Looking to add some drama to your outdoor living space? No need to recreate a Hollywood set when Mother Nature has a myriad of tools and tricks to captivate your family and friends. Fire and water combine to create a beautiful and dramatic effect when implemented properly, notes David Pavlesic of Paragon Pools. “The fire’s reflection dances across the water’s surface and creates an ever-changing look from any direction. Depending on the fire feature and water element, the variations affect both visual and audible elements, as well as physical and functionality,” says Pavlesic.
CUSTOM VS. PREFAB FIRE FEATURES
He notes a plethora of prefabricated fire features, including fire bowls, tiki torches and architectural elements that have fire as well as custom features. “We like to create custom features that are not limited by size, shape or design. These can be round, linear, square, radial, and multi-level.” A design feature his team started implementing about a decade ago is still desired by several customers. “We create the feature to be multi-functional in that it serves as a visual and audible element with both the fire and water. By creating the feature into a wall, we are able to create a water feature on one side or multiple sides, with a seating area on another side or the back side. Now the feature serves as a fire pit and destination within the outdoor living area.” He has used fire features as standalone fire features, paired with swimming pools, as well as combination fire and water. “Placing the features on the opposite side of the pool from where the main sight lines are, provides the best effects and reflections. Many people anchor the corners with fire features, we like to bring the fire element closer to the middle for more dramatic reflections that become visible from multiple angles.”
PAIRING FIRE WITH WATER
Pavlesic says that combining the right water feature with fire is subjective to both the designer and the customer. He says that subtle water features, when paired with fire, provide a more elegant and romantic effect. The water surface stays more serene and calm, providing a cleaner and more elegant visual effect. He sees a more turbulent type of water features, such as waterfalls, cascade features or fountains, creating more water disturbance at the surface, which changes the fire’s reflection to be more erratic.
He notes that you need to take the time to think about how you wish to use the space and suggests asking yourself a few key questions: Are you simply looking for a visual effect? Do you like to sit on the patio with a glass of wine and relax? Do you entertain frequently with large groups of people? Do you have children who might enjoy roasting marshmallows and s’mores? Or do you want to sit next to a fire and unwind in peace?
DESIGN TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Fire and water features continue to be one of the top design trends for outdoor living, according to Steve Julien, Marketing Director at ARCHPOT. He notes that nothing else brings interest to an outdoor design like fire and water features. They create an entertainment focal point where people love to gather. Fire water bowls help upgrade your outdoor space and even increase home value. Fire tables and fire bowls are visually appealing and offer added warmth and light.
Tim Hall, Operations Manager at ARCHPOT, notes that natural gas and propane fire features are clean and more convenient for entertaining as they light quickly and can be shut down instantly. Water features add visual interest, soothing sounds, and a dynamic focal point to your outdoor space. “Combining both to create a fire water bowl or vase creates a centerpiece for your outdoor living space that is both pleasing and entertaining. The excitement and fascination of fire is common to people and offers a visual experience. The sounds of flowing water bring tranquility and a calming feeling. Combining the two brings the best of both worlds to create a unique and beautiful environment. We see combining fire and water works well in both residential and commercial outdoor settings,” says Hall.
He explains that fire water bowls contain internal plumbing for both water and gas, plus electrical components to create the illusion of water coming out of the fire. Most people use fire water bowls, poolside or near a water basin to flow into and recirculate. Fire water bowls can be operated manually, remotely or wired into existing pool control systems. People like to choose their finishes, burners and fire media options to suit their style and outdoor setting, according to Hall. Fire glass adds beauty, texture and reflective properties not found in other fire media. Fire interacts and dances around the media to create visual excitement. Fireballs can be placed into unique patterns and create dramatic flame effects.
ARCHPOT’s fire glass is available in pre-mixed reflective, reflective and classic varieties with a selection of color options. Reflective fire glass has a mirror finish on one side to create extra sparkle and ambiance to a fire water feature. Pre-mixed reflective fire glass is a designer blend of two or three select types of glass to create a beautiful look. Classic fire glass is a single color transparent glass available in various hues. The modern and clean aesthetic can be quite captivating.
THE MAGIC OF FIRE AND WATER
“For more than 20 years, we’ve been blending the elements of fire and water,” says Richard Babcock of Babcock Custom Pools and Environments. Known for creating one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences, Babcock and his team have elevated backyard design into an art form. “At night, fire adds a stunning splash of color,” he explains. At the time of this interview, Babcock was working on a spectacular project that incorporated water features, fire, music, and even a pop-up TV with surround sound. The pool itself—an impressive 70 feet in length—boasts 27 programmable lights that pulse in rhythm with the music, across five distinct zones: the pool, spa, bubblers, Baja shelf, and infinity-edge catch basin. The design even integrates a golf course, with a recessed fire pit only steps from the pool’s edge. The effect is breathtaking: flames flickering across the water’s surface, dancing in perfect harmony with light and sound.
Today’s technology, he notes, makes it all effortless. With a simple touch on their phone, homeowners can command fog, fountains, or even choreographed fire shows—instantly transforming their backyard into a stage of luxury and drama. Babcock’s own backyard reflects his daring imagination. Inspired during the Pirates of the Caribbean era, it features cascading water, fiery displays, and even gorilla sculptures emerging from the trees. “I’m always looking for the next big idea,” he says. One recent project, nestled in a pristine mountain setting, has already earned the nick name The Mona Lisa for its artistry. “Everything is art,” Babcock reflects. “Whether you’re painting a picture or creating an atmosphere, the combination of fire and water creates pure magic.”
