Spas & Features
What Water Features Can Be Added to a Pool in Maryland?
From rock waterfalls to precision deck jets, here's what Wade Pools & Landscape Design can add to a Maryland pool — and what each feature does for your backyard.
The Short Answer
Pool water features range from natural rock waterfalls and grottos to precision deck jets, bubblers, sheet waterfalls, and rain curtains. Wade installs all of these in Maryland — either as part of new pool construction or added to existing pools. The right choice depends on your design aesthetic, yard size, and how you want the feature to feel and sound in the space.
Water Features Wade Installs in Maryland
Rock Waterfalls and Grottos
Natural-looking rock waterfalls are one of the most popular water features in the Chesapeake Bay region — partly because they complement the natural landscape and the area's stone aesthetic. Wade constructs waterfalls using natural boulders or cast stone, with recirculating pumps pulling from the pool. A grotto takes this further: a cave or overhang built into the waterfall structure where swimmers can sit beneath the cascade. Grottos are a premium feature that works best on properties with significant elevation change or in designs with a tropical or naturalistic theme.
Deck Jets and Laminar Jets
Deck jets shoot a precise arc of water from the pool deck into the pool — perfect for geometric or contemporary designs where a rough waterfall would look out of place. Laminar jets produce a glass-smooth, transparent stream of water (sometimes called an "acrylic arc") that can be lit with LED from inside. These are installed in the deck, pointed inward, and create a dramatic effect especially at night. They're popular in clean-line modern pool designs where the water feature needs to match the overall precision of the architecture.
Bubblers and Deck Fountains
Bubblers are installed in the shallow end of the pool — tanning ledges and beach entries are common locations — and push water up gently from below the surface. They create a pleasant, soft bubbling effect that kids love and adds movement to an otherwise still shallow area. Deck fountains are the deck-mounted version, shooting a small column of water upward and back into the pool. Both are relatively low-cost additions that add significant visual interest.
Sheet Waterfalls and Rain Curtains
A sheet waterfall (also called a sheer descent or blade waterfall) produces a flat, continuous curtain of water from a wall or raised bond beam into the pool below. The effect is dramatic and modern, and the sound is a consistent, steady white noise rather than the varied splashing of a rock waterfall. Rain curtains are similar but use multiple nozzles to produce a rainfall effect. Both work especially well on pool designs with raised spas, tanning walls, or elevated planters built into the pool surround.
Spillover Spas
One of the most cost-effective water features is a spillover spa — an integrated spa elevated above the pool so water cascades over the edge when the spa is running. This creates a continuous waterfall effect that also heats the pool water slightly. It's the water feature that gives the most visual impact for the investment because it serves dual purpose (spa + feature).
Maintenance Considerations for Water Features
Every water feature that moves water across the air increases evaporation — waterfalls and deck jets can add 10–20% to your weekly water loss versus a still pool, which means more frequent top-offs during Maryland's hot summers. This is especially true for properties on well water or in areas with water restrictions. Wade factors evaporation rate into equipment sizing so your pool chemistry stays stable.
Rock features also collect organic debris — leaves, pollen, and bird droppings settle into crevices. Properties surrounded by mature trees (common in Anne Arundel County) should plan for additional brushing of the waterfall rock during spring leaf-out and fall drop. Wade can recommend the right brush and maintenance rhythm during project handoff.
More Questions About Pool Water Features
- Can water features be added to an existing pool?
- Yes, most water features can be retrofitted to existing concrete pools. Deck jets and bubblers require core drilling the deck and plumbing runs. Rock waterfalls require more significant work — excavation, a recirculating plumbing loop, and structural installation. The complexity and cost vary by feature and existing layout.
- Can water features be controlled remotely?
- Yes. Wade installs smart pool automation systems that let you turn water features on and off from your phone, set schedules, and adjust pump speeds. Laminar jets with LED lighting can also be color-controlled remotely — popular for evening entertaining.
- Do water features require separate permits in Maryland?
- Water features built as part of a new pool are covered under the pool permit. Adding a significant feature (like a grotto or large rock waterfall) to an existing pool may require a separate permit. Wade reviews permit requirements during planning and handles all applications.
Add a Water Feature to Your Maryland Pool
Wade Pools & Landscape Design designs and installs water features as part of complete pool builds or as additions to existing pools across Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore.
410-349-9507 Request a Consultation