Top 5 Swimming Pool Water Features You Need

A pool doesn’t need to be extravagant to feel elevated, it just needs the right details. The right water feature can add movement, sound, and atmosphere without overwhelming the design. At Green Side Up Contracting, we build pools that are as functional as they are visually striking.

If you’re planning a new pool or upgrading your current setup, here are five water features that add impact without overcomplicating the space.

1. Waterfalls: The Ultimate Backyard Statement

There’s a reason waterfalls top most people’s wish lists. They combine beauty, movement, and a soothing sound that elevates the entire atmosphere.

Why it works:

Creates a relaxing, spa-like environment
Helps circulate pool water
Drowns out neighbourhood noise
Adds a natural or architectural focal point

From rock waterfalls that mimic nature to sheet waterfalls with clean, modern lines, there’s a style to fit every pool.

We can incorporate waterfalls into raised walls, natural boulders, or even your landscaping for a seamless, integrated design.

2. Sheer Descent Waterfalls: Sleek and Modern

A sheer descent is a specific type of waterfall that creates a thin, smooth sheet of water. It’s visually striking and pairs well with modern or minimalist pool designs.

Why you’ll love it:

Offers a quiet, elegant water flow
Can be installed in multiple sizes and widths
Works well with LED lighting for night-time ambience
Ideal for straight-line or geometric pool styles

These features can be installed into walls, pillars, or pergola structures, giving you a clean, architectural look that feels high-end without being over the top.

3. Deck Jets or Laminar Jets: Movement and Fun

If you want a water feature that doubles as entertainment, deck jets or laminar jets are a great choice. These features shoot thin streams of water from the pool deck into the pool, often lit with LED lights for dramatic effect.

Benefits:

Great for families with kids
Adds motion without taking up space
Can be customized in colour, height, and angle
Integrates easily into most existing pool setups

They’re also relatively low maintenance and energy-efficient, making them a popular upgrade for both new and renovated pools.

4. Bubblers: Subtle and Stylish

Bubblers are small fountains installed in shallow areas like tanning ledges or beach entries. They push up small streams of water, creating a gentle bubbling effect.

Why bubblers are a must-have:

Adds a touch of motion without being loud or splashy
Ideal for lounging areas
Safe and fun for children
Looks stunning when paired with underwater lighting

Bubblers are a simple but effective way to make a pool feel more dynamic. When designed properly, they enhance the relaxation zones of your pool without dominating the space.

5. Scuppers and Spillover Features: Elegant Transitions

Scuppers are small outlets that allow water to flow from one level to another, such as from a spa into a pool. Often built into walls or decorative structures, they create an eye-catching transition while also helping with water movement.

Reasons to consider them:

Creates a luxurious spa-to-pool connection
Adds movement and gentle sound
Works well with modern and classical styles alike
Enhances multi-level pool design

Whether you’re integrating a spa or just want visual variety, spillover features like scuppers can make your backyard design feel cohesive and sophisticated.

Add Lighting for Maximum Impact

No matter which water feature you choose, strategic lighting will enhance it dramatically. LED lights, especially colour-changing ones, highlight movement, reflect off the water, and bring your pool to life after dark.

We always recommend pairing water features with lighting to get the most out of your investment.

How to Choose the Right Pool Water Feature for Your Space

Adding a water feature isn’t just about looks, it’s about creating the mood you want in your outdoor space. Here are a few quick questions to help you decide:

Do you want peace and quiet or playful energy?
→ Choose waterfalls or bubblers for relaxation; jets for fun and motion.
Is your pool modern or natural-looking?
→ Go for sheer descents or scuppers for a sleek design; rock waterfalls for a more natural vibe.
Do you entertain at night?
→ Make sure your feature pairs well with lighting.
Are there kids using the pool regularly?
→ Jets and bubblers offer safe, low-maintenance fun.
Are you building new or renovating?
→ Some features are easier to add during initial construction. We’ll help you design for now and for future upgrades if needed.

Planning Water Features the Right Way: What Most Homeowners Overlook

Adding water features to your pool isn’t just about picking the flashiest option; it’s about how that feature fits into the broader layout of your backyard, your pool’s mechanics, and your long-term maintenance routine.

At Green Side Up Contracting, we help clients make choices that look great today and still make sense five years down the line. Here’s what many people miss during the planning stage:

Water Flow and System Compatibility

Each feature, whether it’s a waterfall, bubbler, or jet, needs to be integrated into your pool’s plumbing and pump system. If your system isn’t sized properly, adding multiple features can strain circulation and reduce overall efficiency. We evaluate your pool’s hydraulics to ensure every addition runs smoothly.

Electrical Planning for Lighting and Automation

Features like laminar jets and illuminated waterfalls need more than just plumbing. They need low-voltage electrical systems and weather-safe connections. Thinking ahead about how you’ll control these elements (switch, timer, app) makes a huge difference in day-to-day use.

Height and Placement for Natural Flow

Water that falls too far or hits at the wrong angle won’t look or sound right. It might splash, create noise, or cause wear over time. We use grading techniques to make sure features like scuppers and sheer descents align perfectly with the pool’s shape and sightlines.

Blending Features into the Surrounding Landscape

Instead of dropping in a generic waterfall, we look at the full environment: deck materials, privacy screens, garden beds, even furniture placement. The goal is to build a space where the water feature feels intentional, not tacked on.

Turn Your Pool Into a Showstopper

Water features can take a standard pool and turn it into a custom experience, whether you’re going for elegance, excitement, or a touch of both. With the right design and professional installation, features like waterfalls, jets, and bubblers can completely transform how your backyard looks and feels.

At Green Side Up, we help homeowners across the GTA and York Region build stunning outdoor spaces that elevate daily life and boost property value.

Ready to design a pool that stands out? Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let’s bring your vision to life with water features that move, shine, and inspire.

Posted in Pool Building and tagged Swimming Pool Water Features

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