Ever noticed how the clearest, most inviting pools always seem to have water gently flowing somewhere-like a little waterfall or a sleek fountain? That's no coincidence. Moving water isn't just a pretty touch; it actually plays a big role in keeping your pool clean.
When water keeps circulating, it runs through the filtration system more efficiently-helping to clear out debris, spread chemicals evenly, and stop algae from taking hold. But when water sits still for too long, it creates those stagnant patches where grime and bacteria love to linger.
That's where water features step in. From elegant sheer descents to bubbling fountains and cascading waterfalls, these additions do more than just lift the look of your pool. They quietly work in the background, helping your filtration system do its job while adding a bit of resort-style luxury.
So, if you're thinking about upgrading your pool-or starting fresh with a new one-don't just focus on how it looks. A well-placed water feature could be the secret weapon for a cleaner, healthier pool you'll actually want to dive into.
How Pool Filtration Works
Your pool's filtration system is basically the unsung hero of clean, sparkling water. It all kicks off with the pump, which pulls water from the pool and pushes it through a filter-usually sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth (fancy name, but super effective).
Once filtered, the clean water flows back in through return jets, keeping the whole system moving in a loop.
But here's the thing: that loop only works its magic if the water keeps circulating properly. Without good flow, you get what pros call "dead zones"-those sneaky spots where gunk settles, algae gets comfy, and chemicals don't spread evenly.
The result? Cloudy water, extra maintenance, and more time spent fiddling with pool chemicals than enjoying a swim.
If your pool's circulation isn't up to scratch, staying on top of clarity becomes a constant battle. That's why smart pool design-like adding features that help move water around-can make a big difference.
Pool Features That Do More Than Look Good
Sure, water features can take your pool's style up a notch-but they also quietly do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your water clean and healthy. Here's how a few popular options help improves circulation without you having to lift a finger.
Waterfallsare a crowd favourite, and for good reason. That constant flow doesn't just look great-it stirs up the water's surface, adds oxygen, and keeps things moving across more of the pool. Spillover spas are another smart option, connecting the spa and pool to help water move between them more easily and cut down on stagnant areas.
Then there are deck jets-those sleek little streams of water that shoot in from the edge. Not only do they add a touch of fun, but they also keep the water active and break up still zones. If you're after something a bit more dramatic, laminar flows create those beautiful arched streams that look like something out of a resort, all while keeping the water in motion.
What all these features have in common is this: they help water move more evenly, which means less debris sitting in corners and more of it making its way to the skimmer or filter.
And here's something a lot of people don't think about-surface movement matters. When the top layer of water is active, leaves and debris are more likely to be skimmed off before they sink. That gives your filter system a head start and helps keep your water clearer with less effort.
Smarter Water Feature Placement = Better Flow
Adding water features is a great move for both style and function-but where you place them can make all the difference.
If they're not positioned carefully, they can actually mess with your pool's circulation or even create new dead spots. On the flip side, thoughtful placement helps guide water smoothly toward your filtration system.
Let's take waterfalls or deck jets, for example. Positioning them near return jets can help push water toward skimmers and in-floor drains, setting up a nice circular flow that keeps debris from settling. And if you've got areas where water tends to sit still-like corners or the deep end-placing features there can help bring those spots back to life.
Here's a simple scenario: imagine a waterfall placed right next to the skimmer. Sounds harmless, but it might stop water from travelling across the pool, leaving the opposite end a bit lifeless. Now put that same waterfall on the far side, and suddenly you've got water moving across the whole pool, pushing leaves and debris straight to the skimmer basket.
When your water features, jets, and skimmer all work together, it creates a system that flows efficiently without fighting itself. A good pool designer will know how to get the most out of each feature-making sure everything looks amazing while helping your filtration system do its job properly.
Energy-Smart Features That Keep Water Moving (Without Blowing the Power Bill)
Just because you're improving circulation doesn't mean your energy bill has to skyrocket. Did you know your pool pump could be chewing through nearly 18% of your home's electricity use? For many Aussie households with a pool, it's one of the biggest energy users out back.
In fact, when you pair water features with the right tech, you can boost performance and still stay energy-efficient.
A great place to start is with a variable-speed pump. Unlike the old-school single-speed versions, these clever pumps let you tweak the flow rate depending on what's happening in your pool.
Crank it up during busy filtration hours or when your water features are on full display, then slow things down during quieter times to save power without losing that steady circulation.
Add in some smart automation-like timers or app-controlled systems-and things get even easier. You can set your water features to run at just the right times, keeping everything in sync with your filtration schedule and cutting out the need to constantly adjust things manually.
With the right setup, you get the best of both worlds: a pool that looks great and runs efficiently, with clear, healthy water and lower running costs.
Less Work, Cleaner Water-Thanks to Better Circulation
Water features aren't just about looks or fancy sound effects-they can actually save you a heap of time on pool maintenance.
When water keeps moving, it helps stop algae from settling in those warm, still patches where it loves to grow. The constant flow spreads your chemicals more evenly, too, so they work smarter-not harder-at keeping the water clear and germ-free.
Got corners or awkward spots that usually need extra brushing or vacuuming? A well-placed water feature can help keep those areas moving, cutting down on how often you need to jump in with manual tools.
You'll probably find yourself using fewer chemicals too. With better circulation, debris gets scooped up faster, and sanitiser is spread more effectively-so you're not constantly tweaking and topping things up.
Bottom line? Water-driven circulation takes some of the stress out of pool care and helps you enjoy cleaner water with less effort. That's a win in any pool owner's book.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Adding Water Features
Thinking about adding a water feature to help with filtration? Great idea-but before you dive in, it's worth chatting with a pool professional. The design of your system matters more than you might think. Your pump, filter, and plumbing all need to handle the extra water flow that features like waterfalls or jets can create.
You'll also want to check if your current setup can cope or if a few upgrades are needed to get the best results. The size and shape of your pool, along with the surrounding landscaping, all play a role in choosing the right placement and style.
And don't forget the fun part-how you actually use your pool. Are you all about relaxing afternoons, poolside parties, or swimming laps? Different goals call for different features, so it's worth tailoring the design to suit your lifestyle.
That way, your new feature isn't just good for the water-it works perfectly for you too.
Design a Pool That Looks Great-and Practically Runs Itself
A well-designed water feature does more than just turn heads. With the right setup, it can help keep your pool cleaner, clearer, and easier to manage-all while adding a touch of resort-style luxury. It's about smart design that works hard in the background, so you don't have to.
Whether you're planning a brand-new pool or giving your current one a bit of love, now's the perfect time to think about how water features can play a role in both form and function.
Get in touch with Flamingo Pools to chat about custom water feature designs that bring together style, performance, and ease. We'll help you create a pool that not only looks amazing but stays that way-with less effort, all year round.
