Swimming pool water features can completely transform the look and feel of a custom pool. Beyond their visual appeal, moving water adds sound, movement and atmosphere that can make a backyard feel more like a private resort.
When designing a custom concrete pool, the best time to consider water features is during the initial design process. Many features require dedicated plumbing, pumps, electrical components or structural elements that are much easier to incorporate before construction begins.
If you’re planning a custom pool in Lake Norman, Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville or the surrounding Charlotte area, here are 10 water features worth considering.
10 Swimming Pool Water Features for a Luxury Backyard
Sheer Descents
Sheer descents create a clean sheet of water that projects from a raised wall and falls into the swimming pool below. They’re one of the most popular water features for homeowners who want a modern, architectural appearance.
Sheer descents can be incorporated into raised bond beams, retaining walls and other structures surrounding the pool. They can also be installed individually or grouped together to create a larger feature.
Adding lighting beneath or around the water can make sheer descents especially dramatic after sunset.
Fire and Water Bowls
For homeowners looking for a dramatic focal point, fire and water bowls combine two completely different elements into one feature.
Water flows from the bowl into the swimming pool while a gas-powered flame burns above it. During the day, the flowing water adds movement to the pool. At night, the combination of fire, moving water and pool lighting can completely change the atmosphere of the backyard.
Fire and water bowls work particularly well on raised pool walls, elevated spas and other architectural features where they can become a centerpiece of the overall pool design.
Deck Jets
Deck jets create streams of water that arc from the pool deck into the swimming pool.
They can be positioned around different areas of the pool and are often installed in groups to create symmetrical water arcs. Because the equipment is installed flush with the surrounding deck, the feature remains relatively discreet when it isn’t operating.
Deck jets can add movement without requiring a raised wall or other major structural element, making them an option for both traditional and contemporary pool design.
Pool Scuppers
Scuppers allow water to flow from a raised wall into the swimming pool below.
Unlike a sheer descent that typically creates a wide sheet of water, scuppers are architectural outlets that create individual streams or smaller waterfalls.
Scuppers are available in numerous shapes, sizes and finishes, allowing them to complement natural stone, porcelain, tile and other materials used throughout a custom pool and outdoor living project.
They are particularly effective when several scuppers are evenly spaced across a raised pool wall.
Spa Spillovers
An integrated spa spillover is one of the most recognizable water features found on custom concrete pools.
When a spa is positioned above the elevation of the swimming pool, water can flow from the spa into the pool below. Depending on the design, that spillover might be a narrow opening or extend across a significant portion of the spa.
The width, elevation and finish materials surrounding the spillover can dramatically change its appearance.
A spa spillover also helps visually connect the pool and spa so the two structures feel like one cohesive design.
Bubblers
Bubblers are especially popular on tanning ledges and shallow areas of a swimming pool.
Installed beneath the water’s surface, bubblers push water upward to create a small fountain effect. Depending on the equipment and water depth, the flow can range from a subtle bubbling effect to a much more prominent column of water.
LED lighting can also be incorporated into certain bubbler systems, creating an illuminated water feature at night.
Because tanning ledges have become such a popular feature in modern custom pools, bubblers are often incorporated directly into the original pool design..
Rain Curtains
A rain curtain produces multiple streams or droplets of water falling vertically into the swimming pool.
Unlike a traditional waterfall flowing from a wall, a rain curtain is typically installed overhead in a structure such as a pergola, pavilion or specially designed architectural feature.
The result can create a dramatic visual effect while adding the relaxing sound of falling water.
Rain curtains require careful planning because the supporting structure, plumbing and water-return system all need to work together as part of the overall pool design.
Natural Waterfalls
For homeowners who prefer a more organic backyard design, a natural-style waterfall can create an entirely different appearance.
These features typically incorporate natural or manufactured stone arranged to resemble a rock formation, with water flowing through multiple elevations before entering the swimming pool.
Landscaping can then be incorporated around the waterfall to help integrate the feature into the surrounding backyard.
Natural waterfalls tend to work especially well on properties with existing elevation changes or landscapes where a more organic pool design complements the home and property.
Infinity or Negative Edges
An infinity edge—also commonly called a negative edge or vanishing edge—is one of the most dramatic features available on a custom concrete pool.
Instead of being contained by traditional coping on every side, water flows over one edge of the pool into a collection basin below. From certain viewpoints, the water appears to disappear into the surrounding landscape.
Properties with elevation changes or long-distance views can be especially well suited for this type of design.
On Lake Norman waterfront properties, a properly positioned negative-edge pool can create the visual effect of the swimming pool extending toward the lake.
These systems require additional engineering, structural work, plumbing and equipment, making early planning particularly important.
Perimeter Overflow Pools
A perimeter overflow takes the vanishing-edge concept even further.
Rather than allowing water to flow over only one edge, a perimeter overflow pool can allow water to flow over multiple sides—or potentially the entire perimeter—into a concealed collection system.
This creates an extremely clean architectural appearance and can make the surface of the pool appear nearly level with the surrounding patio.
Perimeter overflow systems are typically found on high-end custom pools where the architecture of the pool itself is intended to become a major design element.
Choosing the Right Water Features for Your Pool
There isn’t one water feature that’s right for every backyard.
The best choice depends on the architecture of the home, pool elevation, surrounding patio, landscaping, desired sound level and the overall style you’re trying to create.
It’s also important to think about water features as part of the entire backyard design rather than adding them simply because they’re available.
A raised spa may naturally create an opportunity for a spillover. A retaining wall may provide the perfect location for scuppers or sheer descents. A tanning ledge may be ideal for bubblers. And a waterfront property with significant elevation change could potentially lend itself to a negative-edge design.
When those elements are considered together from the beginning, the finished project feels intentional rather than pieced together.
Designing a Custom Pool in Lake Norman
At H2O-Matic Pool and Patio, we specialize in custom concrete swimming pools, spas and complete outdoor living projects throughout Lake Norman, including Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville and surrounding communities.
Our projects can incorporate custom water features, fire features, outdoor kitchens, patios, retaining walls, landscaping, lighting and other elements to create one cohesive backyard environment.
Whether you’re considering a simple spa spillover or envisioning a complete resort-style backyard with fire and water features, the design process starts with understanding your property and how you want to use the space.
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