The water flows through a thin spillway creating a sleek elegant look as it descends into the water. Sheer-descent waterfalls, also called sheetfalls, are more suited for modern and geometric pools. Little Rock, AR Photography by Jim Cunningham Sheer-Descent Waterfalls Photo courtesy of Morehead Pools. Using several waterfalls for a dramatic effect typically works better than one massive waterfall. The size of the waterfall should be relatively proportional to the size of the pool, but multiple waterfalls on an average-sized pool will look great with the right landscaping. Faux rock is also lighter than natural rock, which makes it easier to install.

We cast our faux rock from natural rock formations to give a truly authentic look. Many pool owners prefer natural stone, but faux rock is a great option as well because it allows for customized formations. Some rock styles and colors are universally popular, but each region of the country has a preferred color pattern and rock type based on the appearance of local stone. Large boulder clusters or rock planters help the waterfall blend into the pool area.

These pools can be surrounded by large rocks that serve as a small deck and go to the edge of the pool as coping would on a traditional pool. Rock waterfalls are commonly used on freeform pools and are ideal for natural-style pools that may resemble a tropical lagoon or mountain spring. More pool owners are requesting rock waterfalls and rock features to make their pool feel like a home resort. This allows the water to go flat for a ways then spill over the next level so that it flows down several layers.” Types Of Water Features Rock Waterfalls Photos courtesy of RicoRock, Inc. “If you have an area 50 feet long and a drop of 15 to 20 feet, you might run a waterfall down the length of that with 4- to 5-foot-wide step increments. To make use of a tall hill, a design could include a “step ripple effect coming down the elevations,” Blumenkamp says. To prevent water from splashing onto walkways and other areas, wind sensors can be installed to shut off the jets when winds go over 5 mph.īeyond a preferred style, pool owners should focus on something that fits the topography. The biggest issue with laminar jets is their sensitivity to wind, which can easily ruin the effect. “You can get more dramatic with laminar jets, which produce a solid stream of bubble-free water, and add color by illuminating them with fiber-optics, but laminars cost considerably more,” Marshall says. “And due to their low cost, they’re one of the most popular water features in the country.”ĭeck jets create an elegant look as they shoot streams of water from the deck to the pool, but they must be placed properly to perform well. “They look good with almost any pool style and kids love them,” says Thom Blumenkamp, senior designer for Texas Pools in The Woodlands, Texas. Also called fountain bubblers, these features protrude upward like mini geysers and are usually built into a pool’s shallow sun ledge. At Aquatic Artists, Inc., Youngsville, N.C., president and principal designer Trey Marshall incorporates foam (or sun) jets into many designs. Mediterranean-style pools utilize raised walls with sconces (in which water pours out of mounted rosettes, lion heads, etc.). As a general rule, rock waterfalls are ideal for rustic, lagoon-style pools, while sheetfalls, laminar jets, and fountains can establish a more formal or clean look. He can explain the different options for your budget and the look you’re hoping to achieve. To get started, speak to your builder during the design phase. Frequently Asked Water Feature Questions.Sconces, Laminar Fountains, and Fountain Bubblers.Simply put, today’s pool builders create customized features that move water in astonishing ways. There are many types of water features to choose from, and the effects they can create are seemingly infinite when factoring in size, flow rate, acoustics, and lighting. By adding a vertical element of moving water, the design can spring to life and almost become a work of art. A great pool design is often realized by the water within-its appearance, reflections, and how it refracts light and color.

Luxury modern pool waterfall