A fire and water bowl is a gas fire bowl with a flame burning in the center and water spilling over its edge, usually through a notch called a scupper, into a pool or a catch basin below. Most sit on a pillar at the pool edge, and the bowl price is only part of the bill: gas lines, water plumbing and often an electrician come on top. Here is how they work, what our HPC Fire models offer, and what to plan for.
How a fire and water bowl works
Two systems share one bowl. The fire side is a gas burner in a pan at the center, fed by natural gas or propane and lit by hand (match lit) or electronic ignition. The water side is pumped in, fills the outer channel and spills over a scupper or weir. On a poolside bowl the stream lands in the pool, and the pool’s circulation system usually feeds it.
The HPC Sierra, Tempe and Mesa bowl listings describe the copper bowl and a CSA certified match lit fire pit insert. They do not list a pump, valves or water plumbing, so plan on your pool builder connecting the water side to your pool equipment. The HPC Evolution 360 is the exception: its listing describes a self contained polyethylene basin with its own pump, filtration, auto fill sensors and lighting, with no pond or pool required.
The Mesa Torpedo listing notes a pan with weep holes to drain water and a raised burner that keeps water out of the gas line, both in 304 stainless steel.
Copper fire and water bowl models compared
All of these are HPC Fire copper fire and water bowls. Prices below are current listed prices at the time of writing; specs come from each listing.
| Model | Size | Burner and output | Ignition | Water side | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe Round (NG or LP) | 31 in round, 11 in tall, 8 in base, hammered | 12 in burner, 19 in pan, 50,000 BTU | Match lit; electronic upgrade optional | No pump listed | $3,520 |
| Sierra Square (LP or NG) | 36 x 36 in, 16 in tall, 18 x 18 in base, smooth | 12 in burner, 19 in pan, 50,000 BTU | Match lit; electronic upgrade optional | No pump listed | $6,312 |
| Mesa Round (NG) | 32 in round, 15 in tall, 15 in base, hammered | 12 in burner, 18 in flat pan, BTU not listed | Match lit | No pump listed | $6,217.75 |
| 32 in Mesa Torpedo, match lit | 32 in round, hammered | 12 in Penta burner, up to 50,000 BTU | Match lit | No pump listed | $7,461.30 |
| 32 in Mesa Torpedo, electronic | 32 in round, hammered | 12 in Penta burner, up to 50,000 BTU | Electronic on/off, 12 VAC | No pump listed | $9,192.20 |
| Evolution 360, 4 scuppers | Size not listed | 12 in burner, 90,000 BTU | Not listed | Own basin and pump | $12,167.60 |
| Evolution 360, 360 degree scupper | Size not listed | 12 in burner, 90,000 BTU | Not listed | Own basin and pump | $13,159.40 |
The Tempe listing says its match lit models need a decorative gas valve mounted in a column or table, so leave room for it. The Torpedo burner uses nozzle ports around the perimeter for a taller, bonfire style flame; our HPC Fire burner review explains the Torpedo and the MLFPK kit code in more detail. The Evolution pages give no dimensions, so call us for the spec sheet before designing around one. You can browse the full range on our HPC Fire brand page.
Pool fire and water bowl plumbing and gas
A pool fire and water bowl is a three trade job. Plan for:
- Gas. A buried gas line to each pillar, sized for the burner’s BTU rating and run length, with a shutoff. Order the natural gas or propane version to match your supply; the two are different listings.
- Water. A supply line from the pool equipment to each bowl, plus a valve so you can balance the flow. Several bowls on one pump usually need individual valves so they spill evenly. Your pool builder sizes this, not the bowl maker.
- Power. Electronic ignition and any lighting need electrical service at the pillar. The electronic Torpedo runs on 12 VAC, which typically means a transformer.
A licensed gas fitter, pool contractor and electrician, along with your local code and inspector, have the final word on every one of these connections. Running lines is far easier during a pool build than after the deck is poured.
Sizing and placement around pools
A 31 to 32 in round bowl suits a standard pillar along a pool wall, while the 36 in Sierra square needs a wider column. The 11 in Tempe is low and wide; the 16 in Sierra and 15 in Mesa sit taller.
Think about where the water lands. The spill must clear the coping without hitting the deck, and flow rate changes how far it throws, so have your pool builder mock it up first. Keep flames clear of overhangs, umbrellas and plants per the manufacturer’s clearances, and away from walkways.
Fire water feature ignition: match lit or electronic
Match lit is simplest: open a valve, light by hand, no power needed. Electronic ignition starts the fire from a switch or controller, handy when bowls sit across the pool. The trade off is cost and wiring; on the 32 in Mesa Torpedo the electronic version is listed at $9,192.20 against $7,461.30 for match lit. The Sierra and Tempe listings mention optional electronic ignition upgrades. See our match lit vs electronic ignition guide.
Copper care, wind and splash
Copper changes color as it ages, and around pools it sees splash and chemicals. We cover patina, cleaning and covers for HPC copper in our copper fire pit guide, so we will not repeat it here.
Wind is the bigger daily issue: gusts push flames sideways and blow spray across the deck. If your controls allow it, shut the fire off in strong wind and let the water run on its own, and turn the water flow down to cut splash. Keep burner media at the depth the manufacturer specifies, and check the pan weep holes after storms.
Fire and water bowl cost
On our current listings, an HPC copper fire and water bowl runs from $3,520 for the Tempe to $9,192.20 for the electronic Mesa Torpedo, and the self contained Evolution 360 inserts are listed at $12,167.60 to $13,159.40. Most pools use a pair or more, so multiply accordingly. Then add pillars, gas and water lines, electrical, burner media and permits. Those depend on your site, so get written quotes. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, which covers every bowl here.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fire and water bowl need a pool?
Poolside bowls like the Sierra, Tempe and Mesa are designed to spill into a pool, which supplies the water. The Evolution 360 listing describes a self contained basin with its own pump and auto fill, so that fire water feature does not need a pool or pond.
Is a pool fire and water bowl pump included?
The Sierra, Tempe and Mesa listings describe the copper bowl and a match lit fire insert only, with no pump or plumbing listed. Plan for your pool builder to connect the water side.
How hot does a copper fire and water bowl get?
The Sierra, Tempe and Mesa Torpedo bowls list 50,000 BTU burners, and the Evolution 360 lists 90,000 BTU. Expect ambiance and nearby warmth rather than whole patio heat.
What does fire and water bowl cost to install?
It depends on pillar construction, line lengths and local labor. Get quotes from a licensed gas fitter, electrician and pool contractor, ideally during the pool build.
For more on choosing a fire feature, see our fire pit buying guide. Questions about a specific bowl, gas type or spec sheet? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, orders below that ship for a flat $200, and our return and refund policy explains how returns work.
