Water features are a subject raised frequently when people are enquiring about building an in-ground fibreglass swimming pool.
The common questions we are asked about water features are:
- Would you recommend as a water feature?
- How much do water features cost?
- Are water feature worth having?
- Should the water feature be built at the same time as building your swimming pool?
Water has a calming presence for many. Just to sit and look at a body of water creates a sense of calm. If you ask someone about their latest holiday, chances are it was by some form of water, be it the beach, a river, a lake or a resort with a swimming pool.
When we ask people who are enquiring about having a swimming pool installed, we tend to ask ‘so why are you looking at a swimming pool today?
A common response is “we were just on holidays at “This Place ” or “We’ve just visited our friends”, and we spent so much time around the ‘pool or beach etc’ and we enjoyed it so much we have decided ‘we should get a pool’.
Having a swimming pool in the backyard is perfect for kids and the family to enjoy when it is hot, however, a swimming pool can be so much more than just a pool. A water feature can change the aspect and ambience of any backyard pool.
The addition of a water feature to your in-ground fibreglass pool creates additional moving water, sounds and visual experience that elevates pool ownership.
A Water Feature is not just for show, it’s for drawing yourselves and family members out to around the pool (whether it is hot or not).
Water Features can also extend the use of the space from “just the pool area”, to an area that is a drawcard for peace & relaxation and entertainment.
So Let’s explore water features a little.
- THE SUNPOD
- DECK JETS
- THE WATER WALL or BLADE
The Sunpod Water Feature
By installing pipework from the pool and bringing it up into a specialised concrete structural area around the fibreglass pool, it allows for the control of water flowing over the area, and the “sunpod is created” creating a nice subtle wet zone.
The water runs out of the bubblers and then drops down into the pool. Sunpods, generally are not over the top, not ‘too flashy’ rather elegant, classy and simple.
It is often the simple things in life that stand the test of time, hence some 20 years on the Sunpod is one of the most popular water features available today.
The Sunpod was introduced by Compass Pool Builders in the ’90s. It evolved from a fibreglass pioneering pool builder who wanted to create a ‘splash zone’ for his children.
A Sunpod will allow every pool owner to create a unique look. The sunpod zone can be blended in or made to stand out and add a statement.
A sunpod can add between $2,500 – $4,500 depending on the size, tile selection and other options such as illuminated bubblers or standard bubblers.
Deck Jets
There’s just something about running through the sprinkler as a child. All children love running through water.
We have all done it whether under the sprinkler or at public water features and by adding deck jets you can create another aspect of your pool zone.
Water is taken from the pool and distributed via underground pipework to stream out of specially placed outlets – the deck jet.
The jet is aimed to stream the water back into the pool. The deck jet can be placed in a variety of positions, In the pool coping, within garden beds even.
The deck jet systems don’t create additional noise, you can only hear the water landing in the pool. Running water is a very popular yet pleasant sound.
The water streams also keep the kids busy as they swim and play under the jets. Even standing on one or two to make the next one higher. They are a lot of fun!
A Deck jet combination can add between $1,000 – $2500, depending on location and the number required.
The Water Wall or Blade Water Feature
The water wall/Blade is incorporated into a custom made structure that is built and then the water blade is added to this.
The wall can be built out of many base materials, such as
- Steel H beams with cement sheeting, then rendered or tiled.
- A masonry block wall and then rendered or tiled.
- The structure could also be made out of timber, however, we do not currently recommend this option.
The structure generally can be any size, however, the water blades will be 600mm or 900mm or 1200mm wide, so the structure will need to accommodate this.
The Blade or wall features are very popular but considered one of the costlier features ranging from $2500 – $8,000 depending on the spec.
Final Thoughts on Water Features
Don’t forget that if you really like the thought of having a water feature, but either can’t decide now, or the budget doesn’t allow for it now.
It is possible to make provisions for a water feature in the plumbing before the concrete is poured, allowing the completion when you are ready, if its 12 months or 12 years, it will be there waiting.
