Can a fire and water feature spill into my swimming pool?

Yes, many are designed to do exactly that. Pool-edge fire and water bowls spill water directly into the pool, and the water is returned through your pool's circulation system. Others are designed to spill into a separate basin or hidden reservoir with their own pump, so they can be used away from a pool. Check each product's details to see which setup it's designed for.

Do I need a separate pump for a fire and water feature?

It depends on the installation. Features that spill into a pool are often fed by the pool's existing pump or a dedicated booster pump, while standalone features with a basin need their own recirculating pump. In either case, the pump needs to supply the flow rate the feature requires, so check the product's water flow requirements and confirm them with your pool or landscape contractor.

Can I run the fire and the water separately?

Usually, yes. Because the gas and water run on separate systems, most fire and water features let you run the water on its own, the fire on its own, or both together. Features with electronic ignition can often be tied into a pool automation system so you can control each one separately.

Do fire and water features need electricity?

Most do. The pump that moves the water needs power, and features with electronic ignition also need a 120V or low-voltage connection for the igniter and controls. Plan for an outdoor-rated power source near the feature, and have the electrical work done by a licensed electrician.

What do I do with a fire and water feature in the winter?

In areas where temperatures drop below freezing, drain the water from the bowl, plumbing, and any separate basin before the first freeze, since water that freezes inside the feature or lines can cause damage. Turn off the gas supply if you won't be using the fire, and cover the feature to keep out snow and debris. Follow the manufacturer's winterization instructions for your model.

How do I keep a fire and water feature clean?

Keep the water balanced and filtered to prevent algae and mineral buildup, especially in features that spill into a pool. Wipe down the bowl and spillway regularly to remove water spots and calcium deposits, and keep leaves and debris out of the burner area. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage concrete, GFRC, or copper finishes, and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

Outdoor Fire & Water Features

Fire and water features combine the warmth and glow of a gas flame with the movement and sound of spilling water. They make a stunning centerpiece for pool decks, patios, and landscaped courtyards. Shop fire and water bowls in concrete, GFRC, and copper for propane and natural gas.

How Fire and Water Features Work

A fire and water feature combines two separate systems in one piece. A gas line feeds a burner at the top of the bowl, while a pump moves water into a channel around it. The water rises until it spills over the edge through a spillway or scupper, falling into a pool, a basin, or a hidden reservoir below, while the flame burns above. The fire and water never actually touch. They're kept apart by the design of the bowl and burner pan, so the gas components stay dry while you get both effects at once.

Prefabricated Bowls vs. Custom-Built Features

Most fire and water features are prefabricated bowls made from concrete, GFRC, or copper. They arrive finished and ready to connect to your gas and water supply, which makes installation faster and more predictable. If you're designing a one-of-a-kind feature, you can also build a custom masonry piece using separate components such as burners, burner pans, and ignition systems. Custom builds take more planning, but they give you complete control over the size, shape, and finish.

Materials and Styles

Concrete and GFRC fire and water bowls offer a handcrafted, architectural look in a range of colors and textures, and GFRC is lighter than solid concrete while staying strong and weather resistant. Copper features develop a natural patina over time and add warmth to any setting. Choose a style that complements your pool, hardscape, and surrounding landscape.

Propane or Natural Gas

Natural gas is the most common choice for fire and water features because they're permanent installations. A natural gas line gives you a continuous fuel supply with no tanks to refill and supports larger burners easily. Propane is an option if running a gas line isn't practical, but you'll need a safe, ventilated place to store the tank near the feature, which can be harder to hide on a pool deck.

Ignition and Safety

Fire and water features are available with match light, push-button, and electronic ignition. Electronic ignition is the most popular choice for pool installations because it can be controlled by a remote, wall switch, or pool automation system, so you can light several features at once. Many systems also include flame sensing that shuts off the gas automatically if the flame goes out. Look for burners and ignition systems certified to the applicable safety standard for outdoor gas appliances, and always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Planning Your Installation

Because fire and water features combine gas, water, and usually electricity, it's worth planning the details with a qualified contractor before you order. Here's what to review:

Permits: Check your local building and gas code requirements and secure any permits you need.
Gas supply: Confirm that your gas line and meter can support the BTU rating of the burner, along with any other gas appliances on the same line.
Water flow: Make sure your pump or pool system can supply the flow rate the feature requires, usually listed in gallons per minute on the product page.
Electrical: Plan for a nearby power source for the pump and any electronic ignition or controls.
Placement: Confirm the feature's size and weight work for its location, and that water will spill where you want it to.

Fire and Water Features vs. Fire Bowls

If you love the look of a sculptural bowl but don't need the water, a standard fire bowl gives you the same design impact with fire only and a simpler installation. Fire and water features are the ultimate statement piece when you want both.

For Pool Builders and Resort Projects

Fire and water features combine gas, plumbing, and electrical work, so planning matters. Pool builders, landscape contractors, and resort developers use SpotixPRO to get trade pricing with no minimums on fire and water bowls, plus help from our NFI-certified team on burner selection, ignition options, and pool automation compatibility before the install begins.

Get Help Planning Your Fire and Water Feature

Not sure how to size your gas line, choose a pump flow rate, or pick the right ignition for your pool? Our NFI-certified team can help you plan every detail with you or your contractor, and we offer free shipping on qualifying orders over $99.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a fire and water feature spill into my swimming pool?
Yes, many are designed to do exactly that. Pool-edge fire and water bowls spill water directly into the pool, and the water is returned through your pool's circulation system. Others are designed to spill into a separate basin or hidden reservoir with their own pump, so they can be used away from a pool. Check each product's details to see which setup it's designed for.
Do I need a separate pump for a fire and water feature?
It depends on the installation. Features that spill into a pool are often fed by the pool's existing pump or a dedicated booster pump, while standalone features with a basin need their own recirculating pump. In either case, the pump needs to supply the flow rate the feature requires, so check the product's water flow requirements and confirm them with your pool or landscape contractor.
Can I run the fire and the water separately?
Usually, yes. Because the gas and water run on separate systems, most fire and water features let you run the water on its own, the fire on its own, or both together. Features with electronic ignition can often be tied into a pool automation system so you can control each one separately.
Do fire and water features need electricity?
Most do. The pump that moves the water needs power, and features with electronic ignition also need a 120V or low-voltage connection for the igniter and controls. Plan for an outdoor-rated power source near the feature, and have the electrical work done by a licensed electrician.
What do I do with a fire and water feature in the winter?
In areas where temperatures drop below freezing, drain the water from the bowl, plumbing, and any separate basin before the first freeze, since water that freezes inside the feature or lines can cause damage. Turn off the gas supply if you won't be using the fire, and cover the feature to keep out snow and debris. Follow the manufacturer's winterization instructions for your model.
How do I keep a fire and water feature clean?
Keep the water balanced and filtered to prevent algae and mineral buildup, especially in features that spill into a pool. Wipe down the bowl and spillway regularly to remove water spots and calcium deposits, and keep leaves and debris out of the burner area. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage concrete, GFRC, or copper finishes, and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.