A pool is more than a place to cool off on a hot day. The right pool features turn a basic backyard into a beautiful space you actually want to spend time in. From gentle waterfalls to playful jets, swimming pool water features add sound, movement, and personality to any design.
In short, water features can make a backyard pool more beautiful, relaxing, and functional. Here are twelve options worth considering for your next pool project.
1. Sheer Descent
Sheer descents create a thin, glassy sheet of water that falls smoothly into the pool. This feature pairs well with raised walls or spas and offers a calm, continuous sound that many homeowners love. Sheer decent’s are one of the most popular pool features for good reason. They create a soothing backdrop, mask noise from the neighborhood, and give your pool a resort feel. Consider the size of your pool and surrounding landscape when choosing sheer descent height and flow rate.
2. Bubblers
Bubblers are gentle fountains that bubble up from the pool floor rather than spraying water into the air. They work especially well on shallow areas and sun shelves, where kids and adults alike can enjoy the sound and movement up close.
3. Deck Jets
Deck jets send arcing streams of water from the pool deck into the water below. They add a playful, modern touch and suit both resort-style and contemporary pools, especially when paired with landscape lighting after dark.
4. Scuppers
Scuppers are wall-mounted water features that send a steady stream of water into the pool below. They complement both contemporary and traditional designs, offering a clean line of flowing water without major landscaping changes.
5. Rain Curtains
Rain curtains create a curtain of falling water, often installed along a raised wall or beam near the pool. They add visual drama and a soft sound that makes lounging nearby even more relaxing.
6. Spillover Spas
A spillover spa sends water flowing from a raised spa into the pool below. This feature combines the benefits of a spa and pool in one design, giving your family a continuous water feature to enjoy year-round.
7. Laminar Jets
Laminar jets produce a precise, smooth arc of water that stays clear and glass-like as it travels through the air. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a sophisticated look for swimming pool water features. Add a touch of elegance and drama to your pool reaching up to 7-feet high and 8-feet wide with all the capabilities of Jandy Infinite WaterColors™ Lights including 10 pre-set colors and 5 light shows… Whether you want jade green jets, streams of sapphire, or shooting arcs of aquamarine — a vibrant light and water show is right at your fingertips.
8. Sun Shelf
For more design inspiration, check out our guide to sun shelf design ideas.
How to Choose the Right Pool Features
Choosing the right pool features comes down to a few key factors. Start with your pool’s size and layout, since some features need more room than others. Then think about how the feature matches your home’s design, along with maintenance, installation, and your budget.
Some swimming pool water features, like laminar jets, require extra plumbing, while bubblers and fountains install more seamlessly. According to the National Association of Home Builders, outdoor living features like pools and patios remain high among homeowners’ priorities for backyard upgrades. Pick pool features that match your desired ambiance.
Upgrade your Backyard with Oasis Pavers and Pools
From a dramatic waterfall to a subtle bubbler on your sun shelf, the right pool features can transform how your family uses and enjoys your backyard. Adding swimming pool water features is one of the easiest ways to make your pool feel custom-built for you.
Oasis Pavers and Pools has years of experience designing and building custom pools throughout the Tampa Bay area. Explore our pool and spa services to start planning the backyard upgrade you’ve been picturing.
