A pool renovation is the perfect opportunity to rethink your entire backyard oasis. While you’re already updating tiles and resurfacing, why not add a feature that elevates the entire experience? A pool water feature addition during renovation can transform a simple swimming area into a stunning, tranquil retreat. It adds visual appeal, the soothing sound of moving water, and can even increase your property’s value.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when adding a water feature to your existing pool. We’ll explore popular options, discuss the benefits, and outline the key steps to ensure a seamless integration into your renovation project.
Why Add a Water Feature During a Renovation?
Timing is everything. Integrating a water feature during a planned renovation is far more efficient and cost-effective than adding one later. Your pool is already a construction zone, with equipment and contractors on-site. This means plumbing and electrical work can be done concurrently, saving you from a second round of disruption and expense.
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced Ambiance: The gentle sound of flowing water creates a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere, masking unwanted background noise and promoting relaxation.
- Improved Aesthetics: A well-chosen water feature acts as a dynamic focal point, turning your pool from a simple body of water into a piece of landscape art.
- Better Water Circulation: Water features help circulate pool water, which can improve the distribution of chemicals and prevent stagnant areas where algae might grow.
- Increased Property Value: A beautifully designed pool area is a significant selling point. A sophisticated water feature can make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
Popular Pool Water Feature Options
The possibilities for a pool water feature addition are vast. Your choice will depend on your budget, your pool’s design, and the overall style of your backyard. Here are some of the most popular options to consider.
Waterfalls
A classic and dramatic choice, waterfalls can range from a natural-looking rock cascade to a sleek, modern sheer descent.
- Rock Waterfalls: These are built using natural or artificial rock to create a rustic, lagoon-style feel. They are highly customizable in size and flow, making them a versatile option for many pool shapes. Integrating a grotto or a small seating area behind the waterfall can add an extra layer of luxury.
- Sheer Descent: For a contemporary look, a sheer descent creates a smooth, clear arc of water that projects from a raised wall of the pool. Often backlit with LED lights, they offer a clean and elegant effect that is particularly striking at night.
Deck Jets and Laminars
If you want a more playful and modern feel, deck jets or laminars are an excellent choice. These features are installed flush with your pool deck and shoot narrow streams of water into the pool.
- Deck Jets: These create gentle, arching streams of water that add movement and a touch of fun. They are relatively simple to install and can be positioned in various patterns around the pool’s edge.
- Laminar Jets: Laminars are a more sophisticated version of deck jets. They produce a perfectly clear, glass-like rod of water that can be illuminated with vibrant LED colors. This creates a stunning visual effect, especially after dark.
Fountains and Bubblers
Fountains and bubblers add character and movement directly within the pool itself, often on a shallow tanning ledge or baja shelf.
- Bubblers (Gushers): Installed in the pool floor, bubblers shoot up columns of water that bubble and gurgle at the surface. They are perfect for shallow areas where kids play and add a fun, effervescent quality. Like laminars, they can be equipped with LED lighting.
- Spillover Bowls and Scuppers: These features are typically integrated into a raised wall or spa. Water fills a decorative bowl or channel (scupper) and then spills over into the main pool, creating a beautiful cascade and a pleasant sound. They come in various materials, from concrete to copper, to match any design aesthetic.
Planning Your Water Feature Addition
A successful project starts with a good plan. Adding a water feature involves more than just picking a style; you need to consider the technical requirements and how they fit into your overall renovation.
1. Define Your Vision and Budget
Start by gathering inspiration. Look at photos online and decide on the style and atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a tranquil retreat or a fun-filled family hub? Once you have a vision, establish a realistic budget. Water feature costs can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for simple deck jets to tens of thousands for a large, custom rock waterfall. Your budget will influence the size, complexity, and materials of your chosen feature.
2. Consider Plumbing and Electrical Needs
This is the most critical part of integrating a water feature during a renovation. Every water feature requires a dedicated plumbing line and its own pump to operate correctly. Relying on your main pool pump can strain the system and result in weak water flow.
- Plumbing: New pipes will need to be run from the equipment pad to the feature’s location. This is much easier when the pool deck is already being removed or modified.
- Electrical: If your feature includes lighting (which we highly recommend), you will need to run a low-voltage electrical conduit. This work must be done by a qualified electrician to ensure it meets safety codes.
3. Consult with Your Pool Professional
Discuss your ideas with your pool renovation contractor early in the process. An experienced professional can provide valuable insights into what is feasible for your specific pool. They can help you:
- Choose a feature that complements your pool’s shape and size.
- Determine the best placement for both aesthetics and function.
- Ensure the structural integrity of your pool can support the added weight, especially for heavy rock waterfalls.
- Create a cohesive design that ties the new feature in with your updated tile, coping, and deck.
Ready to Elevate Your Pool?
A pool water feature addition during renovation is a smart investment that pays off in beauty, enjoyment, and value. By planning ahead and working with a skilled team, you can seamlessly integrate a stunning waterfall, elegant deck jets, or relaxing bubblers into your updated backyard. You’ll not only have a “new” pool but a completely transformed outdoor living space.
If you’re planning a pool renovation and are inspired to add a water feature, we’re here to help. Contact our team of experienced pool designers today for a consultation. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life and create the backyard oasis you’ve always dreamed of.
Looking to upgrade your pool? Contact Estate Renovation today. Our experts deliver quality pool renovation Sydney services that fit your style and budget.