TYPES OF WATER FEATURES

www.crystalfountains.com

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.

IntroductionBasic 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.

Nozzle and EffectsAerator Jet - NAE

Nozzle and EffectsCascade Jet - NCA

Nozzle and EffectsDandelion Hemisphere - NDH

Nozzle and EffectsPlume Jet - NEA

Nozzle and EffectsClear Stream - NES

Nozzle and EffectsUnderwater Plume - NEW

Nozzle and EffectsFoam Jet - NFO

Nozzle and EffectsFan Jet - NGA

Nozzle and EffectsHollow Column Jet - NHC

Nozzle and EffectsCrown Jet - NLF

Nozzle and EffectsGround Jet - NLG

Nozzle and EffectsMushroom/ Bell Jet - NMB

Nozzle and EffectsColumn Pod - NPA

Nozzle and EffectsSpray Jewel Jet - NSJ

Nozzle and EffectsSpray Ring Manifold - NSR

Nozzle and EffectsWater Castle Jet - NWA

Nozzle and EffectsWater Castle Jet - NWA

Nozzle and EffectsRain Curtain NRC

Nozzle and EffectsCold Stream Fog - NFC

Nozzle and EffectsElectricl Leaper -SWV

Nozzle and EffectsChoreoswitch - SWS

Nozzle and EffectsSlab Hung Choreoswitch – LED 110

Nozzle and EffectsBurst Jet NBJ

Basic Design Principles

Traditional pools - water effect height to offset distance ration 1:1

Basic Design Principles

Elevated water tables - water effect height to offset distance ration 1:1.5

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.

Wave Suppression Methods

Monolithic structure divides water body from main pool reducing waves

Vanishing Edge / Reflecting PoolsVanishing 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 naturalor built environment. This method usually takes the form of an overflow weir with clear laminar water flowing down and into a collection trough.

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 andelectrical trenches can be built which will conceal the components,

without penetrating the slab. Excellent water feature type for existing developments and renovations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Atrium lighting

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.

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.

Increased slope. – As the slope increase, the velocity of the stream increases and the water depth decreases

Turbulent Stream / Channel DesignAs the stream cross section decrease, the velocity of any given volume will increase in direct proportion.

As the stream encounters obstructions, directional changes and increased velocity cause surface turbulence

A heavy texture on the bottom and or side, particularly in conjunction with high velocity will cause substantial turbulenceAs the stream changes direction

the flow of the outside speeds up, turbulence increases

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

Sequenced SolutionsAdding 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.

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.

Choreoswitch devices can be activated at 0.1 second creating unique patterns

Leaper devices can be activated at 0.1 second creating unique patterns. The only product thatwhen 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.

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.

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.

Dry Deck Interactive Water FeaturesDry 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.

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.

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.

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.

Application TestHydraulic 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.

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.