Splines are alien to me

I am attempting to use splines to create water features in my map (rivers and streams mostly). I have never actually used splines before and am having some issues.

Firstly, although when creating my spline I choose to have it lower the landscape - but it does not, forcing me to try and sculpt around it to crate banks, etc. Secondly, I can see my spline points in my river, even in play mode. Not sure how to make them invisible.

Lastly, although I think I set the spline to no collision, my player still walks on the water rather than through it. Can anyone help?