Water Features
Tanning Ledge
A tanning ledge (also called a tanning shelf, baja shelf, or sun shelf) is a very shallow shelf in the pool that is usually at least 5 feet wide and 9 inches deep. This shelf acts as an entry point to your pool and can span its full or partial width. It should be just deep enough for you to be in the water without having to swim or float. Many people use it to relax, keep cool, read a book, or play. People also like to put furniture in their tanning ledges, including lounge chairs, umbrellas, and even small tables. This type of design has been around for a few years, but it's becoming increasingly popular thanks to its versatility and aesthetic qualities.
Spillover Spa or Spillways
Spillovers are incorporated custom-built into a spa that’s raised above the swimming pool. It functions as a type of functional water feature since it trickles or spills into the pool.
Spillways usually offer gentle running water sounds for function or effect. You can use spillways to pass pool water from one place to another through a small hole or cut-out slowly.
Bubblers
Also called gushers, bubblers are small jets in a pool’s shallow surface that shoot streams of pool water that bubble up and ripple. You can adjust the heights of the streams of water as well. They are fun pool water features that provide your pool with a unique appearance and can be the focal point for your remodeled or new pool. You can create a fun way to illuminate the night by adding colorful lights.
Scuppers and Sheer Descents
A scupper is similar to a sconce, and is a slot or spout that is attached to a wall or pedestal where water flows. Styles of water flow can include chute, trough, and sheet.
Sheer Descents are a waterfall that appear like a thin sheet of glass, and drops or forms an arc as it flows away from the pool wall. The opening of a sheer descent can range from half a foot to several feet wide. It is usually mounted flush with a top surface.
Fountains
Fountains are very elegant and can make any pool look luxurious. This water feature design can vary from the simple to complex. Simple fountains may be small openings found at the edge of your pool, splashing water. While the complex ones can use more elaborate design motifs that are incorporated into the poolscape.
Deck Jets
Often called a laminar or pencil jet, this type of water feature is installed into pool decking and shoots a narrow, arching stream of water into the pool. For additional fun and drama, deck jets can be illuminated with color-changing LED lights.
Pool Fire Bowl
Not really a water feature, but more of a pool design enhancement, a fire bowl is similar to a fire pit that creates a wonderful night time ambiance. Pool fire bowls can create a warm alluring glow that helps give your backyard a resort atmosphere. When paired with waterfalls the night views can be dramatic.
Weeping Walls
Weeping walls, a type of pool waterfall, are weepers where the water actually comes in between the rocks and into the pool. Weeping walls are made by having a row of moss rock boulders two to three rocks high, forming a wall around part of your pool. Weeping walls not only look nice but add a beautiful babbling brook sound to your backyard oasis.
Wonderfall
This simple water feature contributes an exciting experience to the users through its spraying feature. Basically, it is made up of a piece of plumbing that connects to the pool’s return, creating a spritz of water. This is popular for kid friendly pools and is often used to cool off. Rather than go with the traditional water scupper found in many hot tubs this design opts for creative water fountains to recirculate water back in to the pool.
Pool Grottos
Grottos are one of the ultimate water features to add to a swimming pool. Imagine sitting underneath a natural rock grotto with water cascading in front of you. A natural rock grotto will have a large natural stone with a bench under it. The size of the grottos range from a 3 tons which is for one person to sit underneath to 5 tons which allows for two people to sit underneath.