Lighting, water features, and fire features are the three elements that transform a pool from a daytime swimming hole into a 24-hour outdoor living space. The right combination creates drama after dark, adds the soothing sound of moving water, and provides the primal warmth and visual magnetism of live flame reflecting off the pool surface. We have gathered 44 of the best pool lighting, water feature, and fire feature ideas — covering LED and fiber optic underwater lights, landscape and deck lighting, sheer descent waterfalls and deck jets, fire bowls and linear fire troughs, fully integrated smart-home light+water+fire show systems, and pool slides and water play features. Each idea includes a real photo and practical guidance on cost, installation, energy consumption, and safety codes.
Underwater & In-Pool Lighting: The Glow from Below
LED Color-Changing Pool Lights
Modern LED pool lights with RGB+W (red, green, blue, plus dedicated white) chips can produce millions of colors, controllable via smartphone app, remote, or smart home integration. Unlike old incandescent bulbs that draw 300-500W each, a comparable LED uses 30-60W and lasts 30,000-50,000 hours — roughly 10-15 years of nightly use. Replacement LED bulbs that fit existing niches cost $200-$600 each; full-fixture replacements including the niche housing run $600-$1,200 per light installed. Most pools need 1-3 lights depending on size and shape. The color-changing capability alone transforms the pool from a daytime feature into a nighttime centerpiece.
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Fiber Optic Pool Lighting
Fiber optic pool lighting uses a remote illuminator box (housing a 150-250W halogen or LED light source) that pipes light through flexible fiber cables to small emission points around the pool shell. The key safety advantage: no electricity anywhere near the water — only light-carrying fibers enter the pool. Fiber optic is ideal for creating starfield effects on the pool floor (dozens or hundreds of tiny light points) or luminous perimeter outlines. The trade-off is lower brightness than direct LED fixtures, making it better suited for ambient and mood lighting than primary illumination. Installed cost runs $1,500-$4,000 for a complete system with 50-150 fiber tails. The illuminator bulb needs replacement every 2-3 years ($50-$150).
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Halogen-to-LED Retrofit Upgrade
If your pool was built before 2015, it almost certainly has halogen or incandescent lights — and retrofitting them to LED is the single highest-impact pool upgrade you can do for under $1,000. Most major brands (Pentair IntelliBrite, Hayward ColorLogic, Jandy WaterColors) offer direct-fit LED replacement bulbs that screw into existing 11.5-inch or 5.5-inch niches without draining the pool or replacing the housing. A retrofit bulb swap takes a licensed electrician about 30 minutes per light. The energy savings alone — 300W down to 45W per light — typically pay for the bulbs within 3-4 years of nightly use. Color-changing capability, 10x longer bulb life, and dramatically lower heat output are bonus benefits that come standard with LED.
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Perimeter Niche LED Strip Lighting
A continuous strip of waterproof LED tape (IP68-rated, 24V DC) installed just below the pool coping or along the waterline tile creates a glowing perimeter outline that defines the pool’s shape at night. This is a relatively affordable way to add dramatic nighttime impact — a 15-meter / 50-foot perimeter LED kit with transformer and controller costs $300-$800 in materials. The strip is typically mounted in a dedicated channel or track recessed into the pool wall during construction; retrofit installation is possible with surface-mount channels and underwater epoxy. RGB+W strips can match or contrast with the main pool lights, and the low-voltage DC power means inherently safer operation near water than line-voltage AC fixtures.
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In-Floor Step & Bench Marker Lights
Small recessed LED marker lights set into pool steps, benches, tanning ledges, and the slope transition from shallow to deep end serve safety and style equally — they make the pool’s underwater topography clearly visible at night, preventing missteps and trips. These compact fixtures (typically 2.5-5cm / 1-2 inches in diameter, 1-3W each) sit nearly flush with the plaster or tile surface. A set of 4-8 step markers costs $300-$800 in materials plus installation (best done during plastering for new builds, or core-drilled during renovation). Warm white (2700K-3000K) markers read as elegant and architectural; blue or color-changing markers add a playful, resort-inspired character. Position markers on every step riser and at the deep-end slope transition for comprehensive safety coverage.
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Floating & Solar Pool Lights
Floating pool lights — waterproof LED orbs, lotus-shaped lights, or glowing spheres that drift on the water surface — are the easiest, cheapest, and most DIY-friendly way to add nighttime ambience to any pool. Solar-powered models ($20-$60 each) charge during the day and automatically illuminate at dusk; battery-powered rechargeable models ($30-$80 each) offer brighter output and full color-changing modes. A cluster of 5-10 floating lights creates a magical floating-candle effect across the pool surface. The trade-off: floating lights drift with wind and pump current (expect to fish them out of the skimmer occasionally), and solar models dim noticeably after 4-6 hours. They are a complement to, not a replacement for, fixed underwater lighting — perfect for parties, evening swims, and rentals where permanent installation is not an option.
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Magnetic Underwater Spotlights
Magnetic or suction-cup underwater spotlights — small, self-contained LED units that attach to the pool wall without any permanent installation — are a clever retrofit solution for pools with inadequate or broken built-in lighting. Strong neodymium magnets (for steel-wall pools) or industrial-grade suction cups (for concrete and fiberglass pools) hold the light securely in place. Most models are rechargeable via USB and run 6-12 hours on a full charge. At $80-$200 per light, they are an order of magnitude cheaper than installing a new wired fixture — but the light output is lower, and they need to be removed and recharged weekly. Ideal for renters, above-ground pools, or as temporary lighting while planning a permanent hardwired upgrade. Some premium models now include Bluetooth app control for color and brightness.
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Glow-in-the-Dark Mosaic Tiles
Photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) glass mosaic tiles absorb sunlight or pool light during the day and emit a soft blue-green glow for 6-8 hours after dark — no electricity, no wiring, no maintenance, ever. The effect is subtle (not bright enough to replace primary lighting) but creates a magical, star-like shimmer across the pool floor when the main lights are off. Glow tiles are installed like standard glass mosaic during plastering or tiling and cost $30-$60 per square foot (roughly 3-5× standard glass mosaic). Most pools use them selectively — a luminous band along the step edges, a cluster scattered across the tanning ledge, or random starburst points across the deep-end floor — rather than covering the entire pool surface. They are a delightful surprise feature that most guests notice only after dark.
Photo by Tom Fisk on PexelsLandscape & Deck Lighting: Setting the Stage Around the Pool
Path Lights Along Pool Deck
Low-voltage LED path lights (12V) spaced every 2-3 meters along the pool deck edge provide essential safety illumination and define the pool perimeter after dark. Modern designs favor slim, architectural profiles — minimalist bollards, cone-shaped shades, or half-moon cowl styles — in dark bronze, black, or brushed stainless steel finishes. A quality 12V brass or powder-coated aluminum path light costs $40-$120 per fixture; a complete pool deck perimeter lighting system (transformer + 10-15 path lights + direct-burial cable) runs $800-$2,000 installed. Warm white (2700K-3000K) creates a welcoming garden atmosphere; cool white (4000K) reads as more contemporary and clinical. All pool-adjacent outdoor lighting must be IP65-rated minimum and connected to a GFCI-protected circuit per electrical code.
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Uplighting Trees Around the Pool
Uplighting mature trees and large specimen plants around the pool creates depth, drama, and vertical scale — the illuminated canopy reflects off the water surface at night, doubling the visual impact. Well lights (in-ground, flush with the soil surface) or adjustable spike-mounted spotlights aimed up into the canopy work for most tree types. For palm trees, a single narrow-beam 15-degree spotlight at the base creates a dramatic vertical column effect; for broad-canopy deciduous trees, 2-3 wider-beam 35-60 degree uplights placed around the drip line produce a fuller, more natural illumination. Budget $60-$150 per quality LED well light or spotlight plus low-voltage cable and transformer ($200-$500). Use warm white (2700K) for a natural moonlight effect; color-changing RGB+W fixtures switch from mood lighting to party mode instantly.
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Deck & Step Recessed Lights
Recessed LED step lights — small rectangular or round fixtures embedded flush into the riser face of pool steps, raised deck edge walls, and raised bond beams — provide ground-level safety lighting without visible fixture bodies cluttering the deck surface. The light washes downward across the tread, making each step clearly visible at night. These hardwired fixtures (12V or 120V) cost $30-$90 each and should be spaced every 1.2-1.8 meters / 4-6 feet along step runs. For pool coping steps (the submerged steps inside the pool), use purpose-made underwater niche lights instead — standard landscape step lights are not rated for continuous submersion. The warm, low-level glow of recessed step lights creates an especially inviting look when viewed from inside the house looking out toward the pool at night.
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Bollard Lights — Perimeter & Pathway
Bollard lights — short, sturdy vertical posts (typically 45-90cm / 18-36 inches tall) that cast light downward in a defined pool of illumination — are excellent for marking the pool perimeter, illuminating pathways, and creating architectural rhythm along the deck. Modern bollard designs range from sleek cylindrical aluminum posts with concealed LED panels to cube-shaped concrete pillars with integrated uplight and downlight. At $100-$300 per bollard (plus low-voltage wiring and transformer), a run of 5-8 bollards along the main pool approach path creates a dramatic hotel-resort entrance feel. Choose bollards with full-cutoff optics (light directed strictly downward, no glare sideways or upward) to preserve the dark-sky ambience over the pool and avoid blinding swimmers with stray glare.
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String & Festoon Lights Over Pool Deck
Commercial-grade festoon string lights — heavy-duty rubber or braided cable with E26/E27 sockets for LED filament bulbs — strung over the pool deck (never over the water itself) create a warm, festive atmosphere reminiscent of Mediterranean beach clubs and resort pool decks. Important safety note: electrical codes in most jurisdictions prohibit overhead conductors within 3-6.8 meters / 10-22.5 feet horizontally from the pool water edge. Run string lights over the adjoining patio, pergola, or garden area and let the ambient glow spill onto the water surface instead. A 15-meter / 50-foot commercial-grade festoon string with 10 shatterproof LED filament bulbs costs $80-$200 and installs in an afternoon with stainless steel cable, turnbuckles, and wall anchors. Choose ultra-warm-dim LED filament bulbs (2200K) for the most flattering, candle-like glow.
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Submersible Spotlights in Water Features
Small submersible LED spotlights (IP68-rated, fully waterproof, 12V DC) placed inside waterfalls, scupper bowls, pond-less basins, and fountain reservoirs illuminate the moving water from within, creating a luminous, jewel-like effect that surface-mounted lighting cannot achieve. The light catches the turbulence, bubbles, and spray, making the water itself appear to glow rather than simply being lit from outside. These compact fixtures (typically 1-3W each) cost $40-$120 per light and can often be retrofitted into existing water features without draining or structural modification. For rock waterfalls, position the spotlight behind the falling water sheet to create a backlit luminous curtain; for scupper bowls, place the light inside the bowl so the water pours out glowing. Use warm white for natural stone features and cool white or blue for contemporary glass-and-steel features.
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Wall-Mounted Sconces on Pool House
Wall-mounted outdoor sconces on the pool house, cabana, or perimeter wall provide both functional downlighting and architectural character that helps define the pool area’s nighttime personality. The sconce style sets the tone: sleek linear LED sconces for modern and minimalist pools, lantern-style sconces with seeded glass for traditional and Mediterranean settings, industrial metal cage sconces for rustic pool houses. Position sconces 1.8-2.1 meters / 6-7 feet above the deck to light the walking surface without shining directly into swimmers’ eyes from across the pool. Choose dark-sky-compliant fixtures with downward-only light distribution and full cutoff. A pair of quality IP65-rated outdoor wall sconces costs $150-$500; budget for a licensed electrician to run weatherproof conduit and connect to a GFCI-protected circuit ($200-$600 per fixture location depending on distance from the power source).
Photo by Dar ius on PexelsWater Features: The Sight & Sound of Moving Water
Sheer Descent Waterfall Wall
A sheer descent waterfall — a thin, glass-like sheet of water falling from a raised wall, beam, or column into the pool — is the most popular architectural water feature for contemporary and modern pools. The effect is achieved by a narrow horizontal slot or pressurized manifold that forces water out in a clean, unbroken arc with no splash or spray until it hits the pool surface. Sheer descents can span anywhere from 30cm (12 inches) to 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide; wider descents need higher-flow pumps — a 1.2m / 4ft sheer descent requires roughly 170-230 LPM / 45-60 GPM at 1-2m head height. Installed cost for a single sheer descent with dedicated pump and plumbing runs $2,500-$6,000. Adding a submersible LED strip behind the falling water sheet transforms it into a luminous nighttime feature that glows from within.
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Natural Rock Waterfall & Grotto
A naturalistic rock waterfall — built from real or artificial boulders arranged to create a multi-tier cascading stream into the pool — is the centerpiece of lagoon-style, tropical, and nature-inspired pool designs. The most convincing rock waterfalls incorporate multiple small cascades and pooling basins at different heights rather than a single drop, replicating the look and sound of a natural mountain stream. Artificial rock (hand-sculpted gunite or pre-cast faux boulders) is lighter, more controllable in shape, and easier to plumb than real stone. A grotto takes the concept further — a cave-like enclosure behind or under the waterfall with a bench seat, LED lighting, and sometimes a hidden spa. A quality rock waterfall with artificial boulders costs $5,000-$15,000; a full grotto with seating and lighting runs $15,000-$35,000+. The waterfall pump adds $50-$150/month to electricity costs depending on daily runtime, so a variable-speed pump is strongly recommended.
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Deck Jets & Laminar Jets
Deck jets (also called laminar jets or pencil jets) shoot a crystal-clear, glass-like rod of water from nozzles set flush in the pool deck, arcing gracefully through the air into the pool. The jet stream is so coherent and bubble-free that it looks like a solid glass rod — and when lit from below by a dedicated fiber optic or LED source, it becomes a glowing colored arc at night. Deck jets are typically installed in pairs or sets of 3-5 along one side of the pool, with each jet reaching 1.8-4.5 meters / 6-15 feet depending on pump pressure. Each jet needs its own dedicated plumbing line from the equipment pad. Budget $800-$1,800 per jet installed including the laminar deck fixture, dedicated plumbing run, and a variable-speed pump to dial in the perfect arc height. The sound of the water landing is a gentle, rhythmic splash — relaxing rather than loud, and unlikely to bother neighbors.
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Scupper & Spout Wall
A scupper wall — a raised wall or column with one or more rectangular openings (scuppers) that pour sheets of water into the pool — is an architectural water feature with roots in classical Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial design, now widely reinterpreted in modern materials. Copper and stainless steel scuppers offer a clean, linear water sheet; natural stone or cast stone scuppers read as more traditional and textured. The water sheet thickness and sound level depend on the scupper width and flow rate — narrow scuppers (15-30cm / 6-12 inches) with moderate flow create a quiet, elegant sheet-like pour; wide scuppers with high flow produce a louder, more dramatic cascade. Budget $2,000-$5,000 for a raised wall with 2-3 scuppers, dedicated pump, and independent plumbing lines. Scupper walls double as a visual focal point and a partial privacy screen when positioned on the pool’s far side.
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Bubbler & Geyser on Tanning Ledge
A bubbler (or geyser) is a small fountain jet set flush in the floor of a tanning ledge (baja shelf) or shallow lounging area, shooting water 30-90cm / 1-3 feet into the air with a gentle gurgling sound. The splashing adds pleasant acoustic texture to the pool area, and children universally love playing in the bubbler stream — it is often the most-used water feature in family pools. Bubbler height and pattern can be adjusted via a valve at the equipment pad, from a low burble to a taller fountain spray. Most new builds include 2-3 bubblers evenly spaced across the tanning ledge. The LED-lit versions (with a color-changing light ring integrated around the jet nozzle) turn each bubbler into an illuminated fountain at night. Budget $600-$1,200 per bubbler installed, including the dedicated return line, adjustable valve, and optional LED light ring.
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Rain Curtain & Water Wall
A rain curtain — a linear overhead spout that drops a continuous curtain of individual water droplets (like heavy rain) rather than a solid water sheet — creates a shimmering, translucent water screen that you can walk through. The rain effect is produced by a perforated stainless steel header pipe mounted on a raised beam, pergola, or dedicated steel frame over the pool edge. Rain curtains are especially striking when backlit with an LED strip, making each individual droplet sparkle like falling jewels. A 0.9-1.8m / 3-6ft rain curtain header costs $600-$1,500 plus the raised support structure, dedicated pump, and plumbing ($3,000-$8,000 all-in). The sound is softer and more natural than a sheer descent — more like a gentle rainstorm than a pressurized waterfall — making it ideal for pools where a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere is the goal.
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Spillover Spa into Main Pool
A raised spa that spills over into the main pool — the single most common custom water feature in residential pools — is both functional (the spa water continuously circulates and filters through the main pool system) and aesthetic (the overflow creates a gentle waterfall effect along the spa’s outer wall). The spillover can be designed as a full-width sheet (the entire raised edge overflows evenly) or channeled through one or more specific spillways for a more defined water pattern. The visual effect is modest during the day but becomes striking at night with both spa and pool lights on, especially if the spillover catches light from within the spa. A raised spillover spa adds $8,000-$20,000 to a pool build versus a flush spa — but the therapeutic benefit of hot hydrotherapy jets plus the visual and acoustic appeal of the spillover more than justify the investment for most owners.
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Vanishing Edge / Infinity Overflow
A vanishing edge (infinity edge) — where one or more sides of the pool have no visible wall, and water flows over the edge into a concealed catch basin below — is the ultimate statement water feature. The visual effect of water merging seamlessly with the horizon (especially on pools overlooking an ocean, lake, valley, or city skyline) is unmatched in pool design. The catch basin below the edge collects the overflow and recirculates it to the pool via a separate pump and surge tank system. This is an engineering-intensive feature: the edge tolerance is millimetre-precise, the catch basin must hold the full overflow volume when the pump stops, and the hydraulics require expert balancing. Budget $15,000-$40,000+ for a single vanishing edge on a new build; retrofitting one to an existing pool is almost always cost-prohibitive. The ongoing pump electricity for edge circulation ($30-$80/month) and the increased water evaporation rate from the falling water should be factored into long-term operating costs.
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Copper & Brass Bowl Scuppers
Decorative copper or brass bowls mounted on raised stone columns or brick pillars, with water filling each bowl and spilling gracefully over its edges into the pool, bring an old-world Mediterranean, Moroccan, or Spanish Colonial aesthetic that pairs beautifully with terracotta decking and lush tropical planting. The copper develops a distinctive natural blue-green patina over time (unless sealed with a clear marine-grade lacquer), which many owners actively prefer for its aged, artisanal character. Brass bowls maintain their warm golden tone and are inherently more corrosion-resistant than copper near salt-chlorinated or coastal pools. Each bowl+column assembly costs $800-$2,500 plus dedicated plumbing and pump. The sound of water spilling from bowl to pool is richer and more bell-like than a flat scupper due to the bowl’s natural acoustic resonance — a subtle but meaningful sensory upgrade.
Photo by Vinícius Estevão on PexelsFire Features: Flames That Dance on Water’s Edge
Fire Bowls on Columns
Fire bowls — cast concrete, fiberglass, or powder-coated metal bowls filled with lava rock or reflective fire glass, fueled by natural gas or propane — perched atop raised columns flanking the pool create a dramatic temple-like entrance effect and are the most photographed fire feature in modern pool design. The columns are typically 60-120cm / 2-4 feet tall, placing the flame at or just above eye level when seated on the pool deck. The fire’s reflection dancing across the water surface is one of the most captivating nighttime visual effects you can add to a pool area. A pair of quality 76cm / 30-inch concrete fire bowls with masonry columns, underground gas plumbing, and electronic ignition costs $3,000-$8,000 installed. Natural gas is strongly preferred over propane for permanent installations — the fuel line runs underground from the house gas main to each column location, and you never run out mid-gathering.
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Fire Pit Beside the Pool
A fire pit integrated into the pool deck or adjacent patio seating area — physically distinct from the pool itself but visually connected — is the most social fire feature, naturally drawing people to gather around it after swimming for warmth and conversation. Gas fire pits (natural gas or propane, with lava rock or reflective fire glass media) offer push-button electronic ignition, adjustable flame height, and zero smoke or flying embers. Wood-burning fire pits provide the authentic crackle, aroma, and primal appeal but require more clearance from the pool — flying embers can damage vinyl pool liners and leave ash on the water surface. Ash does not stay on the surface for long, either — it waterlogs within a day and settles into a fine grey film on the pool floor, exactly where a skimmer can no longer reach it. A pool robot with a fine filter lifts that film on its next run, so the morning after a fire does not start with a manual vacuum. A built-in gas fire pit with a 0.9-1.2m / 36-48-inch diameter, stone or cast concrete surround, and underground gas plumbing costs $3,000-$10,000 installed. Allow at least 3 meters / 10 feet of open deck clearance between a wood-burning fire pit and the nearest pool edge.
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Linear Fire Wall / Fire Trough
A linear fire trough — a long, narrow channel (0.9-3.6 meters / 3-12 feet in length) filled with reflective fire glass or lava rock, producing a continuous ribbon of dancing flame — is the most dramatic and architecturally contemporary fire feature available. The flame line can serve as a visual divider between pool zones (separating the pool from the spa, or the lap lane from the lounging shelf) or mark the pool’s far edge as a focal point when viewed from the house and main seating area. Linear burners are almost always natural gas due to the high BTU demand — a 1.8m / 6-foot trough can consume 150,000-200,000 BTU/hour at full flame. Installed cost: $4,000-$12,000 depending on trough length, surround material, and ignition system. The fire trough is typically integrated into a raised wall or bond beam during pool construction; retrofitting one into an existing pool wall is possible but requires demolition and reconstruction of that wall section.
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Tiki Torches — Classic Flame Ambience
Classic bamboo tiki torches staked around the pool deck — fueled by citronella torch oil or standard paraffin torch fuel — are the most affordable and atmospherically rich fire accent available. At $10-$30 each, a ring of 6-12 tiki torches creates an instant Caribbean or Polynesian resort vibe for under $200 total. Beyond pure aesthetics, citronella torch oil provides mild localized mosquito repellent effect (though the benefit is limited to within ~1 meter of each torch). Practical considerations: tiki torches produce real open flame with occasional embers — position them at least 1.5 meters / 5 feet from the pool edge and well away from overhanging tree branches and umbrellas. The fuel burns for 4-6 hours per fill, and the fiberglass wicks need replacement every 10-15 burns. For a more permanent, wind-resistant, and maintenance-free alternative, consider gas-powered tiki-style torches on copper or stainless steel poles plumbed to a natural gas or propane line ($200-$500 each installed).
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Fire + Water Combo Bowl
A fire and water combination bowl — a single vessel that simultaneously holds a ring of flame on its outer rim with water bubbling up from the center (or vice versa) — is the ultimate dual-element wow moment in luxury pool design. The two seemingly contradictory elements coexist in the same fixture: the flame dances above the water surface, and the water’s reflection amplifies and multiplies the flame’s glow across the pool. These are complex engineered fixtures with separate gas and water plumbing lines, electronic ignition, automatic flame-sensing safety shutoff, and waterproof RGB+W LED lighting built into the bowl interior. A single fire+water combo bowl (76-91cm / 30-36 inch diameter) costs $3,000-$7,000 installed. Most designs use 2-4 combo bowls symmetrically placed on columns at the pool corners or flanking a raised spa. Both natural gas and a dedicated water feature pump are required — this is not a DIY-friendly feature.
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Built-In Fire Table & Conversation Pit
A built-in gas fire table integrated into the center of a sunken or raised seating area adjacent to the pool creates a year-round outdoor living room that draws family and guests outside even when it is too cold to swim. The fire table serves simultaneously as a radiant heat source (a 50,000-100,000 BTU gas burner ring radiates comfortable warmth within a 2-3 meter / 6-10 foot radius) and a natural social focal point. The surround can be cast concrete, natural stone, or porcelain tile to match the pool coping, with cushioned bench seating built into the enclosure walls. A complete built-in fire table conversation pit with gas plumbing, masonry surround, and integrated bench seating costs $8,000-$25,000. This feature is most practical in climates with cool evenings — desert, coastal, foothill, and mountain regions — where the fire effectively extends the outdoor living season by 2-3 months each year.
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Sunken Fire Lounge
A sunken fire lounge — a below-grade seating area with a central gas fire feature, often positioned with uninterrupted sightlines toward the pool — combines the cozy intimacy of a conversation pit with the visual drama of flames burning at eye level. The sunken configuration provides natural wind protection for the fire (a major practical benefit in breezy locations) and creates a psychologically distinct, enclosed social zone separate from the open pool deck. Steps lead down into the lounge, and the perimeter retaining walls can double as extra casual seating or raised planter ledges. Due to the excavation depth, retaining wall engineering, sub-surface drainage, and gas plumbing required, a sunken fire lounge costs $15,000-$40,000+. It works exceptionally well on naturally sloping sites where one side of the pool area is already higher than the other, allowing gravity-assisted drainage and a natural grade transition from pool deck down to fire lounge level.
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Gas Lanterns on Masonry Pillars
Open-flame gas lanterns mounted on stone or brick pillars at the pool entry points, corners, or flanking a water feature bring a refined, old-world elegance that even the best LED fixtures cannot replicate — the living flame flickers authentically and casts a warm, amber-toned glow with a color rendering quality that electric light cannot match. Copper or brass lanterns fueled by natural gas or propane can burn continuously (many homeowners leave them on 24/7 as a permanent ambient feature, consuming roughly 2,500-3,500 BTU/hour per lantern — about $15-$25/month in natural gas at typical rates). A pair of quality gas lanterns on 1.5-1.8m / 5-6ft masonry pillars with underground gas plumbing and electronic ignition costs $3,000-$7,000 installed. Note: most building codes require open-flame gas lanterns to be set back at least 1.5 meters / 5 feet from the pool water edge, and the gas shutoff valve must be accessible outside the pool barrier zone.
Photo by Denys Gromov on PexelsCombined Light+Water+Fire Systems: The Ultimate Nighttime Show
Automated Light & Water Show System
A fully automated light and water show — synchronized color-changing LED pool lights, laminar deck jets, perimeter bubblers, and waterfall pumps all controlled from a single automation panel or smartphone app — transforms the pool from a static water feature into a programmable entertainment centerpiece. Systems from Pentair (IntelliCenter with IntelliBrite), Hayward (OmniLogic with ColorLogic), and Jandy (iAquaLink with Infinite WaterColors) can run pre-programmed light shows where the entire pool cycles through color themes in sync with water features activating in choreographed sequence. A complete automation system with full-color LED lights, 3-5 laminar deck jets, and a central controller hub costs $8,000-$20,000 installed. The real luxury is creating custom scenes — Party Mode (full-spectrum color cycling, all water features at maximum), Relax Mode (warm amber lights, gentle bubblers only), Night Swim (deep indigo blue, no water features) — all activated by voice command through Alexa or Google Home, or a weatherproof wall-mounted touchscreen at the equipment pad.
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Grand Fire + Water Bowl Centerpiece
A single oversized fire+water combination bowl (1.2-1.5m / 48-60 inch diameter) positioned as the pool’s visual centerpiece — often on a raised island plinth in the center of the pool itself, or on a monumental column at the far end — creates a singular, sculptural focal point that anchors the entire pool and landscape design. Unlike pairs of smaller bowls flanking the pool symmetrically, a single oversized centerpiece bowl reads as an art installation. The outer fire ring and central water geyser are controlled independently, allowing water-only, fire-only, or combined fire-and-water operation depending on mood and occasion. These are custom-fabricated statement pieces costing $8,000-$20,000+. The island plinth in the center of the pool (if the bowl is not at the edge) requires its own structural engineering, sub-pool gas line, plumbing, and electrical conduit — all run underneath the pool shell during construction and essentially impossible to retrofit.
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Perimeter Overflow Pool with LED Edge
A perimeter overflow (slot overflow or infinity-edge-on-all-sides) pool — where water overflows on all four sides into a hidden slot drain channel surrounding the entire pool, creating a perfectly mirror-flat water surface with absolutely no visible edge or coping line — combined with a continuous RGB+W LED strip mounted inside the slot drain channel produces a stunning glowing-floating-rectangle effect at night. The pool appears as a perfect reflective mirror during the day and transforms into a luminous, color-changing plane of light after dark. This is at the absolute apex of pool design and hydraulics: the overflow must be perfectly even on all four sides simultaneously, requiring precision-engineered slot tolerances and a sophisticated surge tank, pump, and auto-fill system. Budget $25,000-$60,000+ for the perimeter overflow system above and beyond the base pool construction cost. The perimeter LED slot lighting subsystem adds $3,000-$8,000 including waterproof RGB+W strip, DMX controller, and integration with the pool automation system.
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Smart Home Pool Control Integration
Full smart home pool integration — controlling every light, water feature, fire feature, pump, heater, spa jet, and automatic cover from a single app or voice command — is the present and future of high-end pool automation. Systems like Pentair IntelliCenter, Hayward OmniLogic, and Jandy iAquaLink connect to the home WiFi network and integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit (via bridge or native support depending on the system generation). From your phone — whether you are on the couch or across town — you can: turn on the spa heater 30 minutes before leaving work, set the pool lights to midnight blue for a late-night swim, activate the fire bowls and sheer descent waterfall for guests arriving, and check real-time water temperature, pH, and chlorine levels from wireless sensors. A complete smart home pool system with automation hub, electronic valve actuators for all water features, smart relays for lights and pumps, and wireless water chemistry monitoring costs $5,000-$15,000 installed. Reliable WiFi coverage at the equipment pad is essential — plan for a mesh network satellite or outdoor access point if the pad is more than 15 meters from the nearest indoor router. One piece of pool automation deliberately stays outside all of this: a self-scheduling pool cleaner runs on its own battery and answers to its own app, so it needs no valve actuator, no relay at the pad, and no line in the automation budget — worth knowing before you size a hub around equipment that never has to be wired into it.
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Floating Fire Features on the Water
Floating fire features — refractory ceramic or marine-grade stainless steel bowls that float directly on the pool surface with a live flame burning above the water — create an almost surreal visual: fire appearing to burn on water. These are fueled by a small self-contained propane canister concealed in the floating base and can be anchored in a fixed position with subtle tethers or allowed to drift slowly with the water current. At $300-$1,500 per unit, they are accessible as a temporary or special-occasion fire feature without requiring permanent gas plumbing or construction. Practical note: floating fire features are designed for special occasions, evening gatherings, and photo moments — not continuous daily use. They require calm water (no swimmers in the pool, pump off or on very low speed, no wind above ~15 km/h / 10 mph) for safe operation, and the propane canister lasts 3-5 hours per fill. Store them indoors when not in use to keep the burner, ignition electrode, and gas regulator dry and corrosion-free.
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Synchronized Music + Light + Fountain Show
The ultimate backyard entertainment experience: pool lights, water features, fire bowls, landscape speakers, and underwater speakers all synchronized to music through a centralized DMX or proprietary automation controller. Outdoor-rated all-weather landscape speakers positioned around the pool deck (complemented by underwater speakers mounted in the pool wall for swimmers) create immersive, full-frequency sound that underwater speakers alone cannot deliver. Systems designed for precision synchronization — such as Jandy Infinite WaterColors with DMX512 control protocol or third-party controllers from specialist integrators — can chase color across the pool perimeter in time with a beat, pulse deck jets in rhythmic sequence, and flare fire bowls on musical crescendos. This is a fully bespoke custom-integration project: budget $15,000-$40,000+ for a professionally designed, installed, and commissioned synchronized show system including the automation controller, DMX LED drivers for every light, multi-zone landscape audio with subwoofers, and custom show programming. Most owners start with the lighting and water features first as a Phase 1, then add synchronized audio and DMX programming as a later upgrade.
Photo by Wolrider YURTSEVEN on PexelsPool Slides & Water Play Features: Fun That Makes a Splash
Curved Spiral Fiberglass Water Slide
The curved spiral fiberglass water slide — a twisting, turning tube that deposits riders into the deep end with a splash — is the classic resort-style pool slide that transforms any backyard pool into a mini water park. Modern residential slides are manufactured from marine-grade gelcoat fiberglass, rated for continuous outdoor UV exposure, and engineered with a dedicated water delivery system: a small recirculation pump (typically 0.5–1.0 HP) draws pool water up to a spray nozzle at the slide top, creating a friction-reducing water film down the flume surface. A quality residential spiral slide with stainless steel ladder, safety handrails, and integrated water delivery system costs $3,000–$8,000 for the slide unit alone; installation (concrete pad or deck mounting with anchor bolts, electrical for the recirculation pump, and plumbing for the water feed) adds $2,000–$5,000. The slide must be positioned over the deep end (minimum 1.8m / 6 feet water depth at the landing zone per most safety codes), with a straight, obstacle-free exit path. Allow at least 3 meters / 10 feet of overhead clearance for the slide structure and 2 meters / 6 feet of lateral clearance from diving boards or pool edges.
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Dual-Lane Racing Slide
A dual-lane straight racing slide — two parallel slide flumes mounted side by side, each with its own water delivery system, ladder, and launch point at identical height — turns every pool gathering into a friendly competition. Riders launch simultaneously and race to the water entry point, with the twin splash plumes creating a dramatic visual. Racing slides are typically straight-run designs (no curves, for fairness) with a steeper pitch than spiral slides for higher speed, and require a longer deck footprint — typically 6–9 meters / 20–30 feet of deck length from ladder base to slide exit. A residential dual-lane racing slide system costs $6,000–$15,000 installed. This feature demands a larger pool than a single slide: the deep-end landing zone must accommodate two riders entering the water simultaneously with adequate separation (minimum 1.2 meters / 4 feet between the two slide exits). It works best in pools at least 6 meters / 20 feet wide and 10 meters / 33 feet long with a dedicated deep-end zone. Most homeowners who install racing slides also add a simple start signal system — a traffic-light-style LED at the top of each lane that counts down green-yellow-red for races.
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Rock Waterfall Slide Combo
The rock waterfall slide combo — a naturalistic faux-rock formation that integrates a molded slide flume seamlessly into a sculpted waterfall grotto — is the ultimate blend of water feature and play feature, combining the visual drama of a cascading waterfall with the thrill of a rideable slide. The faux rock is typically hand-sculpted gunite (shotcrete) reinforced with steel rebar, textured, stained, and sealed to replicate natural sandstone, limestone, or granite boulder formations. The slide flume is either a pre-manufactured fiberglass insert embedded into the rockwork or a custom gunite trough with a smooth, gel-coated finish. A rock waterfall slide combo is a fully custom, site-built feature — budget $15,000–$40,000+ depending on rock formation size, grotto complexity, slide length, and whether integrated LED lighting and climbing access tunnels are included. It adds substantial visual mass to the poolscape and works best on larger properties where the rock formation can be integrated into the landscape grading rather than appearing as a disconnected monolith. The rockwork can also incorporate jumping platforms, hidden caves behind the waterfall curtain, and built-in seating niches.
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Compact & Corner Pool Slide
A compact, space-efficient pool slide — a shorter, tighter-radius design engineered to fit into a corner of a modest-sized pool without dominating the entire backyard — makes the pool slide category accessible to homeowners with smaller pools who assume they do not have room for a slide. Compact slides are typically 1.8–3 meters / 6–10 feet tall with a single gentle curve or straight drop, designed to mount on a raised bond beam, corner deck, or elevated planter wall at the pool edge rather than requiring a long freestanding approach run. A quality compact residential slide costs $1,500–$4,000 for the unit plus $1,000–$3,000 for installation. The water depth at the landing zone can be as shallow as 1.2–1.5 meters / 4–5 feet for a compact slide (versus 1.8m+ for full-size spiral slides), making them compatible with many medium-sized pools that have a modest deep end. Key safety note: compact slides have a shallower entry angle, which means the rider enters the water at a less vertical trajectory — the slide exit must be positioned with adequate forward clearance to prevent riders from contacting the opposite pool wall. Always follow the manufacturer’s minimum pool dimensions and depth requirements exactly.
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Poolside Climbing Wall
A dedicated climbing wall built into the pool wall or installed as a freestanding structure at the pool edge — with molded handholds and footholds bolted onto a vertical or slightly overhanging surface above deep water — is the adventure alternative to a traditional slide and doubles as a full-body workout. Climbers ascend from the water (no ropes or harnesses needed — the pool itself is the fall zone) and either drop back into the water or transition onto a small platform at the top for a jump. Pool climbing walls are typically 1.8–3.6 meters / 6–12 feet tall and mounted to a reinforced section of the pool bond beam or a freestanding structural frame anchored to the pool deck. A manufactured pool climbing wall panel system (fiberglass or HDPE plastic with pre-installed handhold t-nuts) costs $2,000–$6,000 plus installation. The holds themselves are standard indoor climbing gym holds (polyurethane resin, $3–$15 each for handholds, $8–$25 for large footholds) that can be rearranged to create new routes. This feature must be placed over the deep end with minimum 2.4 meters / 8 feet of water depth below the climbing surface and NO underwater benches, stairs, or tanning ledges within the fall zone. The climbing surface should face away from the pool edge so that any fall is always into open water, never onto the deck.
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Inflatable & Portable Pool Slide
An inflatable or portable above-ground pool slide — a heavy-duty vinyl or PVC inflatable structure that connects to a garden hose for water lubrication and sits on the pool deck with the slide exit extending over the pool edge — is the only slide option that requires zero construction, zero permanent plumbing, and zero electrical work. It is the solution for renters, above-ground pool owners, budget-conscious families, or anyone who wants to try out having a pool slide before committing to a permanent installation. Quality inflatable pool slides ($200–$600) are manufactured from commercial-grade reinforced PVC with multiple air chambers (so a single puncture does not deflate the entire structure), a constant water spray system fed by a standard garden hose connection, and anchor straps for stability. They can support 45–115 kg / 100–250 lbs depending on the model and are typically rated for children and teenagers (adult use is at your own risk — check the manufacturer weight limit). Practical realities: inflatable slides need to be inflated (electric pump recommended — 2–5 minutes), deflated, drained, and dried after each use to prevent mildew between sessions. They have a typical lifespan of 2–4 seasons with proper care and storage. Most are packaged in a carry bag roughly the size of a large suitcase when deflated.
Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová on PexelsA note from our service team. Waterfalls and fountains are beautiful, and they are also running your pH upward around the clock — aeration off-gasses carbon dioxide, which is why pools with big water features consistently drift alkaline between service visits. The same customers who love their sheer descent are the ones we see dosing acid every week. It’s normal, not a fault: just test more often and know what you’re adding. If you’ve ever wondered why you reach for the pH-up one week and the pH-down the next, our soda ash vs baking soda explainer clears it up.
More Pool Design Inspiration
This is part of our Pool Design Ideas series. Explore the full collection to plan every detail of your dream pool:
