What Are Fire & Water Features
Fire and water features are one of the many types of fire pits, highly engineered architectural units that house both a gas burner and a water circulation system within the same structure. They typically feature a central flame surrounded by a scupper or spillway that cascades water into a pool or catch basin below.
How Do Fire & Water Features Work
These highly engineered units operate by utilizing two completely separate, isolated systems housed within a single structure. A dedicated gas line feeds the burner pan situated at the top of the bowl, delivering the fuel needed for the flame. At the exact same time, a separate plumbing line pumps water into a concealed lower chamber or back channel. This water is forced upward until it overflows through a built-in scupper or spillway, cascading down into your pool or basin. The fire and water never actually touch; they are separated by waterproof barriers and specialized pan designs that keep the gas components completely dry while simultaneously delivering both sensory effects.
Benefits of Fire and Water Features
Integrating these two distinct elements into your backyard provides several massive advantages for your overall landscape design:
- They create an immersive sensory environment by blending the visual draw of a bright flame with the relaxing ambient noise of falling water.
- They act as stunning standalone focal points that anchor large pool designs and complex masonry builds.
- They provide functional lighting and warmth for your patio while actively circulating your pool water to prevent stagnation.
What to Consider Before Buying Fire and Water Features
Installing a dual system is incredibly complex and involves serious structural, plumbing, and gas requirements. You must work directly with NFI certified professionals and our product specialists to install your gas fire pits properly. You should never attempt to DIY this installation unless you hold the necessary plumbing and gas licenses yourself.
Choose Between Prefabricated Bowls vs Custom Built Features
You can purchase fully finished copper or GFRC bowls that arrive ready to tie into your existing pool plumbing. These prefabricated units offer a faster installation process with guaranteed structural integrity. Alternatively, you can purchase the raw scuppers, water pumps, and burner rings separately to construct a completely custom masonry feature that matches your specific architectural vision.
Pick your Fuel Source: Natural Gas vs Liquid Propane
You must decide how to power the flame before ordering any components. Natural gas hooks directly into your home utility line, giving you an endless fuel supply without ever changing a tank. Liquid propane requires a dedicated tank storage area, which can be difficult to hide near a pool deck, but it remains a viable option if you cannot trench a new gas line.
Find the Suitable Fuel Source
Identifying the right fuel ultimately depends on your property layout and existing utilities. Hard piped natural gas is almost always the preferred choice for permanent water features because the installation is stationary and handles high capacity burners with ease.
Critical Automation & Safety Mechanisms
Premium systems utilize electronic ignition components that allow you to control the flame and water flow remotely. These smart systems include built in safety valves that automatically shut off the gas supply if the wind blows the flame out. You must always verify your chosen burner carries an ANSI Z21.97 certification to guarantee the unit handles heavy rain and wind without leaking hazardous carbon monoxide.
Checklist Before Installing Fire and Water Features
Before you break ground on your new patio or pool upgrade, you must review the following requirements with your professional installers. Do not attempt to DIY these steps unless you are a licensed professional:
- Regulatory and Permitting Verification: Confirm your local municipality allows combination units and secure all required building permits.
- Utility & Gas Infrastructure: Verify your existing gas meter can handle the required BTU load for the new burner system.
- Water Systems & Hydraulic Engineering: Ensure your pool pump pushes enough gallons per minute to properly feed the water scupper.
- Material & Structural Integrity: Choose marine grade stainless steel or brass components to prevent severe corrosion.
- Environmental & Climate Controls: Install wind guards and automated shut off valves to protect the system during heavy storms.
Finalize Your Custom Feature
Building a dual purpose architectural unit is a massive undertaking that requires precise planning. If you are struggling to calculate your pump requirements or need help sizing your gas lines, you do not have to guess. Our NFI certified safety experts are standing by to walk you through the technical blueprints of your project. Once you and your contractor lock in the right design, we will ship the components straight to your job site for free on all qualifying orders over $99.
