Summer heat in Pennsylvania can be relentless. When the humidity spikes in July and August, your backyard pool isn’t just a luxury—it is a necessity. But there is a difference between a standard swimming pool and a backyard oasis that acts as a true retreat. That difference often comes down to one thing: movement.
Static water is refreshing, but moving water is captivating. It catches the sunlight, creates a soothing soundtrack that masks neighborhood noise, and cools the air around it. If you are looking to upgrade your existing pool or are in the planning stages of a new build with FS Landscaping Contractors, you have likely hit the common debate: waterfalls or fountains?
Both options bring life to your landscape, but they serve different aesthetic and functional purposes. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about these Pool Water Features. We will look at styles, maintenance, and which option best withstands our local freeze-thaw cycles here in PA. By the end, you will know exactly which feature fits your lifestyle.
Why Add Water Features to Your Pool?
Before we dive into the specific comparisons, it helps to understand why homeowners invest in these features. It isn’t just about looks.
- Noise Cancellation: If you live in a busy suburb, traffic noise can ruin the vibe. The white noise from a waterfall or fountain drowns out cars and lawnmowers, creating a private sound bubble.
- Cooling Effect: Moving water evaporates faster. This process actually cools the surrounding air, making your pool area more comfortable on those 90-degree PA days.
- Water Circulation: Stagnant water is harder to keep clean. Features help promote healthy water circulation, ensuring your chemicals are evenly distributed.
Deep Dive: Pool Waterfalls
A waterfall is often the centerpiece of a Stunning Pool. It creates a focal point that draws the eye immediately.
The Natural Rock Waterfall
Natural rock pool waterfalls are a favorite in Pennsylvania. We have an abundance of beautiful natural stone in our region, and using it creates a rugged, organic look.
- The Vibe: Feels like you are swimming in a mountain spring or a lagoon.
- Construction: These are built using real boulders or engineered stone, stacked to allow water to cascade down into the pool.
- Best For: Free-form (curved) pools and landscaping around your pool that leans towards a rustic or tropical design.
The Sheer Descent
If your home has a modern aesthetic, a rock pile might look out of place. Enter the sheer descent.
- The Look: A crisp, clear sheet of water projecting away from a raised wall.
- The Sound: It is generally quieter than a rock waterfall, producing a gentle splashing sound rather than a roar.
- Customization: You can adjust the “throw” (how far the water projects) to suit your mood.
The Grotto
For the ultimate luxury, some homeowners opt for a grotto. This is a large rock waterfall with a cavern underneath that you can swim into. It provides shade and a serious “wow” factor, though it requires a larger footprint and budget.
Deep Dive: Pool Fountains and Jets
Fountains are often more architectural and playful than waterfalls. They add verticality to the pool design.
Deck Jets and Laminars
These are streams of water that shoot from the pool deck into the water.
- Deck Jets: Standard streams of water. They are cost-effective and fun for kids to run through.
- Laminars: These are high-tech jets that produce a solid, glass-like rod of water. They contain no air bubbles, so they look like a bent glass tube. Many come with integrated pool ambiance lighting, carrying the glow through the water stream for a stunning night effect.
Bubblers
You will usually find these on a sun shelf (also called a tanning ledge).
- How they work: A nozzle in the floor of the shallow shelf shoots a column of bubbling water up 6 to 12 inches.
- Why we love them: They create a spa-like atmosphere. It is the perfect spot to set a lounge chair, listen to the gentle bubble, and read a book.
Scuppers
Scuppers are slots or spouts mounted on a wall that pour water into the pool.
- The Style: Very old-world or ultra-modern, depending on the material (copper vs. stainless steel).
- The Sound: They produce a distinct, hollow, pouring sound that is very meditative.
Comparison: Waterfalls vs. Fountains
Choosing between these Pool Water Features can be tough. Here is a direct comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Waterfalls | Fountains/Jets |
| Visual Impact | Dominant, massive, organic. | Architectural, playful, elegant. |
| Sound Level | High (Roaring/Crashing). Good for masking heavy noise. | Low to Medium (Trickling/Splashing). Good for conversation. |
| Space Required | Requires space for rock work or a raised wall. | Minimal space. Jets are flush with the deck or floor. |
| Maintenance | Scrubbing algae off rocks can be labor-intensive. | Nozzles can clog with debris; require filtered water. |
| Cost | Generally higher ($$$) due to materials and labor. | Generally lower ($$) to medium ($$$ for laminars). |
| Best Pool Type | Free-form / Lagoon. | Geometric / Modern / Rectangular. |
Design Considerations for Pennsylvania Homes
Living in the Northeast presents unique challenges for pool owners. We don’t have year-round swimming weather, and our winters can be harsh. Here is how that affects your choice.
1. Winterization is Critical
Water expands when it freezes. Any water feature you add needs to be properly plumbed so it can be blown out and winterized.
- Waterfalls: Rock structures are hardy, but the piping needs to be deep enough or graded correctly to prevent cracking pipes.
- Fountains: Deck jets and laminar are sensitive. They must be completely drained. At FS Landscaping Contractors, we design our systems with winterization in mind to protect your investment.
2. Falling Leaves
If you have mature trees (which many PA properties do), think about cleaning.
- The Issue: Leaves love to get stuck in the crevices of rock waterfalls.
- The Fix: If you are in a heavily wooded area, a sheer descent or deck jets might be easier to keep clean than a sprawling rock formation.
3. Wind Factor
Fountains, especially laminars and high-arching deck jets, are affected by wind. If your backyard is in a wind tunnel, the streams will break apart and spray water onto your walkway. Waterfalls are generally less affected by a breeze.
Integration with Smart Technology
Gone are the days of walking to the pool shed to turn a valve. Modern, Stunning Pool designs integrate with home automation.
You can control your Pool Water Features right from your smartphone.
- Scenario: You are having dinner and want to turn on the waterfall for ambiance. One tap on your phone does it.
- Lighting: Sync your laminar jet lights with your pool lights for a coordinated color show.
- Variable Speed Pumps: You can adjust the flow rate. Want a loud roar to drown out a neighbor’s party? Turn it up. Want a gentle trickle for a nap? Turn it down. This also saves on energy costs.
Budgeting for Your Oasis
Cost is always a factor. It is important to view these features as part of your overall inground pool construction costs.
- Entry Level: Deck jets and bubblers are usually the most affordable add-ons during new construction.
- Mid-Range: Sheer descents and wall scuppers involve masonry work, which increases the price.
- High-End: Natural rock waterfalls, especially those requiring concrete footings and large boulders, are a significant investment but add substantial value to the property.
At FS Landscaping Contractors, we help you allocate your budget where it makes the most impact. Sometimes, a simple trio of bubblers on a sun shelf provides more enjoyment than a massive waterfall that overpowers a small yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do water features cause water loss?
Yes, slightly. The increased surface area and spraying action lead to higher evaporation rates. Wind can also blow water out of the pool from high jets. However, the cooling benefit often outweighs the minimal water loss.
Can I add a waterfall to an existing pool?
It is possible, but it is complex. It usually involves cutting into the concrete deck and running new plumbing lines. It is much more cost-effective to include these Pool Water Features during the initial build or a major renovation.
Are these features compatible with saltwater pools?
Mostly, yes. However, if you are debating a saltwater vs. chlorine pool system, remember that salt can corrode soft stones (like natural sandstone) and certain metals. If you have a saltwater system, we recommend using hardy rock or artificial rock for waterfalls, and plastic or brass components for fountains rather than stainless steel, which can eventually rust if not high-grade.
How much does running a waterfall cost in electricity?
Modern energy-efficient variable speed pumps have changed the game. You can run a water feature pump at a low RPM for pennies a day. You don’t need to blast it at full power 24/7.
Conclusion
Your backyard should be your sanctuary. Whether you choose the dramatic crash of a rock waterfall or the elegant arch of a laminar jet, adding Pool Water Features changes the entire dynamic of your outdoor space. It turns a flat body of water into a living, moving entity.
For homeowners in Pennsylvania, the key is balancing aesthetics with practicality. You need a design that looks beautiful in July and survives the freeze in January.
Ready to transform your backyard?
As premier swimming pool builders in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we specialize in designing and building Stunning Pools that fit your life and your land. We handle the hardscaping, the plumbing, and the design to ensure your water feature is built to last.
Contact us today for a consultation. Let’s start planning the backyard resort you have always wanted.