Many pool owners are looking for a simple way to add a little pizzazz to their pool, without spending a great deal of money and venturing into a full-blown renovation. How can you turn a one-level pool that has steps and one swimout into a classier backyard oasis? Just add more water.

Water pots can serve two purposes: improving the look of your pool and deck and adding the relaxing sound of water flowing into your pool. I recently visited a home in Winter Park, Fla., where this feature was highlighted as part of a recent renovation. The homeowner picked out the pots and had the pool contractor seal them inside and out. This process helps protect the pots from the elements and the interior erosion caused by running water.

A separate PVC waterline is run from the return side of the pool equipment to the back of the pool. Then the waterline is split and directed to each pot. Three valves are added to control the amount of water: one just a short distance from the pool equipment to control total line outflow; the others behind each pot. The valves allow the pool owner to customize the amount of water re-entering the pool.

The pots in most cases can be whatever size, color or shape you want, and the sound can be adjusted from a trickle to a steady stream.

One important requirement is that the pots be secured to the deck area so that no one can pull them forward into the pool. This can be done with a support structure that can match your surroundings. The pots also can be filled with small, clean stones to weigh down the inside of the pot, and partially fill up the cavity so that it doesn't take a lot of water before the stream begins overflowing back into the pool.

The cost depends on a number of variables, including the price of the pots and labor and materials to plumb and connect the waterline and valves. Again, the water-pot addition at this Winter Park home was part of a major renovation and added less than $2,000 to the cost of the project. This would not be considered a do-it-yourself task.

One major consideration is that the diversion of water will not affect the filtration demands or pool-water turnover time; that is the time it takes to clean and sanitize the entire body of water.

Accenting the pots with colorful landscaping and lighting can highlight this new investment.

Questions are answered by Paul Roth of Roll-A-Way Protective Pool Fence in Orlando. He is a member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association-Central Florida Chapter, an industry trade group.