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Where Should You Place a Pond Waterfall Spillway?

Posted by Blue Thumb on May 29th 2025

Where Should You Place a Pond Waterfall Spillway?

You have a property with a large area where you have a pool, a patio, and a garden, and you know that a water feature is the best way to unify all of these elements. And a pond waterfall spillway can frame these elements together.

Adding a pond waterfall spillway to your pool is one of the most effective ways to transform an ordinary backyard into a tranquil, resort-like escape. But where you place that spillway can significantly influence not only the aesthetics but also the functionality of your entire outdoor space.

When properly positioned, a waterfall becomes the centerpiece of your pool area, delivering both visual appeal and soothing sounds that enhance relaxation. So let’s break down the best spots to place a pond waterfall spillway in your pool, why these placements work so well, and how they elevate the overall outdoor atmosphere.

Near a Natural Focal Point or Seating Area

One of the most strategic places to install a pond waterfall spillway is near a natural focal point—think of where guests are likely to gather, such as patios, poolside loungers, or fire pits. Placing the spillway near these areas ensures that its visual beauty and ambient sound are fully appreciated.

Whether it’s the gentle trickle or a more dramatic cascade, the sound of running water provides a calming background, masking neighborhood noise or traffic, and promoting relaxation. When people sit near water features, they tend to feel more at ease, making this placement perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings outdoors.

Along the Pool’s Edge or Wall

Installing the waterfall spillway along one of the pool’s edges or integrating it into a raised wall creates a seamless visual connection between the pool and surrounding landscape. This location allows the water to spill directly into the pool, creating a stunning, continuous flow.

Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also efficient. This setup makes it easy for the pool’s filtration system to incorporate the waterfall, helping to aerate the water and improve circulation, which in turn can lead to cleaner, healthier water.

Moreover, this location can be designed with materials that match or complement the pool’s design—natural stone, tile, or even concrete—to create a cohesive look. Many homeowners choose this edge placement to create a modern “sheetfall” look where water pours out in a flat, clean sheet, enhancing the visual drama without overwhelming the space.

In a Corner or Behind Landscaping Features

If your pool has a corner or alcove area, this can be the ideal place for a waterfall spillway. Corners tend to draw the eye naturally, and placing a waterfall here gives the illusion of depth and makes the space feel more immersive.

It also allows you to add rock features, plants, or sculptures around the waterfall to enhance its natural feel. The result is a more organic look that feels like it belongs in nature, rather than just a decorative element.

Landscaping plays a crucial role in softening the lines of a waterfall structure. You can integrate  native plants, ornamental grasses, or even flowering bushes around the waterfall, adding layers of texture and color that elevate the entire aesthetic.

This placement is perfect for those who want their waterfall to feel like a hidden gem within their backyard oasis.

Opposite the Main Viewing Area

Another smart location is directly across from the main viewing spot—be it your kitchen window, back porch, or outdoor dining area. This ensures that the waterfall is always within view, even when you're not poolside.

Think of it as a living artwork that changes with the light, seasons, and time of day. This placement ensures maximum enjoyment and visual interest throughout the day.

Positioning your spillway here also creates a dramatic focal point. During evening hours, you can enhance this effect with strategically placed lighting. Underwater LEDs or uplighting behind the spillway can make it glow beautifully at night, casting reflections that dance on the water’s surface.

Near a Raised Spa or Elevated Pool Section

If your pool features a raised spa or elevated ledge, this can also be an ideal spot for a spillway. You can design the waterfall to cascade from the higher level into the main pool, blending form and function.

This placement mimics the natural movement of water in streams or waterfalls and creates a multi-tiered water effect that’s both visually captivating and acoustically soothing.

This setup can also double as a mini hydrotherapy feature, with warm water spilling into the cooler pool below. Plus, it adds depth and interest to the overall pool design, making it feel more like a luxurious water retreat than a standard backyard pool.

Pond Waterfall Spillways Transform the Atmosphere

Pond waterfall spillways are more than just eye candy—they truly transform the energy and atmosphere of your entire outdoor space.

And homes with beautifully designed water features tend to stand out in the real estate market. A professionally installed waterfall adds a touch of luxury and sophistication that can significantly boost curb appeal and property value.

Blue Thumb carries all forms of outdoor and water features you need in your property, and they know which ones can maximize its aesthetic and sensory impact. We help you beautify your properties, and create the atmosphere that brings a soothing piece of nature into your backyard retreat.

Visit us now and find the water features you need to beautify your property!