Mastering Hydraulic Principles to Elevate Fountain Lighting

A decade ago, the idea that swimming pools, spas, ponds, fountains, and streams all shared important characteristics and challenges would have been viewed as a novelty. In those days, these aquatic worlds seemed worlds apart. But that was then, and this is now – things have certainly changed.

The Shifting Landscape of Watershaping

All of these water-based systems share fundamental similarities – they contain and circulate water in ways that keep it clear, clean, and visually appealing. Whether the goal is to create a sense of stillness and tranquility or dynamic motion and sound, the underlying principles are the same. As someone who has primarily worked in the pool and spa industry, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the artistry involved in crafting naturalistic watershapes. This expanded perspective has opened up a whole new realm of creative possibilities for me and my clients.

Watershaping has evolved from being strictly about pools and spas to encompassing a much broader range of aquatic environments. Ponds, streams, waterfalls, and other natural-looking features are now increasingly sought after, allowing us to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This shift has been a huge boon, especially in times when the economy is tight. By diversifying my skillset, I’ve been able to offer my clients more options and greater value.

Crossing the Boundaries

One of the most significant changes I’ve witnessed is the growing recognition that these “disparate” aquatic categories actually have a lot in common. All of these systems – whether pools, spas, ponds, or streams – share fundamental characteristics and challenges when it comes to water containment, circulation, and treatment. This realization has been incredibly liberating, as it has allowed me to apply my existing knowledge and capabilities to a much wider range of watershaping projects.

For example, the basic principles of hydraulics and water dynamics that I’ve honed through my work in pools and spas translate remarkably well to the design and construction of naturalistic ponds and streams. While the specific techniques may differ, the underlying science remains the same. This has given me the confidence to venture into new creative realms, secure in the knowledge that I have a solid foundation to build upon.

Expanding the Creative Horizons

Embracing this broader perspective on watershaping has truly opened up my creative horizons. Naturalistic features like ponds and streams can fit into a wide range of settings, from small intimate spaces to expansive, sweeping landscapes. The presence of moving water can transform a property, creating a sense of tranquility and connection with nature that simply isn’t possible with a traditional pool or spa.

Moreover, the regulatory landscape for these types of watershapes is often less restrictive than for commercial pools. This means I have more freedom to design and implement unique features without getting bogged down in endless bureaucratic red tape. And because they tend to be less expensive to construct than concrete pools or spas, ponds and streams can be incorporated into projects where the budget might not have allowed for a traditional swimming pool.

Mastering the Fundamentals

Of course, venturing into the realm of ponds and streams hasn’t been without its challenges. Just as a pool and spa specialist from my background would face a steep learning curve in successfully embracing these new aquatic environments, I’ve had to put in the work to gain proficiency in this area. But I’ve found the process to be immensely rewarding.

One of the most eye-opening experiences for me was attending a Genesis 3 seminar led by the renowned water garden expert Anthony Archer Wills. His deep knowledge of stone selection and placement, as well as the nuances of creating naturalistic water features, was truly transformative. I realized that this type of design and construction is very much an improvisational art form, quite different from the precise, architectural approach I was accustomed to in the pool and spa world.

Archer Wills emphasized the importance of concealing the boundaries between the water and the surrounding landscape, allowing the eye to seamlessly integrate the two. This is in stark contrast to the crisp, defined edges that are a hallmark of pool design. I also learned about the value of using liners that extend beyond the water’s edge, creating gentle shorelines, planting pockets, and other features that help blend the water into the landscape.

Immersing Myself in Nature’s Classroom

Another crucial component of my education in the world of naturalistic watershaping has been spending time in nature, observing how water behaves in its natural state. Wherever I travel, I make it a point to visit parks, nature preserves, and wilderness areas to study the endless variations and patterns of streams, waterfalls, ponds, and lakes. This hands-on experience has been invaluable, helping me to truly appreciate the incredible diversity of approaches nature takes in moving and containing water.

Observing these natural systems has also reinforced the importance of scale and contrast. Skilled pond and stream designers like Archer Wills often use oversized boulders and subtle rivulets of water to create a sense of visual intrigue and wonder – elements that simply wouldn’t work in a traditional pool or spa setting. Immersing myself in nature’s classroom has been instrumental in helping me develop a deeper understanding of how to create believable, visually compelling naturalistic watershapes.

Bringing it All Together

One of my current projects perfectly encapsulates the fusion of my pool and spa expertise with the lessons I’ve learned in the world of naturalistic watershaping. It’s a private resort property on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, where we’re designing a multi-tiered aquatic experience that seamlessly blends formal and natural elements.

At the top of the property, we’re installing a large, vanishing-edge pool that reflects the clean, modern lines of the main resort building. But rather than simply connecting this formal pool to the beach below with a straight channel or stream, we’re inserting a substantial naturalistic waterfall and pond system in between.

This meandering stream will feature cascades, pools, and islands, all constructed using indigenous stone and the techniques I’ve learned from experts like Archer Wills. Visitors will be able to explore pathways that cross the stream at various points, encountering seating areas and intimate vignettes along the way. The lower pool at the beach level will provide a more traditional swimming experience, but the overall effect will be one of an immersive, holistic aquatic environment.

Embracing the Possibilities

I’m genuinely excited to see the final result of this project. It’s a testament to how far I’ve come in expanding my skills and creative vision. A decade ago, I never would have imagined taking on a commission that blended formal pools, natural streams, and waterfalls. But by opening myself up to new possibilities and immersing myself in the principles of naturalistic watershaping, I’ve been able to transform my business and offer my clients an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

The world of water features is constantly evolving, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that evolution. Whether it’s a simple backyard pond or an ambitious resort-scale project, I’m committed to mastering the hydraulic and design principles that elevate fountain lighting and create truly breathtaking aquatic environments. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.