Crystal Fountains, established in 1967, is a leader in the commercial water feature industry with offices globally. The document outlines various water movement techniques, design principles, and innovative features including elevated water tables, vertical features, and sequencing devices that enhance aesthetic appeal. It emphasizes the importance of integrating design details and mechanical systems to create captivating water displays and the necessity of careful planning and testing in design execution.

1. TYPES OF WATER FEATURES

2. Founded in 1967, Crystal Fountains is now a globally recognized leader in the commercial water
feature industry. With a history of product innovation, design, commercial and custom manufactur-
ing, the company has expanded from one office to offices in Canada, U.A.E, Singapore and Poland.
www.crystalfountains.com

3. Introduction
Basic Design Principles
In nature, water moves through the environment in an endless variety of ways.
There are a multitude of water movement techniques available to the designer.

4. Nozzle and Effects
Aerator Jet - NAE

5. Nozzle and Effects
Cascade Jet - NCA

6. Nozzle and Effects
Dandelion Hemisphere - NDH

7. Nozzle and Effects
Plume Jet - NEA

8. Nozzle and Effects
Clear Stream - NES

9. Nozzle and Effects
Underwater Plume - NEW

10. Nozzle and Effects
Foam Jet - NFO

11. Nozzle and Effects
Fan Jet - NGA

12. Nozzle and Effects
Hollow Column Jet - NHC

13. Nozzle and Effects
Crown Jet - NLF

14. Nozzle and Effects
Ground Jet - NLG

15. Nozzle and Effects
Mushroom/ Bell Jet - NMB

16. Nozzle and Effects
Column Pod - NPA

17. Nozzle and Effects
Spray Jewel Jet - NSJ

18. Nozzle and Effects
Spray Ring Manifold - NSR

19. Nozzle and Effects
Water Castle Jet - NWA

20. Nozzle and Effects
Water Castle Jet - NWA

21. Nozzle and Effects
Rain Curtain NRC

22. Nozzle and Effects
Cold Stream Fog - NFC

23. Nozzle and Effects
Electricl Leaper -SWV

24. Nozzle and Effects
Choreoswitch - SWS

25. Nozzle and Effects
Slab Hung Choreoswitch – LED 110

26. Nozzle and Effects
Burst Jet NBJ

27. Basic Design Principles
Traditional pools - water effect height to offset distance ration 1:1

28. Basic Design Principles
Elevated water tables - water effect height to offset distance ration 1:1.5

29. Traditional Fountains and
Geysers
A traditional water feature is one composed of a pool with a freeboard
and one or several water effects within. The size and shapes of these
can vary tremendously. A fountain is often considered a focal point, it
can also be utilized to divide a space or interrupt a vista thereby
encouraging the visitor to pause before moving on. Alternatively, a
single jet or geyser can be incorporated to offset and balance another
garden/architectural feature nearby. Whether using single or multiple
patterned fountain sprays, always consider combining it with light. Few
features can compare with a pool in which a fountain is illuminated at
night. Also consider the possibility of incorporating programmed music.

33. Wave Suppression Methods
Monolithic structure divides water
body from main pool reducing waves

35. Vanishing Edge / Reflecting Pools
Vanishing edges have long been part of the fountain designer’s
repertoire. A clean and simple character makes this method ideal for
contemporary designs. The vanishing or infinity edge pool is used to
redirect the emphasis from the water container to the water itself.
Assuming there are no other water effects present within the pool,
the vanishing edge pool results in a highly reflective surface that can
create a sense of mystery and complement the surrounding natural
or built environment. This method usually takes the form of an
overflow weir with clear laminar water flowing down and into a
collection trough.

43. Elevated water table
New trends in the architectural world have led to the development of a
water feature type called an ‘elevated water’. This water feature
consists of a water body that has been elevated to or above the pool
wall. This gives the water more presences and increases the overall
site lines. This also provides a structure where mechanical and
electrical trenches can be built which will conceal the components,
without penetrating the slab. Excellent water feature type for
existing developments and renovations.

51. Elevated water table with zero edge pool
Much like an elevated water table in a traditional pool, Zero edge
water tables allow the viewers to interact with a water skin that
descends the a vertical wall of the structure. Special attention to
detail is required for the collection trough and surface treatment
throughout the area as water can be tracked away from the pool.
This too provides a structure where mechanical and electrical
trenches can be built which will conceal the components, with
minimum penetration of the slab. Excellent water feature type for
existing developments and renovations.

55. Vertical Water Features
Vertical water features can often become the most dramatic and powerful
effects available to the fountain designer. The three vertical water forms are
the waterwall, the waterfall and the step cascade.

56. The WaterWall
• The basic principal behind this feature is an elevated water source, usually
a trough, with a level and consistent overflow edge. It is especially important
that the leading edge or lip of the overflow coping allows for even and clean
water movement. A weir strip is often incorporated to allow for leveling
adjustments as required. A projected coping or weir cape will likely require a
drip channel be cut into its underside in order to prevent the water from
running back under the weir coping. Recessed reglets or channels are
typically located at each end of the waterwall to prevent water tracking over
the adjacent surfaces. Waterwall materials can vary from stone to glass to
stainless steel and can take many forms such as shingled or shiplapped.
Each material and material configuration can create varied effects from
clear stream flow to highly aerated flows. Also consider uplighting as this
can help to create a far more dynamic and ever-changing visual
appearance.

75. The WaterFall
• Contemporary waterfall features are generally composed of
freefalling water flows. Consider the volume of water that is intended
to flow over the top edge of such a feature. As with any vertical
feature, different water flows can have dramatically different
characteristics. Varied heights can also have a significant impact on
the water effect and on the potential splash issues that may result at
the bottom of a vertical feature. Also consider different types of
freefall such as laminar flow and divided/compartmentalized flow.

80. The Comb Weirs and Ejector Jets
• When splash constraints and a more consistent flow control is
desired, a comb weir or ejector jet system may provide the solution.
These two devices create individual spouts through a weir or series
of NEA nozzles placed on a supply manifold. These effects require
less water and are ideal when a reduced reservoir or water source is
required. The overall water effect will fall in a more controlled
means and provides a continuous broken sheet.

86. The Water Curtain
• As a type of waterfall, the water curtain consists of individual strands or
beads of water that allow wind to pass through. Water is made to run down
a series of laces of mylar or stainless steel. These water droplets can fall
from great heights in slow motion, quietly and without splash. Laces may be
installed up to 20 degrees from vertical without compromising the
effectiveness of the rain curtain. Other forms of water curtains are also
utilized.

87. Atrium lighting

89. Spouting
Traditional spouts have been
used to create large vertical
drops with low volumes of
water. Usually complemented
with an architectural facade or
plaque these effects create a
sense of source for large bodies
of water. Large hedge row
effects can be used to suppress
much of the splash of large
elevation drops.

91. The Stepped Cascades
• The power of water as it tumbles over a
cascade or the patterns it creates as it
sheets over granite-faced steps can be
very compelling. The stepped
dimensions, finishes, types of materials
and designed water flows used for a
cascade all greatly influence the final
effect. Consider using non-traditional
materials such as glass to create a truly
unique cascade effect. Combined with
both internal and front uplighting, glass
cascades can offer something very
different and spectacular.

96. Turbulent Stream / Channel Design
As the stream
cross section
decrease, the
velocity of any
given volume
will increase in
direct proportion.
Increased slope. – As the slope increase,
the velocity of the stream increases and
the water depth decreases A heavy texture on the bottom
and or side, particularly in
conjunction with high velocity
As the stream changes direction will cause substantial turbulence
the flow of the outside speeds up,
turbulence increases
As the stream encounters obstructions,
directional changes and increased
velocity cause surface turbulence

98. Runnels
• Runnels form a physical link between separate areas of water.
• The two types of formal channels are known as rills and canals.
• Rills are narrow (max. 12 inches across)
• Runnels are larger scaled rills

101. Sequenced Solutions
Adding sequencing devices to a fountain can result in a very versatile and
visually dynamic design feature. Water character can take the form of a
highly choreographed and elegant fountain that is intended to complement
the surrounding architectural forms and hardscape. It can also be designed
to form the heart of a children’s interactive feature with both random and
rhythmic bursts. There are some basic considerations when incorporating
sequenced elements within a water feature:
When designing these features consider different lines and shapes that can
help to create unique patterns and chase sequences. Intersection of lines
and shapes also allows for alternate paths and interference patterns too.
The integration of multiple sequencing devices such as choreoswitches,
leaping laminar and fog effect can all be enhanced with the use of LED
lighting. With standing water massing these LED lights can be also be used
to create chase sequencing and colour washing throughout the display.
By adding a variable frequency drive device to selected pumps multiple
heights can increase the overall display 10 fold.

102. Sequenced Solutions
• Operating Heights – Consider if the feature is to be used strictly as a showpiece,
as an interactive piece or as a dual-use element. Always be mindful of safe
operating heights when designing interactive water features. Excessive water
flows can lead to serious user injuries.
• Sequencing Speeds – As with a piece of music, water effects can be
choreographed to various speeds and rhythms. The desired mood and character
of a particular show will dictate which speeds are appropriate.
• Music - Sequenced water effects can be further advanced with the integration of
music. The element of music usually adds considerable complexity and costs to a
choreographed water feature. Music added to a large exterior space has the
additional challenge of having to consider time delays to ensure the water and
sound effects are synchronized.
• Quantity and Types of Water Jets – Many jet effects can be utilized. The right
water effect positioned at the correct spacing and overall configuration can
enhance or limit the types of sequencing that can be used. For example, a
circular configuration with a minimum quantity of jets allows for such dynamic
sequences as the “tilting plate”. Types of sequencing devices include: the burst
jet, the Choreoswitch and the leaper / laminar.
• Lighting – Adding lighting effects, especially color changing, adds yet another
dimension that can be crucial especially for commercially driven pieces.

103. Choreoswitch devices can be activated at 0.1 second creating unique patterns

104. Leaper devices can be activated at 0.1 second creating unique patterns. The only product that
when the water is cut of the projectile still follows the parabolic curve on the normal operation.
Play with the layouts and cross over patterns to create unique visual experience.

112. Sequencing fog effects can add
dramatic quality to a water feature
display. Sensitive to wind and
humidity these effects are best
utilitized in childrens interactive
features and large water bodies.
Each system requires a pneumatic
system to drive the device and a
fresh water source. Fog effects
create excellent mystery and a
blanket covering effect for other
sequencing device to emerge from.

113. Burst jet effect. Creates a larger
vertical effect that can be captured in
a pool approximately 30 feet wide
(interior conditions only). Excellent
effects for multiple site lines and
levels with open atriums. Creates
an sense of scale and drives
attention to the space and the key
focal point of the development.

114. Dry Deck Interactive Water Features
Dry Deck or Dry plaza water features are relative new type of water features
that have evolved out of the development of sequencing devices. The entire
mechanical and electrical systems are concealed below a deck structure. A
reservoir structure can be built below the suspended deck system which can
also collect much of the water generated by the sequencing nozzle effects.
Special attention to pavers loads and support structure is required to create a
safe and easily accessible equipment pit.
Dry deck structures well require a reservoir with a minimum of 3000 gallons with
a ½ turn over rate for the entire water volume. Best practice should design for a
maximum of 20 feet per second or approximately 7 feet of water height. Also
allow 10 feet for an additional run out area with secondary area drains that will
collect any water that can be tracked out of the pool area. Finished material
should be a pours non slip material10 feet.
When designing these features consider different lines and shapes that can
help to create unique patterns and chase sequences. Intersection of lines and
shapes also allows for alternate paths and interference patterns too.

123. The Vortex
The vortex is a natural occurring effect that can be mimicked within a pool.
Created by large volumes of water being pushed around a funnel structure
created by the interior pool surface. A large drain line is required. The effect
can be dramatically increased by including a variable frequency drive where the
overall water volume can be controlled from a small water skin to a large turning
vortex that can overcome the structural elements of the water surface and effect
the entire pool. Additional effects that may increase the aesthetic impact may
included a large vertical column within the ‘black hole’ and LED lights that can
be programmed to turn in an alternative direction that the swirling water.

125. Uphill Waterfalls
An uphill water display is simply a row of very closely positioned aerating
jets that are individually valved and properly pressurized to reach their
upward destination with the right amount of water. The aerating jets shoot
water up a slanting base. This water is collected at the top at a mock weir.
The top structure captures the aerated water so spectators don’t actually
see the jets finish their trajectory. The mock weir consists of a cap
overhanging the spray and a shallow, hidden cavity for the water to drop
into. The most interesting aspect of this feature results from deflected water
that runs back down the incline to create a near herringbone effect in
combination with the uphill flow.

127. Water Voids.
An aesthetic a nominally that can appear within a reflecting pool or water
body. A distinctive shape appears within the water surface as a structural
void is slowly drained. Numerous shapes and configurations can be used to
emphases trends or iconic symbloys in the surrounding architecture.
Interior surface to match the pool structure and should be uplite to provide
optimal effect during night. Multiple voids and LED lighting can create a
sublte sequence effects. Ideally for elevated site lines and provide unique
viewing experience from multiple angles.

129. Application Test
Hydraulic testing is used to determine the feasibility and design criteria for
prototypical effects and or to fine tune such items as weir configuration, splash
containment, textured water walls or effect development. Tests may be
conducted by the designers to determine a system design or verify a material
effect. Test must generally be conducted at full scale, since hydraulic factors
such as surface tension are constant or vary in a non linear fashion. For most
testing a single spout a short length of weir (5 feet) or a small area of water wall
surface is adequate.
The construction of the test assembly, the variables to be evaluated, and the
performance criteria should be carefully specified prior to testing in order that
each item such as a weir profiles, surface textures, water wall joints, drip
notches, pool depths, splash patterns, and jet heights can be evaluated as fully
as possible. Where appropriate, two or three variation of each critical item
should be tested.

135. More Details
‘God is in the Details’
The intention of designer is to create a unique experience for the viewers
that conceals the operation of the water feature, creating the ‘wow’ factor or
surprise. Integration of equipment and infrastructure is key. Finding
creative ways to hide the component while detailing access for proper
maintenance is key. Many fountains fail asethetically due to the associated
costs of suspended pavers systems or removable pans details. It is the
designers role to define and fight for these details.