Water and fire features are what most people picture when they imagine their dream backyard. The sound of a sheer descent, the glow of fire bowls at dusk, kids running through deck jets. We design and build these features for Tucson homeowners, usually as part of a new custom pool and sometimes as part of a remodel.
This page is about hiring us to build them: what we build, how we plan the plumbing, gas and pump sizing, and what to expect. If you want a deep guide to each feature first, read our pool water features guide.
Water and fire features we build
| Feature | What we build | What it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer descents | Smooth sheets of water from a tiled or stone raised wall | Raised wall, dedicated line, often a feature pump |
| Rock and stone waterfalls | Natural-looking rockwork or stacked stone walls with water spilling over | Masonry work, plumbing through the rock, good pump flow |
| Water walls | A tiled or stone wall with water running down its face | Raised wall and an even flow across the top |
| Scuppers | Stone, tile or metal spouts that pour into the pool | A water line to each spout, with a valve to adjust |
| Deck jets and laminars | Arcs of water from the deck into the pool | Lines under the deck, careful aim |
| Bubblers | Low domes of water on a tanning ledge | Lines in the floor of the ledge |
| Spillover spas | A raised spa that spills into the pool | Part of the spa plumbing and valves |
| Luxe fire bowls | Flame on the pool edge, a wall or a pillar | Gas line and ignition |
| Fire-and-water bowls | Flame on top, water pouring into the pool | Both a gas line and a water line |
We also build linear fire troughs and fire pits near the pool, and we light every feature with LED lights so it works as well at night as it does in the day.
How we plan plumbing, gas and pump sizing
The look of a feature gets the attention, but the planning behind it is what makes it work. A sheer descent that sputters or a fire bowl that blows out in the wind usually comes down to choices made before the build.
Plumbing. Each feature gets its own line back to the equipment, with valves so you can adjust the flow. We plan the runs in the design so they go in while the pool is open, not by cutting the deck later.
Pump sizing. Every feature needs a certain amount of flow. We use Pentair equipment, including IntelliFlo3 VSF variable-speed pumps. Small features can often share the main pump. A wide sheer descent, a large rock waterfall or several features running at once may need a dedicated feature pump. We size this during design so the water looks right.
Gas lines. Fire bowls and fire-and-water bowls need gas run under the deck to each one. We plan the route, the size of the line and where each bowl sits. Running gas during the build is far simpler than after the deck is poured.
Lighting and automation. We plan LED lights for the pool, spa and features, then tie them into Pentair automation. You can switch features on from your phone or set them to run each evening. Our pool lighting ideas and pool automation guide go deeper.
Equipment pad. More features can mean more equipment. We lay out the pad so it fits, and we can build a pony wall to screen it on request.
What you get when we build your features
A layout you can see first. We design every feature in 3D, then you walk through it in VR. You can check how the sheer descent looks from the patio, how loud a scupper might feel by the bedroom window, and whether fire bowls block a view. See examples on our pool designs page.
One crew for the walls and the water. Our in-house crew builds the raised walls, pillars, rockwork, tile and coping that features sit in. The owners manage the job and are on site.
Honest choices. Each feature is its own line in your written quote. You can see what a second sheer descent or a pair of fire bowls adds and decide what is worth it to you.
A finished look. Glass or stone tile on the walls, travertine coping and a StoneScapes Mini Pebble interior that ties everything together. See our tile and coping page for finish options.
Fire and water bowls: our favorite pairing
Fire-and-water bowls give you flame on top and water pouring into the pool at the same time. Pairs of Luxe bowls on stacked stone pillars, on either side of a sheer descent or a raised spa, make a popular layout.
A few things we plan for in Tucson:
- Wind. Evenings can be breezy, especially around monsoon season. We place bowls where they are less exposed.
- Clearance. Bowls need safe space from seating, plants and patio covers.
- Season. Fire is at its best from fall through spring, when evenings cool off. Water features carry the yard through summer.
Features for a new pool vs a remodel
With a new pool. This is the easiest time. Plumbing, gas and electrical go in while the pool is open, and the raised walls are built into the shell. Our custom pool construction page walks through the full build.
During a remodel. Adding features to an existing pool is often possible, especially when the deck or coping is already being replaced. We check where the equipment sits, how far lines need to run and whether the pump can handle more flow. See our pool remodeling page for how we approach remodels.
We do not do repair work on existing features. If an old waterfall or fire feature is worn out, we can design a new one as part of a remodel.
Water features and Tucson’s climate
- Evaporation. Our dry air and summer heat pull water from the pool, and moving water loses more. Scheduling features for the evening helps.
- Hard water. Tucson water leaves scale on sheer descent lips, tile and scuppers. Good water balance and regular brushing keep features looking clean.
- Monsoon dust. Storms blow dust and leaves into features. We design them so they are easy to reach and clean.
- Sun. We choose tile, stone and finishes that hold up in strong sun.
How we build your water and fire features
- Site visit. We look at the yard, the view, where gas and power are, and how you want to use the space.
- 3D design and VR walkthrough. We place each feature and adjust size, height and spacing.
- Written, line-item quote. Each feature, pump and gas run is listed.
- Permits and inspections. We handle the plans, submittal and inspections.
- Build. Our crew digs, plumbs, runs gas, shoots the shell, then builds the walls, rockwork, tile and coping.
- Startup. We fire up every feature, set the flow and show you how to run it all from your phone.
Every pool barrier we build is at least 5 feet, and every contract includes a written warranty schedule for our labor and workmanship. Manufacturer warranties on equipment and fire bowls pass through to you.
Want the full resort look?
If you want features to be part of a bigger, high-end backyard with a vanishing edge, raised spa and outdoor kitchen, see our luxury custom pools page. Our pool cost guide explains how features affect the budget, and you can see finished features in our pool gallery.
Plan your water and fire features
Meraki Pools AZ is family-owned, licensed under AZ ROC #352797 (KA-5 Dual Swimming Pool Contractor) and #342505 (CR-21), and our own crew does the work. Call (520) 342-8335 or request a free estimate to start your design.
