In luxury pool design, few combinations are as captivating or as timeless as fire and water.
The visual contrast, the sound, the movement. It’s the perfect balance of elements. One brings energy and light. The other, calm and reflection. Together, they create a sensory experience that turns any outdoor space into a private resort.
At Southern Pool Designs, we specialize in crafting fire-and-water environments that are as technically precise as they are visually stunning. Every flame and ripple is planned with intention — engineered for performance, safety, and seamless integration.
Why Fire and Water Work So Well Together
Luxury design is about tension. The push and pull between elements that create emotion and depth.
Fire and water embody that perfectly: opposites working in harmony.
Beyond their beauty, these features serve real design purposes:
- Create ambiance: Firelight adds warmth and motion to the reflective calm of water.
- Enhance focal points: Both elements draw the eye and anchor the outdoor environment.
- Extend usability: Fire features bring warmth and life to nighttime entertaining.
- Define zones: Strategically placed fire bowls or walls separate spaces without blocking views.
When designed well, the interaction between fire and water feels natural – not forced – as if both have always belonged together in the same space.
Types of Fire and Water Features We Build
Each Southern Pool Designs project begins with the architecture of the space — the lines of the pool, the views, and the lifestyle of the homeowner.
From there, we select the right balance of features to complement the design without overwhelming it.
Here are some of the most popular options among our luxury clients:
Fire Bowls with Water Spillways
A classic and elegant design. Gas-fed flames rise from sculpted bowls as water flows gently beneath. Available in cast stone, copper, or concrete, these create instant symmetry and drama.
Best for: Framing vanishing-edge pools, spas, or raised walls.
Integrated Fire Walls
Linear fire channels built into raised pool beams or retaining walls. The effect is modern and architectural — perfect for evening gatherings.
Best for: Contemporary homes with clean geometry and bold lighting.
Floating Fire Pits or Fire Islands
Set within or adjacent to the pool, these appear to rise out of the water — a visual centerpiece that blurs the line between art and engineering.
Best for: Infinity-edge or resort-style pools where you want to make a statement.
Fire and Water Bowls (Dual Feature)
The ultimate fusion. Water gently spills from a fire-lit bowl into the pool below, creating sound, light, and motion all at once.
Best for: Elevated spas or lounge ledges near the pool’s main focal point.
Perimeter-Overflow “Champagne” Spas with Fire Accents
When paired with subtle fire bowls or linear flames, a mirror-edge spa becomes a piece of living art.
The fire reflects in the water’s surface, amplifying its glow and movement.
Best for: Ultra-luxury builds with symmetry and calm architectural lines.
Built for Safety, Engineered for Longevity
As beautiful as they are, fire features demand expert design and precision installation.
Every Southern Pool Designs fire system is:
- Independently controlled and automated through smart pool systems
- Professionally vented and tested for safety and wind performance
- Built from marine-grade materials to prevent corrosion in coastal environments
- Configured for natural gas or propane with adjustable flame height for ambiance
We work closely with local inspectors, gas contractors, and engineers to ensure every system performs flawlessly because luxury should never compromise on safety or reliability.
The Southern Pool Designs Difference
Every project we build is designed to feel effortless, even though the engineering behind it is anything but.
We consider how light reflects, how sound carries, how flame height interacts with wind, and how the design will look in every hour of the day.
Our goal is simple: to build outdoor environments that make you stop and say, “This feels like a resort.”
If you’re ready to bring the drama, beauty, and emotion of fire-and-water design to your backyard, our team would be honored to bring your vision to life.
Southern Pool Designs — Where Fire Meets Water, and Engineering Meets Artistry.