Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
I’ve been in the pool and fountain business for over 40 years, and I can say with certainty that even after all this time, there’s always something new to learn. Last year, I had the opportunity to work on a project that really pushed the boundaries of what I thought was possible – a stunning perimeter overflow fountain integrated into a sleek, minimalist backyard design.
It all started when a landscape architecture firm reached out to us about a new project they were working on. At first, the focus was just on a standard swimming pool and spa, but then the lead designer asked us to get involved with a small 8×25-foot reflecting pool that was partially integrated into the home’s footprint.
I immediately knew this was going to be a special project. The client had a great eye for design and was heavily involved in all the decisions. They wanted the pool’s mirror-like surface to be at the exact same level as the adjacent indoor flooring – an amazing concept that would create a seamless visual experience. But this also presented some unique challenges.
According to the source information, the reflecting pool’s water couldn’t be more than 18 inches deep due to code restrictions. And since the pool wasn’t structurally integrated into the home, we had to get creative with the foundation to ensure long-term stability. After some collaborative discussions, we settled on a series of 8 piers to support the entire water feature system.
With the structural foundation sorted out, the next hurdle was the perimeter overflow system. I’ve got plenty of experience with edge systems and water hydraulics, but the unique setup of this project had me calling in some reinforcements.
I reached out to my friend Skip Phillips, co-founder of Genesis and a mentor to many builders, to help me think through the piping runs and surge tank sizing. His practical advice was invaluable – he even pointed me to the right supplier for the custom surge tank I needed.
Once the plumbing was in place, we filled the shell with 12 inches of drain rock and added a double layer of rebar to raise the floor. Multiple 2-inch return lines were installed to minimize surface turbulence. We also prepared a trench for the equipment pad and surge tank, which was carefully positioned to optimize the hydraulic system.
Calculating the surge capacity for this setup was a real challenge. With the big drainage pipes, spillway units, and distance to the surge tank, the water volume dynamics were quite complex. But thanks to Phillips’ guidance, I was able to complete the necessary calculations and size the tank correctly.
Once the plumbing was tested and ready, we called in the gunite crew. But before they got to work, we had to meticulously protect all the surrounding surfaces – glass, metal, wood, stone, and stucco – to avoid any damage.
After waterproofing the basin and overflow trough, we placed the stunning Absolute Black granite coping that made up the overflow edges. A preliminary water test showed the edge flowing perfectly, with no breaks or imbalances. The spillways flowed beautifully, generating the desired sound and visual appeal.
With the pebble finish applied to the pool’s interior, we were ready for the final touches. There was some discussion about the look of the spillway’s catch basin wall, but the client came up with the perfect solution – a large-format tile that complemented the black granite while visually distinguishing the feature.
The only downside? Those pesky offset downspout lines that marred the visual harmony on both sides of the reflecting pool. But hey, you can’t win ’em all.
Overall, this project was an absolute triumph. Even after 40+ years in the business, I’m still amazed that we can tackle increasingly complex concepts and deliver such pitch-perfect results. The equipment pad is a work of art, with the surge tank tucked neatly beneath the slab and the variable-speed pumps providing full control over the water feature’s many modes of operation.
And the lighting system? Equally impressive. We placed strategically placed LED pocket lights, uplighting the sheet waterfalls, and adding accent lights to the reflecting pool walls. The client can fine-tune the entire evening’s ambiance right from their smartphone.
It took about 6 months to complete this project, with a few starts and stops along the way. But in the end, the reflecting pool and water wall settled into their space with a sleek simplicity that belies the immense effort that went into their design, engineering, and construction.
These water features may not be for swimming or soaking, but they required just as much care and finesse as the nearby pool and spa. The challenges were great, but the satisfaction of working at this elevated level is even greater.
Fountain lighting can elevate any outdoor space, transforming it into a mesmerizing oasis of precision, beauty, and sound. And with the right team of experts, even the most complex fountain designs can be brought to life with perfection.
Achieving flawless fountain lighting is all about mastering the intricate dance of hydraulics. It’s a delicate balance of pipe runs, surge capacity, and water dynamics – get it right, and you’ve got a captivating centerpiece that enchants the senses. Get it wrong, and you’re left with a gurgling, sputtering mess.
That’s why working with an experienced fountain lighting specialist is so crucial. They understand the nuances of water flow, pressure, and sound – insights that can’t be gleaned from a simple online tutorial or DIY YouTube video.
Take the reflecting pool project I worked on, for example. The client had a very specific vision – a mirror-like surface that blended seamlessly with the indoor flooring. Achieving that level of visual harmony required painstaking attention to hydraulic engineering, from the surge tank capacity to the placement of the return lines.
And let’s not forget the lighting integration. Uplighting the sheet waterfalls, strategically positioning the LED pocket lights – these are the little details that transform a functional water feature into a true work of art. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of form and function.
Of course, every fountain project comes with its own unique challenges. Adaptive thinking is a must – what works beautifully in one setting might fall flat in another. That’s why it’s so important to work with a team that can think on their feet and improvise when needed.
Take the issue of those pesky downspout lines that marred the visual harmony in the reflecting pool project. The client and I both wished we could have resolved that, but the cost of reconfiguring the entire system was just too high. Sometimes, you have to make tough calls and focus on the bigger picture.
That flexibility and problem-solving mindset is what separates the true fountain lighting experts from the rest. They understand that perfection is a moving target, and they’re always ready to adjust their approach based on the unique demands of each job.
At the end of the day, fountain lighting is about creating an experience – a mesmerizing interplay of water, light, and sound that transports the viewer to a realm of pure enchantment. And when it’s done right, the results are nothing short of magical.
Just imagine strolling through a serene garden, the gentle murmur of a water feature guiding your steps. As the sun dips below the horizon, the lighting system springs to life, casting a soft, ethereal glow that sets the water dancing. The play of light and shadow, the soothing rhythm of the flow – it’s a symphony for the senses, a moment of pure tranquility in a busy world.
That’s the power of fountain lighting – the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, to elevate a simple backyard into a private oasis of wonder and delight. And with the right team of hydraulic experts at the helm, the possibilities are truly limitless.
So if you’re ready to unlock the magic of your outdoor space, start exploring the world of fountain lighting. Who knows what hidden treasures await, just waiting to be discovered?
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