Custom Cascades: Designing Pools with Multi-Level Waterfalls & Features

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Luxury is never static. It flows, it moves, and—when done right—it transforms your outdoor space into something alive. That’s the magic of custom cascades in modern pool design.

At Essig Pools & Pavers, we design more than pools—we design movement. From softly layered waterfalls to architectural water walls and runnels that wind through your landscape, these features add not only sound and texture, but a sense of drama and peace that makes your backyard feel like a true retreat.

More Than a Feature, It’s a Focal Point

A waterfall is no longer just an add-on. In today’s high-end poolscapes, it’s often the visual anchor—a place where sound, light, and energy meet. And on large properties, these features serve another purpose: creating vertical interest and defining levels within a wide or open space.

Whether we’re building into a natural slope or designing height through elevated decks and retaining walls, we use cascades to sculpt the space. They create connection points between pool zones, soften transitions, and offer a dynamic experience as you move from one area to the next.

Layered Luxury: Types of Cascades We Love

  1. Multi-Level Waterfalls
    Perfect for large pools or tiered environments, multi-level falls use stone, tile, or architectural concrete to create cascading layers of water. These can flow from a raised spa into the main pool, or down a retaining wall into a lower sun shelf, turning elevation into a feature.
  2. Runnels & Water Channels
    These elegant, narrow streams of water guide your eye—and your guests—through the landscape. Sometimes they lead from a water wall to the pool; sometimes they weave alongside walkways or patios. Runnels are the perfect marriage of form and function, creating flow in every sense of the word.
  3. Water Walls
    Think smooth sheets of water running down textured tile or carved stone—simple, architectural, and striking. Water walls are ideal for clients who love clean lines and quiet sophistication, and they can double as privacy features or a visual backdrop to seating areas.

Sensory Appeal That Lasts

Water in motion brings a unique kind of energy to a space. It cools the air, calms the mind, and softens the noise of the outside world. And when lit from within or above, these features transform again—glowing with warmth and life after dark.

Because these features are fully integrated into the pool’s design, they become part of the structure, not just surface decor. Our team ensures every element—flow rate, material choice, sound level, and lighting—is thoughtfully balanced for long-term performance and beauty.

Crafted with Intention

At Essig Pools & Pavers, every project is a canvas. Custom cascades allow us to layer in art, architecture, and emotion—all through water. Whether you’re designing an estate-level pool or transforming an existing one, these features create movement that’s not just seen—but felt.

Let’s bring your vision to life, one waterfall at a time.

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