Serving the Central Valley Since 1987
Serving the Central Valley Since 1987
About This Service
Water features transform a pool from a place to swim into a backyard experience. The sound of moving water, the visual movement of a waterfall catching light, the drama of a sheer descent — these details elevate the atmosphere of an outdoor space in ways that are difficult to overstate until you’re sitting next to one.
At Ultimate Pools by Fetter, water features are designed as part of the overall pool concept, not added on as afterthoughts. The scale, style, and placement of a water feature should relate to the rest of the pool design — complementing the shape, materials, and aesthetic rather than competing with them.
Feature Types
01
A precisely engineered water blade that produces a clean, glassy sheet of water falling into the pool. Contemporary and architectural — particularly striking at night with lighting behind the water sheet. Works beautifully with geometric and modern pool designs.
02
Natural-looking waterfalls built with formed concrete, real stone, or a combination create a resort-style atmosphere. Water cascades over shaped formations into the pool, creating the look and sound of a natural water source. Range from subtle accents to dramatic focal points.
03
A spa elevated above the pool with a spillway that cascades water below serves double duty — it’s a functional spa and a water feature simultaneously. The constant gentle flow adds movement and sound throughout the space whenever the system is running.
04
Deck jets arc precise streams of water from the pool deck into the pool. Bubblers create a gentle fountain effect within the pool — often in shallow tanning ledge areas where children play. Both add movement and playfulness without requiring structural additions.
05
A cave-like space behind or within a waterfall feature adds drama and play to the pool environment. Grottos require more structural planning but create an unforgettable backyard experience. Most often incorporated into larger pool designs where the overall scale can support the feature.
06
Wall-mounted sconce features and rain arc jets add architectural water elements that can be positioned along raised bond beams or pool walls. These features work particularly well in more formal or Mediterranean-inspired pool designs.
Design & Lighting
Not every water feature works with every pool design. A sheer descent that looks sophisticated in a geometric pool might feel out of place in a freeform natural design. We discuss water feature options during the design phase, showing you how each option relates to the overall pool concept and the broader backyard aesthetic.
Water features are significantly more impactful with well-designed lighting. LED lighting positioned to illuminate falling water from behind, below, or adjacent creates effects that make the backyard come alive after dark. We incorporate lighting into every water feature design — the daytime and nighttime experiences of the same feature can feel remarkably different, and both are worth designing for.
Scale, style, and placement considered from the first design session.
Nighttime lighting transforms water features into something extraordinary.
Features run on separate circuits — turn on or off from your phone.
Sheer descents and deck jets add drama without using additional space.
Built for Central Valley Conditions
Central Valley summers are intense — sustained high heat, UV exposure, and dramatic temperature swings between seasons. Water feature materials, finishes, and equipment are chosen for durability in these specific conditions. Stone and concrete surfaces used in waterfall features are selected and sealed for resistance to mineral staining and UV degradation.
Equipment for water features is sized and positioned with Central Valley climate in mind — heaters for spa spillways, pump sizing for jet features, and automation systems that manage feature operation efficiently across the seasons.
Your Questions Answered