there is a chance you will want to install a water feature down the line so that they can make sure the infrastructure is put in place and make adding a pool feature much easier in the future.

Types of Water Features

With a lot of options to choose from, picking a water feature for your pool will ultimately depend on three things; the design of your pool, what works well with the rest of your property and what overall look you want to achieve. Water features tend to call in 5 popular categories:

Water Walls

Water walls are a modern, sleek design that works well with contemporary pool shapes and home designs.

To construct a water wall, it is built with either timber, steel, or concrete on one side of your pool then tiled over to give it a seamless look into your pool area. A water blade is then added to that water flows from the pool into the wall’s pipework and flows like a waterfall back into the pool. Our Astralpool Silk flow waterfalls would be the perfect addition to your waterwall.

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Waterfalls

Waterfalls create a more natural element to your pool experience. They typically work best with more traditional properties and with pools that are curved in shape. Design wise, they are made with water tumbling over rocks and boulders (real or fake) to cascade back into the pool. For the ultimate rainforest experience in the confines of your home, we suggest installing our Astralpool cascade waterfalls.

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Fountains

Fountains are a water feature classic. They can be as grand or as understated as you choose and are ideal for both kids and adults to play in as water is pushed from the pool before falling back down into the pool again. Fountains are versatile to your style of property and pool as there are a variety of options to choose from.

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Deck Jets

Deck jets are a great way to add fun to your pool. They are built into the ground at intervals around the side of the pool and it shoots water in an arc back into the pool. This allows you to create visual effects to suit your environment and would be paired well with some Pool lighting! Placement is also critical to maximize the desired effect. A deck jet or laminar jet can be disturbed by wind, so avoid placing a jet where there’s a cross-breeze.

Deck jets are also great for cooling down around the summertime for kids, adults and even your fur friends.

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Scuppers

Scuppers add a visual element to your pool as they make the water pour in two ways; a chute back into the pool or as a straight sheet of water.

They are a subtle way to add into your pool design and come in a variety of style and designs.

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With all these options available, speaking to a professional will help you decide what look and what water features work well with your backyard environment and lifestyle. You’ll also want to consider your greenery and landscaping to see what works well together. Other creative contrasts include using fire displays or fire pits to play off the elements.

Water features can be controlled through a smartphone app, like iAquaLink®, so if you want to turn it off, or reduce the flow rate, it’s easy to do with the tap of a finger. It’s also handy if you’ve left your house and forgotten to turn off your water feature, or wanted to turn it on before you get home.