Best Water Feature for Pools: 10 Fountains, Waterfalls and Deck Jets Compared

Listen to a pool that has a water feature. The splash of an arc, the hush of a sheet of water over a lip and the glow of colored light after dusk change how a pool feels even when nobody is swimming.

The right water feature depends on what kind of pool you have and how much work you want to do. The SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain bolts onto the pump return of most pools. The Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall clamps onto an above ground frame. The LanPool Floating Fountain floats and needs no plumbing at all.

We compared 10 options by type, fit, power source and lighting, using only what each listing says. Pool water and electricity mix badly, so use a licensed pool electrician for anything wired.

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On this page

1. Compare Pool Water Features by Type, Fit and Power
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Water Feature for Pools
3. Check How the Feature Connects to Your Pool
4. Keep Electricity and Pool Water Separate
5. How to Choose a Water Feature for Your Pool
6. Which Pool Water Feature Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Pool Water Features by Type, Fit and Power

Detailed Reviews: Best Water Feature for Pools

1. SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain for Above and In-Ground Pools (Best overall pool fountain)

• 2Spray heads
• Return outletAttaches to
• AdjustableDirection
• Pump basedSpray strength

Best for: a simple fountain that uses your existing pool pump

Why it ranks #1: It needs no extra pump or hose, and it fits both above and in-ground pools.

SUMMERBUDDY lists a dual spray fountain that attaches directly to the pump return outlet, with a riser pipe that the listing says is barely noticeable. You turn off the pump, remove the jet nozzle, attach the fountain and turn the pump back on.

You rotate it on the riser to switch between parallel and cross sprays, and control pressure through the water flow. The listing says the strength of the spray depends on your pool pump.

Skip it if you want lights; the Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall has them.

2. Hanaoyo LED Pool Fountain Waterfall for Above Ground Pools, 7 Lighting Colors (Best lit waterfall for above ground pools)

• 7Light colors
• 1.2 to 4.7 inFrame width
• 13.19 x 9.06 x 10.63 inSize
• 3.8 lbWeight

Best for: above ground pools where you want a cascade with light

Why it ranks #2: It lists size, weight and frame fit, with a light that shuts off automatically.

Hanaoyo lists a waterfall unit with 7 single light colors and one alternating mode. It has an adjustable mounting clamp that fits above ground pool frames 1.2 to 4.7 in wide, and comes with a hose adapter for a 1.2 or 1.5 in hose.

The unit measures 13.19 by 9.06 by 10.63 in and weighs 3.8 lb. The listing says the light strip turns off automatically after a set time.

Skip it if you have an in-ground pool; the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain fits both.

3. NICENICY Pool Waterfall for Above Ground Pools, Fits 1.2 in to 4.7 in Pool Frames (Best plain clamp-on waterfall)

• 1.2 to 4.7 inFrame width
• 530GPHPump
• No drillingInstall
• HoseNeeded

Best for: above ground pools where you want a smooth cascade without lights

Why it ranks #3: It has a clear install method and pump size, and no drilling is needed.

NICENICY lists a smooth flowing waterfall that connects by hose to an outlet such as a 530GPH filter pump or a tap. It fits pool frames 1.2 to 4.7 in wide and cannot fit frames wider than that.

Install is two steps: lock the adjustable mounting clamps on the frame and connect a hose. The listing says no drilling is required.

Skip it if you want lights; the Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall lists seven colors.

4. LanPool Floating Water Fountain with Underwater Lights, Powered Pump, 3 Modes (Best battery floating fountain)

• 5000mAhBattery
• 3Spray modes
• 6Light modes
• IP68Waterproof

Best for: a no-wiring fountain you can drop into a pool or pond

Why it ranks #4: It needs no plumbing or wiring, and includes an anchor and an auto shutoff.

LanPool lists a floating fountain with six light modes and three spray modes, controlled by two buttons with no remote. A built-in 5000mAh battery lasts hours and turns off after 3 hours.

It comes with a 120 g anchor and nylon rope so it stays in place, and the listing says it is IP68 waterproof and needs no assembly. It also says it suits ponds.

Skip it if you want a spray from your pump; the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain uses the pool pump.

5. POOLHACKER Solar Pool Fountain with 10-Color LED Lights, Dusk Sensor and Timer (Best solar fountain with timer)

• 10Colors
• 4 hrDefault off timer
• IP68Rated
• RemoteControl

Best for: a no-cord solar fountain with automatic evening lights

Why it ranks #5: It runs by itself from dusk and has timer options.

POOLHACKER lists a solar fountain with 32 LEDs, 10 colors, 4 display modes and 3 brightness levels. A light sensor turns it on at dusk and it shuts off after 4 hours by default, with 1, 2 or 3 hour timers available.

The listing says it uses a monocrystalline solar panel and an IP68-rated sealed body, with a dual-head spray and remote control.

Skip it if you want a battery option; the LanPool Floating Fountain has a 5000mAh battery.

6. JENLER Stainless Steel 304 Pool Fountain Silver, Sheer Descent, 15.7 in Height (Best stainless steel sheer descent)

• 15.4 inHeight
• 7.9 inOutlet width
• 2 inInterface
• 304Stainless

Best for: pools or ponds with a separate pump and plumbing

Why it ranks #6: It is chlorine and salt water resistant per the listing, but the pump is not included.

JENLER lists a 304 stainless steel fountain 15.4 in high, with a 7.9 in outlet and a 2 in interface diameter. The listing says it is chlorine and salt water resistant.

It has a connector at the bottom, and the pump is not included. It is meant for pools, ponds and garden waterfalls.

Skip it if you want no plumbing; the LanPool Floating Fountain needs none.

7. Sheer Elegance 12 in Color Changing Spillway, Acrylic, 1.5 in Bottom Inlet, 1000 GPH (Best color-changing spillway)

• 12 inSpillway width
• 1.5 inInlet
• 1000 GPHMax flow
• 1 yearWarranty

Best for: formal falls and walls beside a pool

Why it ranks #7: It lists a 1 year warranty and a flow rule of thumb for the spillway length.

Half Off Ponds lists a 12 in acrylic spillway with a color changing light bar and a remote that controls power and brightness. The water inlet is a 1.5 in female thread in the center of the bottom, and the max flow is 1000 GPH.

The listing recommends 1000 GPH per foot of spillway length and lists a 1 year manufacturer warranty. It names wet walls, formal falls and patio fountains.

Skip it if you want a pool deck fitting; the DearChan Brass Deck Jet is a deck jet.

8. DearChan Brass Deck Jet Fountain Nozzle for Pool and Spa, Adjustable 1 in Threaded with Ground Lug (Best brass deck jet with grounding lug)

• 1 inThread
• BrassMaterial
• EyeballNozzle
• Ground lugIncluded

Best for: a built-in arc of water from a deck into a pool or spa

Why it ranks #8: It is solid brass with a grounding lug and can be aimed after installation.

DearChan lists a solid brass single-hole deck jet with a 1 in male thread and an adjustable eyeball nozzle. The listing says it can be cast into concrete decks or gunite walls and has a flush-mount design.

A grounding lug is included for electrical bonding. The listing says it has low flow needs and makes an arc of water into the pool.

Skip it if you want a clip-on option; the NICENICY Pool Waterfall needs no plumbing in the deck.

9. Custom Install Parts Deck Jet Water Sprayer, Single (Best basic deck jet)

• 1Jet
• 360 degSwivel
• 1/2 inMale thread
• AssembledReady

Best for: one arc of water from a deck into a pool

Why it ranks #9: It is a simple, fully assembled deck jet with a swivel nozzle.

Custom Install Parts lists a single deck jet that comes fully assembled with the body, a black cap and a swivel nozzle. The listing says the nozzle adjusts up to 360 degrees and it accepts a 1/2 in male thread adapter.

It makes an arc of water from the deck into the pool or spa. It is sold as a single jet.

Skip it if you want a grounding lug; the DearChan Brass Deck Jet includes one.

10. 86201500 Replacement, 3/4 in Pool Jet Nozzle Aerator (2-Pack), Compatible with Pentair (Best swap-in return nozzle)

• 2Pack
• 3/4 inNPT thread
• 86201500Replaces
• ABSMaterial

Best for: turning a return jet into a small bubbling fountain on a Pentair setup

Why it ranks #10: It is a replacement part for Pentair return fittings, and the smallest water feature here.

MHYYT lists a two-pack of 3/4 in NPT aerator nozzles that replace Pentair parts 86201500, 25558 and 217-0060. The listing says they turn return flow into a bubbling stream or fountain.

They are made from UV-stabilized ABS and screw in by hand after you turn off the pump.

Skip it if you want a larger feature; the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain is a dual spray fountain.

Check How the Feature Connects to Your Pool

The first question is how it hooks up. A return-fitting fountain like the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain needs your pump. A clamp-on waterfall like the Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall or NICENICY Pool Waterfall needs a hose and fits frames 1.2 to 4.7 in wide. Deck jets like the DearChan Brass Deck Jet and Custom Install Parts Deck Jet are built into the deck and plumbed in. A floating fountain like the LanPool Floating Fountain needs nothing.

Measure your frame, return fitting and deck before you buy. A feature that does not fit is the most common return.

Keep Electricity and Pool Water Separate

Anything with lights or a pump near water should be on a ground fault protected circuit and installed to local code. Battery and solar units like the LanPool Floating Fountain and POOLHACKER Solar Pool Fountain avoid cords. The DearChan Brass Deck Jet lists a grounding lug for electrical bonding, but bonding and wiring are jobs for a licensed pool electrician.

Also think about your pump. A fountain that uses your return, like the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain, depends on pump power, and the listing says spray strength varies by pump. Do not make changes that restrict pool circulation without checking with a pool professional.

How to Choose a Water Feature for Your Pool

Pool type

The Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall and NICENICY Pool Waterfall are for above ground frames. The SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain fits above and in-ground pools. Deck jets like the DearChan Brass Deck Jet suit concrete and gunite decks.

Power

Solar like the POOLHACKER Solar Pool Fountain and battery like the LanPool Floating Fountain need no outlet. Pump-fed units like the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain and JENLER Stainless Sheer Descent use water flow.

Lighting

The Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall lists seven colors, the POOLHACKER Solar Pool Fountain lists ten, and the Sheer Elegance 12 in Spillway has a color changing light bar.

Look

An arc like the Custom Install Parts Deck Jet, a sheet like the JENLER Stainless Sheer Descent or a spray like the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain. Pick the sound you want.

Which Pool Water Feature Should You Choose?

• If you want a simple pump-fed fountain, choose the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain, because it attaches to the return outlet.
• If you have an above ground pool and want light, choose the Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall, because it has seven colors.
• If you want a plain above ground cascade, choose the NICENICY Pool Waterfall, because it clamps on with no drilling.
• If you want no plumbing, choose the LanPool Floating Fountain, because it floats on a battery.
• If you want solar lights, choose the POOLHACKER Solar Pool Fountain, because it has a dusk sensor.
• If you want a sheet of water, choose the JENLER Stainless Sheer Descent, because it is a stainless sheer descent.
• If you want a color-changing wall, choose the Sheer Elegance 12 in Spillway, because it has a light bar and remote.
• If you want a brass deck jet, choose the DearChan Brass Deck Jet, because it includes a grounding lug.
• If you want a basic arc, choose the Custom Install Parts Deck Jet, because it has a swivel nozzle.
• If you have Pentair fittings, choose the MHYYT 3/4 in Pentair Aerator Nozzle 2 Pack, because it replaces those nozzles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best water feature for pools?

For most pools, the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain is the best pick here because it attaches to the pump return and fits above and in-ground pools. For a lit above ground waterfall, the Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall lists seven colors.

Do pool fountains need a separate pump?

Some do not. The SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain uses your pool pump, while the LanPool Floating Fountain and POOLHACKER Solar Pool Fountain are self-powered. The JENLER Stainless Sheer Descent needs a pump that is not included.

Can I add a waterfall to an above ground pool?

Yes. Clamp-on waterfalls like the Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall and NICENICY Pool Waterfall fit frames 1.2 to 4.7 in wide and use a hose. Check your frame width first.

Are solar pool fountains strong enough?

They give a small spray with lights. The POOLHACKER Solar Pool Fountain lists a dusk sensor and timers. For a larger effect, use a pump-fed feature like the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain.

Is a deck jet worth it?

It makes a graceful arc, but it needs plumbing in the deck. The DearChan Brass Deck Jet and Custom Install Parts Deck Jet are deck jets. Plan for a pool professional if your deck is not already plumbed.

Will a water feature change my pool chemistry?

Moving water can add air and speed up gas loss. The MHYYT 3/4 in Pentair Aerator Nozzle 2 Pack listing says its nozzle aerates water. Test your water and adjust as usual.

Final Verdict

The SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain is the best water feature for pools in this guide. It attaches directly to the pump return, fits above and in-ground pools, and gives a dual spray you can aim. If you have an above ground pool and want light, the Hanaoyo LED Pool Waterfall clamps on and lists seven colors. Before you buy, check your pool type, fittings and power setup.

See the SUMMERBUDDY Dual Spray Pool Fountain on Amazon