Today we will take a look at a few luxury pool water features commonly used in many backyard design projects. Keep in mind that many luxury pool contractors rates will typically range between $100,000 and $500,000.
The biggest economic crisis in modern history saw many great pool contractors throughout North America moving onto other things. Sadly, this opened the door for many inexperienced builders to build so-called luxury pools.
The amount of fine attention to detail that goes into building a custom pool to a high standard may go unnoticed to the average person but are easily detected by experienced pool builders.
As always, you want to ensure that you are hiring someone that is capable of carrying out a project. Don’t just take the contractors word for it. If possible, check their references. While it isn’t a foolproof way of avoiding problems later on, it does eliminate a lot of doubts.
Popular types of luxury pool water features
Mediterranean Pool by Edmond Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.
Custom Rock Waterfalls
High quality pools deserve quality water features. A common water feature for nature infused backyards is a custom rock waterfall. These are a staple in amusement parks around the world and for good reason. They look great, produce soothing sounds, and can transform a cold and boring yard into a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Rock water features are made in a variety of different ways.
1. Artificial GFRC Panels Tied To An Internal Steel Frame
One method utilizes an internal bracing system with concrete GFRC panels tied on making the inside hollow. A concrete mud is used to seal the joints. One company that comes to mind is Neptune Panels which is a distributor in the USA. While strong, the concrete/fiber panels will still split down the middle if struck hard enough with a hammer. Rock molds for this method are often flat surfaced making this the easiest method to scale for fast projects.
Modern Pool by Manchester Stone, Pavers & Concrete Neptune Panels
2. Shotcrete And Hand-Carved Artificial Rock
Another method of creating rock waterfalls for pools is through the use of concrete forming and shotcrete. This method often costs the most simply due to the amount of preparation, labourers, and materials used not to mention the ongoing maintenance to repair cracks, chips, and leaks commonly caused during the winter. This is the most common method of creating artificial rock water features simply because concrete pool contractors already deal with shotcrete. It does have the potential to look very nice in the hands of expert artisans.
Tropical Pool by Durham Photographers Steven Paul Whitsitt Photography
3. Fiberglass Rock Panels
One method of creating a lightweight, cost-effective, and easily customizable custom rock waterfall or fountain is by using a blend of fiberglass and natural materials. This method is the least common for creating rock water features. WaterfallNow adopted this method simply because nobody else was doing it. The thickness can be adjusted depending on the application.
While similar to the GFRC panel method, this method is different due to the rock texture which is a clone of the original rock face capturing deep grooves, and edges of real cliffsides. Attempting to recreate these patterns carved out of concrete would produce less than appealing results.
Although it requires much more cutting, bending, shaping, and many hours of practice to get right, we find that it has the most potential. The cost can be 20-50% less than the other methods.
This gives you two options. Firstly you can expect a cost of 20-50% less than what you would normally pay. Secondly, you can spend the same amount yet get much more bang for your buck. An example would be the option to choose additional lighting, spillways, or a larger sized rock.
Does your backyard look more like a jungle than a townhouse complex? If so, a custom rock waterfall just might be your next big project. The sooner you start planning, the sooner you can enjoy spending time in your private oasis.
Tropical Pool by Grapevine Landscape Contractors One Specialty Landscape Design, Pools & Hardscape
Laminar Water Jet Fountain
Laminar water jets are a commonly used water feature for modern pool designs. Some models can be programmed to change colors and turn on and off at different intervals creating a mini water show.
Contemporary Pool by Plano Pools & Spas Pool Environments, Inc.
While these images do not properly show their effects, when a laminar water jet with LED lighting penetrates the pool surface, it also lights up the pool area with the same color of LED light used. A blue LED laminar jet would light up the pool surface and cast a blue glow. These water features can be used in conjunction with custom rock waterfalls or for clean modern pool designs as shown in the previous image above.
Sheer Descent Waterfall Spillways and Weirs
There are several types of spillways that go well with luxury pools
Acrylic Waterfall Spillway Stainless Steel Waterfall Weir
Natural slate stone pieces combined with natural rock are sometimes used as well
The more common black plastic waterfall pond kits are not common with luxury backyard pool designs.
There are hundreds of different designs and even infinite possibilities if you contract a custom stainless steel fabricator.
One of the most important things to include is a high quality LED light strip. Ask any landscape designer what is the one easiest thing you can do to drastically improve the look and feel of a yard and they might mention lighting. At least from our own personal experience, proper lighting (underwater lights even) can make the biggest difference.
The following image is an example of what a waterfall sheer might look like. It does not appear to have any LED lighting installed near the outlet however you can see the use of an anti-splash mat where the rocks hit the base.
Contemporary Landscape by Saint Clair Shores Landscape Contractors Pondering Waters, LLC
Traditional Pool by Richmond Hill Pools & Spas The Pool Craft Company
Now that you have no excuse not to know what to look for, why not head over to Houzz, Pinterest, or your local luxury pool water features specialists website and browse further ideas?
Planning a custom-built luxury pool with water features and would like a quote? Get in touch with WaterfallNow and ask about our new offerings. We will send an inhouse designer to the site (not a salesperson) to provide you with a solid quote as early as the next day. Our prices are fair across the board and considered to be the most affordable.
Other worthy mentions: fountains, cobra stainless steel spillway, bubbler fountain, rain curtain (very ‘pretty’), rain effect water sheer, water overflow from basins.
Did we miss something? Feel free to make a recommendation.
