Share this story, choose your platform!
The sound of moving water changes how a pool feels
There’s something about moving water that makes people slow down. The gentle splash of a spout, the soft sheet of a waterfall, the arc of a jet catching the evening light. It turns a lovely pool into a place you want to sit beside, even when you’re not swimming.
That’s why pool water features are one of the most popular extras people ask us about. They add sound, movement and a bit of drama. Children love them. Adults tend to love them just as much, especially with a glass of something cold at the end of a warm day.
The good news is that you don’t need a huge pool or a grand garden to enjoy one. There’s a style for most spaces, from a single slim spout to a row of arching jets along one edge.
In this guide we’ll explain the main types, how they work, what they need behind the scenes and how to plan them so they look and feel just right.
What we mean by a water feature
In simple terms, a water feature is anything that moves water into the pool in a way you can see and hear. It usually takes water from the pool, pushes it through a pump, and sends it back through a jet, spout or lip. The same water is recycled round and round.
Pool water features come in more styles than you might think
Most features fall into a handful of families. Each one has its own look and sound, and they suit different pool shapes and garden styles.
Deck jets
Deck jets are small nozzles set into the paving or deck around the pool. When they’re switched on, they shoot a smooth, clear arc of water up and over into the pool. When they’re off, they sit almost flush with the surface, so you barely notice them.
A row of deck jets along one side looks crisp and modern. Children tend to spend hours running through the arcs or trying to catch them. Some jets can be lit from below, which makes the water glow at night.
Sheet waterfalls
A sheet waterfall, sometimes called a water blade or curtain, sends a flat, glassy sheet of water out from a slim lip. It usually sits in a raised wall at one end of the pool. The effect is calm and elegant, with a soft, steady sound.
Many are made from stainless steel for a clean, contemporary look. Others are built into stone or rendered walls so only the lip shows.
Spouts and scuppers
A spout or scupper pushes a thicker stream of water out from a wall. It has a more classic feel and a fuller, splashier sound. Several spouts in a row can look striking on a raised wall behind the pool.
Bubblers
Bubblers sit in shallow water, often on a sun ledge or wide step. They push a small dome of water up through the surface. They’re gentle, playful and great for younger swimmers.
Rain curtains and overhead features
Some features drop water from above, like a light shower or rain curtain. These need a frame or canopy to hang from, so they tend to suit more architectural designs.
Every feature needs a little engineering behind the scenes
A water feature looks effortless, but it relies on careful planning out of sight. Getting this right is what makes the difference between a feature that looks lovely for years and one that never quite works.
The pump
Most pool water features need a pump to push the water with enough force. Some small features can run from the main pool pump. Larger features, or several running together, usually need their own dedicated pump. This lets you switch the feature on and off without affecting your filtration.
Pipework and valves
Water has to travel from the pump to each jet or spout, often under the deck or through a wall. Valves let you balance the flow so each jet arcs evenly. This is much easier to plan before the paving goes down than after.
Controls
You’ll want an easy way to turn features on and off. That might be a simple switch in the plant room, or a timer. Many owners now like to run features from their phone along with their lighting and heating. Our guide to smart pool control explains how that can work.
Water level
Features that spill water from above can splash some of it out onto the deck, especially on a breezy day. Over time that can lower the water level a little. It’s worth keeping an eye on this, and some pools have automatic top up systems to help.
Good design makes pool water features look like they belong
The best features look as if they were always meant to be there. That usually comes from planning them as part of the whole design, rather than adding them on later.
Think about where you’ll sit
A waterfall looks wonderful from the terrace, but less so if you only ever see it from behind. Picture where you’ll relax, eat and entertain, and place features so they face you.
Match the style to the house
Crisp stainless steel blades and neat deck jets suit a modern home. Stone spouts and rustic walls sit better with a period property or a cottage garden. Keeping materials in step with the house makes everything feel calm and considered.
Use scale wisely
One well placed feature can have more impact than several competing ones. On a smaller pool, a single slim waterfall or a short row of jets is often plenty. On a larger pool you might pair a waterfall at one end with jets along a side.
Add light
Moving water and light are a lovely pairing. A lit waterfall or glowing jets can completely change the mood after dark. Our guide to LED pool lights covers the options in more detail.
Link it to the garden
Planting, walls and paving all frame a feature. Our guide to pool landscaping has plenty of ideas for tying the pool and garden together.
Choosing a feature starts with how you use the pool
Before you fall for a particular look, it helps to think about who will use the pool and when. The right choice often becomes obvious once you picture a normal week in your garden.
For busy family pools
If the pool is mainly for children, playful features win every time. Deck jets and bubblers are gentle, fun and easy to run through. They also keep younger swimmers happily busy in the shallow end while adults relax nearby.
For calm, grown-up spaces
If the pool is more about unwinding, a single sheet waterfall or a slim spout gives you that soothing sound without the splash. Many people find it lovely to read or chat beside, with the water murmuring in the background.
For entertaining
If you love having friends round, think about features that look good from the terrace and after dark. A lit waterfall on a raised wall makes a real focal point. Jets that you can switch on for a party, then off again, give you both a lively mood and a quiet one.
For smaller gardens
In a compact space, less is more. Of all the pool water features we’re asked about, a single wall spout or a short row of jets is often the best fit for a small plot. It adds movement without crowding the pool.
A few practical points are worth weighing up first
Features are a joy, but it’s worth going in with your eyes open. Here are the main things people ask about.
Heat
Moving water loses warmth faster than still water, because it’s exposed to the air. If your pool is heated, you may notice it cools a bit quicker while features are running. Many owners simply use them when they’re outside enjoying the pool, rather than leaving them on all day.
Water chemistry
Splashing and spraying can speed up the loss of chlorine and nudge the pH upwards. Nothing dramatic, but it’s another reason to test your water regularly. If you add any chemicals, follow the label carefully, wear gloves and eye protection, never mix chemicals, and always add chemical to water, never water to chemical. Keep swimmers out until the water is balanced, and store everything away from children and pets.
Noise
Most people love the sound of water. But a loud spout right by a bedroom window, or a neighbour’s fence, might not be so welcome. Think about where the sound will carry, especially on quiet evenings.
Safety
Jets and features are for enjoying, not climbing. Keep raised walls and spouts safe for little ones, and make sure deck jets sit flush so nobody trips.
Planning and build
If a feature involves a tall wall, a canopy or new structures in the garden, it may affect whether you need permission. Rules vary, so it’s always worth checking with your local council or building control before you commit.
Pool water features need only a little care
Once they’re in, most features are easy to live with. A few simple habits will keep them working well. You can read more in our guide to infinity pools.
- Keep nozzles clear. Hair, leaves and grit can partly block a jet and spoil the arc. A quick check now and then keeps them clean.
- Watch for limescale. In hard water areas, white deposits can build up around lips and spouts. A gentle clean stops them from spoiling the flow.
- Check the flow evenly. If one jet looks weaker than the others, the valves may need a small adjustment.
- Protect them in winter. Pipework that holds water can be damaged by frost. Features are usually drained down or protected as part of the winter routine.
- Include them in your service. A yearly check of pumps, pipes and valves helps catch small issues early.
If a feature ever sounds different, splutters or stops working, switch it off and give us a call. Small problems are usually simple to sort before they grow. You can read more in our guide to the latest swimming pool trends.
Water feature questions we get asked a lot
Can I add a water feature to an existing pool?
Often, yes, though it’s easier if the feature can connect to existing pipework and power. Talk to us about your pool and we can take a look at what’s possible.
Do water features use a lot of electricity?
They need a pump to run, so there is some energy use. How much depends on the feature and how often you run it. We can give you a realistic estimate for your pool.
Will a feature make the pool colder?
It can cool the water a little while it’s running, especially on cool or windy evenings. Running features when you’re outside, and using a cover overnight, helps.
Are deck jets safe for children?
Yes, they’re gentle and very popular with families. As with everything around a pool, children should always be supervised.
Can I control features from my phone?
Many modern systems allow this, alongside lighting and heating. Ask us how it could work with your set up.
Do I need planning permission for a waterfall?
Most small features won’t need it, but tall walls or new structures might. Always check with your local council or building control if you’re unsure.
Let’s talk about pool water features for your garden
A water feature is a small addition that can make a big difference to how your pool looks, sounds and feels. The key is planning it early, choosing the right style for your home and making sure the engineering behind it is sound.
At HiLife Pools we design and install one-piece pools, swim spas and spas, along with heating, covers, lighting and equipment as part of a complete project. Talk to us about adding a water feature to your plans, and we’ll help you find something that suits your garden. You can also explore our full range of pools to see what’s possible.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
