If you are looking to transform your outdoor space and give it a new look, there are many ways to do it. One great way is to add water features to your pool to enhance its beauty and increase its value. A beautiful outdoor space not only elevates your home’s aesthetics but also brings a sense of calm. Water features not only enhance the visual appeal but also bring the calming sounds of water, making your pool feel like a getaway resort. Whether you are building a new pool or upgrading the existing one, you can never go wrong with well-selected water features. From waterfalls to modern deck jets, there are many features to suit everyone.
The Benefits of Adding Water Features to Your In-Ground Pool
There are many benefits of incorporating water features into your pool, ranging from aesthetics to sensory benefits. Here are some of the leading benefits:
Appealing to The Eyes
Whether you incorporate deck jets or flowing waterfalls, water features add a stunning visual appeal to your pool. This will be the first thing people notice when they enter your pool area. You should choose features and colors that blend in well with your outdoor space to help you unify the region.
Soothing Effect
The pleasant sound of flowing water creates a soothing effect by masking background noises like neighbors, city sounds, and traffic. Water features can help you create a peaceful outdoor environment where you can unwind after a long day and enjoy your space. Many homeowners agree that one of the primary benefits of adding water features to an inground pool is the rewarding, calming effect they create.
Always think about the sound when choosing a water feature. Although water features like waterfalls and fountains produce a soothing sound, larger water features can be loud.
Elevates Your Property Value
You might be surprised to learn that adding water features to your pool can elevate your home’s value. These features can make your home stand out, appeal to buyers, and give you a good return on investment when you decide to sell your home. Real estate agents point out that outdoor upgrades help homes sell faster. Water features can be costly to install and maintain, but the investment is worth it, especially if you plan to sell your property.
Personalized Outdoor Space
There are numerous water features allowing you to choose from different design options. You can select features that match your personality, from modern elements to antique looks. You are free to select items that match your pool design, and you can also incorporate custom lights and other effects that match the architecture.
Match the water features to your style. Modern pools look great with water blades and laminar jets. On the other hand, rock waterfalls are better suited to natural pools.
Typical Water Features To Enhance Your Pool
Here are some of the standard water features that you can consider if you are looking to transform your pool:
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a favorite effect for most homeowners seeking to upgrade their outdoor pool area. In addition to creating a spa-like effect, waterfalls also bring calming sounds and sights to the outdoor area. If you are looking for a natural setting, you should visit waterfalls. For a modern look, consider incorporating sheer descent waterfalls.
Whatever waterfall design you choose, it will add a pleasant motion and depth to your pool. Waterfalls look beautiful in pool systems because they introduce a dynamic sound and movement. Some design ideas for waterfalls include natural rock to create a woodland feel. Installing layered rock waterfalls can create a natural landscape, like a scaled-down waterfall in your backyard.
Pool Fountains
When looking for pool fountains, you can choose from sophisticated sculptures to simple bubblers. Fountains are a good way of adding luxury and movement to your pool. You can create a special, relaxing atmosphere whenever you need to by incorporating programmable controls and integrated lighting.
Water fountains are versatile and timeless. Some of their leading advantages include the following:
- Create a soothing sound
- Masks the surrounding noise
- Serves as a visual focal point
- Requires low maintenance
Deck Jets
If you are seeking to add a relaxing, playful, and elegant effect to your pool, you should consider incorporating deck jets that send water streams from the pool deck to the water. You can also include LED lights to ensure you enjoy a good show at night for a pleasant effect.
Bubblers
You can install small jets in shallow areas, such as stakes or turning ledges. They produce mild ripples and bubbles, adding a calming and relaxing touch to the pool. Bubblers would come in handy, especially if you have children who swim in the shallow zones.
Grottoes
A grotto is a cave or a hidden area in a pool. You can have a waterfall flowing above its entrance. This water feature not only offers visual appeal but also provides a functional space for an inbuilt spa shade or sitting area.
Spillways
A spillway allows water to overflow from one place to another. For example, you can install a spillway to allow water to spill from a raised area into the main pool. In an infinity-edge pool, a spillway can make the water appear endless, creating a soft, flowing look. This water feature is elegant and highly functional.
Rain Curtains
Rain curtains appear like thin streams of water that fall like a curtain. They produce a relaxing sound and a pleasant visual effect.
Laminar Bubbles
These water features are similar to bubblers but feature smoother, more controlled streams. The streams shoot up in a line, making them stylish and relaxing.
Wall Fountains
With wall fountains, water flows down a textured or tiled pool wall. This adds a calming waterfall effect and an appealing visual interest.
Scuppers
Water flows through openings of raised walls, and is often used with fire features. They add a magnificent architectural accent to the pool.
Factors To Consider When Incorporating Water Features Into A Pool
Most property owners are often excited to add water features to their pools. However, planning is essential to ensure that you obtain the best results. Here are some of the factors that you should consider when incorporating water features into your pool design:
Ensure That The Features Match The Pool Design
Consider your pool design and dimensions to ensure you choose water features that complement it. If you have a small pool, you should avoid an oversized waterfall, as it could overwhelm the pool. On the other hand, if you have a large pool, you should prevent minimalist jets, as they could overwhelm it. Have the proportions and design of your pool in mind when choosing features to achieve the best outcome.
Choose The Materials Carefully
When choosing materials for your water features, ensure they blend well with your pool and patio. Custom water features can be made from a wide range of materials, including stone, glass, tile, or stainless steel. Make sure the materials you choose are not only beautiful but also durable and resistant to harsh weather. You do not want to keep replacing the water features.
Consider The Maintenance Requirements
Every water feature requires some level of maintenance. You may need to regularly clean fountains and waterfalls to prevent debris or algae buildup. When choosing the ideal water features, ensure that you can meet their maintenance requirements.
Consider The Lighting
To make your water features stand out at night, consider adding spotlights and LED lighting. This will not only enhance your home’s ambience but also add visual drama and enhance the safety of your door space. You can go for color-changing lighting to bring out your backyard’s beauty after dark.
The specific water feature enhancements include:
- Color-changing smart controls
- Submersible LED lights
- Motion sensors for nighttime ambiance
- Timers for energy efficiency
Lighting transforms your outdoors into a relaxing space, especially after sunset.
Other Important Considerations
Other important considerations when installing water features in a pool are:
Sound and Placement
Before you install water features, you should consider the wind direction to avoid splash issues. Place the features close to seating areas for maximum enjoyment,t and also consider the visibility of the features from the windows. When installing a spillway, consider the drainage. The gentle sounds of flowing water can increase relaxation, reduce stress, and turn your backyard into a real sanctuary.
Blend the Water Features With Landscaping
Water features are more beautiful when they are integrated naturally into the outdoor environment. Ensure that the water features blend in well with:
- Native plants
- Ornamental grasses
- Wooden decking
- Stone pathways
- Outdoor seating areas
The bottom line is cohesion, so that your water feature feels like it will belong to the landscape and not just an afterthought.
Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Water Features in Your Pool
If your swimming pool is looking a bit shabby and tired, and it needs some tender loving care, installing water features can give it a new look. You could have acquired a new house with a pool, and you would like to provide it with your own style. Perhaps you are looking to upgrade your existing swimming pool and take advantage of new developments and technology. Whatever the reason, installing water features in a swimming pool can be a fantastic decision.
However, you should plan carefully to avoid common, potentially costly mistakes that could turn your dream swimming pool into a disaster. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid making when installing water features in your swimming pool:
Trying to Do It Yourself
Even experienced swimming pool contractors can make mistakes at times. Installing water features in a swimming pool is a big undertaking, and even something as small as choosing the wrong features can spell trouble and cost you big money. No matter how tempted you might feel to exercise your DIY enthusiasm, hiring a professional is a better option.
Failing to Do Your Homework
You should spend time researching swimming pool water features and installation. This can help you communicate your needs to the pool contractors, giving them an idea of what you want to achieve and your options in advance. Knowing what you wish to do makes it easy to obtain a quote. When consulting contractors, ensure that you ask lots of questions and ask for recommendations or previous works, and compare offers from several contractors before choosing one.
Going For The Cheaper Option
We all like to save money, and you might be tempted to cut corners when making improvements to your swimming pool. However, it is always worth investing in high-quality materials and appliances, as you will reap the benefits in the years to come. Spending more when upgrading your pool can help you avoid having to replace parts after several years. High-quality materials and water features can also save you money on running costs by increasing efficiency.
Failing to Think About the Future
When choosing features for your swimming pool, you want to design a unique, ultra-fashionable pool that is the talk of your friends. However, as much as you want to create the pool of your dreams, you should not overlook what potential buyers would think if you decided to sell your home in the future. Consider also how the features blend with the year’s style and the outdoor space as a whole. Working with a professional contractor ensures that you get it right the first time. Professional pool builders understand the latest water features from leading manufacturers and can help you choose the most appropriate one.
Find High-Quality Water Features Near Me
Incorporating water features into your pool is a great way to enhance its appearance and create a memorable outdoor space. You can choose from a wide range of water features. A waterfall provides a calming sound, while a deck jet adds a modern, sleek look. If you are looking for a luxury look, you should consider a spa spillway. With so many water features available, there is something for everyone.
To know the best water feature for your pool, talk to a professional pool builder. At Oak Wells Aquatics, we have professional pool builders who can help you create a functional and stylish pool area in Jacksonville, Florida. Contact us today at 904-619-3281 to speak to one of our experts.
