A Comprehensive Analysis of the Three Common Types of Water Screen Movies: Fan-Shaped Water Screens, Direct-Flow Drainage Screens, and CNC Water Screens

Water screen movies are currently one of the most visually striking forms of presentation in musical fountain projects and are widely used in scenic area night tours, urban plazas, and cultural and tourism complexes. Many people assume that a water screen is simply a curtain of water used to project a movie; in reality, water screen movies can be divided into three mainstream types based on how the screen is formed: fan-shaped water screens, direct-flow drainage screens, and CNC-controlled water screens. Their visual effects and suitable applications vary significantly. Let’s break them down one by one.

I. Fan-Shaped Water Screen
The fan-shaped water screen is the most widely used and technically mature type. High-pressure water jets are sprayed into the air in a fan-shaped pattern through fan-shaped nozzles, forming a water film tens of meters wide. Projectors project images onto this “water screen” from either the front or the back. Viewed from the side, the cross-section of the water screen unfolds like a fan—narrow at the bottom and wide at the top, resembling an open folding fan.

Key Features: Screen height ranges from 15 to 40 meters, with a width of 20 to 60 meters that can be customized as needed; the water film maintains good continuity and offers high projection clarity, making it suitable for video content; wind resistance is moderate (the screen surface is prone to dispersing in winds exceeding Force 3–4). Suitable Scenarios: Large open bodies of water—urban scenic lakes, scenic area reservoirs, coastal plazas, and live cultural and tourism performances—making it the preferred solution for water screen film projects in China.

II. Direct-Flow Water Screen
The direct-flow water screen does not rely on a water film for imaging. Instead, it features dozens or even hundreds of direct-flow nozzles densely arranged in a straight line, with each nozzle spraying a fine, dense column of water vertically upward to form a continuous “water wall” side by side. To put it simply: a fan-shaped water screen is like “a fan,” while a direct-flow water screen is like “a row of fences.”

Core Features: The screen surface is straight and uniform, with neat edges; Because it consists of independent water columns, the projected image exhibits a subtle vertical striped effect; it offers a unique aesthetic when displaying abstract light and shadow effects or laser animations, though its high-definition video reproduction quality is not as good as that of a fan-shaped water curtain; it has better wind resistance than a fan-shaped water curtain, requires less water flow, and has lower operating costs. Suitable Scenarios: Medium- to large-sized fountain basins, commercial plaza water features, and building forecourts; it is often combined with choreographed musical fountains to create synchronized water curtain and lighting performances.

III. Computer-Controlled Water Curtain
The computer-controlled water curtain is the most technologically advanced and expressive of the three types. Each nozzle is precisely controlled by an independent solenoid valve with millisecond-level accuracy; through programming, it can “write” text, patterns, logos, and even simple animations within the water curtain. If the fan-shaped water curtain is a “projector” and the direct-flow water curtain is a “light show,” then the computer-controlled water curtain is a “water-based LED screen”— —it creates images through the presence or absence of water, enabling independent performances without the need for a projector.

Key Features: Resolution is determined by the spacing between nozzles (typically 20–50 mm, with high-end systems reaching 10–15 mm); it can display Chinese and English text, numbers, and graphics, with text cascading from the top of the curtain to create a waterfall-style effect; construction and maintenance costs are higher than the other two types, and water quality requirements are stricter (to prevent nozzle clogging). Suitable Scenarios: Commercial complexes, brand launch events, theme parks, hotel water features, and Instagrammable hotspots—the “water that writes” naturally generates buzz.

IV. How to Choose?
The three types of water screens aren’t a matter of superiority or inferiority, but rather a question of suitability for the scenario:

Seeking grand scale and visual impact → Fan-shaped water screen. The “standard configuration” for large-scale lake performances, offering a vast display area and high clarity.

Limited budget, wind resistance required → Direct-flow water curtain. Cost-effective with low operational and maintenance costs; creates outstanding light and shadow effects when paired with lighting.

Emphasis on interaction and virality → Computer-controlled water curtain. “Writing on water” naturally generates buzz, making it ideal for commercial spaces and brand marketing.

Seeking the ultimate experience → A combination of all three. Fan-shaped water curtain for video playback + computer-controlled water curtain for text display + direct-flow water curtain for ambiance—creating a richly layered experience.

In recent years, the night‑time economy has kept booming. Water‑screen light shows have practically become a standard crowd‑drawing attraction for cultural‑tourism scenic spots, urban plazas and commercial complexes. Nevertheless, a common pitfall many project clients encounter during preparation is disconnection between design and construction. Design firms deliver stunning renderings that prove unfeasible on‑site, and when problems arise, designers and constructors shift blame onto one another. This article provides a complete breakdown of water‑screen light show design and implementation, covering concepts, applicable scenarios and on‑site delivery workflows.

1. What Is a Water‑Screen Light Show
A water‑screen light show is a multimedia water‑show project that uses a high‑pressure water screen as the projection medium. Specially‑manufactured nozzles spray water to form an even fan‑shaped water wall. Combined with laser projection, RGB underwater lights, numerically‑controlled fountains and background music, it delivers a three‑in‑one night spectacle: projected visuals on water, rhythmic lighting and choreographed fountain patterns. It functions both as landscape installation and content carrier. It can play city promotional videos and scenic‑spot IP stories, as well as custom‑branded advertisements. A single show achieves both visual appeal and narrative communication.

2. Suitable Application Scenarios for Water‑Screen Light Shows
Cultural‑tourism Scenic Spots / Night‑Tour Projects: Serves as a core night‑tour highlight to extend visitor dwell time and boost secondary consumption such as catering and accommodation.
Municipal Plazas / Urban Waterfronts: Supports festival galas and regular night‑view displays to enhance urban image and public satisfaction.
Commercial Real Estate / Complexes: Creates photo‑worthy landmarks for grand openings and holiday events to convert foot traffic into business revenue.
Hotels / Resorts: Acts as high‑end supporting facility to elevate guest experience and drive revenue from banquets and events.
Theme Parks / Exhibitions: Enables flexible content updates for festivals and marketing campaigns.

3. Integrated Design‑to‑Construction Workflow of Lishi Fountain Company
We adopt an all‑in‑one in‑house service covering design, construction and operation‑maintenance, fundamentally eliminating hand‑off gaps between different parties.
01 Free Site Survey & Concept Design
We conduct on‑site surveys. Concept proposals and effect previews are developed based on site dimensions, water‑level conditions and viewing perspectives. Clients can preview visual outcomes before making investment decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.
02 Detailed Design & Choreography Programming
3D effect simulation, water‑pattern choreography and video scripting lock in final performance effects at the proposal stage.
03 In‑house Manufacturing
Nozzles, water pumps and control cabinets are all produced in our own factory. As the original manufacturer, we offer factory‑direct pricing with reliable quality and lead‑time control.

04 On‑site Installation & Construction
Our in‑house construction team executes piping, electrical work and equipment deployment. No subcontracting or outsourcing of projects.

05 System Programming & Joint Commissioning
Millisecond‑level synchronization of water movement, lighting and audio. Over 100 built‑in show programs available for instant switching between holiday themes and daily performances.

06 Acceptance, Operator Training & After‑sales Maintenance
72‑hour full‑water trial run, hands‑on training for on‑site operators, plus sustained long‑term after‑sales operation and maintenance support.

Water curtain fountains are central landscape features in commercial plazas, parks, and cultural and tourism nightscape projects. High-quality installation is crucial for ensuring optimal water curtain effects and the safe, stable operation of the equipment. Proper installation effectively prevents issues such as water leaks, electrical leaks, and irregular water patterns, while extending the equipment’s service life. Drawing on industry standards, this article concisely outlines the standardized installation process, core considerations, common pitfalls to avoid, and maintenance techniques for water curtain fountains, providing a reference for the construction of various water feature projects.

I. Pre-Installation Preparation
Three core preparatory tasks must be completed before construction begins to lay a solid foundation. First, conduct a site survey to verify the dimensions of the site, the structure of the pool, and the drainage and load-bearing conditions. Fine-tune the construction plan based on wind direction and elevation differences, taking into account the distinctions between indoor and outdoor installations. Second, strictly inspect equipment and materials to verify the integrity of components such as water curtain generators, pumps, lighting fixtures, and piping. Prioritize electrical equipment with an IP68 waterproof rating to eliminate substandard materials. Finally, clear debris from the pool, level the construction surface, prepare professional tools, and designate a safe work zone.
II. Core Standardized Installation Process
The installation of water curtain fountains follows the principle of “foundation first, then equipment; underwater first, then above water; piping first, then electrical controls.” The core construction steps are as follows:
1. Installation of foundation anchor bolts: Level the pool base and precisely secure the anchor bolts, keeping horizontal deviation within 2 mm. Install vibration-damping pads under heavy equipment such as pumps and water curtain generators to prevent equipment displacement due to vibration and to avoid pipe loosening or leaks.
2. Pipe System Installation: Lay primary and secondary pipes according to the drawings, carefully controlling pipe bend radii and segment lengths to minimize water pressure loss. Pipe joints are connected via welding or flanges with proper sealing, and section valves are installed at critical points in the piping system. After installation, strength and leak-tightness tests must be conducted to thoroughly identify and eliminate potential leaks.
3. Nozzle and Generator Installation: Secure nozzles using specialized fittings, ensuring verticality deviation is less than 1%. For standard applications, tilt the nozzles at an angle of 15–30 degrees to ensure the water curtain is even and free of splits. Level and secure the water curtain generator to prevent swaying; prioritize commissioning in environments with wind speeds below level 3 to ensure a uniform and continuous water curtain.
4. Electrical System Installation: Test the insulation resistance of underwater lighting fixtures before installation; the resistance value must exceed 50 megohms. Minimize the number of underwater cable joints as much as possible; joints must be sealed using a dual-seal process involving epoxy resin potting and heat-shrink tubing. The system must be equipped with three-level residual current protection, and all metal equipment must be properly bonded to ground to eliminate the risk of electrical leakage.
5. Control System Integration: Install the electrical control cabinet, variable frequency drives, and music synchronization modules. Organize wiring and label it clearly; verify the correctness of connections; and test equipment functions such as start/stop, pressure regulation, and synchronization to ensure responsive command execution.
III. System Commissioning and Acceptance
After equipment installation, step-by-step commissioning and acceptance are required. First, conduct a no-load test run to inspect equipment operation, lighting, and valve status, and troubleshoot any unusual noises or malfunctions. Next, perform a water-filled commissioning to adjust water pressure and calibrate spray nozzle angles, resolving issues such as gaps in the water curtain and water splashing. Finally, conduct a 30-minute rated-pressure interlock test to confirm that the piping is leak-free, the equipment operates stably, and the lighting and water effects are synchronized before acceptance and commissioning.
IV. Avoiding Common Installation Pitfalls
Installation must avoid four major issues: First, eliminate non-standard pipe laying and inadequate sealing to prevent insufficient water pressure and leaks; second, do not cut corners on electrical work—strictly implement waterproof sealing and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs); third, strictly control installation precision to prevent misalignment of nozzles and generators that could cause irregular water patterns; fourth, do not skip interlock testing to identify and resolve potential equipment hazards in advance.
V. Key Points for Post-Installation Maintenance
Regularly clean debris from nozzles and pipes to prevent blockages; inspect seals, cables, and valves monthly, and promptly replace aged components; drain standing water from pipes during winter to prevent freeze-induced cracks; and periodically test electrical safety to ensure long-term, stable operation of the equipment.
Summary: The installation of water curtain fountains is a systematic project that balances precision, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Strict adherence to standardized construction procedures, precise commissioning, and regular maintenance not only delivers high-quality water features but also reduces the likelihood of malfunctions and lowers operational and maintenance costs, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor landscape water feature projects.

What exactly is the difference between a dry fountain and a pool fountain in a plaza?

Fountain builders are often asked by clients: “Which is better—a dry fountain or a pool fountain?” In fact, the difference can be summed up in one sentence: in a dry fountain, the water is hidden underground; in a pool fountain, the water is visible above ground. But the differences between the two go far beyond that—from design concepts to construction difficulty to ongoing maintenance, they differ in every aspect.

I. Structure and Space Utilization

A dry fountain features a sunken structure. The nozzles, pumps, filtration system, circulation piping, and underwater lights are all buried in an underground reservoir. Only a grate or perforated plate remains above ground. When the fountain is in operation, water surges up from below; when it’s turned off, the surface remains level as usual, allowing people to walk and activities to proceed as normal. Commercial plazas, pedestrian streets, and large atriums value this feature most highly—zero space is wasted, and the fountain and the plaza can coexist seamlessly. A Wanda atrium installed a dry fountain; during the day, performances attract crowds, and at night, when the fountain is turned off, the space is immediately repurposed for promotions, car shows, and children’s play areas—none of which would be possible if the same area were occupied by a traditional water basin.

Pool fountains feature an enclosed structure. They require only shallow ground excavation, primarily for the pool walls and bottom, making the civil engineering work relatively simple. However, waterproofing the pool is the critical challenge—leaks are the most common issue. The water itself occupies space, and such designs inherently do not allow for space reuse. To use an analogy: a dry fountain is like a refrigerator built into the wall, while a pool fountain is like a refrigerator placed on the floor. The former looks good but isn’t cheap; the latter is straightforward but requires constant maintenance.

II. Experience and Safety

The charm of dry-land fountains lies in their interactive nature. On summer evenings, children dart between the water jets while adults splash along with them—they can touch the water, kick the jets, and take photos, making for a highly interactive experience. However, the design requirements are stricter: the ground must be treated to prevent slipping, the size of the spray nozzles must be controlled to prevent pinched toes, and the water must be regularly disinfected and changed.

Pond fountains are designed for spectators. Viewers stand outside the railing to watch the water spray, listen to music, and admire the changing lights—it’s beautiful, but you can’t step inside. Safety hinges on drowning prevention—railing height, water depth control, and warning signs are all essential.

III. Maintenance and Cost

The pitfall of in-ground fountains: Beneath the grating lies a hidden space where leaves, cigarette butts, and small pebbles can fall—you can’t see them unless you lift the grating. Regular cleaning is essential; otherwise, nozzles will become clogged and pumps damaged. If waterproofing in the underground equipment shaft fails, repair costs are exorbitant. Initial civil engineering costs are high, with excavation, waterproofing, and grating often accounting for half of the total cost.

Pit in a Water Feature: The water surface is exposed to the air, so dust, fallen leaves, and bird droppings fall into it daily. Algae grow in summer and ice forms in winter, making water quality maintenance a daily task. Large pools require at least one thorough dredging per year, and labor and chemicals are ongoing expenses. The advantage is a low initial investment threshold.

Bottom line: Hidden dry fountains are hard to maintain, while exposed water features are hard to keep in good condition. When discussing proposals with the client, emphasize that dry fountains require a one-time investment but offer long-term peace of mind, while water features have a low entry barrier and deliver quick results.

IV. How to Choose

Choose a dry-land fountain: For commercial plazas, pedestrian streets, or atriums where interactive experiences and multi-purpose use are desired, and the budget is ample. Choose a water-based fountain: For parks, municipal plazas, or residential community entrances where the water surface itself is the central feature, the budget is limited, and the focus is on visual displays, performances, and the combination of lighting and water curtains.

There’s no absolute “better” or “worse” between dry-land and pool fountains—it’s all about suitability. Don’t get hung up on which is better; just ask yourself one question: What kind of water does this plaza really need?

Lishi Fountains has specialized in musical fountains and water feature engineering for over twenty years. We design and build both dry-land and pool fountains, offer free preliminary proposals, and are always available to discuss your project.